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This chapter and the two next make one entire vision and prophecy,
given Daniel about two years after the former. This chapter is
introductory: the next has the prophecy itself, and the twelfth
chapter, the conclusion of it.
In this we have Daniel's solemn humiliation, ver. 1 - 3.
A glorious appearance of the Son of God, ver. 4 - 9.
The encouragement given him to expect a full discovery of future
events, ver. 10 - 25.
2: Was mourning - Because he foresaw the many calamities that
would befall the Jews for their sins, especially for destroying
the Messiah, and rejecting his gospel.
4: The first month - Nisan, which is March.
Hiddekel - Or Tigris.
5: A certain man - Very probably Christ, who appeared to
Daniel in royal and priestly robes, and in so great brightness
and majesty.
12: He - Not Christ, but Gabriel.
13: Withstood me - God suffered the wicked counsels of Cambyses
to take place awhile; but Daniel by his prayers, and the angel by
his power, overcame him at last: and this very thing laid a foundation
of the ruin of the Persian monarchies. Michael - Michael here is
commonly supposed to mean Christ. I remained - To counter - work
their designs against the people of God.
15: I set my face - I prostrated myself upon the earth.
And I became dumb - Thro' astonishment.
16: One like the sons of men - This likewise seems to have been
Gabriel. I have retained no strength - Tho' he appeared to him, and
spake to him as a man, yet Daniel could not bear his presence,
without some dread.
20: To fight - To oppose his mischievous designs.
21: Michael - Christ alone is the protector of his church, when all
the princes of the earth desert or oppose it.
