In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
Ver. 1. In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia.]. This whole chapter is but a preface to the ensuing prophecy, or visional prediction, recorded in the two following Chapter s. It beginneth at the third year of Cyrus's empire, and reacheth till the time of the Jews rising from the dust of their dispersion, say some; to the end of the world, say others, with whom I concur.
A thing was revealed unto Daniel.] Who now must needs be very old, yet at those years (a hundred or more) gave himself to understand and search into divine secrets. The more any one knoweth of God, the more he would still know. Moses, newly come from the mount, crieth to God to show him his glory. David, that gulf of holy learning, is often at his, Teach me thy statutes, &c.
And the thing was true,] i.e., Plain and proper; not, as former visions, figurative and obscure.
But the time appointed was long,] scil., Till all be fulfilled, which will not be till the last judgment.
And he understood the thing.] And so was the better able to propound it to the Church; for what a man doth not himself understand, he cannot well and fitly deliver to others.
And had understood the vision,] scil., Given unto him; for unless God give us both sight and light, we perceive not heavenly doctrine, neither indeed can do.