Daniel 10

1. In the third year of Cyrus. See note on i. 21. This vision followed a fast of three weeks (see 2, 3), with which the prophet had begun the year, probably on account of the condition of his people, whose efforts to rebuild the Temple were for a time successfully opposed by their enemies: see Ezra iv. 5.

but the time appointed was long. Rather, as R.V., “even a great warfare”: see note on Job vii. 1. This perhaps means that the vision related to a severe conflict.

4. Hiddekel. The Tigris. Daniel had probably now ceased to reside at court, and taken up his abode among some of his people, near this river.

5 a certain man clothed in linen. See note on viii. 15. White linen was an emblem of purity (Rev. vii. 14; xix. 8), and was therefore appointed to be worn by the priests (Lev. vi. 10; Ezek. xliv. 17, 18). Hence the seven ministers of God’s punitive justice appear clothed in it (Rev. xv. 6).

fine gold of Uphaz. See note on Jer. x. 9; and compare with the whole description Rev. i. 13-16.

6 like the beryl. See note on Ezek. i. 16.

8 my comelliness was turned in me into corruption. The bright looks of health were changed for the paleness of death.

10 which set me upon my knees, etc. Rather, “which placed me tottering upon my knees and the palms of my hands.”

13 the prince of the kingdom of Persia. The interference of Michael, here called “one of the chief princes” and prince of Israel (21), and elsewhere “the archangel” (Jude 9), appears to lead to the conclusion that “the prince of Persia” and “the prince of Grecia” represent superhuman beings acting as patrons of those nations, and devoted to their particular interests.

one of the chief princes. That is, of the archangels. “Michael” (meaning, Who like God?) always appears as the leader and patron either of ancient Israel (as here and in ver. 21; xii. 1; Jude 9); or of the true Israel (as in Rev. xii. 7).

I remained there with the kings of Persia. Charles translates: “I left him alone there with the prince of the kings of Persia.”

14 in the latter days. This may mean, in future times.

touched my lips. See Isa. vi. 6, 7.

16 one like the similitude of the sons of men. An angel; as ver. 5, and again, ver. 18. There is thus in this vision a threefold angelic ministration. The angel appears now as a man, without majesty and that splendour which had appalled the prophet.

17 the servant of this my lord. That is, “I”; an expression of humility.

20 and now. As soon as he had made the promised discoveries, which occupy xi., xii.

the prince of Grecia shall come. The patron of “Javan,” or Greece (see viii. 21), will need the same vigilance, as he is not friendly to the interests of Israel (21).

21 and there is none that holdeth with me in these things. Rather, “and there is not one strengthening himself with me against these,” etc. This clearly teaches the prophet not to trust in the apparently favourable dispositions of princes or dynasties, but to look to God alone for the protection of His people.