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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Daniel 8:15-27

Here we have, I. Daniel's earnest desire to have this vision explained to him (Dan. 8:15): I sought the meaning. Note, Those that rightly know the things of God cannot but desire to know more and more of them, and to be led further into the mystery of them; and those that would find the meaning of what they have seen or heard from God must seek it, and seek it diligently. Seek and you shall find. Daniel considered the thing, compared it with the former discoveries, to try if he could... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 8:18

Now as he was speaking with me ,.... Addressing him in the above manner: I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground ; through fear he fell prostrate to the ground, and swooned away, which issued in a deep sleep; and so was unfit to attend to the explanation of the vision the angel was sent to give him; and which was not through indifference to it, or neglect of it; but through human weakness, his nature not being able to bear up under such circumstances, which struck him with... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 8:18

Verse 18 The Prophet repeats what he had said, namely, how he had been frightened by the magnitude of this vision; meanwhile, he was raised up by the angel, lest he should remain in that state of stupor. Yet these two clauses must be noticed: Daniel was astonished at the outset, for he could not otherwise be sufficiently composed to listen to the angel’s voice; but at the same time another clause is added, stating, the angel set him upright in his place. Whenever God addresses us, we must... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 8:1-27

EXPOSITION THE RAM AND THE HE - GOAT This chapter marks the change from Aramaic to Hebrew. The character of the chapter is like that which immediately precedes it. It consists, like it, of the account of a vision, and the interpretation of it. The subject of this vision is the overthrow of the Persian monarchy by Alexander the Great, the division of his empire, and the oppression of Israel by Epiphanes. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 8:3-22

Two world-empires. "The ram which thou sawest," etc. ( Daniel 8:20 , Daniel 8:21 ). The only way in which the substance of the vision can be legitimately treated seems to us the expository. But be it remembered that the exposition of a chapter like this is really an explication of the gradual unfolding of a part of the history of the kingdom of God antecedent to the Incarnation. We set up here simply directing-posts to mark the way. Note particularly the partial character of this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 8:9-25

The scourge of Israel. "He shall stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand" ( Daniel 8:25 ). As in the previous homily, we give a mere directive outline, for the help of those who may care to make the antichrist of the later Hebrew time the subject of treatment. The sketch given by the prophet undoubtedly applies to Antiochus Epiphanes. The only question has been raised by those who wish to throw discredit on the supernatural in prophecy, and who, struck... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 8:13-26

Prophecy's sure fulfilments. "Unto evenings and mornings, two thousand and three hundred; The vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true" ( Daniel 8:14 , Daniel 8:26 ). Two thousand three hundred days, that is, six years and a hundred and ten days. Whence reckoned? To what time? The cleansing of the sanctuary took place under Judas Maccabaeus, December 25, b.c. 165. Reckoning back two thousand three hundred days, we come to August 1, b.c. 171. Up to this latter date... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 8:13-27

The place of angelic ministration. Angels appear upon Daniel's visionary scene, and indicate the manifold services they discharge for men. In all probability they have individual and special qualifications for different kinds of service. The utmost variety of gift is consistent with wisdom, happiness, and purity. I. OBSERVE THEIR HOLY CHARACTER . They are denominated "saints," i.e. "holy ones." Our Lord distinctly styles them by this epithet, "the holy angels." They are capable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 8:18

Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground; but he touched me, and set me upright . The LXX . joins the opening words of the next verse to this. I was in a deep sleep suggests the case of the three apostles, Peter, James, and John, on the Mount of Transfiguration ( Luke 9:1-62 :82). The numbing effect of the presence of the supernatural produces a state analogous to sleep, yet "the eyes are open" ( Numbers 24:4 ) the senses are ready to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 8:18

Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground - Overcome and prostrate with the vision. That is, he had sunk down stupified or senseless. See Daniel 10:9. His strength had been entirely taken away by the vision. There is nothing improbable in this, that the sudden appearance of a celestial vision, or a heavenly being, should take away the strength. Compare Genesis 15:12; Job 4:13, following; Judges 6:22; Judges 13:20, Judges 13:22; Isaiah 6:5; Luke 1:12,... read more

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