Then said I, O my lord, what [are] these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these [be].
Ver. 9. Then said I, O my Lord, what are these?] Thus the prophets inquired and searched diligently (as saith St Peter (ερευνωντες), 1Pe 1:11), for the truth of things, as hunters seek for game, and as men seek for gold in the very mines of the earth; who, not content with the first ore that offered itself to their view, dig deeper and deeper till they are owners of the whole treasure. See Proverbs 2:4; and rest not till ye see that blissful sight, Ephesians 1:18,19 .
And the angel that talked with me] Or, in me, as the Vulgate rendereth it. This was some created angel, who might reveal things to the prophet by working on the phantasy and spirit, by way of information and instruction, as Dan 9:21 Luk 1:11 Revelation 1:1 .
I will show thee what these be] How ready are the holy angels to serve the saints, Hebrews 1:14, rejoicing more in their names of office than of honour, of employment than preferment, to be called angels, that is, messengers, or internuncios, than principalities, thrones, dominions, Ephesians 1:20; accounting it better to do good than to be great, to dispense God's benefits than to enjoy them. Hence they are with and about the saints, as their companions, guides, protectors, monitors, and rulers of their actions, as here.