Dan 8:15-26 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 15 As the appearance of a man

Daniel 8:15-26

Verse 15

As the appearance of a man - Supposed to be the Messiah. Verse 17

At the time of the end shall be the vision - Or, as Houbigant, "The vision shall have an end at the proper time." Verse 20

The ram which thou sagest - See this explained under the vision itself, Dan 8:3 (note), etc. Verse 22

But not in his power - The four kingdoms which shall arise out of the Macedonian empire shall not be of Alexander's power or family, nor have his strength and dignity. 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, etc.

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 skillful in all things relating to government and its intrigues. The learning of Rome is proverbial to the present time. Verse 24

But not by his own power - The strength of the other kingdoms consisted in themselves; but the Roman empire, as a horn or kingdom of the goat, was not mighty by its own power - was not strong by virtue of the goat, but drew its nourishment and strength from Rome and Italy. There grew the trunk and body of the tree; though the branches extended over Greece, Asia, Syria, and Egypt. - Bp. Newton.

Shall destroy wonderfully - In the taking of Jerusalem by the Romans ninety-seven thousand Jews were made captives, and eleven hundred thousand were slain. So they destroyed this once mighty and holy people! Verse 26

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.

The vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true - That mentioned in Dan 8:14.

For it shall be for many days - Not less than two thousand three hundred years!