aniel'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.
aniel's vision of the ram and the he-goat. (1-14) The
interpretation of it. (15-27)