‏ Daniel 11

* The vision of the Scriptures of truth.

1-30 The angel shows Daniel the succession of the Persian and

Grecian empires. The kings of Egypt and Syria are noticed: Judea

was between their dominions, and affected by their contests.

From ver. #5-30|, is generally considered to relate to the

events which came to pass during the continuance of these

governments; and from ver. #21|, to relate to Antiochus

Epiphanes, who was a cruel and violent persecutor of the Jews.

See what decaying, perishing things worldly pomp and possessions

are, and the power by which they are gotten. God, in his

providence, sets up one, and pulls down another, as he pleases.

This world is full of wars and fightings, which come from men's

lusts. All changes and revolutions of states and kingdoms, and

every event, are plainly and perfectly foreseen by God. No word

of God shall fall to the ground; but what he has designed, what

he has declared, shall infallibly come to pass. While the

potsherds of the earth strive with each other, they prevail and

are prevailed against, deceive and are deceived; but those who

know God will trust in him, and he will enable them to stand

their ground, bear their cross, and maintain their conflict. 31-45 The remainder of this prophecy is very difficult, and

commentators differ much respecting it. From Antiochus the

account seems to pass to antichrist. Reference seems to be made

to the Roman empire, the fourth monarchy, in its pagan, early

Christian, and papal states. The end of the Lord's anger against

his people approaches, as well as the end of his patience

towards his enemies. If we would escape the ruin of the infidel,

the idolater, the superstitious and cruel persecutor, as well as

that of the profane, let us make the oracles of God our standard

of truth and of duty, the foundation of our hope, and the light

of our paths through this dark world, to the glorious

inheritance above.