At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
Ver. 23. At the beginning of thy supplications.] Thy prayer was scarce in thy mouth ere it was in God's ear. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Psa 34:15 See Trapp on " Psa 34:15 " He heard at the very first, but answered not till Daniel had tugged with him. See James 5:16,17 .
For thou art greatly beloved.] a Kimchi readeth it, A man of measures, a man every inch of thee. But the word is not Hamiddoth, but Chamudoth, ‘a man of desires,' a favourite in heaven, because desirous of things truly desirable. b Christ is said to be totus totas desiderabilis, lovely all over. Son 5:16 The saints are also so in their measure, as on the contrary the wicked are not desired, Zep 2:1 but loathed and abhorred. Pro 13:5
Therefore understand the matter.] Good men shall know God's secrets. Genesis 18:17 ; Gen 18:19 Psa 25:14
a Desideratissimus es. - Trem.
b Rerum expetendarum cupidus. - Vatab.