Daniel was of noble birth, if not one of the royal family of Judah. He was carried captive to Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiachin, B. C. 606, when a youth. He was there taught the learning of the Chaldeans, and held high offices, both under the Babylonian and Persian empires. He was persecuted for his religion, but was miraculously delivered; and lived to a great age, as he must have been about ninety-four years old at the time of the last of his visions. The book of Daniel is partly historical, relating various circumstances which befel himself and the Jews, at Babylon; but is chiefly prophetical, detailing visions and prophecies which foretell numerous important events relative to the four great empires of the world, the coming and death of the Messiah, the restoration of the Jews, and the conversion of the Gentiles. Though there are considerable difficulties in explaining the prophetical meaning of some passages in this book, we always find encouragement to faith and hope, examples worthy of imitation, and something to direct our thoughts to Christ Jesus upon the cross and on his glorious throne.
The captivity of Daniel and his companions. (1-7) Their refusal to eat the king's meat. (8-16) Their improvement in wisdom. (17-21)
@Verses 1-7 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, took Jerusalem, and carried whom and what he pleased away. From this first captivity, most think the seventy years are to be dated. It is the interest of princes to employ wise men; and it is their wisdom to find out and train up such. Nebuchadnezzar ordered that these chosen youths should be taught. All their Hebrew names had something of God in them; but to make them forget the God of their fathers, the Guide of their youth, the heathen gave them names that savoured of idolatry. It is painful to reflect how often public education tends to corrupt the principles and morals.
@Verses 8-16 The interest we think we make for ourselves, we must acknowledge to be God's gift. Daniel was still firm to his religion. Whatever they called him, he still held fast the spirit of an Israelite. These youths scrupled concerning the meat, lest it should be sinful. When God's people are in Babylon they need take special care that they partake not of her sins. It is much to the praise of young people, not to covet or seek the delights of sense. Those who would excel in wisdom and piety, must learn betimes to keep the body under. Daniel avoided defiling himself with sin; and we should more fear that than any outward trouble. It is easier to keep temptation at a distance, than to resist it when near. And we cannot better improve our interest in any with whom we have found favour, than to use it to keep us from sin. People will not believe the benefit of avoiding excess, and of a spare diet, nor how much they contribute to the health of the body, unless they try. Conscientious temperance will always do more, even for the comfort of this life, than sinful indulgence.
@Verses 17-21
Daniel and his fellows kept to their religion; and God
rewarded them with eminence in learning. Pious young persons
should endeavour to do better than their fellows in useful
things; not for the praise of man, but for the honour of the
gospel, and that they may be qualified for usefulness. And it is
well for a country, and for the honour of a prince, when he is
able to judge who are best fitted to serve him, and prefers them
on that account. Let young men steadily attend to this chapter;
and let all remember that God will honour those who honour him,
but those who despise him shall be lightly esteemed.
Nebuchadnezzar's dream. (1-13) It is revealed to Daniel.
(14-23) He obtains admission to the king. (24-30) The dream and
the interpretation. (31-45) Honours to Daniel and his friends.
(46-49)
@Verses 1-13
The greatest men are most open to cares and troubles of
mind, which disturb their repose in the night, while the sleep
of the labouring man is sweet and sound. We know not the
uneasiness of many who live in great pomp, and, as others vainly
think, in pleasure also. The king said that his learned men must
tell him the dream itself, or they should all be put to death as
deceivers. Men are more eager to ask as to future events, than
to learn the way of salvation or the path of duty; yet
foreknowledge of future events increases anxiety and trouble.
Those who deceived, by pretending to do what they could not do,
were sentenced to death, for not being able to do what they did
not pretend to.
@Verses 14-23
Daniel humbly prayed that God would discover to him the
king's dream, and the meaning of it. Praying friends are
valuable friends; and it well becomes the greatest and best men
to desire the prayers of others. Let us show that we value our
friends, and their prayers. They were particular in prayer. And
whatever we pray for, we can expect nothing but as the gift of
God's mercies. God gives us leave in prayer to tell our wants
and burdens. Their plea with God was, the peril they were in.
The mercy Daniel and his fellows prayed for, was bestowed. The
fervent prayers of righteous men avail much. Daniel was thankful
to God for making known that to him, which saved the lives of
himself and his fellows. How much more should we be thankful to
God, for making known the great salvation of the soul to those
who are not among the worldly wise and prudent!
@Verses 24-30
Daniel takes away the king's opinion of his magicians and
soothsayers. The insufficiency of creatures should drive us to
the all-sufficiency of the Creator. There is One who can do that
for us, and make known that to us, which none on earth can,
particularly the work of redemption, and the secret designs of
God's love to us therein. Daniel confirmed the king in his
opinion, that the dream was of great consequence, relating to
the affairs and changes of this lower world. Let those whom God
has highly favoured and honoured, lay aside all opinion of their
own wisdom and worthiness, that the Lord alone may be praised
for the good they have and do.
@Verses 31-45
This image represented the kingdoms of the earth, that
should successively rule the nations, and influence the affairs
of the Jewish church. 1. The head of gold signified the Chaldean
empire, then in being. 2. The breast and arms of silver
signified the empire of the Medes and Persians. 3. The belly and
thighs of brass signified the Grecian empire, founded by
Alexander. 4. The legs and feet of iron signified the Roman
empire. The Roman empire branched into ten kingdoms, as the toes
of these feet. Some were weak as clay, others strong as iron.
Endeavours have often been used to unite them, for strengthening
the empire, but in vain. The stone cut out without hands,
represented the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, which should
be set up in the kingdoms of the world, upon the ruins of
Satan's kingdom in them. This was the Stone which the builders
refused, because it was not cut out by their hands, but it is
become the head stone of the corner. Of the increase of Christ's
government and peace there shall be no end. The Lord shall
reign, not only to the end of time, but when time and days shall
be no more. As far as events have gone, the fulfilling this
prophetic vision has been most exact and undeniable; future ages
shall witness this Stone destroying the image, and filling the
whole earth.
@Verses 46-49
It is our business to direct attention to the Lord, as
the Author and Giver of every good gift. Many have thoughts of
the Divine power and majesty, who do not think of serving God
themselves. But all should strive, that God may be glorified,
and the best interests of mankind furthered.
Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. (1-7) Shadrach and his
companions refuse to worship it. (8-18) They are cast into a
furnace, but are miraculously preserved. (19-27) Nebuchadnezzar
gives glory to Jehovah. (28-30)
@Verses 1-7
In the height of the image, about thirty yards, probably is
included a pedestal, and most likely it was only covered with
plates of gold, not a solid mass of that precious metal. Pride
and bigotry cause men to require their subjects to follow their
religion, whether right or wrong, and when worldly interest
allures, and punishment overawes, few refuse. This is easy to
the careless, the sensual, and the infidel, who are the greatest
number; and most will go their ways. There is nothing so bad
which the careless world will not be drawn to by a concert of
music, or driven to by a fiery furnace. By such methods, false
worship has been set up and maintained.
@Verses 8-18
True devotion calms the spirit, quiets and softens it, but
superstition and devotion to false gods inflame men's passions.
The matter is put into a little compass, Turn, or burn. Proud
men are still ready to say, as Nebuchadnezzar, Who is the Lord,
that I should fear his power? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
did not hesitate whether they should comply or not. Life or
death were not to be considered. Those that would avoid sin,
must not parley with temptation when that to which we are
allured or affrighted is manifestly evil. Stand not to pause
about it, but say, as Christ did, Get thee behind me, Satan.
They did not contrive an evasive answer, when a direct answer
was expected. Those who make their duty their main care, need
not be anxious or fearful concerning the event. The faithful
servants of God find him able to control and overrule all the
powers armed against them. Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst. If He
be for us, we need not fear what man can do unto us. God will
deliver us, either from death or in death. They must obey God
rather than man; they must rather suffer than sin; and must not
do evil that good may come. Therefore none of these things moved
them. The saving them from sinful compliance, was as great a
miracle in the kingdom of grace, as the saving them out of the
fiery furnace was in the kingdom of nature. Fear of man and love
of the world, especially want of faith, make men yield to
temptation, while a firm persuasion of the truth will deliver
them from denying Christ, or being ashamed of him. We are to be
meek in our replies, but we must be decided that we will obey
God rather than man.
@Verses 19-27
Let Nebuchadnezzar heat his furnace as hot as he can, a
few minutes will finish the torment of those cast into it; but
hell-fire tortures, and yet does not kill. Those who worshipped
the beast and his image, have no rest, no pause, no moment free
from pain,
@revelation 14:10,11
. Now was fulfilled in the letter that
great promise,
@isaiah 43:2
, When thou walkest through the fire,
thou shalt not be burned. Leaving it to that God who preserved
them in the fire, to bring them out, they walked up and down in
the midst, supported and encouraged by the presence of the Son
of God. Those who suffer for Christ, have his presence in their
sufferings, even in the fiery furnace, and in the valley of the
shadow of death. Nebuchadnezzar owns them for servants of the
most high God; a God able to deliver them out of his hand. It is
our God only is the consuming fire,
@hebrews 12:29
. Could we but
see into the eternal world, we should behold the persecuted
believer safe from the malice of his foes, while they are
exposed to the wrath of God, and tormented in unquenchable
fires.
@Verses 28-30
What God did for these his servants, would help to keep
the Jews to their religion while in captivity, and to cure them
of idolatry. The miracle brought deep convictions on
Nebuchadnezzar. But no abiding change then took place in his
conduct. He who preserved these pious Jews in the fiery furnace,
is able to uphold us in the hour of temptation, and to keep us
from falling into sin.
Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the power of Jehovah. (1-18)
Daniel interprets his dream. (19-27) The fulfilment of it.
(28-37)
@Verses 1-18
The beginning and end of this chapter lead us to hope,
that Nebuchadnezzar was a monument of the power of Divine grace,
and of the riches of Divine mercy. After he was recovered from
his madness, he told to distant places, and wrote down for
future ages, how God had justly humbled and graciously restored
him. When a sinner comes to himself, he will promote the welfare
of others, by making known the wondrous mercy of God.
Nebuchadnezzar, before he related the Divine judgments upon him
for his pride, told the warnings he had in a dream or vision.
The meaning was explained to him. The person signified, was to
be put down from honour, and to be deprived of the use of his
reason seven years. This is surely the sorest of all temporal
judgments. Whatever outward affliction God is pleased to lay
upon us, we have cause to bear it patiently, and to be thankful
that he continues the use of our reason, and the peace of our
consciences. Yet if the Lord should see fit by such means to
keep a sinner from multiplying crimes, or a believer from
dishonouring his name, even the dreadful prevention would be far
preferable to the evil conduct. God has determined it, as a
righteous Judge, and the angels in heaven applaud. Not that the
great God needs the counsel or concurrence of the angels, but it
denotes the solemnity of this sentence. The demand is by the
word of the holy ones, God's suffering people: when the
oppressed cry to God, he will hear. Let us diligently seek
blessings which can never be taken from us, and especially
beware of pride and forgetfulness of God.
@Verses 19-27
Daniel was struck with amazement and terror at so heavy a
judgment coming upon so great a prince, and gives advice with
tenderness and respect. It is necessary, in repentance, that we
not only cease to do evil, but learn to do good. Though it might
not wholly prevent the judgment, yet the trouble may be longer
before it comes, or shorter when it does come. And everlasting
misery will be escaped by all who repent and turn to God.
@Verses 28-37
Pride and self-conceit are sins that beset great men.
They are apt to take that glory to themselves which is due to
God only. While the proud word was in the king's mouth, the
powerful word came from God. His understanding and his memory
were gone, and all the powers of the rational soul were broken.
How careful we ought to be, not to do any thing which may
provoke God to put us out of our senses! God resists the proud.
Nebuchadnezzar would be more than a man, but God justly makes
him less than a man. We may learn to believe concerning God,
that the most high God lives for ever, and that his kingdom is
like himself, everlasting, and universal. His power cannot be
resisted. When men are brought to honour God, by confession of
sin and acknowledging his sovereignty, then, and not till then,
they may expect that God will honour them; not only restore them
to the dignity they lost by the sin of the first Adam, but add
excellent majesty to them, from the righteousness and grace of
the Second Adam. Afflictions shall last no longer than till they
have done the work for which they were sent. There can be no
reasonable doubt that Nebuchadnezzar was a true penitent, and an
accepted believer. It is thought that he did not live more than
a year after his restoration. Thus the Lord knows how to abase
those that walk in pride, but gives grace and consolation to the
humble, broken-hearted sinner who calls upon Him.
Belshazzar's impious feast; the hand-writing on the wall.
(1-9) Daniel is sent for to interpret it. (10-17) Daniel warns
the king of his destruction. (18-31)
@Verses 1-9
Belshazzar bade defiance to the judgments of God. Most
historians consider that Cyrus then besieged Babylon. Security
and sensuality are sad proofs of approaching ruin. That mirth is
sinful indeed, which profanes sacred things; and what are many
of the songs used at modern feasts better than the praises sung
by the heathens to their gods! See how God struck terror upon
Belshazzar and his lords. God's written word is enough to put
the proudest, boldest sinner in a fright. What we see of God,
the part of the hand that writes in the book of the creatures,
and in the book of the Scriptures, should fill us with awful
thoughts concerning that part which we do not see. If this be
the finger of God, what is his arm when made bare? And what is
He? The king's guilty conscience told him that he had no reason
to expect any good news from heaven. God can, in a moment, make
the heart of the stoutest sinner to tremble; and there needs no
more than to let loose his own thoughts upon him; they will give
him trouble enough. No bodily pain can equal the inward agony
which sometimes seizes the sinner in the midst of mirth, carnal
pleasures, and worldly pomp. Sometimes terrors cause a man to
flee to Christ for pardon and peace; but many cry out for fear
of wrath, who are not humbled for their sins, and who seek
relief by lying vanities. The ignorance and uncertainty
concerning the Holy Scriptures, shown by many who call
themselves wise, only tend to drive sinners to despair, as the
ignorance of these wise men did.
@Verses 10-17
Daniel was forgotten at court; he lived privately, and
was then ninety years of age. Many consult servants of God on
curious questions, or to explain difficult subjects, but without
asking the way of salvation, or the path of duty. Daniel
slighted the offer of reward. He spoke to Belshazzar as to a
condemned criminal. We should despise all the gifts and rewards
this world can give, did we see, as we may by faith, its end
hastening on; but let us do our duty in the world, and do it all
the real service we can.
@Verses 18-31
Daniel reads Belshazzar's doom. He had not taken warning
by the judgments upon Nebuchadnezzar. And he had insulted God.
Sinners are pleased with gods that neither see, nor hear, nor
know; but they will be judged by One to whom all things are
open. Daniel reads the sentence written on the wall. All this
may well be applied to the doom of every sinner. At death, the
sinner's days are numbered and finished; after death is the
judgment, when he will be weighed in the balance, and found
wanting; and after judgment the sinner will be cut asunder, and
given as a prey to the devil and his angels. While these things
were passing in the palace, it is considered that the army of
Cyrus entered the city; and when Belshazzar was slain, a general
submission followed. Soon will every impenitent sinner find the
writing of God's word brought to pass upon him, whether he is
weighed in the balance of the law as a self-righteous Pharisee,
or in that of the gospel as a painted hypocrite.
The malice of Daniel's enemies. (1-5) His constancy in prayer.
(6-10) He is cast into the lion's den. (11-17) His miraculous
preservation. (18-24) The decree of Darius. (25-28)
@Verses 1-5
We notice to the glory of God, that though Daniel was now
very old, yet he was able for business, and had continued
faithful to his religion. It is for the glory of God, when those
who profess religion, conduct themselves so that their most
watchful enemies may find no occasion for blaming them, save
only in the matters of their God, in which they walk according
to their consciences.
@Verses 6-10
To forbid prayer for thirty days, is, for so long, to rob
God of all the tribute he has from man, and to rob man of all
the comfort he has in God. Does not every man's heart direct
him, when in want or distress, to call upon God? We could not
live a day without God; and can men live thirty days without
prayer? Yet it is to be feared that those who, without any
decree forbidding them, present no hearty, serious petitions to
God for more than thirty days together, are far more numerous
than those who serve him continually, with humble, thankful
hearts. Persecuting laws are always made on false pretences; but
it does not become Christians to make bitter complaints, or to
indulge in revilings. It is good to have hours for prayer.
Daniel prayed openly and avowedly; and though a man of vast
business, he did not think that would excuse him from daily
exercises of devotion. How inexcusable are those who have but
little to do in the world, yet will not do thus much for their
souls! In trying times we must take heed, lest, under pretence
of discretion, we are guilty of cowardice in the cause of God.
All who throw away their souls, as those certainly do that live
without prayer, even if it be to save their lives, at the end
will be found to be fools. Nor did Daniel only pray, and not
give thanks, cutting off some part of the service to make the
time of danger shorter; but he performed the whole. In a word,
the duty of prayer is founded upon the sufficiency of God as an
almighty Creator and Redeemer, and upon our wants as sinful
creatures. To Christ we must turn our eyes. Thither let the
Christian look, thither let him pray, in this land of his
captivity.
@Verses 11-17
It is no new thing for what is done faithfully, in
conscience toward God, to be misrepresented as done obstinately,
and in contempt of the civil powers. Through want of due
thought, we often do that which afterwards, like Darius, we see
cause a thousand times to wish undone again. Daniel, that
venerable man, is brought as the vilest of malefactors, and is
thrown into the den of lions, to be devoured, only for
worshipping his God. No doubt the placing the stone was ordered
by the providence of God, that the miracle of Daniel's
deliverance might appear more plain; and the king sealed it with
his own signet, probably lest Daniel's enemies should kill him.
Let us commit our lives and souls unto God, in well-doing. We
cannot place full confidence even in men whom we faithfully
serve; but believers may, in all cases, be sure of the Divine
favour and consolation.
@Verses 18-24
The best way to have a good night, is to keep a good
conscience. We are sure of what the king doubted, that the
servants of the living God have a Master well able to protect
them. See the power of God over the fiercest creatures, and
believe his power to restrain the roaring lion that goeth about
continually seeking to devour. Daniel was kept perfectly safe,
because he believed in his God. Those who boldly and cheerfully
trust in God to protect them in the way of duty, shall always
find him a present help. Thus the righteous is delivered out of
trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. The short triumph
of the wicked will end in their ruin.
@Verses 25-28
If we live in the fear of God, and walk according to that
rule, peace shall be upon us. The kingdom, the power, and the
glory, for ever, are the Lord's; but many are employed in making
known his wonderful works to others, who themselves remain
strangers to his saving grace. May we be doers, as well as
believers of his word, least at the last we should be found to
have deceived ourselves.
Daniel's vision of the four beasts. (1-8) and of Christ's
kingdom. (9-14) The interpretation. (15-28)
@Verses 1-8
This vision contains the same prophetic representations
with Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The great sea agitated by the
winds, represented the earth and the dwellers on it troubled by
ambitious princes and conquerors. The four beasts signified the
same four empires, as the four parts of Nebuchadnezzar's image.
Mighty conquerors are but instruments of God's vengeance on a
guilty world. The savage beast represents the hateful features
of their characters. But the dominion given to each has a limit;
their wrath shall be made to praise the Lord, and the remainder
of it he will restrain.
@Verses 9-14
These verses are for the comfort and support of the people
of God, in reference to the persecutions that would come upon
them. Many New Testament predictions of the judgment to come,
have plain allusion to this vision; especially
@revelation 20:11,12
.
The Messiah is here called the Son of man; he was made in the
likeness of sinful flesh, and was found in fashion as a man, but
he is the Son of God. The great event foretold in this passage,
is Christ's glorious coming, to destroy every antichristian
power, and to render his own kingdom universal upon earth. But
ere the solemn time arrives, for manifesting the glory of God to
all worlds in his dealings with his creatures, we may expect
that the doom of each of us will be determined at the hour of
our death; and before the end shall come, the Father will openly
give to his incarnate Son, our Mediator and Judge, the
inheritance of the nations as his willing subjects.
@Verses 15-28
It is desirable to obtain the right and full sense of
what we see and hear from God; and those that would know, must
ask by faithful and fervent prayer. The angel told Daniel
plainly. He especially desired to know respecting the little
horn, which made war with the saints, and prevailed against
them. Here is foretold the rage of papal Rome against true
Christians. St. John, in his visions and prophecies, which point
in the first place at Rome, has plain reference to these
visions. Daniel had a joyful prospect of the prevalence of God's
kingdom among men. This refers to the second coming of our
blessed Lord, when the saints shall triumph in the complete fall
of Satan's kingdom. The saints of the Most High shall possess
the kingdom for ever. Far be it from us to infer from hence,
that dominion is founded on grace. It promises that the gospel
kingdom shall be set up; a kingdom of light, holiness, and love;
a kingdom of grace, the privileges and comforts of which shall
be the earnest and first-fruits of the kingdom of glory. But the
full accomplishment will be in the everlasting happiness of the
saints, the kingdom that cannot be moved. The gathering together
the whole family of God will be a blessedness of Christ's
coming.
Daniel's vision of the ram and the he-goat. (1-14) The
interpretation of it. (15-27)
@Verses 1-14
God gives Daniel a foresight of the destruction of other
kingdoms, which in their day were as powerful as that of
Babylon. Could we foresee the changes that shall be when we are
gone, we should be less affected with changes in our own day.
The ram with two horns was the second empire, that of Media and
Persia. He saw this ram overcome by a he-goat. This was
Alexander the Great. Alexander, when about thirty-three years of
age, and in his full strength, died, and showed the vanity of
worldly pomp and power, and that they cannot make a man happy.
While men dispute, as in the case of Alexander, respecting the
death of some prosperous warrior, it is plain that the great
First Cause of all had no more of his plan for him to execute,
and therefore cut him off. Instead of that one great horn, there
came up four notable ones, Alexander's four chief captains. A
little horn became a great persecutor of the church and people
of God. It seems that the Mohammedan delusion is here pointed
out. It prospered, and at one time nearly destroyed the holy
religion God's right hand had planted. It is just with God to
deprive those of the privileges of his house who despise and
profane them; and to make those know the worth of ordinances by
the want of them, who would not know it by the enjoyment of
them. Daniel heard the time of this calamity limited and
determined; but not the time when it should come. If we would
know the mind of God, we must apply to Christ, in whom are hid
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; not hid from us, but
hid for us. There is much difficulty as to the precise time here
stated, but the end of it cannot be very distant. God will, for
his own glory, see to the cleansing of the church in due time.
Christ died to cleanse his church; and he will so cleanse it as
to present it blameless to himself.
@Verses 15-27
The eternal Son of God stood before the prophet in the
appearance of a man, and directed the angel Gabriel to explain
the vision. Daniel's fainting and astonishment at the prospect
of evils he saw coming on his people and the church, confirm the
opinion that long-continued calamities were foretold. The vision
being ended, a charge was given to Daniel to keep it private for
the present. He kept it to himself, and went on to do the duty
of his place. As long as we live in this world we must have
something to do in it; and even those whom God has most
honoured, must not think themselves above their business. Nor
must the pleasure of communion with God take us from the duties
of our callings, but we must in them abide with God. All who are
intrusted with public business must discharge their trust
uprightly; and, amidst all doubts and discouragements, they may,
if true believers, look forward to a happy issue. Thus should we
endeavour to compose our minds for attending to the duties to
which each is appointed, in the church and in the world.
Daniel considers the time of the captivity. (1-3) His
confession of sin, and prayer. (4-19) The revelation concerning
the coming of the Messiah. (20-27)
@Verses 1-3
Daniel learned from the books of the prophets, especially
from Jeremiah, that the desolation of Jerusalem would continue
seventy years, which were drawing to a close. God's promises are
to encourage our prayers, not to make them needless; and when we
see the performance of them approaching, we should more
earnestly plead them with God.
@Verses 4-19
In every prayer we must make confession, not only of the
sins we have been guilty of, but of our faith in God, and
dependence upon him, our sorrow for sin, and our resolutions
against it. It must be our confession, the language of our
convictions. Here is Daniel's humble, serious, devout address to
God; in which he gives glory to him as a God to be feared, and
as a God to be trusted. We should, in prayer, look both at God's
greatness and his goodness, his majesty and mercy. Here is a
penitent confession of sin, the cause of the troubles the people
for so many years groaned under. All who would find mercy must
thus confess their sins. Here is a self-abasing acknowledgment
of the righteousness of God; and it is evermore the way of true
penitents thus to justify God. Afflictions are sent to bring men
to turn from their sins, and to understand God's truth. Here is
a believing appeal to the mercy of God. It is a comfort that God
has been always ready to pardon sin. It is encouraging to
recollect that mercies belong to God, as it is convincing and
humbling to recollect that righteousness belongs to him. There
are abundant mercies in God, not only forgiveness, but
forgivenesses. Here are pleaded the reproach God's people was
under, and the ruins God's sanctuary was in. Sin is a reproach
to any people, especially to God's people. The desolations of
the sanctuary are grief to all the saints. Here is an earnest
request to God to restore the poor captive Jews to their former
enjoyments. O Lord, hearken and do. Not hearken and speak only,
but hearken and do; do that for us which none else can do; and
defer not. Here are several pleas and arguments to enforce the
petitions. Do it for the Lord Christ's sake; Christ is the Lord
of all. And for his sake God causes his face to shine upon
sinners when they repent, and turn to him. In all our prayers
this must be our plea, we must make mention of his
righteousness, even of his only. The humble, fervent, believing
earnestness of this prayer should ever be followed by us.
@Verses 20-27
An answer was immediately sent to Daniel's prayer, and it
is a very memorable one. We cannot now expect that God should
send answers to our prayers by angels, but if we pray with
fervency for that which God has promised, we may by faith take
the promise as an immediate answer to the prayer; for He is
faithful that has promised. Daniel had a far greater and more
glorious redemption discovered to him, which God would work out
for his church in the latter days. Those who would be acquainted
with Christ and his grace, must be much in prayer. The evening
offering was a type of the great sacrifice Christ was to offer
in the evening of the world: in virtue of that sacrifice
Daniel's prayer was accepted; and for the sake of that, this
glorious discovery of redeeming love was made to him. We have,
in verses
@24-27
, one of the most remarkable prophecies of
Christ, of his coming and his salvation. It shows that the Jews
are guilty of most obstinate unbelief, in expecting another
Messiah, so long after the time expressly fixed for his coming.
The seventy weeks mean a day for a year, or 490 years. About the
end of this period a sacrifice would be offered, making full
atonement for sin, and bringing in everlasting righteousness for
the complete justification of every believer. Then the Jews, in
the crucifixion of Jesus, would commit that crime by which the
measure of their guilt would be filled up, and troubles would
come upon their nation. All blessings bestowed on sinful man
come through Christ's atoning sacrifice, who suffered once for
sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.
Here is our way of access to the throne of grace, and of our
entrance to heaven. This seals the sum of prophecy, and confirms
the covenant with many; and while we rejoice in the blessings of
salvation, we should remember what they cost the Redeemer. How
can those escape who neglect so great salvation!
Daniel's vision near the river Hiddekel. (1-9) He is to expect
a discovery of future events. (10-21)
1-9. This chapter relates the beginning of Daniel's last
vision, which is continued to the end of the book. The time
would be long before all would be accomplished; and much of it
is not yet fulfilled. Christ appeared to Daniel in a glorious
form, and it should engage us to think highly and honourably of
him. Let us admire his condescension for us and our salvation.
There remained no strength in Daniel. The greatest and best of
men cannot bear the full discoveries of the Divine glory; for no
man can see it, and live; but glorified saints see Christ as he
is, and can bear the sight. How dreadful soever Christ may
appear to those under convictions of sin, there is enough in his
word to quiet their spirits.
@Verses 10-21
Whenever we enter into communion with God, it becomes us
to have a due sense of the infinite distance between us and the
holy God. How shall we, that are dust and ashes, speak to the
Lord of glory? Nothing is more likely, nothing more effectual to
revive the drooping spirits of the saints, than to be assured of
God's love to them. From the very first day we begin to look
toward God in a way of duty, he is ready to meet us in the way
of mercy. Thus ready is God to hear prayer. When the angel had
told the prophet of the things to come, he was to return, and
oppose the decrees of the Persian kings against the Jews. The
angels are employed as God's ministering servants,
@hebrews 1:14
.
Though much was done against the Jews by the kings of Persia,
God permitting it, much more mischief would have been done if
God had not prevented it. He would now more fully show what were
God's purposes, of which the prophecies form an outline; and we
are concerned to study what is written in these Scriptures of
truth, for they belong to our everlasting peace. While Satan and
his angels, and evil counsellors, excite princes to mischief
against the church, we may rejoice that Christ our Prince, and
all his mighty angels, act against our enemies; but we ought not
to expect many to favour us in this evil world. Yet the whole
counsel of God shall be established; and let each one pray, Lord
Jesus, be our righteousness now, and thou wilt be our
everlasting confidence, through life, in death, at the day of
judgment, and for evermore.
The vision of the Scriptures of truth.
@Verses 1-30
The angel shows Daniel the succession of the Persian and
Grecian empires. The kings of Egypt and Syria are noticed: Judea
was between their dominions, and affected by their contests.
From ver.
@5-30
, is generally considered to relate to the
events which came to pass during the continuance of these
governments; and from ver.
@21
, to relate to Antiochus
Epiphanes, who was a cruel and violent persecutor of the Jews.
See what decaying, perishing things worldly pomp and possessions
are, and the power by which they are gotten. God, in his
providence, sets up one, and pulls down another, as he pleases.
This world is full of wars and fightings, which come from men's
lusts. All changes and revolutions of states and kingdoms, and
every event, are plainly and perfectly foreseen by God. No word
of God shall fall to the ground; but what he has designed, what
he has declared, shall infallibly come to pass. While the
potsherds of the earth strive with each other, they prevail and
are prevailed against, deceive and are deceived; but those who
know God will trust in him, and he will enable them to stand
their ground, bear their cross, and maintain their conflict.
@Verses 31-45
The remainder of this prophecy is very difficult, and
commentators differ much respecting it. From Antiochus the
account seems to pass to antichrist. Reference seems to be made
to the Roman empire, the fourth monarchy, in its pagan, early
Christian, and papal states. The end of the Lord's anger against
his people approaches, as well as the end of his patience
towards his enemies. If we would escape the ruin of the infidel,
the idolater, the superstitious and cruel persecutor, as well as
that of the profane, let us make the oracles of God our standard
of truth and of duty, the foundation of our hope, and the light
of our paths through this dark world, to the glorious
inheritance above.
The conclusion of the vision of the Scriptures of truth. (1-4)
The times of the continuance of these events. (5-13)
1-4. Michael signifies, "Who is like God," and his name, with
the title of "the great Prince," points out the Divine Saviour.
Christ stood for the children of our people in their stead as a
sacrifice, bore the curse for them, to bear it from them. He
stands for them in pleading for them at the throne of grace. And
after the destruction of antichrist, the Lord Jesus shall stand
at the latter day upon the earth; and He shall appear for the
complete redemption of all his people. When God works
deliverance from persecution for them, it is as life from the
dead. When his gospel is preached, many who sleep in the dust,
both Jews and Gentiles, shall be awakened by it out of their
heathenism of Judaism. And in the end the multitude that sleep
in the dust shall awake; many shall arise to life, and many to
shame. There is glory reserved for all the saints in the future
state, for all that are wise, wise for their souls and eternity.
Those who turn many to righteousness, who turn sinners from the
errors of their ways, and help to save their souls from death,
@james 5:20
, will share in the glory of those they have helped to
heaven, which will add to their own glory.
@Verses 5-13
One of the angels asking how long it should be to the end
of these wonders, a solemn reply is made, that it would be for a
time, times, and a half, the period mentioned ch. 7:25, and in
the Revelation. It signifies 1260 prophetic days or years,
beginning from the time when the power of the holy people should
be scattered. The imposture of Mohammed, and the papal
usurpation, began about the same time; and these were a twofold
attack upon the church of God. But all will end well at last.
All opposing rule, principality, and power, shall be put down,
and holiness and love will triumph, and be in honour, to
eternity. The end, this end, shall come. What an amazing
prophecy is this, of so many varied events, and extending
through so many successive ages, even to the general
resurrection! Daniel must comfort himself with the pleasing
prospect of his own happiness in death, in judgment, and to
eternity. It is good for us all to think much of going away from
this world. That must be our way; but it is our comfort that we
shall not go till God calls us to another world, and till he has
done with us in this world; till he says, Go thou thy way, thou
hast done thy work, therefore now, go thy way, and leave it to
others to take thy place. It was a comfort to Daniel, and is a
comfort to all the saints, that whatever their lot is in the
days of their lives, they shall have a happy lot in the end of
the days. And it ought to be the great care and concern of every
one of us to secure this. Then we may well be content with our
present lot, and welcome the will of God. Believers are happy at
all times; they rest in God by faith now, and a rest is reserved
for them in heaven at last.
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
This document (last modified July 17, 1997) from Believerscafe.com
Sister Projects: Wikichristian | WikiMD
BelieversCafe is a large collection of christian articles with over 40,000 pages
Our sponsors: