1Daniel's vision of the four beasts, 9and of God's kingdom. 15The interpretation thereof.
1IN1 the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel 2had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he 3wrote the dream, and 4told 5the sum 6of the matters.
1 In this chapter is recorded the same prophecy concerning the four monarchies (but in another vision) which has been presented in the second chapter.
2 Thus far have been related the visions, which the kings of Babel have had, which Daniel has interpreted. Now follow the visions that Daniel had himself.
3 In order that it would never be forgotten, for, this was not revealed unto Daniel for himself only, but for the edification and instruction of the entire church.
4 Namely, first unto the Jews, but to the use and benefit of the church, both of the Old and New Testament.
5 Chald. the head.
6 Or, of the words, namely, which he had seen or heard in that vision.
2Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, 7the four winds of the heaven strove 8upon the great sea.
7 This vision is a type or figure of war, that namely, one kingdom would rise up against another, the one seeking to oppress and destroy the other, all which comes to pass not by chance, but as God the Lord in His counsel had decreed and ordered.
8 That is, upon the earth, in this world. The meaning is, that the world shall be like a raging sea, that would be troubled by several winds (beating one against another), as if all the clouds and winds would run together one against another, disturbing and setting all out of order. See Rev. 17:1, 15.
3And 9four great beasts came up 10from the sea, 11diverse 12one from another.
9 The four monarchies are signified by the great beasts, verse 17, as also by the great image, Daniel 2. Great kingdoms or monarchies are compared to cruel beasts, because commonly great kingdoms commit great cruelty, by murdering, burning, plundering and other cruelties and extremities. Compare Isa. 5:29.
10 That is, from the earth, in the world, which is great, wide and broad, and never quiet, but always stirring, like the raging sea. There never happens a change of kingdoms and countries without great troubles and shedding of blood.
11 Namely, in the manner of government, and other things more, as this was also represented in the different kinds of metals in the image that was shown unto Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel 2.
12 Chald. that from that.
4The first was 13like a lion, and 14had eagle’s wings: I beheld till 15the wings thereof were plucked, and 16it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand 17upon the feet 18as a man, and 19a man’s heart was 20given 21to it.
13 Hereby is typified the courage, valor and greediness after prey of the Babylonian monarchies, especially of Nebuchadnezzar the Great, who in Daniel 2 is compared to a golden head, and in Daniel 4 to a great tree. See this comparison also in Isa. 5:29; Jer. 4:7. Compare also Nah. 2:11, 12.
14 Hereby is represented Nebuchadnezzar’s swiftness in war. See Isa. 5:26; Jer. 4:13; Jer. 48 on verse 40; Ezek. 17:3; Hab. 1:8.
15 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, Jer. 50:21. Others understand by the wings, the courage and valor of the Babylonians, who were wont to exceed all other nations in courage and valor.
16 That is, his power, dominion and jurisdiction (whereby it exalted itself above all other men) was taken away from him; for, the Assyrians and the Chaldeans were not utterly cut off from the earth. Other, whereby it was lifted up from the earth.
17 That is, the Chaldeans, who before flew as with eagles’ wings high in the sky and despised all other nations, were to go upon the ground as other ordinary men, yea, serve others, being no more like lions, but like other private persons, being bereaved of all their power.
18 That is, like other men, who had no dominion or jurisdiction over lands and people.
19 That is, a base cowardly heart, like the heart of a poor timorous man, instead of a bold undaunted lion’s heart. Xenophon testifies that Cyrus caused the Babylonians to lay down their arms, to till the ground, to pay tribute and to honor and obey the Persians as their lords, and to pay their garrisons their wages. Compare Jer. 51:30.
20 Namely, from God.
21 Namely, to the beast, that is, to the Chaldeans and Babylonians when they were now bare and without feathers.
5And behold 22another beast, a second, like to 23a bear, and 24it raised up itself on one side, and it had 25three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and 26they said thus unto it, Arise, 27devour much flesh.
22 That is, another beast than the Chaldeans, compared to a lion, verse 4, namely, the monarchy of the Persians, which immediately followed the Chaldean monarchy; compared to silver, Dan. 2:32.
23 Hereby is represented the kingdom of the Persians, because they were cruel, ferocious, wild, horrible and terrible, like bears in the forest, not of such an high and noble spirit as the lion, verse 4. See Dan. 2:39. But the Lord restrained their cruelty in respect of His people.
24 That is, the Persian Empire began at one side of the world first, namely, 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. Other, which set up one dominion.
25 That is, according to the exposition of some, three great teeth, as ribs. Some understand by these three ribs those nations that were subdued by the Persians in the west, north and south, Dan. 8:4, which they as it were rent and devoured by their great army. Some conceive that by these three ribs are signified the exceeding great cruelty of this beast, namely, of the Persian monarchy.
26 The meaning is, that God, by His secret counsel stirred up and moved the Persians thereto, that they would conquer and subdue many nations by force of arms. Compare Isa. 21:2. Or, one said. Chald. and they said, namely, the angels, by the command of God.
27 Hereby is shown the great cruelty and bloodthirstiness of the Persians, wherewith Thomyris, queen of Scythia, upbraided king Cyrus, when she had conquered him in a pitched battle, and had cut off his head, and put it into a tub full of men’s blood, and cried with a loud voice: Satiate thyself now with blood, which thou hast so greedily thirsted after. Justin, lib. 3, and Orosius, lib. 2.
6After this I 28beheld, and lo 29another, like 30a leopard, which had upon the back of it 31four wings of a fowl; the beast had also 32four heads; and dominion was given to 33it.
28 That is, this was shown to me in a vision.
29 Namely, the monarchy of Alexander the Great, or, the Macedonian or Grecian Empire or Monarchy.
30 The leopard is crafty and swift, Jer. 5:6; Hosea 13:7; Hab. 1:8. Thus were the enterprises of king Alexander the Great crafty and subtle, and he was swift and courageous in conquering countries and cities.
31 Hereby is also signified the swift progress of Alexander the Great. Compare Dan. 8:5. Yet some understand by the four wings upon the back of the beast the four princes who after the death of Alexander divided his kingdoms among themselves, Dan. 8:8.
32 These four heads signify also the dividing of Alexander’s monarchy among four principal lords, or heads of his army, who, after they had fought long one with another for the dominions, divided at length the same among themselves, so that Seleucus had for his share Asia; Antigonus Asia-Minor; Cassander (whom succeeded Antipater) became king of Macedonia; Ptolemy, the son of Lagus, had Egypt for his share.
33 Namely, the dominion was given of God unto Alexander the Great, so that with small armies he conquered exceeding great ones.
7After this I saw in the night visions, and behold 34a fourth beast, 35dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had 36great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and 37stamped the residue with the feet of it: and 38it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had 39ten horns.
34 Some understand here by the fourth beast, the monarchy of the Romans, and apply thereunto all that is said in this chapter of the fourth beast. Yet others interpret it of the kingdom of the Seleucides and Lagides, who divided the kingdom 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 Maccabees.
35 In that it caused great terror and distress, damage and destruction to all nations round about, which is true both of the Romans and of the Seleucides, especially of Antiochus Epiphanes.
36 That is, great armies, and mighty commanders, together with all manner of warlike instruments and tools. See Dan. 2:40, there it is called strong as iron.
37 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 subservient.
38 It could not, by reason of his cruelty and monstrosity, be compared either with the former or any other beast; therefore the prophet gives it here no name. They, who apply this to the Roman Empire, understand the word diverse of the divers manners wherein the Roman Empire has been governed, as first by kings, after that by consuls, after that by decem-viri, after that again by consuls, and at last of all by caesars or emperors.
39 Some, who understand this of the Roman Empire, take ten for many, as Gen. 31:41. Others understand precisely ten kings, or kingdoms, or provinces, because the Roman Empire has had various kings, and also subdued several kingdoms under it; or, as some, because the Roman Empire was afterwards divided into different 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 or men with their horns, so have also those kings done much hurt to many men, especially to the church of God.
840I considered the horns, and, behold, 41there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, 42in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and 43a mouth speaking great things.
40 It is also for us to heed and consider diligently these prophecies in order that we may rightly understand them. Compare Mat. 24:15.
41 Other, 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 has done all that is foretold here, and in verses 24 and 25. Others, understand Antiochus Epiphanes, who was the least among those horns, that is, those kings. See Dan. 11:21. Some understand the Turk, etc.
42 Understand this as such: that he, who is signified by this horn, knew how (as touching the outward appearance) to behave himself very civilly and courteously, but was indeed an hypocritical villain.
43 Blasphemous and reproachful speeches against God and His holy church. See verse 25.
9¶I beheld 44till the thrones were cast down, and 45the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was 46white as snow, and the hair of his head 47like the pure wool: 48his throne was like 49the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
44 That is, till the time was come that God did sit in judgment upon those tyrants, and has punished them, and delivered His people from their tyranny. Other, till they (namely, the angels) did cast down the thrones (namely, 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 judgment to set up His throne above all others.
45 This is a description of the everlasting true God, Who was before all eternity, and is now, and shall be unto all eternity. Likewise also verses 13 and 22.
46 Kings and princes did wear in former times white garments. See Gen. 41:42; Esther 8:15. So that here it signifies the majesty of God.
47 Representing the purity of God. Compare Psalm 51:4; Rom. 3:4.
48 To speak properly, God has neither throne, nor seat, neither is He drawn forward by wheels, but it has pleased Him to manifest Himself unto His prophets in sundry forms, to give them some evidence of His presence.
49 Or, sparks of fire. Representing the wrath and severe judgment of God; for, as fire devours all things, so is God also a consuming fire unto the wicked.
1050A fiery stream issued and came forth 51from before him: 52thousand thousandsa ministered unto him, and 53ten thousand times ten thousand 54stood before him: 55the judgment was set, and 56the booksb were opened.
50 Or, A river of fire. This signifies the greatness and severity of God’s judgments, to overwhelm and consume all enemies speedily and violently. As no man can cut off or hinder the course of the rivers, but men must permit them to have their free passage, and to run their course, thus no creature is as strong as that he would be able to restrain or hinder God’s judgments. Compare Psalm 50:3; 97:3.
51 Or, from his presence, namely, from the presence of the Judge Who sat upon the throne.
52 Compare 2 Kings 6:17; Psalm 34:7; 68:17; Mat. 26:53; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11. A certain number is put for an innumerable multitude.
a Rev. 5:11.
53 This number is an hundred times greater than the former. The number of the angels is innumerable unto us. See Heb. 12:22.
54 Waiting upon His service. See Psalm 103:20.
55 That is, the judges, namely, the holy angels. See Dan. 4 on verse 17. Understand also the faithful with their Head Christ. See on verse 22; Psalm 50 on verse 6.
56 That is, all things were closely examined, what could be alleged either for accusing or excusing that from thence might be gathered what those persecutors had done to the people of God, to frame from it a sentence or judgment; spoken after the manner of men. See Psalm 139:16; Rev. 20:12. Some understand here by the books, every man’s conscience.
b Rev. 20:22.
1157I beheld then 58because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even 59till the beast was slain, and 60his body destroyed, and given 61to the burning flame.
57 That is, my thoughts were yet musing upon that vision which was shown unto me.
58 That is, on account of the horrible blasphemies and reproaches which he would utter against God and the church.
59 That is, until the power of these kings, together with their kingdoms, was reduced to nothing.
60 That is, until the kingdom of these kings was no more a kingdom.
61 Chald. to the burning of the fire.
1262As concerning the rest of the beasts, 63they had their dominion taken away: 64yet their lives were 65prolonged 66for a season and time.
62 In verse 11 mention was made of the ruin of the forth kingdom; in this verse the prophet speaks of the ruin of the remnant of the other kingdoms.
63 That is, the remnants of the aforementioned three kingdoms are also decayed with this fourth kingdom.
64 This is the reason why those kingdoms perished not before with the fourth kingdom.
65 Namely, of God.
66 See Dan. 2 on verse 21.
13 I 67saw in the night visions, and, behold, one 68like the Son of man 69came with the clouds of heaven, and 70came to the Ancient of days, and 71they brought him near before him.
67 By this repetition Daniel shows that he gave diligent heed to that which God revealed unto him.
68 Hereby was represented the Messiah, or Christ, as Rev. 1:13, Who would appear in the flesh, but was not yet appeared. See Gal. 4:4. And observe that here a word is used in the Chaldean text, which signifies a frail and weak man, signifying that Christ would take upon Him our human nature, with all its infirmities, only sin excepted.
69 That after He would have performed the mystery of our salvation, to 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.
70 Or, after that he came. The sense is, that Christ, having finished the work of redemption, ascended into heaven to His heavenly Father. Compare herewith John 16:16, 28; Acts 1:9.
71 Namely, the holy angels of God. Namely, to sit at the right hand of His Father, and to receive of Him honor, glory and dominion over all what may be named, as is said in verse 14. See also Acts 2:34, 36; Eph. 1:20; Philip. 2:9.
14And there was given 72him dominion, and glory, and 73a kingdom, that 74all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: hisc dominion is an everlasting dominion, 75which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which 76shall not be destroyed.
72 Namely, unto Christ, as Mediator, there was given of the Father, dominion, etc. Compare this with Mat. 28:18; Acts 2:33, 34, 36; Heb. 1:3, 4.
73 Not a worldly kingdom, to reign in bodily presence upon earth, but a spiritual Kingdom, in order that He rules in the midst of His enemies, as well by the powerful preaching of the Gospel in the hearts of the elect, as by restraining the reprobates, who persecute the elect who profess Christ. Compare Psalm 110.
74 Not every particular person or individual, but out of all people, nations and tongues throughout the entire world, a great multitude, and as for His enemies, He shall be glorified by the righteous punishment due to them. In this respect it belongs judicially unto Christ, yea to Christ alone and to no creatures, the title of King of kings and Lord of lords. Compare Psalm 2:8; Eph. 1:21, 22; Philip. 2:9, 10, 11; Rev. 19:16.
c Dan. 2:44; Luke 1:33.
75 Or, which shall not be taken away.
76 For though it may be here on earth attacked and assaulted by His enemies, yet it can never be utterly wasted and destroyed, for it shall abide forever.
15 ¶ 77I Daniel was 78grieved in my spirit in the midst 79of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
77 Or, As for me Daniel, my spirit was, etc.
78 Or, bored through, pierced through, dug through, as if my spirit had been shot through; namely, forasmuch as I knew not what this vision meant. Other, troubled, disquieted.
79 Chald. of the sheath, because the soul of man is covered and hid in his body, as a sword in the sheath.
16I came near 80unto one of them that stood by, and asked him 81the truth of all this. So he told me, and 82made me know the interpretation 83of the things.
80 Namely, unto one of the angels, whereof there were many thousands that stood before the Lord, to minister unto Him, verse 10.
81 Or, the certainty, that is, the right meaning, the true report.
82 This Christ promises unto all who ask Him, Mat. 7:7, 8.
83 Chald. of these words, that is, of the things shown me in those visions.
17These great beasts, which are four, 84are 85four kings, which shall 86arise 87out of the earth.
84 That is, signify, or, are types.
85 That is, four kingdoms, or monarchies. See verse 3.
86 One of them, namely the monarchy of the Chaldeans, was risen already, so that when the prophet says that they shall arise, he says it in respect of the other three kingdoms.
87 Verse 3 he says: out of the sea. See the annotation there.
18But the saints 88of the most High shall take 89the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
88 Or, of the high places; that is, those who 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 heights or to the high place, that is, eternal life. Other, the saints of the most high shall, etc. Compare Rev. 1:6; 5:10.
89 Namely, that everlasting Kingdom, verse 14; the holy and spiritual Kingdom of Christ upon earth shall not so soon cease, but there shall immediately follow thereupon the everlasting, glorious, and celestial Kingdom of Christ in heaven.
1990Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse 91from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
90 That is, then I was desirous to know the truth of the fourth beast, that is, concerning the fourth beast.
91 Namely, from the other three, as verse 23. See further for the exposition of this 19th verse the annotations in Dan. 7 on verse 7.
20And 92of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose 93look was 94more stout 95than his fellows.
92 Understand additionally: I desired to know the truth.
93 Or, countenance.
94 Hereby is signified that the Romish antichrist, or, as others, Antiochus Epiphanes, would exceed the other kings in power and grandeur, though their beginning was evil, as coming illegally to the kingdom; wherefore it is called a little horn, verse 8.
95 That is, than of the other horns, that is, kings.
2196I beheld, and the same horn 97made war 98with the saints, and 99prevailed against them;
96 In this 21st and in the following verse Daniel gives a reason why he was so desirous to know the opportunity of this beast, and his actions, namely, because the church from that time forward would be cruelly plagued until the church of God would be delivered from her enemies.
97 Or, waged war. Chald. made war.
98 That is, against the people of God.
99 What sore persecutions and afflictions the church has suffered and still suffers from the Romish antichrist, is well known. In like manner did Antiochus Epiphanes, and other Asian kings, of whom others understand this, unto the church of the Jews, or her. In the land of Judah, as also those famous churches in Asia and in Africa, God’s people were subdued as such that it would appear that it was entirely finished with the church of God, and that there was no hope anymore that they would be able to raise up their head again; nevertheless this lasted but a short time.
22Until the 100Ancient of days 101came, and 102judgment was given to 103the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed 104the kingdom.
100 See verse 9.
101 In order to help 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.
102 Namely, in Christ, their Head, in which respect the saints are said to be judges of the world, approving and commending the judgment of Christ. See Mat. 19:28; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3.
103 See verse 18.
104 That is, that they had received a name in the world, forasmuch as the kingdom of Christ has become famous in His saints.
23Thus 105he said, The fourth beast shall be 106the fourth kingdom upon earth, 107which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour 108the whole earth, and shall 109tread it down, and break it in pieces.
105 That is, the angel whom I had entreated to expound those visions unto me, verse 16.
106 See on verse 7.
107 See verse 7.
108 That is, the most important part of the kingdom, understanding this of the Roman Empire. Other, the whole land, namely, the entire land of the Jews, interpreting this of the Seleucides. Compare verses 21 and 25, and understand here by the land, or earth the inhabitants, who would be devoured, and as it were eaten up.
109 Or, thresh it.
24And the ten horns 110out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and 111another shall rise 112after them; and 113he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue 114three kings.
110 See verse 7.
111 Namely, the Romish antichrist, or (as others) Antiochus Epiphanes, the last of those ten.
112 Namely, after those kings or horns.
113 Namely, horn, or, that one, namely, king; and so in the sequel.
114 See on verse 8.
25And hed shall speak great words against the most High, and 115shall 116wear out the 117saints of the most High, and 118think to change 119times and 120laws: and 121they shall be given into his hand 122until a time and times and 123the dividing of time.
d Dan. 11:36; 1 Maccabees 1:46, etc.
115 Namely, that horn; or, he shall, namely, the antichrist; or, as others, Antiochus Epiphanes, who would not only blaspheme God, but also be cruel persecutors of the people of God. See Daniel 11.
116 Or, shall destroy, or, wear away, that is, cause to grow old and perish, as garments wear out through age.
117 As verses 18 and 22.
118 Or, he shall undertake to change, or, he shall think to change, etc. The sense is: He shall be so presumptuous, that he shall purpose or hope, (and shall be confident of it) to change the times, etc.
119 Some understand here by the times, the Sabbath, and the other feast-days of the Jews, as Pentecost, the feast of tabernacles, and of the new moons, etc. See 1 Maccabees 1:49. Others, the reckoning of years, which would be changed by the Roman Empire, which was done first by Julius Cæsar, and after by Pope Gregory the thirteenth, to show thereby his power over all Christendom.
120 To throw down all the laws and ceremonies of Moses, to abolish all religion and services of God to bring in pagan idolatry, if this be understood of Antiochus; or, understand the laws of God in general, if it be applied unto antichrist.
121 Namely, the saints, in order that he may slay them. Or the times and the law to change them, according to his good pleasure, own imagination.
122 Some understand hereby a year, two years and a half a year. Others, the time of three years and ten days. Some, one thousand two hundred and threescore years. Others by a time, four hundred and ninety years, to count from the building up of the 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 Dan. 12:7; Rev. 12:14.
123 For these words, part of time, is said for exposition’s sake, Dan. 12:7, half a time. Others, a part of the appointed time.
26But 124the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away 125his dominion, 126to consume and to destroy it 127unto the end.
124 See verses 9, 10 and 22.
125 Or, they shall take away the dominion from him, or from them, namely, from the Romans, or (as others) from the Seleucides; namely, those shall do it whom God shall appoint to be executioners of His judgment.
126 That is, he with his adherents shall be deposed from the kingdom, and be driven away. Other, so that it, namely, the dominion, shall be taken away.
127 That is, his kingdom, and his adherents shall at last be utterly destroyed, and be quite brought to nothing, and shall never rise again.
27128And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom 129under the whole heaven, shall be 130given to 131the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is 132an everlasting kingdom, and 133all dominions shall serve and obey 134him.
128 This is here set down for the comfort of the godly, to put them in mind howsoever things are carried on in the world, that God always takes 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.
129 That is, in the entire world, after that the Gospel would be preached unto all creatures, Mark 16:15.
130 The Kingdom of Christ, erected by the preaching of the Holy Gospel, shall be given or imparted unto the godly, namely, when Christ shall reign in the hearts of the godly in all nations. This Kingdom does indeed properly belong to Christ, but to believers by gracious impartation. See 1 Cor. 1:9.
131 See verse 18.
132 It shall have no end, but it shall endure forever.
133 That is, some of all kinds of lords and lordships or dominions, whom He shall choose for that purpose. So we find all for all manner of, or, all kinds of, 1 Tim. 2:4, and elsewhere besides.
134 Namely, the Lord Christ.
28135Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, 136my cogitations much troubled me, and 137my countenance changed in me: but 138I kept the matter in my heart.139
135 That is, here is the end of these words; this is that which the angel revealed unto me concerning the state of the church.
136 Or, my thoughts; that is, I was very troubled in myself, namely, when I considered the grievous persecutions which were hanging over the head of God’s church.
137 Chald. my brightness, namely, all the brightness or the beautiful countenance of my face. The meaning is: I became pale and frightened in my face. See Dan. 5:6.
138 Namely, to communicate it faithfully unto the church of God.
139 Hitherto, namely, from the 4th verse of the second chapter, Daniel has used the Chaldean language, because the above related prophecies did also concern the Chaldeans, or Babylonians; but from this place to the end of the book, he makes use of the Hebrew language again, forasmuch as it so pleased the Holy Spirit.