Daniel 10 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Was mourning — Because he foresaw the many calamities that would befall the Jews for their sins, especially for destroying the Messiah, and rejecting his gospel.

The first month — Nisan, which is March. Hiddekel — Or Tigris.

A certain man — Very probably Christ, who appeared to Daniel in royal and priestly robes, and in so great brightness and majesty.

He — Not Christ, but Gabriel.

Withstood me — God suffered the wicked counsels of Cambyses to take place awhile; but Daniel by his prayers, and the angel by his power, overcame him at last: and this very thing laid a foundation of the ruin of the Persian monarchies. Michael — Michael here is commonly supposed to mean Christ. I remained — To counter — work their designs against the people of God.

I set my face — I prostrated myself upon the earth. And I became dumb — Thro' astonishment.

One like the sons of men — This likewise seems to have been Gabriel. I have retained no strength — Tho' he appeared to him, and spake to him as a man, yet Daniel could not bear his presence, without some dread.

To fight — To oppose his mischievous designs.

Michael — Christ alone is the protector of his church, when all the princes of the earth desert or oppose it.