_DANIEL, HAVING HUMBLED HIMSELF, SEETH A VISION: BEING TROUBLED WITH FEAR, HE IS COMFORTED BY THE ANGEL._ _Before Christ 534._ THIS chapter contains the preparatory circumstances to the final revelation which was made to Daniel in the two last Chapter s of the book. The vision was to be of great... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE THIRD YEAR OF CYRUS KING OF PERSIA— That is, after the death of Darius, or the seventy-second year from the commencement of the captivity, the two hundred and fourteenth of the aera of Nabonassar, and the fifth of his reign, according to the canon: then, as follows in one manuscript, יהוה דבר... [ Continue Reading ]
I DANIEL WAS MOURNING THREE FULL WEEKS— Various causes are assigned for this mourning of the prophet. Usher thinks that it was on account of the interruption given by the Samaritans to the rebuilding of the temple. But I am persuaded, says Calmet, that it arose principally from the obscurity which t... [ Continue Reading ]
FINE GOLD OF UPHAZ— If we compare this place with Jeremiah 10:9 and the reading of some of the versions, we shall probably be inclined to agree with Bochart and Calmet, that Ophir and Uphaz are the same. Origen on Job 22:24 observes, that some interpreters will have Sophir or Ophir to be Africa; and... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR MY COMELINESS WAS TURNED, &C.— _The flower of my strength withered, and all my powers failed me._ Houbigant. The reader will observe, that this description given of the angel is very similar to that given by St. John, Revelation 1:13; Revelation 1:20 of the great High-Priest of the church: and o... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN WAS I IN A DEEP SLEEP— _Then I lay lifeless with my face prone upon the ground._ Houbigant.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT THE PRINCE OF THE KINGDOM OF PERSIA WITHSTOOD ME— "Stood before me." Purver. This is thought by some to be either Cyrus or Cambyses, making opposition to the building of the temple, and becoming hostile to the people of God: but as this is not at all probable so soon after passing the decree in... [ Continue Reading ]
ONE LIKE THE SIMILITUDE, &C.— Most of the versions read, _He being in appearance like a man;_ see Daniel 10:18. The angel Gabriel, most probably, is meant, who appeared to the prophet in a human form. Compare chap. Daniel 8:15 Daniel 9:21.... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN THERE CAME, &C.— _Then he being in appearance like a man, came again, and touched me,_ &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO FIGHT, &C.— _To withstand the prince of Persia._... [ Continue Reading ]
MICHAEL YOUR PRINCE— This shews in what sense the word _prince_ is to be understood in the preceding parts of this chapter, and to what order of beings it is to be applied. Michael and Gabriel were probably the tutelary angels of the Jews. These names do not occur in any books of the Old Testament t... [ Continue Reading ]