‏ Daniel 10

* Daniel's vision near the river Hiddekel. (1-9) He is to expect

a discovery of future events. (10-21)

#1-9. This chapter relates the beginning of Daniel's last

vision, which is continued to the end of the book. The time

would be long before all would be accomplished; and much of it

is not yet fulfilled. Christ appeared to Daniel in a glorious

form, and it should engage us to think highly and honourably of

him. Let us admire his condescension for us and our salvation.

There remained no strength in Daniel. The greatest and best of

men cannot bear the full discoveries of the Divine glory; for no

man can see it, and live; but glorified saints see Christ as he

is, and can bear the sight. How dreadful soever Christ may

appear to those under convictions of sin, there is enough in his

word to quiet their spirits.10-21 Whenever we enter into communion with God, it becomes us

to have a due sense of the infinite distance between us and the

holy God. How shall we, that are dust and ashes, speak to the

Lord of glory? Nothing is more likely, nothing more effectual to

revive the drooping spirits of the saints, than to be assured of

God's love to them. From the very first day we begin to look

toward God in a way of duty, he is ready to meet us in the way

of mercy. Thus ready is God to hear prayer. When the angel had

told the prophet of the things to come, he was to return, and

oppose the decrees of the Persian kings against the Jews. The

angels are employed as God's ministering servants, #Heb 1:14|.

Though much was done against the Jews by the kings of Persia,

God permitting it, much more mischief would have been done if

God had not prevented it. He would now more fully show what were

God's purposes, of which the prophecies form an outline; and we

are concerned to study what is written in these Scriptures of

truth, for they belong to our everlasting peace. While Satan and

his angels, and evil counsellors, excite princes to mischief

against the church, we may rejoice that Christ our Prince, and

all his mighty angels, act against our enemies; but we ought not

to expect many to favour us in this evil world. Yet the whole

counsel of God shall be established; and let each one pray, Lord

Jesus, be our righteousness now, and thou wilt be our

everlasting confidence, through life, in death, at the day of

judgment, and for evermore.