Da 11:1-45.
This chapter is an enlargement of the eighth: THE
OVERTHROW OF
PERSIA BY
GRECIA:
THE
FOUR
DIVISIONS OF
ALEXANDER'S
KINGDOM:
CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE
KINGS OF THE
SOUTH AND OF THE
NORTH, THE
PTOLEMIES AND
SELEUCIDÆ:
ANTIOCHUS
EPIPHANES.
1. I--the angel
(Da 10:18).
first year of Darius--Cyaxares II; the year of the conquest of
Babylon
(Da 5:31).
Cyrus, who wielded the real power, though in name subordinate to
Darius, in that year promulgated the edict for the restoration of the
Jews, which Daniel was at the time praying for
(Da 9:1, 2, 21, 23).
stood--implying promptness in helping
(Ps 94:16).
strengthen him--namely, Michael; even as Michael
(Da 10:21,
"strengtheneth himself with me") helped the angel, both joining
their powers in behalf of Israel
[ROSENMULLER]. Or, Darius, the
angel "confirming him" in his purpose of kindness to Israel.
Brief Summary: The angel Gabriel, in this chapter,
performs his promise made to Daniel in the foregoing chapter,
that he would "show him what should befal his people in the
latter days,'' according to that which was "written in the
scriptures of truth:'' very particularly does he here foretel
the succession of the kings of Persia and Grecia, and the
affairs of their kingdoms, especially the mischief which
Antiochus Epiphanes did in his time to the church, which was
foretold before ch. 8:11-12 ). Here is, I. A brief prediction of
the setting up of the Grecian monarchy upon the ruins of the
Persian monarchy, which was now newly begun (v. 1-4). II. A
prediction of the affairs of the two kingdoms of Egypt and
Syria, with reference to each other (v. 5-20). III. Of the rise
of Antiochus Epiphanes, and his actions and successes (v.
21-29). IV. Of the great mischief that he should do to the
Jewish nation and religion, and his contempt of all religion (v.
30-39). V. Of his fall and ruin at last, when he is in the heat
of his pursuit (v. 40-45).
Painting of Alexander the Great and his horse Bucephalus
