John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 8:1
In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar ,.... Which some say F20 Seder Olam Rabba, c. 28. p. 81. was the last year of his reign; but, according to Ptolemy's canon, he reigned seventeen years; and so says Josephus F21 Antiqu. l. 10. c. 11. sect. 4. ; however, this, as well as the preceding vision, were seen before what happened recorded in the "fifth" and "sixth" chapters. The following vision was seen by Daniel, according to Bishop Usher F23 Annales Vet. Test. A. M.... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Daniel 8:1-14
Here is, I. The date of this vision, Dan. 8:1. It was in the third year of the reign of Belshazzar, which proved to be his last year, as many reckon; so that this chapter also should be, in order of time, before the fifth. That Daniel might not be surprised at the destruction of Babylon, now at hand, God gives him a foresight of the destruction of other kingdoms hereafter, which in their day had been as potent as that of Babylon. Could we foresee the changes that shall be hereafter, when we... read more