“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”
Third. This concurs with the first of Darius. Cyrus then reigned in Persia, and the king is here often mentioned, as the vision happened near it, on the banks of the Tigris. Only twenty-one days had elapsed since the former. — Strength. Hebrew, “warfare,” or determinate time, Job vii. 1. This shall surely take place, but not soon. (Calmet) — For. Protestants, “and had understanding,” &c. (Haydock) — He was informed of the meaning, or strove to know what the preceding vision denoted. (Calmet) — Pharao and Baltassar were not prophets, as they did not comprehend what they saw. For understanding is requisite, in order that a vision may be prophetical. (St. Thomas Aquinas, ii. 2. q. 175 a. 2; Worthington)
“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. full: Heb. weeks of days”
Weeks. Marsham says twenty-one years. But it means only so many days. He began to mourn on the third of Nisan, and continued fasting (ver. 4.) it seems even on the sabbaths, and on the feast of Passover, till the 24th. (Calmet) — He was grieved that the people did not make use of the leave granted by Cyrus; (Theod.) or because the Samaritans had prevailed at court to have the temple forbidden; (Usher, year of the world 3470; 1 Esdras i. 14.) or rather because he could not fully understand the former visions, chap. ix. 30., and xii. 9. &c. (Calmet)
“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”
Linen. Hebrew baddim. — Finest. Hebrew uphaz, (Haydock) from Phasis or Ophir.
“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.”
Chrysolite. Hebrew, “Tharsis.” This precious stone was perhaps greenish.
“And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. set: Heb. moved”
Hand; the Holy Ghost, or rather the angel Gabriel.
“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”
Desires most amiable. (Calmet) — This new title is given to comfort the prophet. (Worthington)
“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”
The prince, &c. That is, the angel guardian of Persia: who, according to his office, seeking the spiritual good of the Persians, was desirous that many of the Jews should remain among them. (Challoner) — St. Jerome, &c. explain it of the angel guardian. (Worthington) — Each country has an archangel over it, as individuals have an angel. Others assert that this was an evil angel; for how could a good one oppose so long the will of God? Yet this argument may be retorted, as evil spirits themselves must comply. It seems, therefore, that Cyrus was exhorted by the good angels to invade the Chaldeans, and thus to liberate God’s people. He was afraid of the hazardous attempt, and free-will may resist the inspirations of God. — One, or “prince.” (Calmet) — Michael, and the guardian of Daniel, joined their prayers for the liberation of the Jews, ver. 20. (Worthington)
“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.”
Days. It will not soon take place; or, I have many things to tell.
“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.”
To thee? He awakens his attention (ver. 14.; Calmet) and gratitude. (Haydock) — Prince, angel guardian; or Alexander, who would one day rout the Persians, chap. xi. 2. (Calmet)
“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”
Of truth, in the former sealed visions. (Calmet) — Your prince. The guardian general of the Church of God, (Challoner) as he was of the synagogue. (Calmet)