And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Ver. 12. And an host was given him.] Or, The host was given over, for the transgression against the daily sacrifice. The Jews were grown to a great height of profaneness, even in Malachi's days, as is to be seen Malachi 1:1,14; Malachi 2:1,17; Malachi 3:1,15, and by this time, doubtless, they were become much worse; God therefore, for punishment, turned this tiger loose upon them.
And it cast down the truth to the ground.] The doctrine of truth, together with the professors thereof. The like whereunto is still done by the Romish antichrist, to whom some apply all this part of the chapter as the proper and genuine sense of the text. See the visions and prophecies of Daniel expounded by Mr Thomas Parker of Newbery, in New England, pp. 43, 44, &c.
And it practised, and prospered.] Wicked practices against religion may prosper for the time. Act 12:1-3 It was therefore no good argument that the Earl of Derby used to George Marsh, martyr, telling him that the Dukes of Northumberland and of Suffolk, and other of the new persuasion, had ill luck, and were either put to death, or in danger so to be. And again, he rehearsed unto him the good hap of the queen's highness, and of those that held with her, and said that the Duke of Northumberland confessed so plainly. a
a Acts and Mon., 1421.