In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. Ver. 1. _In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia._]. This... [ Continue Reading ]
In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. Ver. 2. _In those days I Daniel was mourning._] Though a great man still, and in great account, yet not now so great at court as to hinder and defeat the malicious designs of Cambyses's counsellors; who, being bribed by the Jews' adversaries, pu... [ Continue Reading ]
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Ver. 3. _I ate no pleasant bread._] Bread he ate, for _animantis cuiusque vita in fuga est,_ life will fail if not maintained by food, but coarse bread _panem... [ Continue Reading ]
And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which [is] Hiddekel; Ver. 4. _And on the four and twentieth of the first month._] The day is thus noted, because the matters here revealed were most memorable. _ As I was by the side of the great river._... [ Continue Reading ]
Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz: Ver. 5. _Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked,_] viz., After my long fasting, praying, and meditating. So Moses and Elias, those great fasters, met together with o... [ Continue Reading ]
His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. Ver. 6. _His body also was like the beryl._] Of an azure colour, like... [ Continue Reading ]
And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Ver. 7. _And I Daniel alone saw the vision._] Holy prophets alone are capable of holy visions. 2Pe 1:19 _ For the men that were with me saw... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Ver. 8. _Therefore I was left alone._] Daniel, though much frightened, keepeth his station, when the rest fled and hid themsel... [ Continue Reading ]
Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. Ver. 9. _Yet heard I the voice of his words._] What these words were is not here expressed; but by comparing, they may be gathered to be the same with t... [ Continue Reading ]
And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands. Ver. 10. _And, behold, an hand touched me,_] _i.e., _ The hand of the angel Gabriel, who was sent by Christ to dictate unto Daniel the prophecy following. It is Christ's use to signify prophecies by his an... [ Continue Reading ]
And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Ver. 11. _O Daniel, a man greatly beloved._] Such shall know God's secrets. Pro 3:32 See Da... [ Continue Reading ]
Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Ver. 12. _Fear not, Daniel._] Disquieting and expectorating fears should be laid aside. 1Jn 4:18 _... [ Continue Reading ]
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Ver. 13. _But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me._] By this prince of Persia some understand wicked Cam... [ Continue Reading ]
Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision [is] for [many] days. Ver. 14. _Now I am come._] As it were with weariness of flight. _as _ Dan 9:21 Comfort will come at length. Heb 10:37 _ In the latter days._] Toward the end of their stat... [ Continue Reading ]
And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. Ver. 15. _I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb._] _Coharrui totus, et vex faucibus haesit._ See how deeply God's darlings are again affected at the hearing of his holy Word. Hab 3:16... [ Continue Reading ]
And, behold, [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. Ver. 16. _And, behold, one like the similitude,_] _i.e., _ T... [ Continue Reading ]
For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Ver. 17. _For how can the servant of this my lord._]. _Qui tantulus sum, et tam imbecillis._ God's praying servants use to speak as broken... [ Continue Reading ]
Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, Ver. 18. _Then there came again and touched me._] Not all at once, but by four degrees, was Daniel raised: (1.) He is set upon his knees and palms of his hands, Dan 10:10 an emblem of prayer; (2.) He is... [ Continue Reading ]
And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. Ver. 19. _Be strong, yea, be strong._] Holy angels are ready to strengthen such as are ready to... [ Continue Reading ]
Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. Ver. 20. _Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?_] _q.d., _ I told thee that before, Dan 10:14 and I look thou shouldst r... [ Continue Reading ]
But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and [there is] none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. Ver. 21. _In the scripture of truth,_] _i.e., _ In God's infallible and unchangeable decree, which, for our apprehension, are here compared to court... [ Continue Reading ]