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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Daniel 11:1-4

Here, 1. The angel Gabriel lets Daniel know the good service he has done to the Jewish nation (Dan. 11:1): ?In the first year of Darius the Mede, who destroyed Babylon and released the Jews out of that house of bondage, I stood a strength and fortress to him, that is, I was instrumental to protect him, and give him success in his ward, and, after he had conquered Babylon, to confirm him in his resolution to release the Jews,? which, it is likely, met with much opposition. Thus by the angel,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 11:1

Also I, in the first year of Darius the Mede ,.... These words more properly belong to the preceding chapter, and should have concluded that, and the "eleventh" chapter should have begun in the next verse; and they are not the words of Daniel, as Jerom and others; but of the angel telling Daniel, not only what he had been lately doing, and would do in the court of Persia for his people; but what he had done in the beginning of that monarchy, the very first year that Darius the Mede became... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 11:2

And now will I show thee the truth ,.... And nothing but the truth; what will most certainly come to pass, and may be depended on, even what is written in the book of God's decrees, "the Scripture of truth", and which would appear in Providence in later times; and this he proposed to deliver to him, not in figurative, dark, and obscure expressions, but clearly and plainly, in language easy to be understood: behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia ; which were Cyrus, who... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 11:1

In the first year of Darius the Mede - This is a continuation of the preceding discourse. Bp. Newton, who is ever judicious and instructing, remarks: It is the usual method of the Holy Spirit to make the latter prophecies explanatory of the former; and thus revelation "is a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." The four great empires shown to Nebuchadnezzar, under the symbol of a great image, were again more particularly represented to Daniel under the forms of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 11:2

There shall stand up yet three kings - Gabriel had already spoken of Cyrus, who was now reigning; and after him three others should arise. These were, Cambyses, the son of Cyrus. Smerdis, the Magian, who was an impostor, who pretended to be another son of Cyrus. And, Darius, the son of Hystaspes, who married Mandane, the daughter of Cyrus. Cambyses reigned seven years and five months; Smerdis reigned only seven months; and Darius Hystaspes reigned thirty-six years. The fourth... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 11:1

Verse 1 Interpreters explain this verse in various ways. Some think the angel fought for the Persian king, and follow up their opinion, because he did not for the first time begin now to defend that monarchy in favor of the chosen people, but had done so from the very beginning. Others refer this to Michael, as the angel declares that he introduced the assistance of Michael. But that is forced and cold. I do not hesitate to state the argument to be from the greater to the less, and we have an... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 11:2

Verse 2 We must now understand God’s intention in thus informing his servant Daniel of future events. He was clearly unwilling to gratify a vain curiosity, and he enlarged upon events necessary to be known, thus enabling the Prophet not only privately to rely on God’s grace, through this manifestation of his care for his Church, but also to exhort others to persevere in the faith. This chapter seems like a historical narrative under the form of an enigmatic description of events then future.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 11:1

Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him. The versions show signs of great disturbance having happened here. The rendering of the LXX . is, "In the first year of Cyrus the king, he told me to be strong and to play the man." Theodotion's rendering is yet briefer, "And I, in the first year of Cyrus, stood in strength and might." The Peshitta rendering, "In the first year of Darius the Mede (he) arose to confirm and strengthen me." The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 11:1-4

Revolutions in earthly empires. In answer to prayer, Daniel obtains the consolation that other persons—other orders of being—were actively engaged in the same cause as himself. I. UNSEEN AND UNOSTENTATIOUS SERVICE IS OFTEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE . It is not probable that Gabriel appeared in visible form in the Persian court. His presence was unknown; his influence on men unobserved. He was content to exert his power over the feelings, dispositions, motives, of men; in this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 11:1-45

EXPOSITION THE KINGS OF THE NORTH AND THE KINGS OF THE SOUTH . read more

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