The Pulpit Commentary — Daniel — Section 332

Vere. 11-21.- Variety of angeli,c service. It is quite legitima.te for us to reason from God's conduct towards men in the past to his probable conduct towards men now. If in his wisdom he employed his angels to be ministers of good to Daniel and to hrnel two thousand years ago, we may conclude that it is an exercise of wisdom to do the like to-day. Perfect wisdom will only change its plans, eo far as new circum- Ftances and needs arise. Hence there is instruction and consolation for us in this Scripture. J. ANGELS ABE EMPLOYED TO BRING TO MEN ASSURANCE OF TBEm ACCEPTANCE WITH Gon. Thie angel, who was probably Gabriel, was commissioned to assure Daniel that he was "greatly beloved." Every doubt upon that head was completely removed, 'l'he angel knew what were God's dispositions of mind towards Daniel, and he was empowered to convey the intelligence. There is nothing unreasonable in this; no improbability that beings of refined nature exist in nearer relation to God than do ruen; no improbability that they perform acts of service for men. That which is naturally probable is made certain by the written revelation. It is often the case that we cannot account for our moods of feeling, our hopefulness and our despondency, by any known events. Who shall sa.y that these states of mind a.re not the result of angelic visitation? Tha.t we are not conscious of the presence of angels is no proof that they do not \·isit us. Their etherea.l na.tures may b'e impervious to human sight, except by miraculous interposition. Elisha's servant did not perceive the angelic host sent for their protection until God had specia.lly opened his eyes. Once and a.gain this angel assured Daniel of his interest in God's love, charged him to dismiss hia foal'I!, and brought to him heavenly peace. II. ANGELS .ABE EMPLOYED TO INFORM THE HUMAN UNDERSTANDING. One main object of Gabriel's visit to Daniel was to shed light upon pa.ssing events, and to enlarge Daniel's comprehension of God'g government. So high was God's esteem for Daniel, tha.t Gabriel was despatched on purpose to dislodge ignorance and doubt from hio mind. He assures him that the want of visible answer to prayer is no proof tha.t God has not heard, nor tha.t he is unwilling to reply. On the contra.ry, Daniel'a prayer had taken effect from the very beginning, and mea.sures were at once set in motion in r.ccordance therewith. The pra.yers and fa.stings of good men are links (ordained by God) in the cha.in of ea.uses and effects. As soon as man interceded for Israel, Gabriel was despa.tched on business of high importance to the kingdom of Persia. And Gabriel was further charged to unfold to Daniel what wa.s in the volume of God's purposes-the series of vicissitudes through which Israel would be destined to pass. God's thoughts were loftier than Daniel's; Aia designs had a wider scope and range tba.n his servant's. Nothing short of the establishment of perma.nent righteousness will satisfy God. Ill. ANGELS ARE EMPLOYED TO INCREASE OUB BTBENGTJL It is noteworthy tha.t as Daniel's needs arose one after tbe other, the angel was prepared to meet each one. Daniel was prostrate ; the angel set him upright. :paniel was so stunn~ with the intelliaence that he was dumb; the angel opened his mouth, and gave him speech. Daniel fainted under a sense of awe a.nd wonder; the angel imparted new strength with hie touch. We are impressed with the considerateness, the tenderness, the thoughtful sympathy, of this angelic visitor. T~ere was stre~gth imparted to hts physical nature by a touch; there was strength imparted to his soul by the angels words. According to the constitution of man's nature is the agency employed by God. The angel who strengthened Christ Jesus in the garden of suffering can also strengthen us. IV. ANGELS ARE F.NOAOF.D TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE CHURCH IN PALACES AND IN com-cu,s OF STATE. '!'here are times when they can best serve us, not at our side, but at a di.stance from us. Probably Daniel was agitated in soul, because for 011. XI, 1-15,] THE BOOK OF DANIEL. 305