CHAP. XI. V. 1. The angel here continues his discourse; and, to what he had before said of his superintending the affairs of Persia, ( Note , 10:20,21.) he adds, that in the first year of Darius, (when perhaps it was debated whether the Jews should be liberated or not,) he was employed to confirm and establish him in his favorable dispositions. This measure was then in contemplation, but it was not determined on till after the death of Darius, and the succession of Cyrus. ( Marg . Ref . Note , Ezra 1:1-4.)
V.2-4. I will shew thee the succession of 'the Persian and Grecian empire, in plain and 'naked truth, not in symbolical or figurative representations, as it was shewed before.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref. c.)-The memorable 'events, which were revealed to Daniel, in the 'vision of the ram and the he-goat, are here 'again more clearly and explicitly revealed, in 'his last vision, by an angel: so that this latter 'prophecy may, not improperly, be said to be 'a comment and explanation of the former.' Bp. Newton. ( Notes , 7:6. 8:5-7.)-The three kings of Persia, here mentioned, were Cambyses, the son of Cyrus; Smerdis the Magian, who falsely pretended to be another of his sons; and Darius Hystaspis who married Cyrus's daughter. ( Notes , Ezra 4:4-9,17-24.) Xerxes the son of this Darius was the fourth
that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.
4 And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, jand shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides those.
5 And the king of the south shall be strong, mand one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.
h 16,36. 4:35. 5:19. 8:4. Eph. 1:11. Heb. 2:4. Jam. 1:18.
i Job 20:5-7. Ps. 37:35,36. 49: 6-12.73:17-20. Luke 12:20. j 7:6. 8:8,22. Ps. 39:6. Ec. 2:
18,19. 4:3. Matt. 12:25.
k 7:8. Jer. 12:15,17. 18:7. 31: 40. 45:4. 18,9,11,14,25,40. m 3,4.
ited, or acquired, riches immense beyond conception, stirred up all his subjects and allies to invade Greece. For this expedition, he collected the largest army that is read of in history, consisting, all together, of more than five millions of men; besides the Carthaginians, and others, whom he excited to war against the Grecians in other quarters. But, But, though this tremendous invasion exo exceedingly wasted Greece: yet it was resisted by a very small number of the inhabitants, with the most determined valor, and the most decided success.
The Persian troops were shamefully routed and dispersed, incredible numbers perished, and Xerxes returned home in disgrace, and almost unattended. This was one of the most memorable expeditions recorded in history: and it gave rise to those long wars, and that inveterate hatred, between the Greeks and Persians, which ended in the subversion of the Persian empire by Alexander.
So that the prophecy, touching upon the principal events, passes over the nine subsequent Persian kings from Xerxes to the time of Alexander, as less worthy of notice; and contrasts his successful expedition against Persia, with Xerxes's unsuccessful invasion of Greece. Alexander is here called "a mighty king, who should stand up, and rule with great dominion, and do according to his will;" which implies, not only his extensive conquests and absolute authority; but his capricious tyranny, which cost some of his most faithful followers their lives, when they ventured to oppose his inclinations.
But when he had acquired the summit of success, power, and renown, he was suddenly cut off; and his dominions were divided into four parts, not to his posterity, but to his captains; who did not equal the honor of his kingdom, which was thus "plucked up," for the benefit of others, and not of his own family.
The natural brother, and the sons, with the mother and wife, of Alexander, in about fifteen years, perished, chiefly by treachery and murder; and then no remains of his family were left: and his captains, after many destructive wars, were all destroyed or reduced, except four, who became heads of four subordinate kingdoms. 'Cassander reigned in Greece and the 'west, Lysimachus in Thrace and the north, 'Ptolemy in Egypt and the south, and Seleu'cus in Syria and the east.' Bp. Newton. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 2:39. 7:5,6. 8:8,22.)
V. 5. The dominions of Alexander were divided into four parts: but two of these kings soon became more eminent than the others,
king in Persia, after Cyrus, who, having inher-" and often seized upon a great part of their do Lagus king of Egypt would soon become pow-ed to the throne of Syria. And he entered turn, and shall set forth a multitude greater || people, neither shall there be any strength than the former, and shall certainly come, to withstand. * after certain years, with a great army and with much riches.
6 And in the end of years they shall * join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the • king of the north, to make fan agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times.
7 But out of a branch of her root shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail;
8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold: and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.
minions: namely the kings of Egypt and of Syria, called, in this prophecy, the kings of the south and of the north, as Egypt lay to the south, and Syria to the north, of Judea. These two kingdoms alone are noticed in what follows; because Judea lay between them, and was affected by their contests and transactions. This verse is rather obscure: it is, however, generally allowed to mean, that Ptolemy
9 So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.
10 But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return and be stirred up, even * to his for
tress.
was her father able to defend her, for he died about the same time. Such were the consequences of this disastrous marriage and alliance. ( Marg . and Ref . p.)
V. 7-9. Ptolemy Euergetes, brother to Berenice, "a branch out of the same root," standing up in his father's estate, came with a great army to avenge his sister's death on Seleucus Callinicus, son of Laodice, who had succeed
erful, as one of Alexander's princes: but that another of them, even Seleucus Nicator, king of Syria, would be strong above him; for he was the conqueror of the conquerors, and gained the ascendency over them, engrossed a very large proportion of Alexander's dominons, and outlived all his competitors. ( Marg . Ref.) "The king of the south shall be strong; and one of his princes shall be strong above him, and shall rule with great dominion." Sept. V. 6.
Antiochus Soter succeeded Seleucus Nicator, and was succeeded by Antiochus Theus, in the kingdom of Syria: and Ptolemy Philadelphus reigned in Egypt after his father Ptolemy Lagus. During this time, there were frequent wars between these neighboring and rival monarchs. But at length they entered into a treaty of peace; to confirm which Antiochus agreed to put away his wife Laodice with her sons, and to marry Berenice the daughter of Ptolemy.
Thus "the daughter of the king of the south came to the king of the north," to make an agreement with him, and brought with her an immense dowry. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . n, o.) But she could not retain the power of the arm, the interest which she had acquired: for Antiochus recalled Laodice, and put away Berenice; and Laodice, fearing another change poisoned her husband, and caused Berenice to be murdered with her attendants.
So that Antiochus himself could not stand his ground, or retain his power: and Berenice was delivered to destruction, and those that brought her, and he "whom she had brought forth," or her son; 'for so the words are generally rendered;) nor
forcibly into the fortress, or strongest places, of that kingdom, and easily prevailed against Seleucus. So that when a sedition in E Sedition in Egypt recalled him home, he carried away with him many captives; and not only the nobles, but the gods, of Syria were thus brought into Egypt. It is said that he took home with him no less than two thousand five hundred idols; among which were some, which Cambyses had formerly carried out of Egypt: and for this service the superstitious Egyptians honored him with the title of Euergetes , or the Benefac tor . With these captive princes and images, he also carried off immense treasures; and, having avenged himself on Seleucus, he continued more years than he, surviving him four or five years, and remaining unmolested in his own kingdom. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref .)
V. 10-12. Seleucus Ceraunus, and Antiochus the Great, the sons of Seleucus Callinicus, were stirred up to war against the king of Egypt, in hopes of recovering the territories which had been taken from their father. But Ceraunus was poisoned by one of his discontented captains; and Antiochus was left to pursue the war alone. This circumstance was marked in the prophecy: for after mention had been made of "his sons," it is added "He," or one of them, "shall certainly come, &c." Ptolemy Philopater had succeeded Euergetes, his father, in the kingdom of Egypt, before these events took place: and Antiochus made war upon him, over-ran the countries that he held in Asia, and spread desolations like a flood whatever regions he passed through. Then, making a truce with Ptolemy, during
16 But he that cometh against him & shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the li glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.
17 He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and "upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, ** corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side , neither be for him.
which both parties treated of peace, and prePared pared for war; Antiochus returned to attack Ptolemy's forces and overcame them, and carried the war even to the borders of Egypt, which he threatened with an invasion. This exceedingly exasperated Ptolemy, who marched against him with a great army, gave him battle, entirely defeated Antiochus's numerous forces, obliged him to retreat to Antioch, and thence to send ambassadors to treat of peace. But Ptolemy did not pursue the advantages of this decisive victory; for, being elated with his success, he gave himself up to the most disgraceful debaucheries. After the retreat of Antiochus, he visited the cities of his Asiatic dominions, and Jerusalem among the rest: ly under his government. ( Marg . and Marg . and being, with great difficulty, restrained Ref .)
of of Cælo-Syria, a, and Palestine. The presence, however, of that prince turned the scale in his favor; for he soon recovered what Scopas had taken, and besieged and took the strong city Zidon, and others of Ptolemy's best fortified cities. So that the king of Egypt Egypt could not withstand his arms, even with his choicest troops; but he carried all before him, and succeeded in his designs, and established his authority in the land of f Judah, "the glorious land" of God's chosen people, and of his his special presence; which was by him consumed , in furnishing subsistence to his troops: or rather it was by him established , as some render the word; for it was favored, and prospered great
from entering into the holy of holies, he was The robbers, &c. )14( פריני from פרץ , rumpere , so with Jews, that he
displeased forty thousand other sidestroyerumpere, disrumpere. The word commonly
sand, of his Jewish subjects in Egypt by a most furious persecution; and casting down so many tens of thousands of his own subjects did, of course, weaken his kingdom and conduce to its ruin. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.)Overflow. (10) Marg. Ref . u.- Notes , 22,23,4043, υ . 40. 9:25-27, v . 26. Is . 8:6-8.
V. 13-16. "After certain years," ( marg . ) that is, about fourteen years afterwards, Antiochus the Great, having recovered from the
effects of his late defeat; and Ptolemy Philopater being dead, and succeeded by his son Ptolemy Epiphanes, who was only four or five years of age; Antiochus raised a greater army than before, and amassed very large sums of money to defray the expenses of the war, by which he hoped to deprive Ptolemy of his dominions. And at the same time, that Antiochus marched his army to attack the Egyptian provinces, many other enemies stood up against the king during his minority.
For the conduct of his father, and of those abandoned ministers who now governed in his name, had so disgusted the Egyptians, that they were ready to join Antiochus; and Philip, king of Macedon, made a league with him against Ptolemy, stipulating to divide his kingdom between them.
The persecuted Jews also became refractory, and broke off from their allegiance to the king of Egypt, to join Antiochus; for this seems to be the meaning of the words translated, "the robbers of thy people." These revolters exalted themselves against their former masters; and so helped to establish, or accomplish, this vision, or prophecy: but they were reduced by Ptolemy's forces, who under Scopas gained many advantages against those of Antiochus, and recovered possession VOL. IV.
means robbers , because they break through restraints of law, and violently oppose their rulers, as well as violently rob their neighbors: but it may signify Revolters , as breaking loose from those, who had acquired dominion over them. Thus the verb in Hithpahel is used, 1 Sam . 25:10. The expression of Josephus is 'remarkable, that the Jews submitted to Sco'pas by force; but to Antiochus they submitted 'willingly.' Bp. Newton.
Shall be consumed. )16( וכלה . Και τελεσθησεται εν τη χειρι αυτό. Sept. Thus Theodoret explains it, "and it shall be perfected by his hand," 'that is, "it shall prosper:" for so likewise Jo'sephus hath taught us, ... that the Jews, their own accord having received Antiochus 'were greatly honored by him.' Bp . Newton .
V. 17. Antiochus, after this success, set him self with all the strength of his kingdom, to get possession of Egypt, being assisted by the Jews, called "upright ones," as worshipping JEHOVAH, in contradistinction to idolaters; or, as the phrase may mean, making an agreement with him , that is, with Ptolemy: for Antiochus attempted to circumvent him by treaty, as well as to subdue him by arms. Thus he endeavored to accomplish his purpose: and to induce Ptolemy to enter into treaty with him, he gave him his daughter Cleopatra in marriage; whose singular beauty is supposed to be intimated by the expression, "the daughter of women," that is, a most accomplished daugh ter of women. In this he meant fraudulently, for he thought to corrupt his daughter to betray the interests of her husband; but the project failed: for Ptolemy was aware of the artifice, and kept upon his guard; and Cleopatra preferred the interests of her husband to [689
those of her insidious father, and even joined in an embassy to the Romans craving pro- tection against against him. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref .)-
Upright ones , &c.] Ευθεια παντα μετ' Sept. Et recta faciet cum eo. Vulg.
αυτό ποιησει .
war
V. 18, 19. Antiochus, not being able to execute this project, ject, turned his arms another way, and attacked many of the isles and cities bordering on the Mediterranean sea. ( Marg .
Ref . k.) This offended the Romans, who deemed themselves insulted by this treatment of their allies: and in their own behalf, to vindicate the honor of their state, they proclaimed against him, and in a short time, their consuls and commanders drove him out of Europe; pursued him into Asia; by a most decisive victory deprived him of a great part of his dominions, and compelled him to submit to a very hard and dishonorable peace. He then returned in disgrace to Antioch, his strong hold.
Nor did he long survive these defeats, for, finding difficulty in raising the very large sums of money which the Romans exacted from him, he attempted to plunder a rich temple of Jupiter Belus, in the province of Elymais, where he was slain by the enraged inhabitants. So that he soon after "stumbled, and fell, and was not found." ( Marg . and Marg. Ref.)
V. 20. "Then shall stand up one in his estate, that causeth an exactor to pass over the glory of his kingdom." ( Marg .) Seleucus Philopater, who succeeded his father, being obliged to pay a large annual tribute to the Romans, performed nothing memorable, except levying money from his subjects, for this and other purposes. These exactions tarnished "the glory of his kingdom;" and within a few days, or years, (for he reigned twelve years,) he was slain by Heliodorus, whom he had employed to rob the temple of God at Jerusalem. Thus he was destroyed "neither in anger, nor in battle," but by treachery: for Heliodorus hoped to succeed to the throne; as Demetrius the son of Seleucus was a hostage at Rome, and Antiochus his brother was absent from the Syrian court. This project however was disappointed.
V. 21. Antiochus, who succeeded his brother Seleucus, was returning from Rome when he heard that he had been murdered by Heliodorus. "The honor of the kingdom was not given to him:" for Heliodorus intended to seize it for himself; others aimed to give it to the king of Egypt; and Demetrius the son of
n1 Sam. 3:13. Ps. 12:8. 15:4. Is. 32:5,6. Nah. 1:14.
o 32,34. Judg. 9:1-20. 2 Sam. 15:2-6. Ps. 55:21.
p 10. 9:26. Is. 8:7,8. Am. 8:8. 9.5. Nah. 1:8. Rev. 12:15,16.
q 8:11,25.
r 8:25. Gen. 34:13. Ps. 52:2. Prov. 11:18. Ez. 17:13-19. Rom. 1:29. 2 Cor. 11:13. 2 Thes. 2:9,10.
** Or, into the peaceable and fat , & c.
Seleucus was the proper heir of it: so that no party thought of placing Antiochus on the throne.
But "he came in peaceably, and obtained it by flatteries." He flattered Eumenes, king of Pergamus, and his brother Attalus, and by fair promises engaged them to support him: he flattered the Syrians with a fair shew of clemency; and, as some say, by pretending to hold the crown for his nephew till his return from Rome, by which he obtained peaceable possession: and he flattered the Romans, with the assurance of being a faithful and good ally; and thus he got possession of the kingdom, to the exclusion of all his rivals.
He was also in turn flattered with the title of Epiphanes , or, the illustrious; though some more justly called him Epimanes , or, the madman. However, the expression of the angel to Daniel, "a vile person," or a despicable man, most suited him; for his frantic, indecent, and contemptible behavior, in many respects, proved him to be all which can be implied in such a title. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . )
V. 22, 23. Antiochus was at first successful in war: for "with the arms of a flood shall they be overflowed Lefore him;" or, "the arms of the overflower shall be overflowed before him;" that is, Heliodorus and his other opponents, whose power seemed ready to bear all before it, were speedily borne down by Antiochus, and entirely destroyed.
"Yea, also the prince of the covenant." Most expositors understand this of the Jewish high priest, the prince of God's covenanted people: for as soon as Antiochus was seated on the throne, he expelled Onias from the high priesthood, and sold it to his younger brother Jason for a large sum of money; and Onias was soon after cruelly murdered by Antiochus's deputy. But after this agreement with Jason he acted deceitfully: for, induced by another sum of money, Antiochus by force of arms deposed Jason, and advanced Menelaus his brother to that dignity.
Some, indeed, explain this of Ptolemy Philometer; between whom and Antiochus a league, or covenant of peace, had been ratified: yet afterwards he wrought deceitfully, and at length, when become sufficiently strong, he made war upon Ptolemy: but it does not appear, why Ptolemy should be called "the prince of the covenant." -"For," or rather " and , he shall come up and shall become strong with a small people." He had come from Rome with few attendants: hig power in Syria was at first inconsiderable;
the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea , and he shall * forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.
25 And he shall stir up his power, and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall forecast devices against him.
26 Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.
27 And both these kings' thearts y shall
s Judg. 9:4. Prov. 17:8. 19:6. Heb. think his thoughts. 7: 25. Prov. 23:7. Ez. 38:10. Matt. 9.4.
2,10. Prov. 15:18. 28:25.
u 2 Sam. 4:2-12. 2 Kings 8:14, 15. 10:6-9. Ps. 41:9. Mic.
7:5,6. Matt. 26:23. Mark 14: 20. John 13:18,26.
x 10,22.
† Heb. their hearts.
y 2 Sam. 13:26-28. Ps. 12:2. 52:1,2. 58:2. 64:6. Prov. 12:
20. 23:6-8. 26:23-26.
yet from small beginnings he became exceed-same table, or met at the same council-board:
ingly strong. (Marg. Ref .)
The arms of a flood , &c. (22) Και βραχιονες το κατακλύζοντος κατακλυσθησονται από προσωπό αυτό. Sept. This translation requires only a small change of the vowel points, and is much more appropriate.
V.24-26. Antiochus had greater success, both against the Egyptian provinces in Asia, and against that kingdom itself, than any of
and pretended to be amicably disposed, and to enter into a treaty: but they were both bent on mischief, and told lies to each other. Antiochus professed a great regard to Ptolemy's interest, and to secure him against the designs of his brother; and Ptolemy professed to confide in Antiochus, and to deem himself bound to him by the strongest ties: whereas Antiochus only meant to weaken the two brothers,
his predecessors had had: and he also exceed- by fomenting their discords, till he should be
ed them in liberality, or rather ostentatious extravagance; for he "scattered among" the people, wherever he went, the prey which he had taken from his enemies, the spoil of cities and temples, the riches of his friends, and his own revenues; so that his profusion exceeded that of any of his progenitors. Thus he fixed the people in his interests: and when his authority was established at home, he began to "forecast devices" against the strong-holds of Ptolemy, which still held out against him; and he prepared during some years for the war that he meditated.
At length, with all his power and courage, he led a great army against the king of Egypt, who sent his generals with a mighty force to oppose his progbut Antiochus prevailed, through the fraudulent counsels and treacherous conduct of Ptolemy's partisans.
And the next year, Antiochus obtained still more decided advantages, and got possession of almost all Egypt. (1 Мас . 1:16-19.) For Ptolemy's ministers and servants helped in different ways to ruin his interests; as some of them betrayed his cause, and others exasperated the people to revolt by their mal-administration and detestable conduct: and thus Ptolemy Physcon his brother was set up for king in opposition to him. By these means Antiochus's forces prevailed, and great numbers of Ptolemy's were 'of gold, and having placed a Macedonian gar
able to seize upon the whole kingdom; and Ptolemy was aiming to effect a reconciliation with his brother, that they might unite in expelling the invader. But this fraud did not fully prosper on either side: Antiochus could not get possession of the whole kingdom; and Ptolemy could not drive him out of it.
Antiochus was at length induced to leave Egypt, and return to Syria with immense treasures which he had seized on; and his heart was turned against the holy covenant: for, the report being spread of his death, it occasioned some insurrections and great rejoicings among the Jews; which so exasperated him, that he resolved to be revenged on the nation.
Accordingly he besieged and took Jerusalem, slew forty thousand of its inhabitants, and sold twice that number for slaves: he then polluted the temple with swine's flesh and various defilements; he even entered with violence into the holy of holies; he plundered the sacred treasures; and having succeeded thus far he returned home to Antioch. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . y-a. с.-1 Мас . 1:20-28. 2 Мас . 5:5-22.) 'Jeroine observes, that both the Greek and Roman historians relate, that after Antiochus 'returned from Egypt, he came into Judea, that is "against the holy covenant," and spoil'ed the temple, and took away a great quantity
ress:
slain. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . )
Overflow, &c. (26) The arms of Antiochus 'shall overrun the whole kingdom of Egypt, like a sudden inundation.' Lowth . (10,22.)
V. 27, 28. It is not known, by what means Ptolemy Philometer came into the hands of Antiochus; he seems, however, to have been bis prisoner. Thus they frequently ate at the
'rison in the citadel, he returned into his own land.' Bp. Newton. - The end shall be at the time appointed . (27) Marg . Ref . b.- Note , 29,30.
V. 29, 30. After an interval of two years, "in the time appointed," (27) Antiochus returned to renew his attempts against Egypt, and finding that the two brothers were amicably providing for their common safety, he 31
And
arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and I shall take away the daily
i 8:24,25. Rev. 17:12-14.
Ez. 7:20,21. 9:7. 24:21,22.
k See on 8:11. Lam. 1:10. 2:7. 1 See on 8:12,13,26. 9:27.
sacrifice , and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
32 And such as do wickedly against the
m 8:13. 9:27. 12:11. Matt. 24: *Or, astonisheth. Acts 13:40, 15. Mark 13:14. Luke 21:20. 41.
made war upon them with great impetuosity and success. However, this expedition terminated in a different manner, than either of the preceding: for the Roman state sent ambassadors to him, at the request of the Ptolemies, commanding him to lay down his arms, and not to molest their allies. Perhaps these ambassadors came in Grecian ships, or the name "Chittim" signifies the several European countries that border on the Mediterranean sea. ( Marg .
Ref . f.-Note, Num. 24:23,24.) These executed their commission in the most peremptory and decisive manner: for one of them, named Marcus Popillius Lenas, made a circle with his cane round Antiochus, and insisted on his answer before he passed out of that circle; being determined to declare war against him, if he hesitated to comply with his demands: and Antiochus, not daring to bring upon himself the whole power of the Romans, who were then free from other wars, was forced to submit.
Thus he was checked in his full career of victory, to his extreme vexation; and returning home, full of grief and shame, he vented his indignation against the Jews, the covenant-people of God: for he detached Apol'lonius with an army of twenty-two thou'sand men, who coming to Jerusalem, slew 'great multitudes, plundered the city, set fire to it in several places, and pulled down the 'houses and walls round about it.
Then they 'builded on an eminence, in the city city of David, a 'strong fortress, which might command the 'temple; and issuing from thence, th 'those who came to worship, ship, and shed inno'cent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and 'defiled it: so that the temple was deserted, and 'the whole service omitted; the city was for'saken of its natives, and became an habitation 'of strangers. "So he did;" and after his return 'erful.
Hitherto Daniel described the actions 'to Antioch he published a decree, which oblig- 'of the kings of the north and the south: but 'ed all persons, upon pain of death, to conforin 'upon the conquest of Macedon by the Romans, 'to the religion of the Greeks: and so the Jew- 'he left off describing the actions of the Greeks, 'ish law was abrogated, the heathen worship 'and began to describe those of the Romans in 'was set up in its stead, and the temple itself 'Grcece.' Sir Is. Newton. ( Notes , 7:1-8.8:3'was consecrated to Jupiter Olympius.
In 12.)- Arms .] Not armor , but the "arms" of the 'transacting these matters, "he had intelli- human body; as in other parts of this prophe'gence with them that forsook the holy cove-cy. (Note, Ez . 30:20-26.) - 'In support of this 'interpretation, it may be further added, that 'the Jews themselves, as Jerome informs us, 'understood this passage, neither of Antiochus
have differed exceedingly about it. Some have explained the whole of Antiochus Epiphanes; soine have made him a type of Antichrist; and others extend a part of it to the subsequent kings of Syria.
But, though very little of that which follows in this vision, can be explained of the short-lived exploits of Antiochus; yet a similarity of character and conduct, between him and future oppressors of God's people, might give occasion to the inspired writer, or rather to the angel, to glide from one to the other by an almost imperceptible transition.— As Antiochus had the power of the sword, his captains seized on the sanctuary, which had been strongly fortified, and was itself the defence of the people: and they polluted it, in various ways; and placed a base idol in the temple of God, which was an abomination that desolated the city and sanctuary, by driving thence all pious Jews: they also builded idolaltars in all the cities of Judah.
This therefore may apply to Antiochus. ( Marg . Ref . 1, m.) But very eminent expositors suppose, that the transition before mentioned begins here to be made: and, as it must shortly be admitted, it cannot be better introduced, than in this place.
'In the same year that Antiochus, by the com'mand of the Romans, retired out of Egypt, 'and set up the worship of the Greeks in Judea Judea, 'the Romans conquered the kingdom of Mace'don, the fundamental kingdom of th al kingdom of the empire 'of the Greeks, and reduced it into a Roman 'province; and thereby began to be put an end to the reign reign of Daniel's third beast. This is 'thus expressed by Daniel; "and after him 'arms," that is, the Romans, "shall stand up." ...
Arms are every where in this prophecy put 'for the military power of a kingdom; and they 'stand up, when they conquer and grow pow
thence, they fell on
'nant;" Menelaus, and the other apostate Jews 'of his party.' Bp . Newton . (1 Mac . 1:29-61. 2 Мас . 5:24-26. 6:1-9.)-Indeed the distresses of the Jews in those days arose principally 'Epiphanes, nor of Antichrist, but of the Rofrom the machinations of their countryinen, 'mans; of whom it was said above, that "the who joined the enemies of their nation and 'ships of Chittim shall come, and he shall be religion. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.) 'There is 'grieved." After some time, says the prophet, 'not so complete and regular a series of these 'out of the Romans themselves, who came to
'kings, there is not so concise and comprehen'sive an account of their affairs, to be found in 'any author of those times. The prophecy is 'really more perfect than any history: no one 'historian hath related so many circumstances, 'and in such exact order, as the prophet hath 'foretold them. So that it was necessary to 'have recourse to several authors, Greek and 'Roman, Jewish and Christian, and to collect 'something from one, and something from 'another, to explain and illustrate the great va
'assist Ptolemy, and menaced Antiochus, there 'shall arise the emperor Vespasian; there shall 'arise his arms and seed, his son Titus with an 'army, and they shall pollute the sanctuary, 'and take away the daily sa rifice, and deliver 'the temple to eternal desolation.' Bp . Newton. -'We must know, that after the death of An'tiochus Epiphanes, the third kingdom comes 'no more into the holy reckoning; none of the 'Greek kings after him being at all prophesied 'of. ... The reason of this is, because during the
'riety of particulars contained in this prophecy. 'reign of Antiochus, Macedonia, (whence that
'... No one could thus declare "the times and 'seasons," ( Acts 1:7.) but "he who hath them 'in his own power." Bp. Newton .
V. 31. Thus far the prophecy is clear, and the interpretation satisfactory; but the subsequent part is very difficult, and commentators
'kingdom sprang,) with all the rest of Greece, 'came under the Roman obedience. From 'thence therefore the Holy Ghost begins the 'rise of the fourth kingdom, yea, the Roman 'historians themselves mark out that time for 'the rise of their empire.' Mede .-'Our Savior }
covenant shall he * corrupt by flatteries: 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall but the people that do know their God be holpen with a little help: but many
Pshall oe strong, and do exploits .
33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: 'yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
n Prov. 19:5. 26:28.
* Or, cause to dissemble. 2 Thes. 2:9-12. Rev. 13:12- 15.
01 Chr. 28:9. Ps. 9:10. Jer. 31:34. John 17:3. 2 Cor. 4:3 -6.1 John 2:3,4. 5:20.
p Mic. 5:7-9. 7:15-17. Zech. 9:13-16. 10:3-6,12. 12:3-7. 14:1-4. Mal. 4:2,3. 2 Tim. 2:1-3. Heb. 10:32,33. Rev.
6:11. 7:9,10. 12:7-11.
q 12:3,4,10. Is. 32:3,4. Zech. 8:20-23. Matt. 13-11,51,52. 28:20. Luke 24:44-47. Acts 4:2-4. 11:26. 14:21. 2 Tim. 2:24,25.
r Matt. 10:21. 20:23, 24:9. John 16:2. Acts 12:2,3. 1 Cor. 4:9. 2 Tim. 1:12. 4:6. Heb. 11:34 -37. Rev. 1:9. 2:13. 6:9. 7: 14. 13:7-10. 17:6.
'himself, making use of the same phrase, "the 'abomination of desolation" in his prediction 'of the destruction of Jerusalem, may convince 'us, that this part of the prophecy refers to that 'event.' Bp . Newton . The emphatical man- ner, in which our Lord quotes this prophecy of Daniel, greatly confirms this argument. In- deed the concluding verse of the ninth chapter contains nearly the same language, in an ex- press prediction of the destruction of Jerusa- lem by the Romans. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . m. -Notes , 8:13,14, ν. 13. 9:25-27, υ. 27.
Matt . 24:15-18.) There can remain little doubt with any one, who carefully compares the con- cluding part of this chapter and the next chap- ter, with the other scriptures; who accurately examines the import of the words employed; and who attentively considers the records of history; that the fourth kingdom , even that of the Romans, is predicted, if not exclusively , yet principally .
First Rome Pagan, then Rome Christian, and then Rome Papal, must be in- tended; whether the transition be made at this verse, or not till the thirty-sixth: for no other power, which has hitherto appeared on earth, at all answers to the description here given, has had dominion so long a term of
time, as the angel plainly marks out. The persecutions and profanations of the temple, by Antiochus Epiphanes, began es, began about one hundred and sixty-eight years before the Christian Era: he died in less than four years afterwards. The Romans soon began to dis- turb the Jews: at length Pompey, about sixty- three years before the Christian Era, took Je- rusalem, and entered into the holy of holies. He, however, neither plundered the temple, nor in any other respect profaned it.
But from that time, Jerusalem was dependent on the Romans, and subject to those whom they made kings or governors, till the destruction of the city and temple by Titus: and in the year of our Lord one hundred and thirty-two, the emperor Adrian caused a temple to be erected to Jupi- ter Capitolinus, on the very spot where the temple of God before stood, and banished the Jews from Jerusalem and its neighborhood.
Thus "the abomination that maketh desolate," was effectually placed "in the sanctuary of strength," to pollute it; and "the daily sacrifice was taken away." Yet these events seem also to have been, in some degree, figures of the corruptions, introduced into the Christian church, by the idolatries of Papal Rome.
shall cleave to them with flatteries.
35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, * to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointea
[Practical Observations.] s Rev. 12:2--6,13-17. 13:1-4. 13. 15:37-39. t Matt. 7:15. Acts 20.29,30. Rom. 16:18. 2 Cor. 11:13- 15. Gal. 2:4. 1 Tim. 4:1,2. 2 Tim. 3:1-7. 4:3. Tit 1:11. 2 Pet. 2:1--3,18,19. 1 John 2: 18,19. 4:1,5. 2 John 7. Jude 4. Rev. 2:20. 13:11-14.
x 12:10. Deut. 8:2,3,16. Prov. 17:3. Zech. 13:9, Mal. 3.2- 4. 4:1-3. Jam. 1:2,3. 1-Pet. 1:6,7. Rev. 2:10.
u 33. 8:10. Matt. 16:17. 26:56, 69-75. John 20:25. Acts 13:
† Or, by them .
y 29,40. 8:17,19. 9:27. 10:1. 124,11. Hab. 2:3. Rev. 14:15. 17:17.
numerous converts to their religion. They in- deed endured severe things; yet it was not for " many days;" three years and a half being a very short time in the language of prophecy. -Whereas the Romans not only destroyed Jerusalem, and took away the daily sacrifice; but during their dominion they both crucified Christ, persecuted his followers, and also set themselves to extirpate Christianity: and their magistrates used the most alluring promises and flatteries, as well as the most terrible threatenings, to prevail with Christians to apostatize and worship idols.
Many were thus corrupted and did wickedly: but the real Chris- tians were enabled to resist all these tempta- tions, and to adhere to their religion with the most heroic constancy: and through the whole extent of the Roman empire, as well as in other places, Christianity was rapidly propa- gated.
At the same time the Christians, the ministers of Christianity, were exposed to death by the sword and flame, and were car- ried captive, and stripped of their property during "many days:" for the ten persecutions of the Roman emperors lasted almost three hundred years, with only short intermissions of rest and peace. The dispersion of the
tles, teachers, and Christians, in the primitive times, by persecution, greatly eatly promoted the promulgation of the Gospel. They understood, and were wise, and carried their wisdom with them, and instructed immense multitudes. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes, Matt . 10:16- 23.24:9-14. Acts 20:19-21. 2 Cor . 11:21-27. 2 Tim . 3:10-12. Rev. 6: 7:)
V. 34, 35. When the Jews fell under the persecutions of Antiochus, Mattathias of Modin, and his son Judas Maccabeus, revolted from the persecutors; tors; and after the death of Mattathias, Judas repeatedly vanquished the armies of Antiochus with far inferior forces: at length he recovered Jerusalem, cleansed the sanctuary, restored the worship of God, and survived Antiochus: and both the priesthood and sovereignty remained in that family for several generations. The small force of these Jewish heroes might be called "a little help;" yet in fact it proved a most effectual help.
The two books of Maccabees must be referred to on this subject; for it occupies the greatest part of them. But if we advert to what succeeded the persecutions mentioned in the preceding note, we shall perceive a much more unexceptionable interpretation. After the Christians had long fallen under the power of their persecutors, the conversion of Constantine gave them deliverance: they were no longer persecuted, but favored by the Roman emperor and his deputies. Yet this proved only "a little help" to the cause of true religion.
V. 32, 33. Antiochus doubtless corrupted many of the Jews to do wickedly: and the rem- nant that knew, trusted, and loved their God, were greatly strengthened, and did wonders, in supporting his cruel tortures, and resisting his usurped and abused authority: but it can not be said, that they instructed many, or made | It added indeed much to the temporal pros-
36 And the king shall do according to ||tion be accomplished: for that that is dehis will; and he shall exalt himself, and termined shall be done.
magnify himself above every god, and shall b speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indigna-regard any god: for he shall magnify him 38
perity of the church, but it greatly tended to debase the character of professed Christians. Especially, it caused many to "cleave to them with flatteries:" for hypocrisy became prevalent among both the clergy and laity, who were intent on flattering the emperor and those in authority, for their own interest. ( Marg . Ref . s, t.- Notes , Rev. 12:1-6,13-17.) And indeed persecution soon revived, and Christians were permitted to fall into these calamities, to try and prove them, and to distinguish them from hypocrites, as well as to purge away their defilement and make them white.
This would continue "to the time of the end; because it was yet for an appointed time." The persecutions which Christians have suffered from their professed fellow Christians, began from the days of Constantine, and have continued more or less to this day; and they will continue till "the appointed time" of the Jews' conversion, the ruin of every Antichristian power, and the final and universal promulgation of the Gospel. The persecutions, however, of the twelve hundred and sixty years, under the little horn of the fourth beast, seem principally intended. ( Marg .
Ref . u-y.- Notes , 36. 7:2327.) And it does not appear to me, that any particular part of that period is exclusively meant: or that any thing precisely fixes and restricts the fulfilment of the prediction, to the persecutions of the sixteenth century, during the progress of the reformation, as Mr. Faber thinks, and labors to prove; and on which he builds very much indeed.
To try them, &c. (35) "Some of them of understanding shall fall," (that is, perish ,) "in purifying them, and in purging them, and in making them white, &c."... As laboring to 'propagate their tenets, and as attempting to 'purge, reform, and make white a corrupt and 'degenerate church.' Faber , Vol. I. pp. 295. 297. -It does not appear that this translation can be established. The first verb is generally used for purifying metals by fire: and the pronoun them is not found after either of the latter verbs.
If, however, it were admitted, it would not restrict the meaning to any one period of the 1260 years: as, surely, the prophesying of the witnesses in sackcloth, during that whole term, means a zealous attempt to purify a degenerate church. ( Note , Rev. 11:3-6.) V. 36. After the Roinans had stopp progress of Antiochus in Egypt, he was no inore able to do according to his will, or to exalt himself: he indeed “spake marvellous things against the God of gods;" but he could not be said to "magnify himself against every
stopped the
ast every god,"
for he was remarkable for his superstition and idolatry. The prophecy therefore could not receive its acce accomplishment ent in him. "Then the ki king shall do according to his will, &c." 'Under the name "kin "king" must be understood 'the Roman state, under what kind of govern'ment soever.' Mede . - 'The prophet was speak'ing of the persecutions, which would be per'mitted for the trial and probation of the church, 'after the empire was become Christian; and
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor
self above all.
'now he proceeds to describe the principal 'author of these persecutions. ... After the em'pire was become Christian, there would spring up in the church an Antichristian power, that 'should act in the most absolute and arbitrary 'manner, exalt itself above all laws human and 'divine; dispense with the most sacred and 'solemn obligations; and in many respects 'enjoin what God had forbidden, and forbid 'what God had commanded.
This power 'too was to continue in the church, and "pros'per, till the indignation be accomplished; for that that is determined shall be done." This must denote some particular period; or 'otherwise it is no more than saying, that God's 'indignation shall not be accomplished, till it 'be accomplished. This is the same as what before was called, (8:19.) "the last end of the indignation," and (9:27.) "the consummation;" 'and it meaneth the last end and consummation 'of God's indignation against his people, the Jews. (12:7.) Bp . Newton . - St.
Paul seems to have referred to this prophecy of Daniel, in his extraordinary prediction of "the Man of Sin;" and in great measure to have sanctioned the general outlines of the above interpretation; especially in respect of "marvellous things spoken against the God of gods." ( Marg . Ref . -Notes , 2 Thes . 2:1-12.) The series of the predicted events also leads us to the same interpretation.
After the empire became Christian, a king (or kingdom) gradually sprang up in it, of a most absolute and tyrannical nature, "doing according to his own will," with the most avowed defiance of God's laws; and requiring the most implicit obedience from men of all ranks, orders, and nations. The emperors first exercised, or excited, this power, by ecclesiastical counsels, called and influenced by them: but it gradually passed into the hands of the clergy; and the bishop and church of Rome at last carried it to the most enormous height, exalting and magnifying themselves above every god.
These have long prospered, and will, more or less, do so, till the Lord's indignation against his people shall be accomplished, and the determined period of the calamities of the church be expired.
V. 37. In what sense could it be said, that Antiochus did not r regard the god of his of his fathers, when he compelled the Jews to worship Ju piter Olympius? or that he regarded not "the desire of women;" when, besides besides being being married, he was excessive in indulging his lust, and did nothing to restrain others from the same? 'The desire of women, and of the mar'ried life, the Roman should discountenance, 'when he shook off the gods of his ancestors. Mede . It is certain that Constantine, the first Christian emperor, in various ways, discour aged marriage, and 1 and honored celibacy, thus acting in direct opposition to the ancient policy of Rome: and that the subsequent idolatry and blasphemy of the antichristian power, were accompanied by a proportionable discountenancing of marriage, till it was totally prohibited to the ministers of religion.-By "the de
But in his estate shall he honor || fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, forces: and ha god whom his and silver, and with precious stones, and
the God of
Or, But in his stead. † Heb. as for the almighty God, in his seat he shall hon
&-c 1 Tim. 4:1,2. Or, munitions. Heb. Mauz-zim.
or, yea, he shall honor a God,h Rev. 13:12-17. 17:1-5.18:12.
sire of women," the desire of marriage seems to be meant: and where on earth has any power or government permanently and avowedly stigmatized marriage as dishonorable, and almost idolized celibacy and virginity, except that of Rome, even from the conversion of the emperors to Christianity to this day; and except those who have retained some measure of her antichristianity? This interpretation, which all protestant commentators, at least, have hitherto given of the words, rendered "the desire of women," has been decidedly opposed by Mr.
Faber: and it must be owned, that the original word, for desire , )חמדה( is generally used in scripture in a somewhat different construction. ( Faber , Vol. I. pp. 303-308.) "The desire of women," may either mean, 'the de'sire of possessing women,' or 'the desire which 'women have for some special object.
"The desire of Israel," as an English phrase, may mean, 'the object which Israel desired,' or 'the 'desire itself which Israel felt for that ob'ject:' but the former is evidently the meaning in the passage referred to; (1 Sam . 9:20.) and the original phrase is generally, if not constantly, used in this manner. Thus the expression "the love of God," may mean, either his love to us, or our love to him; and grammarians in this way commonly distinguish the genitive, or possessive. On this ground Mr.
Faber concludes, that "the Desire of women," is some object of worship, whom this king shall disregard: and he supposes, that the Messiah is meant, who is called, "the Desire of all nations." (Note, Hag . 2:6-9, v . 7.) That text, however, stands alone in scripture, to support this interpretation: whereas the other accords with several prophecies. No doubt, on the ground of the promise concerning the Messiah, women, in the chosen line , desired children, in hopes of being parents, or ancestors, of that
great Deliverer. But after the same word of God, which gave the first promise, had fixed the Messiah's line, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Judah, and afterwards to the descendants of David; there can be no more reason for ascribing the desire of having children, in women in Israel not of this line, to this hope; than that of the Grecian women, and many others, who have expressed an equally strong reluc
tance to being childless. ( Note , Judg . 11:34 40.) And why the Messiah should be called, "the Desire of women," in general, rather than of men, in a prophecy, delivered many hundred years after it had been predicted, that he
should descend from David; and not to be fulfilled till almost two thousand years after his birth, does not appear This interpretation, therefore, does not seem to me to be established; though enough has been advanced to require learned men to reconsider the current exposition. If "the desire of women" mean, 'that which women desire,' why may not marriage still be intended? The history of the whole human race proves, that honorable marriage to one husband is the general "desire of women," with but comparatively few exceptions. (Note, Gen. 3:16.) Indeed, marriage is more generally and strictly "the desire of women" than of men; though the disire of having women, is much more general among men, than that of having men is among women: for men are far less generally satis
pleasant things.
Heb. things desired. Is. 44:9.
fied with one wife, than women with one husband; as polygamy, concubinage, and promiscuous fornication in every age and nation have clearly proved. And the prohibition of marriage, to priests secular and regular, has always been attended with discouraging the marriage of women, and the encouragement of vows of virginity, even in those, who could not judge for themselves in such a case, because of their youth.
Convents of nuns have regularly, and almost necessarily, attended those of monks and friars; and in both senses, the apostle's prediction, of "a power forbidding to marry," as well as Daniel's of a power "not regarding the desire of women," "has been literally fulfilled. -Mr. Faber, and some others, conclude from the expression, "nor regard any god," (compared with the 36th verse,) that the predicted power must be an avowed and a atheist. But if he "honor the god of forces, god whom his fathers knew not," (38) how can he be an avowed atheist?
He, who sets his own authority above that of "whatever is called or worshipped," fully answers the description; though he may find it convenient to retain a profession of some religion, nay, of orthodox Christianity, and "a form of godli
ness." If a succession of men require obedience to their own commands, which evidently contradict those of God; if they establish or claim the power of dispensing with the laws of the only God, whom they profess to worship, that they may attain their own purposes; and this habitually and openly from age to age; they "magnify themselves above all that is called God or worshipped," though not avowed atheists.( Marg . Ref . Notes, 2 Thes . 2:2-12. 1 Tim . 4:
1-3.2 Tim . 3:1-5. 1 John 4:1-3.)-Whether some more daringly impious, infidel, or even atheistical character, may not be assumed by that succession of men, who, as the little horn of the fourth beast, have hitherto oppressed
the church, and corrupted the gospel, near
the close of the twelve hundred and sixty years, I will not presume to determine. Indeed, I think this probable; and also, that this prophecy of Daniel will be made far more clear, clear, when these events shall have occurred. But the attempts made to prove the accomplishment of it, in the paroxysm of atheism, during the first years of the French revolution, and in the subsequent events, do not ap
tion,
pear to me to have been in any degree successful: for nothing in this transaction has yet occurred, which, either for extent or dura tion can answer to the language used in the prophecy.
V. 38. "For together with God, in his seat shall he honor Mahuzzim ; even together with that God whom his ancestors knew not, shall he honor ( them ) with gold, and with silver, and with precious stones, and with pleasant things." Mede . ( Marg . and Marg . Ref .) Ма huzzim is the plural of the word, translated a fortress , a strong tower , or a rock , in very many places of the scripture, and in this very chapter, 7,10,19. Heb. 'True Christians, have, 'with David, but one Mahoz , the "Mahoz of 'salvations:" but apostate Christians have their 'many Mahuzzim. By 'the strange and for'eign God, (38) whom the Roman church 'should at length acknowledge, is meant Christ: 'for though to the Jew every strange and for
39 Thus shall he do in the * most strong || he shall cause them to rule over many, and helds with a strange god, whom he shall shall divide the land for gain. acknowledge and increase with glory: and
Heb. fortresses of munitions.
40 And at the time of the end shall
† Heb. a price. Rev. 18:9-13. i See on 35. 8:17. 12:4,9.
'eign god was a false god; yet to the Gentiles, 'the most costly offerings, and were honored 'who worshipped none but idols, the foreign with gold , and silver, and with precious stones, 'God was the true. Therefore the philoso- ' and desirable things . And what renders the 'phers at Athens, when St. Paul preached 'completion of the prophecy still more remarkChrist to them, said he preached a foreign 'able is, that they were celebrated and adored 'God.' Mede .
To this it may be added, that 'under the title of Mahuzzim, of bulwarks and the true God was to them the UNKNOWN 'fortresses, of protectors and guardians of GOD; "whom their fathers knew not." "With 'mankind.' Bp . Newton. Even the dead bod'this foreign God, he shall worship worship I Mahuzzim, ies of saints were called by the fathers of the 'gods-protectors, such as saints and angels are fourth century, (as Chrysostom, Hilary, Theo'supposed to be.' Mede .
The translation of doret, Gregory, Nyssen, and others,) 'great this verse, as above given, seems far more lit- 'towers of the martyrs, fortifying cities more
eral, than our version: and it is certain, that from the time, when the Roman power began to profess the worship of the true God, and of Christ his co-equal Son, whom their fathers, knew not,) they began to corrupt corrupt Christianity, by substituting saints and angels, as protectors and mediators, in the place of the genii and demons of paganism. They did not renounce the worship of God, or the mediation of Christ; but along with this "one God and one Lord," they worshipped "gods many and lords many:" and the reader may find, in Mr.
Mede's works, and in Sir Isaac Newton's observations on this prophecy, most astonishing instances of the early introduction of this idolatry, and the gross language used by the fathers even of the fourth century in respect of it. Mr. Mede's interpretation of this clause seems to me at least well grounded; but it has not been generally admitted.-"And the god Mahuzzim, in his estate he shall honor; even a god whom his fathers knew not, &c." Lp. Newton.
But Mahuzzim is plural, and denotes towers, or fortresses: whereas the word translated "God," in the second clause, s singular, and cannot mean the same with Mahuzzim; but must signify, either the true God, or some particular idol or false god.The verse may be translated thus; "And with God," (or, instead of God,) "Mahuzzim in his estate shall he honor; even with God," (or instead of God,) "those whom his fathers knew not shall he honor, &c." Bp . Newton .
If this translation be adopted, then the objects of worship, which the fathers of those concerned had not known, are the same as Mahuzzim.It should, however, be observed, that the translation or interpretation of this clause, in either way, does not in the least deduct from the certainty of the exposition in other re-order that, as his successor, the pope might
'strongly, than any in impregnable wall of ada'mant, and much more to this effect. Such expressions expressions are to be found in many ancient, and even modern, liturgies and manuals of prayers, applied applied to the virgin Mary, and to saints and angels: s: and in the ei eighth century this idolatrous worship was fully established by law.
spects. The meaning evidently is, that the worship of Mahuzzim , of protectors , and guar dians , instead of God, as God, or with God, is indisputably predicted, if there be any meaning in words: and the practice of the church of Rome, and also in the eastern, as well as the western division of the empire, after it professed Christianity, from very early ages to this day, is plainly intended; while the profu
V. 39. "And he shall make" (or appoint) "for his strong-holds Mahuzzim, along with the foreign God whom he acknowledges; he shall multiply honor:" (that is, to the Mahuzzim, whom he shall make,) "and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the earth for a reward." Thus the verse may be translated, perhaps as literally as the construction will admit of. The word rendered "do," in our version, is known to have a most extensive meaning, and may well be supposed here to signify to make, or appoint . If this be admitted, then the interpretation is plain.
The strong-holds of this antichristian power are his churches and monasteries, which he would consecrate to saints, or angels, or to God and his saints . Having once acknowledged these Mahuzzim, as objects of religious worship, as gods - protectors ; he would honor them more and more, from age to age.
He would invest them with a dominion, (as far as he could do it,) not only over men on earth, but even over those who have entered the unseen world; and induce immense multitudes to seek deliverance out of purgatory, for their deceased relations and friends, from their powerful intercession; and to purchase, at a vast expense, masses and prayers from the priests and monks for that purpose.-Let it here be remembered that this power has invested the apostle Peter with the keys of heaven itself, in
claim the same authority over the eternal state of mankind at large!-And finally, he would divide the earth among them. 'St. George 'shall have England, St. Andrew, Scotland, St. Dennis, France, St. James, Spain, St. 'Mark, Venice, &c. and bear rule as presidents 'and patrons of their several countries.' Mede. The secular possessions of the Pope, are called St. Peter's patrimony ; and Peter's pence, as
sion of rich oblations, at the shrines of their a tax levied from the several countries, subsaints, fully explains and illustrates the con- ject to the popedom. This, with a variety of cluding part of the verse. 'And who is there emoluments, from the incomes of the bishops 'so little acquainted with ecclesiastical histo-and clergy, and the disposal of the richest
preferments, commonly to foreigners; were "the price,' or valuable consideration, for which he divided the land; and doubtless, this dividing of the earth among the Mahuzzim, was made a source of great gain, accruing from the several countries thus placed under the guardian care of these several saints."Thus shall he do:... to the defenders of Ma
'ry, as not to know, that the worship of saints 'and angels was establisbed both in the Greek 'and Latin church? They were not only in'vocated and adored, as patrons, intercessors, 'and guardians of mankind; but festival days 'were instituted to them, miracles were as'cribed to them, churches were erected to 'them; their very relics were worshipped, and 'their shrines and images were adorned with || 'huzzim, together with the strange God whom
'he shall acknowledge, he shall multiply 'honor; ... and he shall cause them to rule over
the opinion, that these things separately or conjointly are here predicted: and as to the
'many, and the earth shall he divide for a re-rest, our posterity will be most competent to
'ward." The defenders and champions of 'Mahuzzim were the monks, and priests, and 'bishops, ... and religious orders: and that they 'have been honored, and reverenced, and al'most adored, in former ages; that their au'thority and jurisdiction have extended over 'the purses and consciences of men; that they 'have been enriched with noble buildings and large endowments, and have had the choicest 'of the lands appropriated for church-lands, 'are points of such public notoriety, that they 'require no proof. Bp . Newton . The word rendered strong- holds may, in a figurative sense, mean defenders ; as Mahuzzim ( towers )
judge; and probably will discover, that we have all been mistaken more or less. ( Notes , Rev. 11:13,14. 14:14-20.)
may signify protectors : and thus Bishop New-eastern division of the Roman empire, and
ton's translation is very just, and in general the explanation is striking: but what then are we to understand by the strange God? He is here distinguished from the Mahuzzim; though the Bishop's interpretation of the preceding verse seems to make him the same. But it has been shewn, that the God, whom the ancestors of this power had not known, cannot be the same as the Mahuzzim; bec because in both places, the word is singular, (in a language, which generally has the name of God in the plural,) and must mark out some one object of worship, distinct from the Mahuzzim. If therefore Mr.
Mede's interpretation be not admitted, perhaps that may be most entitled to attention, which supposes the worship of the consecrated bread, as if Christ were bodily present by transubstantiation, to be intended. -However, whether the Mahuzzim, or their defenders, (the defenders of gods-protectors!) be meant, the history of the church throughout the whole ancient Roman empire, to this day, most surprisingly verifies the prediction.
This interpretation, however, may be objected to, as making the grand subject of this last vision, of Daniel, in great measure to coincide with those before stated in the seventh and eighth chapters; especially in respect of the fourth beast, and the little horn of the fourth beast. But if the angel interpreted to the prophet, in plain language, what had before been shewn him under emblems, and more obscurely; as it is manifest he did, in the former part of the chapter; why may he not be supposed to proceed in the same way, in the latter part?
This does indeed, as here expounded, enter into particulars, and mention circumstances, not before adduced; especially as including the corruptions of the eastern church also: but the grand outline is the same. What may hereafter unexpectedly follow from the paroxysm of continental Atheism, the French revolution, the usurpation of Napoleon Bonaparte, and his dynasty, we cannot say: but present appearances in no degree favor VOL. IV.
V. 40-43. The kings of the north and the south were the kings of Syria and Egypt, till these kingdoms were swallowed up by the Roman empire. But "at the time of the end," that is, of the prosperity of that empire, when it was about to be broken to pieces, say many commentators, ( Marg . Ref . i, k.) "the king of the south would push at him:" this predicts, as they suppose, the victories of the Saracens under Mohammed and his successors; who coming from the south made war upon the seized on several of its finest provinces: yet they did not utterly subvert it.
And indeed the doctrine of Mohammed was first forged at Mecca, and the supremacy of the Pope was established by a grant from Phocas, in the very same year, A. D. 606: so that the little horn of the third beast, and that of the fourth beast, began their reign together, and will probably terminate them nearly at the same time. (Notes, 7:23-27. 8:9-14.) But though the Saracens from the south, or Arabia, dismembered and weakened the eastern empire; yet the Turks from Scythia, a northern region, totally subverted it. it.
This king of the north came against the king of the south, (who had subjugated the eastern part of Roman empire,) "like a whirlwind, with chariots and with horsemen," of which the Turkish armies chiefly consisted: "and with many ships," without which they could not have got possession of so many maritime countries: thus they entered and overflowed them like an inundation, and so passed over.
They overspread the western parts of Asia, and then passing over into Europe, they fixed their empire at Constantinople, upon the ruins of the eastern empire, which had long before been divided from that of Rome in the west. ( Notes , Rev. 9:)-Among other conquests, it was predicted that this "king of the north" would "enter into the glorious land," or the land of Canaan: this the Turks did, and they are masters of it to this day. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . o.) "And many countries were by them overthrown," as Syria and Palestine: but they were never able to subdue the Arabian tribes, or the mixed people, which inhabited the regions formerly occupied by Edom, Moab, and Ammon, whose posterity are probably now incorporated with the Ishmaelites and Midianites. ( Marg . Ref . p.) These escaped them: and the Ottoman emperors even now pay the Arabs an annual pension of forty thousand crowns, for the safe passage of their pilgrims and caravans to Mecca; and yet even this often fails of protecting [69
44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
45 And he shall plant the tabernacle of
1 11,30. Ez. 33.9-12. Rev. 16:12. 17:13. 19:19-21.
them from plunder. Thus the Turkish princes stretched forth their hands to grasp these countries, and got possession of their treasures, and were enriched and strengthened by the acquisition; carrying away also great multitudes of the inhabitants captive to Constantinople: and these and other regions of Africa remain in their hands to this day, along with their Asiatic and European dominions. The expression, however, "the time of the end," seems to fix the period pointed out by this prophecy to later ages, than those of the Saracens, or even those of the Turks.
If, therefore, any persons should be dissatisfied with the above interpretation, I should not oppose the opinion, that the whole of it is still future and unaccomplished. In that case, I shall not presume even to conjecture what power is meant by "the king of the north," or "the king of the south;" or whether the things spoken (40,41.) be intended of the power described in the preceding verses, or of "the king of the north," or what events are intended.-Possibly, the several powers who have hitherto, in different places, combined against the true church, will be set against each other. The
The predictions of the scripture not only confirm the doctrines contained in it; but they tend to establish our faith in the over-ruling providence of God, which is thus sensibly demonstrated to us. Little do men in general imagine, how much even the determinations of princes and senates are influenced by the agency of good or bad spirits. In mercy to his people, the Lord employs his mighty angels to strengthen and confirm those who know him not, in every determination and measure, which he sees will prove for the good of his servants: and they are thus imperceptibly directed by an internal influence, when they most entirely follow their own inclinations.While wealth and power animate men to engage in ambitious projects; they are sure, whether successful or not, to involve multitudes in ruin: and the projectors only continue for a few days, to act "according to their own will, and rule with great dominion;" and then
papal kingdoms, or whatever power shall suc-they are taken away and make room for othceed them, may help to destroy the Mohamme-ers. The debates of councils, and the solemn
dan power, and be in part destroyed by it. The restoration of the Jews to their own land, when converted to Christianity, and the effects of this, may be predicted: but if the prophecy be not fulfilled, I presume not to prophesy from it. Nothing hitherto, that I know of, has occurred, as an accomplishment of it, beyond what has been mentioned. It may, probably, relate to the same events, which are predicted by Ezekiel, concerning Gog and Magog, as introducing the Millennium. ( Notes , Ez . 38: 39: Joel 3:9-17.. Rev. 14:14-20. 16: 19:11-21.) V. 44, 45. This part of the prophecy doubt less relates to events yet future. Some conjecture that the Persians, who border on the Turkish dominions to the east, and the Russians who lie north of them, will unite against the Turks; that in the land of Canaan the latter will fix their camp with great ostentation, as well as wage the war with great fury; and that there they shall receive such a defeat, as
treaties of princes, are frequently such a mixture of dissimulation and selfishness, that they cannot endure an impartial investigation: and their most plausible schemes often terminate in most complicated disasters. But ambition, avarice, and revenge, or similar passions, still keep the world in motion; one turbulent chieftain succeeds to the estate of another; success and power continually change sides, as well as riches and renown. Great prosperity increases men's pride, or emboldens self-indulgence; and thus tends to their ruin: and he, who is a slave to his lusts, can never be strengthened, even by "casting down ten thousands" of his enemies. But, how can kings expect to be strengthened by the murder of their own industrious and conscientious subjects, through cruel persecutions? By such measures they drive them into revolts, and thus many stand up against them. The vision, however, will be established, and the purpose of God ac
shall end in the utter subversion of their mon-complished, let who will stand or fall. When
archy. But it may perhaps refer to events, which have before been mentioned, namely, the return of the Jews to their own land after their conversion, and the assistance to be given them by the Christian European powers; which tidings from the east and north will no doubt greatly trouble the Turkish princes, who possess the country that is again to be restored to the Jews. And thus going forth with great fury to war against the Jews, and having pitched their camp between the Mediterranean sea and the Dead sea, in the mountains of Judea, they will be suddenly and surprisingly ruined without help or recovery. Thus the ruin of the eastern antichrist will not be far distant from that of the western; both of which seem to be predicted in this chapter. (Marg. and Marg . Ref . Notes , 40-43. Ez . 38:)-The word rendered, "to make away," signifies to curse , or to devote to utter destruction ,
his designs are effected, men are left to provoke such as are more powerful and proud than themselves, till they stumble and fall, and are not found.
V. 20-35.
As some monarchs have been the firebrands of the world; so others have been mere sponges of the people, whose chief glory has been to raise taxes from them like sordid usurers: and such have often perished by the machinations of designing men. They, whom the world calls illustrious , are often in the Lord's account vile persons: and such as obtain "the honor of a kingdom," are sometimes dèserving of the greatest ignominy and detestation. - Whilst the potsherds of the earth strive with each other, they are properly matched; and in turn they prevail and are prevailed against, deceive and are deceived. But they commonly are ambitious of contending with the cove
ple shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book .
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, h some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 And they that be * wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.
f Ex. 32:32,33. Ps. 69:28. Is. 4:3. Ez. 13:9. Luke 10:20. Phil. 4:3. Rev. 3:5. 13:8. 20: 12,15,
g Job 19:25-27. Is. 26:19. Ez. 37:1-4,12. Hos. 13:14. Matt. 22:29-32. John 11:23-26.1 Cor. 15:20-22,51-54. 1 Thes. 4:14. Rev. 20:12.
h Matt. 25:46. John 5:28,29. Acts 24:15.
i Is. 66:24. Jer. 20:11. k 11:33,35. Prov. 11:30. Matt. 24:45. 1 Cor. 3:10. 2 Pet. 3:15 *Or, teachers. Acts 13:1. Eph. 4:11. Heb. 5:12.
1 Prov. 4:18. Matt. 13:43. 19: 28. 1 Cor. 15:40,41, 1 Thes. 2:19,20. Rev. 1:20. m Jer. 23:22. Luke 1:16,17. John 4:36. Phil. 2:16,17. Jam. 5:19,20,
and the light of our paths, through this dark world to the glorious inheritance above.
NOTES.