Dan 8:23, 25, 11:23, 27, 32 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 23. When the transgressors are come to the full ] When the utmost degradation has taken place, by the buying and selling of the high priesthood ; for Onias was ejected for a sum of money, to make room for wicked Jason ; and Jason again was supplanted for a greater sum by a worse man, if possible, than himself, Menelaus ; and the golden vessels of the temple were sold to pay for this sacrilegious purchase. Thus transgressions were come to the full, before the Romans had commission to destroy Jerusalem and its temple, &c. A king of fierce countenance ] The Roman government , as before; for king is often taken for kingdom or empire . Understanding dark sentences ] Very learned and skilful in all things relating to government and its intrigues. The learning of Rome is proverbial to the present time.

‏ Daniel 8:23

Verse 23. When the transgressors are come to the full] When the utmost degradation has taken place, by the buying and selling of the high priesthood; for Onias was ejected for a sum of money, to make room for wicked Jason; and Jason again was supplanted for a greater sum by a worse man, if possible, than himself, Menelaus; and the golden vessels of the temple were sold to pay for this sacrilegious purchase. Thus transgressions were come to the full, before the Romans had commission to destroy Jerusalem and its temple, &c.

A king of fierce countenance] The Roman government, as before; for king is often taken for kingdom or empire.

Understanding dark sentences] Very learned and skilful in all things relating to government and its intrigues. The learning of Rome is proverbial to the present time.

‏ Daniel 8:25

Verse 25. He shall cause craft to prosper] They subdued as many by their diplomatic skill and political intrigues as they did by the sword.

He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes] Against Christ; for it was by the Roman authority that he was condemned to death and crucified; and their persecutions had nearly destroyed the Christian religion; but the house was founded on a rock.

But he shall be broken without hand.] The tide was turned by the invisible hand of God; and thus heathen Rome was overcome, and converted to Christianity.

‏ Daniel 11:23

Verse 23. He shall come up] From Rome, where he had been a hostage for the payment of the tax laid on his father.

Shall become strong with a small people.] At first he had but few to espouse his cause when he arrived at Antioch, the people having been greatly divided by the many claimants of the crown; but being supported by Eumenes and Attalus, his few people increased, and he became strong.

‏ Daniel 11:27

Verse 27. And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief] That is, Antiochus, and Ptolemy Philometer, who was nephew to the former, and whose interest he now pretended to have much at heart, since the Alexandrians had renounced their allegiance to him, and set his younger brother Euergetes upon the throne. When Antiochus came to Memphis, he and Philometer had frequent conferences at the same table; and at these times they spoke lies to each other, Antiochus professing great friendship to his nephew and concern for his interests, yet in his heart designing to ruin the kingdom by fomenting the discords which already subsisted between the two brothers. On the other hand, Philometer professed much gratitude to his uncle for the interest he took in his affairs, and laid the blame of the war upon his minister Eulaeus; while at the same time he spoke lies, determining as soon as possible to accommodate matters with his brother, and join all their strength against their deceitful uncle.

But it shall not prosper] Neither succeeded in his object; for the end of the appointed time was not yet come.

‏ Daniel 11:32

Verse 32. Such as do wickedly against the covenant] This if understood of the Christian Jews; for the NEW had now succeeded to the OLD, the whole of the Jewish ritual having been abolished, and Jerusalem filled with heathen temples. And he-the Roman power, did all he could by flatteries, as well as threats, to corrupt the Christians, and cause them to sacrifice to the statues of the emperors.

But the people that do know their God] The genuine Christians.

Shall be strong] Shall be strengthened by his grace and Spirit.

And do exploits.] Continue steadfast in all temptations, hold fast their faith, and enjoy a good conscience.