This chapter and the two next make one entire vision and prophecy, given Daniel about two years after the former. This chapter is introductory: the next has the prophecy itself, and the twelfth chapter, the conclusion of it. In this we have Daniel's solemn humiliation, ver. 1 - 3. A glorious appearance of the Son of God, ver. 4 - 9. The encouragement given him to expect a full discovery of future events, ver. 10 - 25.
Verses:
10:2
Was mourning - Because he foresaw the many calamities that would befall the Jews for their sins, especially for destroying the Messiah, and rejecting his gospel.
10:4
The first month - Nisan, which is March.Hiddekel - Or Tigris.
10:5
A certain man - Very probably Christ, who appeared to Daniel in royal and priestly robes, and in so great brightness and majesty.
10:12
He - Not Christ, but Gabriel.
10:13
Withstood me - God suffered the wicked counsels of Cambyses to take place awhile; but Daniel by his prayers, and the angel by his power, overcame him at last: and this very thing laid a foundation of the ruin of the Persian monarchies. Michael - Michael here is commonly supposed to mean Christ. I remained - To counter - work their designs against the people of God.
10:15
I set my face - I prostrated myself upon the earth.And I became dumb - Thro' astonishment.
10:16
One like the sons of men - This likewise seems to have been Gabriel. I have retained no strength - Tho' he appeared to him, and spake to him as a man, yet Daniel could not bear his presence, without some dread.
10:20
To fight - To oppose his mischievous designs.
10:21
Michael - Christ alone is the protector of his church, when all the princes of the earth desert or oppose it.
