three weeks no sign of answer came from heaven. Yet, a.ll the while, answer had come, though he we.a unconscious of it. Daniel was concerned, not for bim•elf but for Lhe well-being 11nd forhmes of Israel. But be might rest assured that God' bad more nt heart these interests-than man, however zealous, ever can. This rnport of Gnbriel opens to our minds a new view of angelic ministration. It is evident tha.t they do perform their service on earth, for the most part, unseen by human eyes. Gabriel had been with the kings and statesmen of Persia. So important to Israel's well-being was his presence in that court, that for three weeks be had remained there. His power was limited ; he could not be in two places at once, nor could he accom- plish his mission without the assistance of Michael. For the time being, it was hotter that Daniel should remain in ignorance of the fa.et. His continued fasting and prayer were essential to complete success. In what fashion Gabriel rendered service we e.re not told. Most probably he had power to influence the views, the motives, the ambitions of men. A thousand subtle agencies were at his command, by which be could direct the counsels of men and bring about the purposes of God. Angelic influence, then, is a factor in state concerns which we do well not to ignore. V. ANGELS HAVE OFTEN TO CONTEND WITH EVIL SPIRITS IN FULFILLING THE BEHESTS OF Goo. 'l.'here can be little doubt that the language here employed by Gabriel, viz. " the prince of the kingdom of Persia," refers to one of the leading spirits of darkness, one of the fallen angels, There are p1incipalities and powers in bell. Sa.tan is termed the "prince of this world," "the prince of the power of the air." .An antagonist or Gabriel would be fittingly an evil spirit. Gabriel speaks of fighting with him. There was hot warfare. So we read in the Epistle of Jude that Michael disputed with the devil about the body of Moses. That some bold and crafty spirit, in the confederate host of hell, should be told off to do some particular evil work is probable enough ; and that such, having subordinates under him, should be styled leader or prince of a particular earthly empire is equally probable. This earth, then, is the scene of mighty conflicts. Angela here have their combats as well as men. Here, perhaps, is being fought out the crucial conflict between the Creator aud his rebellious creatures- the conflict between righteousness and wickedness. Gabriel, though " excelling in power," is not omnipotent. Some things even an angel alone cannot do. They learn that in union is strength. Michael is sent to help him-Michael, who is set apart as the prince or protector of Israel. Gabriel cannot be long spared from the particular scene of conflict. During a temporary truce he visits Daniel. Thill accomplishe<l, he returns to the troublous scene in the court of Persia.-D.
EXPOSITION. The Revised Version does not diEer seriously OHAPTEB XL from the Authorized, "And as for me, in the first year of Dariu the Mede, I stood up to Vera. 1-45.-THE Kuros OF THB NoBTH confirm e.nd strengthen him." 'fhe Septua- AND THE KINGS OF TBE SOUTH, gint mUBt have read ,011 (amar), "he said," Ver. 1.-Also I in the llrat year of Dariu instead of 'lit (anee), "I.'' When we have tho the Mede, even I, stood to oonllrm and to Septuagint and Theodotion supporting each strengthen him. The versions show signs other against the Massoretic text, the of great disturbance having happened here. evidence against the received text is strong. The rendering of the LXX. is, "In the In t.bill case both these versions have, as will :first year of Oyrus the king, he told me to be seen, not "Darius," but "Cyrus." 'fhe be strong and to play the man.'' Theodo- two names would have in the old Egyptian tion's rendering is yet briefer, "And I, in Hebrew script, a striking resemblance to the first year of Oyrus, stood in strength each other: the fact that the last letter of and might." The Pesbitta rendering, "In both names is the same, and also the second the first year of Darius the Mede (he) arose letter, made the likeness considerable in any to confirm and strengthen me." The soript: but '-I the first letter of "Darius" is Vulgate is close to the MaBBOretio and the oertainlyverylike lithefirstletterof"Cyrus." English versions, " I likewise, from the The vav would possibly be omitted, then first year of Darius the Mede, was standing the first two letters of either name would that he might be confirlned au.dlltrenJthene4," resemble closely tbe firijt two letters of the PA.NIEL, X 308 THE BOOK OF DANIEJ.. Lon. xr. 1-4G,