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.
he vision of the Scriptures of truth.