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Matthew Henry

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 8:10

And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven ,.... The people of the Jews, the army of the living God, the church militant, among whom were many of the citizens of heaven, whose names are written there; such was the insolence of this king, as to molest and disturb them: and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped them ; some of the common people he persecuted and destroyed, or prevailed upon them, either by threats or flatteries, to relinquish their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 8:11

Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince host ,.... Either the high priest Onias, whom he disposed of his office, and put Jason a wicked man into it; or Judas Maccabeus, the prince of the Jewish nation; or rather, as Jacchiades, God himself, the Lord God of Israel, the King, Prince, Governor, and defender of them, whom Antiochus blasphemed; whose worship he puts stop to; and whose temple he profaned, and ill used his people; all which was against God himself, and is a proof of the pride... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 8:12

And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression ,.... Which some interpret of a garrison of soldiers placed by Antiochus, through his sin and wickedness, to hinder the oblation of the daily sacrifice, as Grotius: others, of a host of apostates among the Jews, who advised Antiochus against the daily sacrifice, and to kill swine, and offer them on the altar, as Jacchiades; or rather it may be rendered, "and the host was given over", or "delivered", i.e. to the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 8:13

Then I heard one saint speaking ,.... An angel, either a created angel, pure and holy in his nature, as Gabriel; or the uncreated Angel Jesus Christ, the Word of God; what he was speaking of is not said; perhaps Daniel did not hear what he said, though he heard him speaking, or perceived that he spake; yet did not understand what he said, or what was the subject of his discourse; very probably it was something relative to the vision now seen: and another saint said unto that certain saint... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 8:10

The host of heaven - The Jewish hierarchy. The stars, the priests and Levites. The powers or host of heaven are probably intended by our Lord, Matthew 24:29 , to signify the whole Jewish hierarchy. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 8:11

Even to the prince of the host - They seemed, in this case, to fight against God himself. The daily sacrifice was taken away - By the destruction of the city and temple; and has never been restored from that day until now. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 8:12

And a host was given him - That is, power; or perhaps the host of heaven - the priesthood - the whole sacrificial system, by reason of transgression. They had filled up the measure of their iniquities, in rejecting the Lord that bought them; and the daily sacrifice, being no longer of use, was given up with the rest to destruction. Cast down the truth - Probably the whole Jewish ritual and religion. Practiced, and prospered - Prosperity or success followed all their acts. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 8:13

One saint speaking, and another saint said - One angel asked another how long the sanctuary was to be trodden down? read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 8:10

Verse 10 Here Daniel continues the vision which he had received. We have already shewn he object of the Almighty to be the preparation of the faithful to bear serious calamities, because nothing new or unexpected should happen to them. Now, Daniel’s dwelling upon this point is not surprising, for it becomes his duty to inform the faithful of the heavy calamities which were at hand, and thus to mould them to patience and equity. Thus he says, The horn became magnificent, even to the army of the... read more

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