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It was in the third year of Cyrus that Daniel's visions (Da10:1-12:13) were given. Daniel "prospered" because of his prophecies (Ezr 1:1, 2).
The words were in such a character as to be illegible to the Chaldees, God reserving this honor to Daniel.
One reason for Nebuchadnezzar having been vouchsafed such a dream is here seen; namely, that Daniel might be promoted, and the captive people of God be comforted: the independent state of the...
brought them in--that is, not only Daniel and his three friends, but other youths (Da 1:3, 19, "among them all").
assembled--as in Da 6:6, "assembled" or "ran hastily," so as to come upon Daniel suddenly and detect him in the act.
again...touched me--It was gradually that Daniel recovered his strength. Hence there was need of the second touch, that he might hear the angel with composure.
Daniel might have indulged in anger at the king, but does not; his sole thought is, God's glory has been set forth in his deliverance.
This act was not one of necessity, or for honor's sake, but in reckless profanity.
Gabriel--meaning, "the strength of God."
The arguments of the persecutor are in brief, Turn or burn.
A purely absolute monarchy (Jer 27:7).
the captivity of Judah--the captive Jews residing in Babylon.
His grief overcame his fear of the nobles.
they fled--terrified by the presence of the presence of the angel.
Daniel went in--perhaps not in person, but by the mediation of some courtier who had access to the king. His first direct interview seems to have been Da 2:25 [Barnes]. time--The king granted...
God...brought Daniel into favour--The favor of others towards the godly is the doing of God. So in Joseph's case (Ge 39:21). Especially towards Israel (Ps 106:46; compare Pr 16:7).
Daniel's desire of knowing more is thus deferred "till the time of the end." John's Revelation in part reveals what here is veiled (see on Da 12:4; Da 8:26).
rewards--literally, "presents poured out in lavish profusion."
None of the Jews seem to have been present, except the officers, summoned specially.
flame...slew those men--(Da 6:24; Ps 7:16).
God hath fixed the number of years of thine empire, and that number is now complete.
set before us--not ambiguously, but plainly, so that we were without excuse.
stood...before the king--that is, were advanced to a position of favor near the throne.
captain of the king's guard--commanding the executioners (Margin; and Ge 37:36, Margin).
revealed...in...night vision--(Job 33:15, 16).
Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin--literally, "numbered, weighed, and dividers."
Such a despotic decree is quite explicable by remembering that the king, as the incarnation of Ormuzd, might demand such an act of religious obedience as a test of loyalty. Persecuting laws are...
prayer...supplications--literally, "intercessions...entreaties for mercy." Praying for blessings, and deprecating evils.
serve not thy gods--not only not the golden image, but also not any of Nebuchadnezzar's gods.