CHAP. X. V. 1. This chapter begins Daniel's last vision, which he had about four years after the preceding one. It is continued to the end of the book: and it is stated, that as the things revealed would certainly take place, so the time would be long before they would all be accomplished. To the death of Antiochus s Epiphanes, of es, of whom exclusively many interpret the latter part of the vision: no more vened; and Daniel had predicted events vastly more remote: but on another interpretation, which is supported by the highest authorities, and by the most conclusive reasonings, it will appear that many parts of this vision are not yet accomplished, and indeed that they look forward almost to the end of time: and thus Daniel himself seems to have understood them.
ous Christians are well pleasing to the Lord: three hundred and seventy years inter
The fervent and importunate cries of zealhe will "forgive, and hearken, and do:" whilst they are speaking he is preparing an answer; and all his angels, though invisible , are his ministering spirits to convey blessings to "the heirs of salvation." Th They fly swiftly to execute every one of his commands: but they especially delight in performing kind services to praying souls; who, being accepted in Christ,
arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
2 In those days I Daniel was mourning || ning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his three *full weeks. 3 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.
4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is * Hiddekel; 15 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:
6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of light
f Ezra 9:4,5. Neh. 1:4. Ps. 42:k Gen. 2:14.
9. 43:2. 137:1-5. Is. 66:10. 1 12:6,7. Josh. 5:13. Zech. 1:8. Jer. 9:1. Matt. 9:15. Rom.
9:2,3. Jam. 4:9,10. Rev. 11:3.
Heb. weeks of days. 9:24
27.
6:18. Is. 24:6-11. 1 Cor. 9: 27.
Heb. bread of desires. 11:8. Job 33:20. Am. 5:11. Nah. 2: 9. margins.
b 2 Sam. 19:24. Matt. 6:17. 18:2. Ez. 1:3.
Rev. 1:13-15.
Heb. one man.
m 12:6. Ez. 9:2.
n Is. 11:5. Eph. 6:14. Rev. 1: 13-15. 15:6,7.
( Marg . and Marg . Ref .) "And he understood the matter, and knowledge was unto him by the vision." Thus the concluding words may be literally rendered: he acquired much knowledge of these events, in addition to what he had before, by this vision; though some things still remained obscure to him. (12:8.)
The time appointed, &c.[ כהs. The time of warfare was long, or great. ( Job 7:1. Marg .) The severe conflict, which the true church of the living God would sustain against successive powerful and malignant enemies, seems peculiarly noted by this term. ( Notes , tes , Gen. 3:
14,15. 2 Cor . 10:1-6.2 Tim . 4:6-8.)
V.2, 3. Daniel had been at this time seventy-three years in captivity, and could not be less than ninety years of age; yet he spent three weeks in mournfully humbling himself
7 And I Daniel talone saw the vision for the men that were with me saw not the but a great quaking fell upo so that they fled to hide them
vision; them, selves.
8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness wa 2 turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.
9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then a was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
rEz. 1:7. Rev. 1:15. 10:1.
5 Ez. 1:24. Rev. 10:3,4.
t 2 Kings 6:17. u Ez. 12:18.
Acts 9:7. 22:9.
Heb. 12:21.
Gen. 3:10. Is. 2:10. Jer. 23: 24.
Gen. 32:24. Ex. 3:3. John 16:32. 2. Cor. 12:2,3.
y See on 7:28. 8:17,27. Hab. 3:16. Matt. 17:6. Mark 9:6. Rev. 1:17.
ed for the passover and the feast of unleavened bread, which took up from the fourteenth to the twenty-first of the first month: but the passover could not be observed, in any other place than Jerusalem; and the distressed state of the nation rendered fasting peculiarly proper at that time.-Hiddekel, or Tigris, was near Shusan, where, it is probable, Daniel at that time resided. ( Marg . Ref . i, k.) Whilst he was walking on the banks of that river, for contemplation or devotion, with attendants at a distance, he lifted up his eyes, and saw one in the form of a man, who could be no other than "the Son of God." "The description St.
John gives of Christ, as High Priest of the 'church, ( Rev. 1:15.) seems to be taken from 'this place of Daniel; which proves that the 'person here described can be no other than the Son of God; which may be further con
before God. It is probable, that he was great-'firmed by comparing the person described ly affected, at witnessing the backwardness of 'here, and 12:6,7. with Rev. 10:2,5,6. who is the Jews to avail themselves of Cyrus's proc-'there represented as setting his right foot on lamation; perhaps fearing, lest his example, in 'the sea, and his left upon the land, as Sove
serving the king of Persia, should be misunderstood by them. He doubtless would also hear, from time to time, discouraging accounts of the difficulties, which his brethren in Judea had to encounter: and many think, that machinations were then carrying on against them in the Persian court, which might throw still greater obstacles and discouragements in their way. ( Notes , Ezra 4:) But, whatever induced him thus to observe so long a season of fasting and prayer, he abstained, during the whole time from all relishing food, and from wine, subsisting on bread and vegetables, drinking only water, and avoiding the use of those oint
'reign Lord of both elements. ( Matt . 28:19.)' Lowth . ( Notes , 12:5-9. Rev. 1:12-20. 10:27.) His priestly garment of linen was an emblem of his purity, and the equity of his administration, and the excellency of his mediatorial work. His girdle, of the finest gold, might denote his faithfulness to his word, and readiness to perform all things which he had undertaken for his church: "his body, like the beryl," might signify his heavenly beauty and excellency: his face as lightning, and "his eyes as lamps of fire," might shew the terror of his frown, and his discernment and knowledge of all hearts and all events: "his arms and feet,
ments and other indulgences, which his sta-as polished brass," might imply his glorious
tion and time of life seemed to render necessary. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Note , 1:8-16.) -This was very different from the fasts of later ages, in which men indeed abstain from flesh; but eat other delicacies, and drink strong liquors without prohibition or scruple.
power, as engaged to defend and support his people, and to tread down their enemies: and "the voice of his words, like the voice of a multitude," might signify the extensive efficaey of his word to save or to destroy. ( Marg . Ref . 1-s.- Notes , Ez . 1:15-25, v . 24,26-28. 10:3-7.)-Daniel alone saw the vision of this glorious Person; for his attendants were so V. 4-9. Part of the time of Daniel's fasting and even he was so overwhelmed by it, as must have coincided with the season, appoint-to be deprived of strength and courage; and
Full weeks. (2) "Weeks of days." Marg . This distinguishes them from the weeks of years, in the foregoing chapter. ( Note , 9:24.) alarmed, that they fled to hide themselves:
10 And, behold, b an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man † greatly beloved, dunderstand 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.
12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to hchasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13 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.
14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befal thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.
his countenance was changed to a pallid and ghastly hue, like that of a corpse. Yet was he not wholly incapacitated for hearing the words of the Lord, though he lay prostrate on the ground in humble adoration of his glorious majesty; his senses and faculties being closed from all other objects as in a deep sleep. (Marg. Ref . t-a.- Notes , 15-19.8:15 -19. Matt . 17:1-4. Acts 9:7-9.)
15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
16 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.
17 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.
18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
19 And said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not; peace be unto thee, a 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.
n See on 9.-8-18. Ez. 24:27. 33:22. Luke 1:20,
ο 5,6,18. 8:15. 9:21. Ez. 1:26. Phil. 2:7,8. Rev. 1:13.
p 10. 1s. 6:7. Jer. 1:9. Ez. 3: 27. 33:22. Luke 1:64. 21:15. q 17. 12:8. Ex. 4:10,13. Josh. 5:14. Judg. 6:13,15. 13:8. John
20:28
г 8,9. 7:15,28. 8:17,27. Ec. 1: 18.
|| Or, this servant of my lord. Matt. 22:43,44. Mark 12:36.
s Gen. 32:30. Ex. 24:10,11, 33: 20. Judg. 6:22. 13:21-23. Is. 6:1-5. John 1:18.
t See on 8.
u See on 10,16. 8:13.
x 1 Sam, 23:15. Job 16:5. 23:6. Is. 35:3,4. Luke 22:32,43. Acts 18:23. 2 Cor. 12:9,10. Eph. 3:16. Phil. 4:13. Col. 1:11. y 11. 9:23. John 11:3,5,36. 15: 9-14. 19:26. 21:20.
z See on 12-Judg. 6:23. Is. 41:10,14. 43:1,2. Luke 24:36 -38. John 14:27. 16:33. Rev. 1:17.
a Josh. 1:6,7,9. Is. 35:4. Hag. 2:4. Zech. 8:9,13. 1 Cor. 16: 13. Eph. 6:10. 2 Tim. 2:1. b 1 Sam. 3:9,10.
c See on 18. - Ps. 138:3.
friendly to the Jews: but his son Cambyses, who managed affairs in his father's absence upon some expedition, and who was set against the Jews by their enemies, might be intended; and the angel had been so long watching over his designs, in order to defeat them. ( Marg . Ref . i, j.- Note , Ezra 4:4-6.)-But many think an evil angel was meant, who presided, under "the god of this world," over that department, to watch his opportunity of doing mischief to the church. ( Notes , Zech . 3:1-4. Eph . 6:10-13. 1 Thes. 2:17-20, v. 18.
Rev. 12:3-6.) Some indeed explain it, of the guardian angel, intrusted with the care of Persia: but it is palpably absurd to suppose one holy angel set to oppose another holy angel: and indeed the interpretation, which introduces pre siding angels, holy or unholy, seems to have little or no scriptural ground to rest on. ( Notes , 20,21. 11:39.) The angel, however, who spake to Daniel, was detained all this time to defeat the machinations of the enemies of Israel; and yet could not have prevailed, but that Michael, one of the chief princes, (whom many think to denote Christ,) came to his assistance, ( Marg . and Ref.i -k.-- Notes , 20,21, v. 21. 12:1.
Jude 9,10. Rev. 12:7-12, v . 7.) while employed to watch the measures of the Persian rulers: but he was at that time sent to make known to Daniel what would befal his people in remote future ages, even "in the latter days." ( Marg . Ref . 1, m.)
V. 10-14. Whilst Daniel lay prostrate on the earth, "an hand touched" him; this seems to have been a created angel, and not the Son of God: and the prophet was lifted upon his knees and hands, that he might attend to the vision. The angel encouraged him as before, (9:23.) by assuring him, that he was peculiarly dear to the Lord; and called on him to understand, or attend to, what he was about to speak, and to stand up for that purpose; as he was sent to give him important information. ( Marg . and Marg.
Ref.b -d.) Thus excited, Daniel "arose, and stood trembling;" and the angel proceeded to encourage him to lay aside his terrors, for which he had no cause: for since "the first day, that he set his heart to understand" the causes of his people's calamities, and what would be the event of them; and to chasten , or rather humble , himself by fasting and mortification; (Marg. Ref. h.-Note, Ps. 35:13,14.) his prayers were heard: and the angel was now come to him on that account. But he had been employed during the three weeks of Daniel's fasting and prayer, in warding off the V. 15-19.
This angel who was helped mischief, which was rising against his people by Michael, or the whole scene before him, - appeared so awful and glorious to Daniel, that was he was astonished and struck dumb by what
in the Persian court. - The -The "prince of the king- ap dom of Persia" cannot mean Cyrus, who
20 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.
d See on 13.-Is. 37:36. Acts e 7:6. 8:5-8,21. 11:2-4. 12:23.
he saw and heard: but one like to a man, touched his lips, and then he was enabled to speak; and he complained, that instead of deriving comfort from the vision, his sorrows were renewed by it, and he was utterly overcome; for how could the poor servant endure to speak with his glorious Lord? so that it was no wonder that he was left fainting and breathless. Again therefore one touched him, in appearance as a man; and communicated strength to him; and then the prophet was enabled to hear the words which he spake to him. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 4-9. Job 40:3 -5. 42:1-6, υυ . 5, 6. Is . 6:1-7. Hab . 3:16.)
How can , &c. (17) "How can the servant 'of this my Lord, talk with that my Lord?" 'that is, the other person that first appeared to 'me with so majestic a presence, at whose 'sight I was perfectly confounded.' Lowth. This supposes, at least with probability, that the angel mentioned in the preceding verses, is here meant; not that glorious Person before described, but an angel deputed by him.-0 man, &c. (19) 'Thou needest not be under 'such terrible apprehensions, as if this vision 'did portend thee some mischief: ... for it is a 'peculiar token of God's favor to thee. ( Judg . '6:22. 13:22.)' Lowth.
Christianity . The passage is allowed to be difficult: but perhaps careful consideration may allow the interpretation above given to be satisfactory. Daniel was chief president in Persia: yet, not one of the princes or counsellors, of that empire, cordially united with him in doing good to the Jews: he must therefore look above, to Michael their Prince, and his mighty angels, who would at length effect a revolution, by turning the dominion from Persia to Greece, which would be more favorable to the Jews, than Persia in after-times was. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . d-f.- Notes , 10 -14. 7:6. 8:5-7. 11:2-4.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
This world will continue to be a vale of tears, to the greatest and best of men, as long as they live in it: for when they are most exempted from personal trials, they often see most cause to mourn over the calamities of the church, and the sins which occasion them. When we duly lay these things to heart, and diligently seek to understand on what account God contends with us, or his people; and, as consciously guilty, afflict and humble ourselves by selfdenial in things lawful, disrelishing earthly comforts, while such important concerns en
V. 20, 21. The angel next inquired, wheth-gross our attention; we may expect peculiar
er Daniel well understood for what purpose he came to him. Thus reminding him, that he was sent to instruct him concerning the things which would befal his people: but when he had executed this commission he would return back, and continue to counteract the devices of the Persian kings against the Jews, and of the powers of darkness, as working in and by them, even till that monarchy should terminate; by which many fatal effects would be prevented, and many troubles averted.
And when that commission was executed, the prince of Grecia would come; or the Macedonian empire, under Alexander and his successors, would be established, and the chief danger and trouble to the Jews would arise from that quarter. But he would proceed more fully to open and enlarge on the prophecies of the former scriptures criptures to the same effect; or rather to shew what was written in the book of God's secret purpos purposes, of which all prophecies are as an abstract.-'God's 'decrees are spoken of, as if they were com'mitted to writing, and registered in a book. '... ( Deut . 32:34.
Ps. 56:8. Is . 65:6. Mal. 3: 16.)' Lowth. But Daniel might be assured, that he had not one friend in the court of Persia, who would concur with the angel, to forward the prophet's designs in behalf of his people, but "Michael their Prince;" and that he must depend on him alone to disappoint the devices which were forming against them. This forms the introduction to the prophecies in the next chapters, which
answers to our prayers. The more we delight in communion with God, the less we shall be attached to the pleasures of sense; and the more willing we shall be to forego them, that we may be at liberty for nobler joys. They, who accustom themselves in youth to self-denial, will find it less grievous when they grow old: and in all cases, fasting, temperance, meditation, and prayer, are happy means of obtaining discoveries of the glory of Christ to our souls.
But we are better fitted to receive these discoveries by faith, than to behold, with our bodily eyes, the refulgency of his personal and mediatorial excellences: and the secret defence and support of his providence and grace are more suited to our state in this world; than the thunder of his power manifested in our behalf, or his majestic word audibly spoken to us. ( Notes , Ex . 19:16-20.20:18--20. Deut . 5:22 -29.
Heb . 12:15-24.) Our frail and vile bodies are not able to support such glorious displays nor will be, till "mortality shall be swallowed up of life:" the least intimations of the visions of God would fill us with terror; nor could we behold them, (unless supernaturally support. ed,) without being overwhelmed with astonish ment, and even reduced to corruption.
We may then be thankful to be spoken to by men like ourselves, and by the small still voice of his teaching and comforting Spirit: and we should learn, from these records, to adore the unseen glorious majesty of God our Savior, and to be humbled under the sense of our meanness and sinfulness; seeing one of the
were not proposed as emblems, but in plain best beloved of our race could not find language. A great deal is advanced by re-courage and strength, even to converse with a spectable expositors on these verses, about ministering spirit of the world above, in whom tutelary and guardian angels, presiding over he saw such superior excellence and glory.
different countries, as if they strove one against another, each for his favorite country. This may indeed consist with either paganism or popery, but it is utterly incompatible with
The Lord will, however, support his servants under the discoveries of his majesty, and the sense of their own vileness, and he will prepare them to hear his word: when he has cast
them down, he will again raise them up, and make them know that he has loved them; and he will gradually turn their trembling trembling and sorrow into holy joy and confidence in him.When we judge, and humble, and chasten ourselves before God, we are most likely to escape his chastening. While Satan, chastening.
While Satan, and his angels, and various evil counsellors, excite princes to devise mischief against his church; we may rejoice that Christ our Prince, and all "his mighty mighty angels," hold with us in these things, and counteract the machinations of our enemies: but we ought not, by any means, to expect that many others will favor us, in this evil world, or in the courts of the princes of this world. All things, however, which are written in the scriptures of truth, will certainly be accomplished, and the whole counsel of God shall be established.
Our prayers are often in a way of being effectually answered, before we have any assurance of their being accepted: let us then "not be weary of welldoing," but continue in prayer, and we shall certainly prevail if we faint not.
NOTES.