About Daniel

Daniel demonstrates faithfulness in exile while receiving visions of God's sovereignty over all kingdoms of history.

Author: DanielWritten: c. 535 BCReading time: ~3 minVerses: 21
SovereigntyFaithfulnessProphecyKingdomsPersecutionDeliverance

King James Version

Daniel 10

21 verses with commentary

Daniel's Vision of a Man

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. long: Heb. great

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KJV Study Commentary

Chapter 10 introduces Daniel's final and longest vision: "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar." Dating to 536 BC, this occurs after the first return of Jewish exiles under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-2). Daniel, now about 85 years old, remained in Persia rather than returning to Jerusalem, continuing governmental service while maint...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **A thing.—**A revelation, as Daniel 9:25. The contents of the revelation are specified in the perplexing words, “the thing was true, and the time appointed (comp. Daniel 8:12) was long,” by which is meant apparently that truth and long tribulation were the subject of their vision. “Time appointed” is translated “warfare” (Isaiah 40:2), and is here used in the same sense, meaning “hardship” or...
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In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. full: Heb. weeks of days

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel's preparation for the vision involved intense spiritual discipline: "In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks." The Hebrew <em>avel</em> (אָבֵל, "mourning") indicates deep grief, not mere sadness. This three-week period of mourning preceded the vision, suggesting intentional spiritual preparation. Daniel's grief likely concerned Jerusalem's situation—though exiles returned, oppo...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 28 Eze 28:1-26. Prophetical Dirge on the King of Tyre, as the Culmination and Embodiment of the Spirit of Carnal Pride and Self-sufficiency of the Whole State. The Fall of Zidon, the Mother City. The Restoration of Israel in Contrast with Tyre and Zidon. **2. Because, &amp;c.--**repeated resumptively in Eze 28:6. The apodosis begins at Eze 28:7. "The prince of Tyrus" at the time was Ithob...
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I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. pleasant: Heb. bread of desires

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel describes his fast: "I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." This wasn't total fasting (no food) but partial fasting—abstaining from enjoyable foods and normal comforts. "Pleasant bread" refers to delicacies; avoiding "flesh" and "wine" eliminated protein-rich and celebratory foods; not ano...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Pleasant bread**—*i.e.,* delicate food. Abstaining from this as well as from the use of oil (comp. 2Samuel 12:20; Amos 6:6) were the outward signs of Daniel’s grief.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

3. Ezekiel ironically alludes to Ithbaal's overweening opinion of the wisdom of himself and the Tyrians, as though superior to that of Daniel, whose fame had reached even Tyre as eclipsing the Chaldean sages. "Thou art wiser," namely, in thine own opinion (Zec 9:2). **no secret--**namely, forgetting riches (Eze 28:4). **that they can hide--**that is, that can be hidden.

And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel locates the vision: "And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel." This precise dating (24th of Nisan/Abib, approximately mid-April) occurs during Passover season. Daniel spent three weeks mourning (verses 2-3) overlapping this holy season, forsaking celebration to intercede for Jerusalem. The location "Hiddekel" identifie...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **The four and twentieth day**.—After the end of his three weeks’ fast the prophet was upon the bank of the Tigris, where he saw the following vision. Hiddekel is the Accadian name of the river. (Comp. Genesis 2:14.) “Great river” is an epithet usually applied to the river Euphrates, as Genesis 15:18. Daniel was here in the body, and not only in the spirit, as Daniel 8:2.

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: a: Heb. one man

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel describes the vision's central figure: "Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz." This glorious being strongly resembles the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:12-16. "Clothed in linen" suggests priestly garments (Exodus 28:42, Leviticus 6:10)—linen symbolizes purity and holiness. "Loins...girded" indic...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **A certain man.**—The appearance of this person is minutely described, while that of the angels is not mentioned. The dress especially recalls to our minds the clothing of the high priest. (See Exodus 39:27-29, and comp. Revelation 1:13.) The person himself is carefully distinguished from Michael (Daniel 10:21), and as we may infer from Daniel’s silence (comp. Daniel 9:21), he is distinct fro...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

5. (Psa 62:10).

His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel describes the glorious figure he sees: 'His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.' This description closely parallels Revelation 1:13-16's vision of Christ, suggesting this may be a Christophany (pre-incarna...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Beryl.**—Heb., *Tarshish,* a variety of the topaz. **His feet.**—More correctly, *the place where his feet were,* or the lower extremities of his limbs. We are not told in what position the man was when Daniel first saw him. Later on (Daniel 12:6) he is described as being upon or above the waters. In this position he symbolises God as supreme over the nations who are represented by the Tigri...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. Because, &amp;c.--**resumptive of Eze 28:2.

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel alone saw the vision while his companions didn't see it but 'a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.' This selective visibility parallels Paul's Damascus road experience (Acts 9:7, 22:9)—the divine encounter affects all present but reveals itself fully only to the chosen recipient. The companions' terror without seeing demonstrates that spiritual realities prod...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **I** . . . **alone saw the vision.—**St. Jerome compares the account of St. Paul (Acts 22:9). It may be added that, as upon that occasion (comp. Acts 9:7), the companions of the prophet heard the voice but saw nothing. The words of the voice (Daniel 10:6) are unrecorded.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. therefore--**apodosis. **strangers ... terrible of the nations--**the Chaldean foreigners noted for their ferocity (Eze 30:11; 31:12). **against the beauty of thy wisdom--**that is, against thy beautiful possessions acquired by thy wisdom on which thou pridest thyself (Eze 28:3-5). **defile thy brightness--**obscure the brightness of thy kingdom.

Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. comeliness: or, vigour

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel's physical response: 'Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.' The encounter completely overwhelmed him—loss of strength, physical corruption (possibly pallor, illness, or withering), total depletion. This parallels Isaiah 6:5 ('I am undone'), Ezekiel 1:28 (fa...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **This great vision.**—Daniel again distinguishes this from former visions: The glory of the man who appeared to him was far in excess of what he had witnessed previously (Daniel 8:17). The effects of the vision upon him are also mentioned. His “comeliness was turned,” or, he grew pale with terror at what he saw, and fainted.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. the pit--**that is, the bottom of the sea; the image being that of one conquered in a sea-fight. **the deaths--**plural, as various kinds of deaths are meant (Jr 16:4). **of them ... slain--**literally, "pierced through." Such deaths as those pierced with many wounds die.

Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

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KJV Study Commentary

The vision continues affecting Daniel: 'Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.' Despite physical collapse, Daniel retains consciousness sufficient to hear the divine message. The 'deep sleep' (תַּרְדֵּמָה/<em>tardemah</em>) is supernatural—not normal sleep but divinely-induced state enabling...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **His words.**—He refers to the unrecorded words of Daniel 10:6. (Comp. Daniel 8:17-18.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. yet say--**that is, still say; referring to Eze 28:2. **but, &amp;c.--**But thy blasphemous boastings shall be falsified, and thou shalt be shown to be but man, and not God, in the hand (at the mercy) of Him.

And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. set: Heb. moved

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KJV Study Commentary

Divine intervention enables Daniel's recovery: 'And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.' The touch represents divine enablement—Daniel couldn't recover on his own but required supernatural assistance. Being set on hands and knees (not fully standing) indicates partial recovery—sufficient for continuing but still weak. This pattern appears through...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **An hand.—**This hand was that of the person who appeared, but it is spoken of as “felt,” not as seen. But though supported by this hand, the prophet is unable to stand upright. He crouches in a terrified posture. It should be noticed that the equivalent of “set” is translated “scatter” (Psalm 59:11 [12]). It is used in the same sense in the passage before us. (See Amos 9:9.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. deaths of ... uncircumcised--**that is, such a death as the uncircumcised or godless heathen deserve; and perhaps, also, such as the uncircumcised inflict, a great ignominy in the eyes of a Jew (1Sa 31:4); a fit retribution on him who had scoffed at the circumcised Jews.

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. greatly: Heb. of desires upright: Heb. upon thy standing

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KJV Study Commentary

The angel addresses Daniel: 'O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent.' The designation 'man greatly beloved' (Hebrew אִישׁ חֲמֻדוֹת/<em>ish chamudot</em>, man of preciousness/delight) emphasizes God's particular affection for Daniel. This provides assurance amid the overwhelming encounter—fear not, you are beloved...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Greatly beloved.—**See Daniel 9:23, Note. The assuring words thus addressed to the prophet enabled him to stand upright, but his alarm had not as yet subsided.

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

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KJV Study Commentary

The angelic messenger's opening words "Fear not, Daniel" address Daniel's overwhelming response to the glorious vision. Divine encounters regularly provoke fear, necessitating reassurance. The phrase "for from the first day" emphasizes the immediacy of God's response—prayer was heard the moment Daniel began seeking God, though the visible answer was delayed. "That thou didst set thine heart to und...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **From the first day.**—The meaning appears to be that this vision was vouchsafed to him in consequence of his prayer to understand what would befal his people in the future. The prayer was heard from the first day that he offered it, but it had been impossible for him to realise the answer before the present time, for reasons mentioned in the next verse.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. sealest up the sum--**literally, "Thou art the one sealing the sum of perfection." A thing is sealed when completed (Da 9:24). "The sum" implies the full measure of beauty, from a Hebrew root, "to measure." The normal man--one formed after accurate rule.

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. chief: or, first

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse provides rare biblical insight into spiritual warfare's cosmic dimensions. The phrase "the prince of the Persian kingdom" refers to a demonic power exercising spiritual influence over the Persian Empire. The term "prince" (<em>sar</em>, שַׂר) indicates a ruling authority, here referring to an angelic or demonic being rather than human ruler. This reveals that earthly kingdoms have corre...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **The prince of the kingdom.**—Perhaps no single verse in the whole of the Scriptures speaks more clearly than this upon the invisible powers which rule and influence nations. If we were without a revelation, we should have thought it congruent that God Himself should direct all events in the world without using any intervening means. But revelation points out that as spiritual beings carry o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. in Eden--**The king of Tyre is represented in his former high state (contrasted with his subsequent downfall), under images drawn from the primeval man in Eden, the type of humanity in its most Godlike form. **garden of God--**the model of ideal loveliness (Eze 31:8, 9; 36:35). In the person of the king of Tyre a new trial was made of humanity with the greatest earthly advantages. But as i...
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Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

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KJV Study Commentary

The angel explains the vision's purpose: 'Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.' The message concerns Israel's future ('thy people') in 'latter days' (אַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים/<em>acharit hayamim</em>)—a prophetic term indicating end times or distant future. The phrase 'for yet the vision is for many days' emphasizes t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **The latter days**.—Comp. Daniel 2:28; Daniel 8:17. The time is here more narrowly defined as “those days,” that is, the period when the vision of Daniel 11 shall receive its complete fulfilment. The “vision” is identical with “the thing” (Daniel 10:1), or “the vision” (Daniel 10:16). It must be carefully borne in mind that there is no reference to preceding visions, except so far as the rev...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. anointed cherub--**Gesenius translates from an Aramaic root, "extended cherub." English Version, from a Hebrew root, is better. "The cherub consecrated to the Lord by the anointing oil" [Fairbairn]. **covereth--**The imagery employed by Ezekiel as a priest is from the Jewish temple, wherein the cherubim overshadowed the mercy seat, as the king of Tyre, a demi-god in his own esteem, extende...
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And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel's continued physical weakness: 'And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.' The message's weight produces renewed prostration and speechlessness. This demonstrates that even with angelic reassurance and strengthening, the revelation's magnitude overwhelms. The inability to speak shows complete human inadequacy before divine revelation—Dani...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **I set my face**.—The conduct of Daniel described in this verse is not to be ascribed to his fear, for that had been already driven away (Daniel 10:12), but to his reverence for the majestic person who was before him, and to the gratitude that he felt for the answer to his prayer. (Comp. Daniel 9:3-4.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. perfect--**prosperous [Grotius], and having no defect. So Hiram was a sample of the Tyrian monarch in his early days of wisdom and prosperity (1Ki 5:7, &amp;c.). **till iniquity ... in thee--**Like the primeval man thou hast fallen by abusing God's gifts, and so hast provoked God's wrath.

And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

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KJV Study Commentary

More divine assistance comes: 'And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.' The touch on Daniel's lips parallels Isaiah 6:6-7—divine enabling for speech. The description 'like the similitude of the sons of m...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **One like** . . .—Comp. Daniel 8:15. However, there is no reason for supposing that the person is different from the one mentioned in Daniel 10:10; Daniel 10:18. By “sorrows” is meant the pain produced by terror.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. filled the midst of thee--**that is, they have filled the midst of the city; he as the head of the state being involved in the guilt of the state, which he did not check, but fostered. **cast thee as profane--**no longer treated as sacred, but driven out of the place of sanctity (see Eze 28:14) which thou hast occupied (compare Psa 89:39).

For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. the: or, this servant of my lord

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel expresses complete inadequacy: 'For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.' This emphasizes the gap between divine and human: even strengthened, Daniel feels unable to converse with the glorious being. The rhetorical question 'how can the servant...talk with this my lord?' e...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **For how.**—The whole verse must be regarded as addressed by Daniel to the angel. On the phrase “neither is there any breath in me” comp. 1Kings 17:17. Here we may notice the same fear which possessed Isaiah at the time of his vision (Isaiah 6:5).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. brightness--**thy splendor. **lay thee before kings--**as an example of God's wrath against presumptuous pride.

Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

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KJV Study Commentary

A third strengthening comes: 'Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.' The repeated need for strengthening emphasizes sustained revelation's requirements—not one-time empowerment but continual grace. Each wave of revelation requires renewed enabling. This pattern teaches that Christian life and ministry similarly require continual divine grace...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. thy sanctuaries--**that is, the holy places, attributed to the king of Tyre in Eze 28:14, as his ideal position. As he "profaned" it, so God will "profane" him (Eze 28:16). **fire ... devour--**As he abused his supposed elevation amidst "the stones of fire" (Eze 28:16), so God will make His "fire" to "devour" him.

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

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KJV Study Commentary

The messenger reassures Daniel: 'And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong.' The repeated 'man greatly beloved' provides assurance, while 'fear not' addresses Daniel's terror. The double command 'be strong, yea, be strong' intensifies the exhortation—requiring supernatural strength beyond natural capacity. Daniel's response shows the strengthening's e...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **Be strong.—**Comp. 2Samuel 10:12.

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

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KJV Study Commentary

The angel explains the spiritual warfare context: 'Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.' This reveals the angelic conflict behind geopolitical events—earthly kingdoms have corresponding spiritual powers ('prince of Persia,' 'prince of Grecia'). The angel's need to return to ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Then said he.**—The meaning of this verse is obscure. Apparently the person who is speaking refers back to what he had said (Daniel 10:12-14); and from the question *“*Knowest thou?” &c., we are to infer that Daniel was perfectly aware of the reasons which caused him to come, viz., “to make thee understand what shall befal thy people in the latter days.” But before he proceeds to make this ...
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But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. holdeth: Heb. strengtheneth himself

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KJV Study Commentary

The angel concludes: 'But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.' The 'scripture of truth' (כְּתָב אֱמֶת/<em>ketav emet</em>) indicates a heavenly record of determined future events—God's sovereign decree written in His eternal counsel. This teaches divine foreknowledge and predestination: his...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **But.**—A further contrast is introduced by the adversative. This may be brought out by paraphrasing the verse as follows: “It is true that the prince of Javan will attack you, but do not despair at the thought of one persecuting empire succeeding another. It is all written in the Scripture of truth:” that is, in the revelations which God had already conveyed, or shortly would convey, to Dan...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. Zidon--**famous for its fishery (from a root, Zud, "to fish"); and afterwards for its wide extended commerce; its artistic elegance was proverbial. Founded by Canaan's first-born (Ge 10:15). Tyre was an offshoot from it, so that it was involved in the same overthrow by the Chaldeans as Tyre. It is mentioned separately, because its idolatry (Ashtaroth, Tammuz, or Adonis) infected Israel more ...
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