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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 8:25

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand ,.... His schemes were laid in such deep policy, and he managed so artfully and craftily in the execution of them, that he commonly succeeded; as in getting the kingdom of Syria from his nephew; and, under a pretence of peace and friendship, and to defend Philometer king of Egypt, a minor, and by large promises to the nobles of the land, made himself master of it; and by deceitful methods he prevailed in Judea; see ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 8:25

Verse 25 It follows next; He shall magnify himself in his heart, or he shall raise himself, and bear himself magnificently; although this expression implies boasting and pride, and is taken in a disadvantageous sense. He shall be insolent, therefore, in his heart. The angel seems to distinguish here between the scheming and penetration of Antiochus, and his pride of heart; for, although he should obtain great: victories, and should subdue many nations according to his desires, yet he would... 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 8:9-25

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 8:23-25

Subtle sin. We have here a description of a terrible evil power which, in manner and appearance, is deceptively harmless, and yet which is really most destructive and wicked and destined to detection and overthrow. I. EVIL WORKS MOST EFFECTIVELY WHEN IT HIDES ITS TRUE CHARACTER . 1 . It works under a fair show. The king has "an insolent countenance" and "magnifies himself in his heart." There is a bold self-assertion and an apparent frankness which sometimes... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 8:25

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. The versions here are at variance with each other and. with the Massoretic recension. The LXX . renders, "And against the saints shall his purpose be"—evidently reading, as suggested by Gratz, v ‛al qedosheem siklo —"and craft shall prosper in his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 8:25

And through his policy - The word rendered “policy” here (שׂכל s'êkel) means, properly, intelligence, understanding, wisdom; and then, in a bad sense, craft, cunning. So it is rendered here by Gesenius, and the meaning is, that he would owe his success in a great measure to craft and subtilty.He shall cause craft to prosper in his hand - He shall owe his success in a great measure to a crafty policy, to intrigue, and to cunning. This was true in an eminent sense, of Antiochus. See his history... read more

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