And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Ver. 25. And he shall speak great words.] As Pope Julius III did, when he called for his pork flesh, forbidden him by his physician as naught for his gout, al despito di Dio, in despite of God; and missing a cold peacock which he commanded to be set up for his supper, he raged extremely at his steward; and being desired to be more patient, he replied, If God were so angry with our first parents for an apple, may not I, who am his vicar, be so much more for my peacock? a See on Revelation 13:5 .
And shall think to change times and laws,] i.e., He shall usurp a power over religion and men's consciences, set up holidays, canonise saints, appoint fasts, order times, &c.
Until a time and times and half a time,] i.e., Until that time which God alone knoweth, and hath in his power.
a Acts and Mon., 1417.