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.

4. The first month - Nisan, which is March. Hiddekel - Or Tigris.

5. A certain man - Very probably Christ, who appeared to Daniel in royal and priestly robes, and in so great brightness and majesty.

12. He - Not Christ, but Gabriel.

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.

15. I set my face - I prostrated myself upon the earth. And I became dumb - Thro' astonishment.

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.

20. To fight - To oppose his mischievous designs.

21. Michael - Christ alone is the protector of his church, when all the princes of the earth desert or oppose it.