Daniel 7

Daniel seeth in a vision four beasts coming up out of the sea, vers.1. &c. And the Ancient of dayes delivering to the Son of man an everlasting kingdom, 9. Daniel receiveth the interpretation of this vision, 15 whereat he was sore troubled, 28.

1. In the first year of Belsazar king of Babel, [In this chapter is recorded the same prophecy concerning the four Monarchies, (but in another vision) which is realted in the second chapter] Daniel saw a dream, and visions of his head, upon his bed: [hitherto have been related the visions which the King of Babel had, which Daniel interpreted: now follow the visions that Daniel himself had] Then he wrote that dream, [that it might never be forgotten: for this was not revealed unto Daniel for himself onely, but for the edification and instruction of the whole Church] and he told [to wit, first unto the Jews, but to the use and benefit of the Church, both of the old and new Testament] the summe [Chald. the head] of the matters, [or of the words; to wit, which he had seen or heard in that vision]

2. Daniel answered and said, I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of the heaven brake forth upon the great sea. [That is, upon the earth, in this world. This vision is a type or figure of war, that namely, one kingdom should rise up against another, the one seeking to oppress and destroy the other, all which cometh to pass not by chance, but as God in his counsel hath decreed and ordered. The meaning is, that the world shall be like a raging sea, that should be troubled by divers windes beating one against another, as if all the clouds and windes should run together one against another, disturbing and setting all out of order. See Revel.17. vers.1,15.]

3. And there came up four great beasts [The four Monarchies are signified by the great beasts, vers.17. as also by the great image, chap.2. Great kingdoms or mornachies are compared to cruel beasts, because commonly great kingdoms commit great cruelty, by murdering, burning, plundering, and other cruelties and extremities. Compare Isa. chap.5.29.] from the sea, [That is, from the earth, in the world, which is great, wide, and broad, and never quiet, but alwayes, stirring, like the raging sea. There never happeneth alteration of kingdoms and countreys without great troubles and bloud-sheddings] different one from another. [Chald. that from that distinct; to wit, in the manner of government, and other things more; as this was also represented in the divers kindes of metals in the image that was shewed unto Nebuchadnezar, chap.2.]

4. The first was like a lion, [Hereby is typified the courage, valour, and greediness after prey of the Babylonian monarchy, especially of Nebuchadnezar the Great, whochap.2. is compared to a golden head, and chap.4. to a great tree. See this comparison also, Isa.5.29. and Jerem.4.7. Compare also Nahum chap.1. vers.6,7,8.] and it had eagles wings, [Hereby is represented Nebuchadnezars swiftness in war. See Isa.5.26. Jerem.4.13. and chap.48. on vers.40. and Ezek.17.3. Habak.1.8.] I beheld till his wings were pluckd off, [That is, the lands and cities, the power and glory of the kingdom were taken away from him by the Medes and Persians, as was foretold, Jerem.50.21. Others understand by the wings, the courage and valour of the Babylonians, that were wont to exceed all other nations in courage and valour] and it was lifted up from the earth, [That is, his power, dominion, and command (whereby it exalted it self above all other men) was taken away from him: for the Assyrians and the Chaldeans were not utterly cut off from the earth. Others, whereby it was lifted up from the earth] and set upon (his) feet as a man, [That is, like other men that had no dominion nor command over lands and men. That is, the Chaldeans, which before flew as it were high with eagles wings, and despised all other nations were fain afterward like other ordinary men to go upon the ground, yea to serve others, being no more like lions, but like other private persons, being bereaved of all their power] and a mans heart [That is, a base cowardly heart, like the heart of a poor timorous man, in stead of a bold undaunted lions heart] was given to it. [To wit, to the beast; that is, to the Chaldeans, and Babylonians, when they were now bare and without feathers. Xenophon testfieth, that Cores caused the Babylonians to lay down their arms, to till the ground, to pay tribute, and to honour and obey the Persians as their Lords, and to pay their garrisons their wages. Compare Jerem.52.30.]

5. Then behold, the other beast, [That is, another beast then the Chaldean, compared to a lion, ver.4. namely the Monarchy of the Persians, which immediately followed the Chaldean Monarchy: compared to silver, chap.2.32.] the second was like a bear, [hereby is represented the kingdom of the Persians, because they were cruel, savage, wild, horrible, and terrible, like bears of the forest, not of such an high and noble spirit as the lion, vers.4. See above chapter 39. But the Lord restrained their cruelty, in respect of his people] and set it self on one side, [that is, the Persian Empire begun first at one side of the world, to wit, in the East, being small at first, shut up between its own mountains, a nation that was not counted very great. Yet notwithstanding it swallowed up first the Medes, afterwards also the Babylonians, and made one dominion of all. Others, which set up one dominion] and it had three ribs in his mouth between his teeth: [that is, (according to the exposition of some) three great teeth like ribs. Some understand by these three ribs those nations that were subdue many nations by force of arms. Compare Isa.21.2. Eat much flesh; hereby is shewed the great cruelty and bloud thirtiness of the Persians, wherewith Thomyris, Queen of Scythia, upbraided King Cyrus, when she had conquered him in a pitcht battel, and had cut off his head, and put it into a tub full of mens bloud, and cryed with a loud voice, saliate thy self now with bloud, which thou hast so greedily thirsted after. Justin. lib.3. and Oros. Lib.2.]

6. After that I beheld [That is, there was shewed unto me in a vision] and lo, there was another (beast,) [namely, the monarchy of Alexander the Great, or the Macedonian, or Grecian Empire or Monarchy] like a leopard, [The leopard is crafty and swift, Je.5.6. Hos.13.7. Hab.1.8. So were King Alexander the Greats enterprises crafty and subtil: and he was swift and courageous in conquering countries and cities] and it had upon his back four wings of a fowl: [Hereby is also signified the swift progress of Alexander the Great. Compare chap.8.5. But some understand by the four wings upon the back of the beast, the four Princes that after Alexanders death, divided his kingdoms among themselves, below chap.8.8.] the same beast had also four heads, [these four heads signifie also the dividing of Alexanders monarchy among four principal Lords, or heads of his army, who after they had long sought one with another for the dominions, at length they divided the same among themselves, so that Seleucuc had for his share Great Asia, Antigonus little Asis, Cassander (whom Antipater succeeded) became King of Macedoni, Ptolomy the son of Lagus had Egypt for his share] and dominion was given him. [To wit, dominion was given of God unto Alexander the Great, so that with small armies he conquered exceeding great ones]

7. After that I saw in the night-visions, and behold, the fourth beast [Some understand here by the fourth beast, the monarchy of the Romans, and apply thereunto all that is said inthis chapter of the fourth beast. But others interpret it of the kingdome of the Seleucides and Lagides, that divided the kingdoms of Alexander the Great among themselves, and kept them so for many years, they and their posterity, who most grievously plagued the Jews, as we may read in the history of the Machabees] was terrible and cruel, [In that it caused great terror and distress, damage and destruction to all nations found about, which is true both of the Romanes and of the Seleucides, especially of Antiochus Epiphanes] and very strong: and it had great iron teeth, [That is, great armies, and mighty commanders, together with all manner of warlike instruments and furniture. See above chap.2.40. there it is called hard like iron] it did eat, and bruise, and trod down the residue with his feet [the meaning is, those whom it did not utterly devour and tear in pieces, those it hurt exceedingly, and brought them under his feet, and made them bond-men] and it was diverse from all beasts that had been before it: [It could not, by reason of his cruelty and monstrousness, be compared either with the former, or any other beast, therefore the Prophet giveth it here no name. They that apply this to the Roman Empire understand the word diverse, of the divers manners wherein the Roman Empire hath been governed; as first by Kings, after that by Consuls, after that by Decem-viri, after that again by Consuls: and last of all by Ceasars, or Emperours] and it had ten horns. [Some that understand this of the Roman Empire, take ten for many, as Genes.31.41. Others understand punctually ten Kings, or kingdoms, or provinces, because the Roman Empire hath had divers Kings, and also subdued divers kingdoms under it : Or, (as some) because the Roman Empire was afterward divided into divers particular kingdoms. Others apply it to the Seleucides, and mention ten Kings (partly of the Lagides and partly of the Seleucides) that succeeded one another, and grievously plagued the Jewish Church. They were justly compared to horns; for as horned beasts push and hurt other beasts and men with their horns: so have also those Kings done much hurt to many men, especially to the Church of God]

8. I gave heed to the horns, [So should we likewise diligently heed and consider these prophecies, that we may rightly understand them. Compare Mat.24.15.] and behold, (there) came up between them another little horn, [Others, the last horn which was little. Many understand by this little horn the Romish Antichrist, who by the division of the Roman Empire came up from small beginnings, and hath done all that is foretold here, and below vers.24,25. Others understand Antiochus Epiphanes, who was the meanest among those horns, that is, those Kings. See below chap.11. vers.2, Some understand the Turk, &c.] and three of the former horns were plucked up before it; and behold, in that horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, [Understand this thus, that is signified by his horn, knew how (as touching the outward appearance) to behave himself very civilly and courteously, but was in deed an hypocritical wretch] and a mouth speaking great things. [Blasphemous and reproachful speeches against God and his holy Church. See below vers.25.]

9. (This) I saw, till there were thrones set, [That is, till the time was come that God did sit in judgement (as followeth) upon those tyrants; punished them, and delivered his people from their tyranny. Others, till they (to wit, the Angels) did cast down the thrones, to wit, of the Kings of the earth. Others take it in this sense: Till those Kings leaving their thrones, or Royal seats, gave way to God, when God was coming to judgement, to set up his throne above all others] and the Ancient of dayes [This is a description of the everlasting true God, who was before all eternity, and shall be unto all eternity. So also vers.13, and 22.] did set himself (down,) whose garment was white like the snow, [kings and Princes did wear in former times white garments. See Genes.41.42. and Esth.8.15. So that it here signifieth the Majesty of God] and the hair of his head like pure wooll: [Representing the purity of God. Compare Psal.51.6. Rom.3.4.] his throne wwas sparks of fire, [Representing the wrath, and severe judgement of God. For as fire unto the wicked] his wheels a burning fire. [To speak properly, God hath neither throne, nor seat, neither is he drawn forward by wheels, but it hath pleased him to manifest himself unto his Prophets in sundry forms, to give them some evidence of his presence]

10. A fiery river [Or, a river of fire] flowed, and came forth from before him, [Or, from his presence; to wit, from the presence of the judge that sat upon the throne. This fiery river signifieth the greatness and severity of Gods judgements, to overwhelm and consume all enemies speedily and violently. As no man can stop up to hinder the course of the rivers, but men must suffer them to have their free passage, and to run their course: so no creature is so strong as that he should be able to restrain or hinder Gods judgements. Compare Psal.50.3. and 97.3] thousand times thousands ministred unto him, [Compare 2 Kings 6:17. Psal.34.8. and 68.18. Mat.86.53. Heb.12.22. Revel.5.11. A certain number is put for an innumerable multitude] and ten thousand times ten thousands [This number is an hundred times greater then the former. The number of the Angels is innumerable unto us, Heb.12.22.] stood before him: Waiting upon his service. See Psal.103.20.] the judgement [That is, the Judges; to wit, the holy Angels. See above chap.4. on vers.17. Understand also the faithful with their head Christ. See below on vers.22. and Psal.50. on vers.6.] set it self, and the books were opened. [That is, all things were narrowly examined, what could be alledged either for accusing or excusing that from thence might he gathered what those persecuters had done to the people of God, to frame a sentence or judgement there from: spoken after the manner of men. See Psal.139.16. Rev.20.12. Some understand here by the books, every mans conscience]

11. Then I beheld, [That is, my thoughts were yet musing upon that vision which was shewed unto me] because of the voice of the great words which thathorn spake: [that is, because of the horrible blasphemies and reproches which he should utter against God and his Church] I beheld till that beast was slain. [That is, till the power of these Kings, together with their kingdoms, was brought to nothing] and his body destroyed, [That is, till the kingdom of these Kings was no more a kingdom] and delivered to be burnt by fire. [Chald. to the burning of fire]

12. Concerning also the remaining beasts, they take away their dominion, [That is, the remnants of the afore-mentioned three kingdoms are also decayed with this forth kingdom in vers.11. mention was made of the ruine of the fourth kingdom, in this verse the Prophet speaketh of the ruine of the remnant of the other kingdoms] for lengthening of life was given them [to wit, of God] until a time and season. [See above chap.2. on vers.21. This is the reason why those kingdoms perished not before.

13. (Moreover) I saw in the night-visions, [By this repetition Daniel sheweth that he gave diligent heed to that which God revealeth unto him] and behold, there came one like the Son of man [Hereby was represented the Messias, or Christ, as Revel.1.13. that was to come, appear in the flesh, but was not yet come, appeared. See Galat.4.4. And observe that here a word is used in the Chaldee text, which signifieth a frail and weak man, signifying that Christ should take upon him our humane nature, with all its infirmities, sin onely excepted] in the clouds of heaven, [That after he should have finished the mystery of our salvation, he might be taken up into heaven to his Father, and sit at his right hand, to rule; and to judge both the quick and the dead] and he came to the Ancient of dayes, [Or, after that he came, &c. the meaning is, that Christ having finished the work of our redemption, ascended into heaven to his heavenly father. Compare herewith, Job.16. vers.16,28. and Acts 1:9.] and they [to wit, the holy Angels of God] caused him to come near before him. [To wit, to sit at the right hand of his father, and to receive of him honour glory, and dominion over all that may be named, as is said, vers.14. See also Acts.2.34,36. Eph.1.20. Phil.2.9.]

14. And (there) was given him dominion and honour, [To wit, unto Christ (as Mediatour) there wa given of the father, dominion, &c. Compare this with Matth.28.18. Acts 2:33, 34, 36. Heb.1.3,4.] and the kingdom: [Not a worldy kingdom, to reign in bodily presence upon earth; but a spiritual kingdom, to rule in the midst of his enemies, as well by the powerful preaching of the Gospel in the hearts of the elect, as by forcing and restraining of the reprobate, that persecute the elect that prosess Christ. Compare Psal.110.] that all people, nations, and tongues should honour him: [Not every particular person or individual; but of all people, nations, and tongues thorowout the whole world; a great multitude; and as for his enemies, he will be glorified upon them by their just punishment. In this respect there doth belong unto Christ, yea to Christ alone, and to no creatures, the title of King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Compare Psal.2.8. eph.1,21,22. Phil.2. ver.9,10,11. Revel.19.16] his dominion is an everlasting dominion, [Compare above chap.2.44. Luke 1:33.] which shall not perish, [Or, which shall not be taken away] and his kingdom shall not be destroyed. [For though it may be here on earth set upon and assaulted by its enemies, yet it can never be utterly wasted and destroyed, but it shall abide for ever]

15. Unto me Daniel was my spirit [Or, As for me Daniel, my spirit was, &c.] thrust thorow [Or, bored thorow, pierced thorow, digged thorow, as if my spirit had been shot thorow; namely, forasmuch as I knew not what this vision meant. Others, troubled, disquieted] in the midst of (my) body, [Chald. of the sheath, because the soul of man is covered and hid in his body, as a sword in the sheath] and the visions of mine head made me afraid.

16. I came near unto one of them that stood by, [To wit, unto one of the Angels, whereof there were many thousands that stood before the Lord, to minister unto him, above vers.10.] and required of him the assurance [or the certainty; that I, the right meaning, the true confirmation] concerning all this: and he told it to me, and shewed me the interpretation of these things. [This Christ promiseth unto all that ask him, Matth. chap.7. ver.7.8. Chald. of these words; that is, of the things shewed me in that vision]

17. These great beasts, which are four, are [That is, signifie, or are types] four Kings, [that is, four kingdoms, or Monarchies. See above vers.3.] (which) shall arise [One of them, namely the Monarchy of the Chaldeans was risen already; so that when the Prophet saith, that they shall arise, he saith it in respect of the other three kingdoms] out of the earth. [vers.3. he saith, out of the sea. See the Annotat. there]

18. But the saints of the high (places) [That is, those that are ordained by God to the taking and possessing of the high places, that is, of the heavens, which they in due time shall take and possess. So that this is a description of the Church, which is a congregation of saints, pertaining to the high places, that is, to eternal life. Others, the saints of the most high shall, &c. Compare Revel.1.6. and 5.10.] shall receive that kingdom, [To wit, that everlasting kingdom, vers.14.] and they shall possess the kingdom for ever, yea for ever and ever. [The holy and spiritual kingdom of Christ upon earth shall not so soon cease, but there shall immediately follow there upon the everlasting, glorious, and celestial kingdom of Christ in heaven]

19. Then I wished for the truth of the fourth beast, [That is, then I was desirous to know the truth of the fourth beast, that is, concerning the fourth beast] which was divers from all the others, [to wit, from the other three, as vers.23. See further for exposition of this 19. verse the Annotat. above ver.7.] very horrible, whose teeth were of iron, and his claws of copper, it did eat, it brake in pieces, and trod upon the residue with his feet.

20. And concerning the ten horns that were upon his head, [Understand withal, I desired to know the truth] and the other which came up, and before which three were fallen off, namely that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake great things, and whose look [Or, countenance] was greater then of his fellows. [That is, then of the other horns, that is, Kings. Hereby is signified, that the Romish Antichrist, or (as others) Antiochus Epiphanes, should exceed the other Kings in power and excellency, though their beginning was mean, as coming illegally to the kingdom; wherefore it is called a little horn, vers.8.]

21. I had seen, that the same horn waged war [Chald. made war] against the saints, [That is, against the people of God] and that it prevailed against them. [What sore persecutions and afflictions the Church hath suffereth and still suffereth from the Romish antichrist, is well enough known. In like manner did Antiochus Epiphanes, and other Asian Kings, of whom others understand this, unto the Church of the Jews. The people of God were in the land of Juda, as also those famous Churches in Asia and in Africa, brought so low, as that there seemed to be an utter ruine and destruction of the Church of God, and no hope more of ever recovering it self again: but this lasted but a short time. In this 21. verse, and in the next verse following, Daniel giveth a reason why he was so desirous to know the quality and condition of this beast, and his actions, namely because the Church from that time forward should be cruelly plagued, until the Church of God should be delivered from her enemies]

22. Until the Ancient of dayes [See above vers.9.] came, [To help and succor his Church. This was principally done after the preaching of the Gospel, when the Church began to get her head above water after many grievous persecutions] and judgement was given to the saints of the high (palaces:) [See above vers.18. To wit, in their head Christ, in which respect the saints are said to be Judges of the world, approving and commending the judgement of Christ. See Matth.19.28. and I Cor.6.2,3.] and the appointed time came, that the saints possessed the kingdom. [That is, that they had gotten a name in the world, forasmuch as the kingdom of Christ was grown famous in his saints]

23. He [That is, the Angel whom I had intreated to expound those visions unto me, vers.16.] said thus, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, [See above on vers.8.] which shall be diverse from all those kingdoms: [See above vers.7.] and it shall eat up the whole earth, [That is, the chiefest part of the kingdom; understanding this of the Romish kingdom. Others, the whole land; to wit, the whole land of Juda, interpreting this of the Seleucides: Compare vers.21, and 25. and understand here by the land, or earth, the inhabitants, that should be devoured, and as it were eaten up] and it shall tread it down, [Or, thresh it] and it shall break it in pieces.

24. Now concerning the ten horns; out of that kingdom shall ten Kings arise, [See vers.7.] and another [To wit, the Romish Antichrist, or (as others) Antiochus epiphanies, the last of those ten] shall rise after them: [To wit, after those Kings, or horns] and that [to wit, horn, or King; and so in the sequel] shall be diverse from the former; and it shall humble three Kings: [See above on vers.8.]

25. And it shall speak words against the most High, and it shall destroy [Or, wear out, or, wear away; that is, cause to grow old, and perish, as garments wear out through age] the saints of the most high (places) [As above vers.18, and 22. It, to wit, that horn: Or, he shall, to wit, Antichrist; or, (as others) Antiochus Epiphanes; who should not onely blaspheme God, but be also cruel persecutors of the people of God. See Dan. chap.11.] and it shall intend to change the times [or, he shall undertake to change, or, it shall think to change, &c. The meaning is, it shall be so presumptuous, that it shall purpose, or hope, (and shall be confident of it) to change the times, &c. Some understand here by the times, the Sabbath, and the other feast-dayes of the Jews, as Pentecost, the feast of Tabernacles, and of the new moons, &c. See I Machab.1.47. others, the account of years, which should be changed by the Roma Empire: which was done first by Julius Caesar, and after by Pope Gregory the thirteenth, to shew thereby his power over all Christendom] and the law, [to throw down all the laws and ceremonies of Moses, to abolish all religion and service of God for to bring in heathenish idolatry, if this ne understood of Antiochus: Or, understand the laws of God in general, if it be applied unto Antichrist] and they shall be delivered into his hand [They, to wit, the saints, that he may slay them: Or, the times, and the law, to change them, according to his pleasure, own imagination] until a time, and times, and a part of a time. [Some understand hereby, a year, two years, and half a year. Others, the time of three years and ten dayes. Some, one thousand two hundred and threescore years. Others by a time, four hundred and ninety years, to count from the building up of Temple again, to the destruction thereof: by times, one thousand four hundred and thirty three years, from the destruction of the Temple, to the discovery of Antichrist: by half a time, one hundred ninety and one years, from the time of the discovery of Antichrist, till his destruction. Others have other accounts. Compare below chap.12.7. and Revel.12.14. For these words, part of time, is said for expositions sake, chap.11. vers.7. half a time. Others, a part of the appointed time]

26. After that the judgement shall sit, [See above vers.9, 10, 22.] and they shall take away his dominion, [Or, they shall take away the dominion from him, or from them, to wit, from the Romans, or (as others) from the Seleucides. To wit, those shall do it whom God shall appoint to be executioners of his judgement] consuming and destroying him, [that is, he with his adherents shall be deposed from the kingdom, and be driven away. Others, so that it, to wit, the dominion, shall be taken away] unto the end. [That is, his kingdom, and his adherents shall at last be utterly destroyed, and be quite brought to nothing, and shall never rise again]

27. But the kingdom, and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven [That is, in the whole world, after that the Gospel should be preached unto all creatures, Mark 16:15.] shall be given to the people of the saints of the high (places,) [See above vers.18. The kingdom of Christ, set up by the preaching of the Gospel, shall reign in the hearts of the godly in all nations. This kingdom doth indeed properly belong to Christ, but to believers by gracious participation. See I Cor.1.9. This is here set down for the comfort of the godly, to put them in mind howsoeverthings are carried in the world, that God alwaies taketh care of his Church, and will give unto his people in the end a blessed issue. For to speak of the state and condition of Monarchies, could bring but little comfort to the godly, unless they also knew that God was in like manner taking care for them. See Isa.35. 3,4.] whose kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, [It shall have no end, but it shall endure for ever] and all dominions [that is, some of all sorts, or of all kinds of Lords, and Lordships or dominions, whom he shall choose for that purpose. So we find all manner of, or all kinds of, I Tim.2.4. and elsewhere besides] shall honour and obey him. [To wit, the Lord Christ]

28. Hitherto is the end of this speech: [That is, here is the end of these words, this is that which the Angel revealed unto me concerning the estate of the Church] As for me Daniel, my thoughts made me sore afraid; [That is, I was sore troubled in my self, namely when I considered the grievous persecutions that hung over the head of Gods Church] and my brightness [Chald. my brightnesses; to wit, all the brightness or beautiful countenance of my face] changed in me, [the meaning is, I grew wan and pale in my face. See above chap.5. vers.6.] but I kept that word in mine heart. [To wit, to communicate it faithfully unto the Church of God. Hitherto, to wit, from the 4. verse of the second Chapter, hath Daniel used the Chaldee language, because the above related Prophecies did also concern the Chaldeans, or Babylonians: But from this place to the end of the Book, doth he make use of the Hebrew again, forasmuch as it so pleased the Holy Ghost]