Comments for November 1

v.15 - Were the priests ashamed because it took them somewhat longer than the people to rise to this momentous occasion (2Chr.29:36) and they should have been there first? Or was it simply a realisation of the extent of the sin of the people?

30:1 Hezekiah commenced his reformation as soon as he came to the throne but there was not enough time to cleanse the house for the Passover in the first month so he used the provision of the law which allowed for the Passover to be kept in the second month.
This allowed time for those who wished to come from the northern kingdom to share in the Passover. 2 Chronicles 30:6 Thus Hezekiah, just before the northern kingdom went into captivity showed a great spirit of reconciliation.
We have been given 'the ministry of reconciliation' 2 Corinthians 5:18 May we manifest the character of Hezekiah in this respect towards our brethren.

v. 3,4 - We see here the degree of effort we ought to put into preparing ourselves to meet the Lord each time we go to our Breaking of Bread, and maybe at other times too (before we pray, for example) that we might be able to present ourselves before Him acceptably. Although we are under a different law and regime than they were, this principle, which is prevalent throughout the law, maybe still has some impact on the attitude of heart we are expected to have now.

30:13-14 Even though Hezekiah was a good king seeking to re establish true worship there were altars to false gods in Jerusalem. This indicates the great amount of work that Hezekiah had to do in turning the people to God.

30:18-19 Whereas we might have thought that those who were not prepared for the Passover should have been reproved Hezekiah prayed for them. Some had prepared their hearts and so displayed a degree of commitment which Hezekiah must have seen as sufficient reason to pray for them. Herein is a powerful lesson for us when we would be judgemental on those who have fallen. We should be aware such a one may well be trying hard to serve God but lack the understanding that we have. We must be careful to show compassion where appropriate.

30:25 In specifically mentioning the 'Levite' and the 'stranger' we are being shown that in Hezekiah's reign the requirements of the law (Deut 26:11) were being kept.

30:27 Quotes Deut 26:15 reinforcing the link with Deuteronomy made in verse 2Chron 30:25

V.9 This was a strong appeal when we consider that Hezekiah used the children as part of it. A parent will do more for his own flesh and blood than anything else. This is the way Hezekiah was, and for the most part, we are to day. 

It's a fact that evil spreads, but good does as well.  It's great to see that many people and strangers from the north, from Israel, came to worship in Jerusalem, with Hezekiah. Let's make sure that our worship spreads to other people, or at least, that they know our invitation to them is genuine.

V.10 Several of Israel's community refused Hezekiah's invitation to worship together.  We should take every opportunity to be unified with our brethren.  If there has been a rift or division, we should endeavour to be reconciled to them and make for peace (Psa 133:1; Matt 5:9).

30:2-3  In postponing the Passover to the appropriate time in the second month we see that Hezekiah’s enthusiasm did not blur his judgment about what was right and wrong. Do we ever get so carried away with our enthusiasm that we disregard the principles of the truth?

30:6-9 Whilst Hezekiah was concerned that the tribes from the north came to the Passover that he was organising they were expected to come in faithfulness. This was not a re union based on compromise and tolerance of evil. The letter set out the requirement. That many came from the north indicates that many were willing to forsake their sins. May we be so gracious if we have been in error and our error has been pointed out.

Vs.18-20 Yahweh was prepared to overlook the Law (that He prescribed) because the heart of the people was right (Hos 6:6). 

Aaron demonstrated understanding that overrode the Law.  He declined to eat the sin offering as was required by the Law.  His two sons, Nadab and Abihu had just been killed by Yahweh for their sins.  Aaron understood that taking the sin offering, under those circumstances, was not appropriate (Lev 10:19). These are supreme examples for us to be thoughtful and merciful with others, rather than insisting on the letter of the law.

INVITE THEM BACK

30:6 ‘The remnant of you’ when speaking to the Northern kingdom is speaking to those who remained in the north despite the godlessness of the kings in Israel. Many of the faithful priests and doubtless common people had already migrated south to be able to worship God faithfully.

30:3 There are not degrees of sanctification. When are told that the priests had not sanctified themselves ‘sufficiently’ in reality we are being told that not enough of the priests had sanctified themselves. – This can be seen from the RV.

V.1 Why should Israel agree to meet with Judah at Jerusalem, given the hostility between them? Let’s consider the conditions which were conducive to such a meeting. First, Hoshea, the king of Israel was better disposed to this arrangement than previous kings of Israel. Second, the Assyrians had taken away the golden calves of Bethel and Dan, and there was no place in Israel to worship as before.

Vs.2,3 The Passover should really have been kept on the fourteenth of the first month (Nisan) (Exo 12:2,16). But, the sanctification of both the priests and the temple could not be ready by that time, and so Hezekiah ordered the Passover for the second month (Ijar).

This is another example of the Law’s being flexible when conditions dictated it. We should keep that in mind if we become rigid on a given point when the greater good is at stake.

The Passover proclamation when out to all the land, from Beersheba in the south, to Dan in the north. There were some in Israel who derided the invitation, but others humbled themselves and agreed to attend (vs.10,11). Despite the detractors, God’s blessing was on the Passover, which went ahead (vs.12,13).

When a spiritually sound proposal is made in Christ’s ecclesia, there might be some members who refuse to comply. The larger community should have the conviction of faith to go ahead with the proposal. Too many times, well-intentioned members, who want 100% participation, do not move on an issue for fear of leaving some members out in the cold. This is a prescription for failure. We should let the examples of scripture guide us: For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction (Rom 15:4).

V.14 The Kidron Valley had become a dumping ground for all things unholy. That is the reason it is the designated dumping ground for the unholy nations who will come up against Israel in the end times (Joel 3:2,12). (Note: The Valley of Jehoshaphat is the Kidron Valley).

Vs.16-20 This is another example of flexibility of the Law, which Yahweh accepted, to accommodate the greater good of the occasion.

30:22 On this occasion Hezekiah spoke ‘comfortably’ to the Levites in Jerusalem later at the time of Israel’s deliverance from the Assyrians, Isaiah – Isa 40:1-2 – spoke comfortable words to Jerusalem.

2Chron 30:2-3,13-15;2Pet 3:9;Matt 26:26-29;Num 9:10-11 - not enough were consecrated/ready to celebrate on the first Passover date; similarly, God is not slack in keeping the promised millenial feast but wants to allow time for a more complete repentance/harvest; Christ will not drink again of the fruit of the vine till he returns to earth from his heavenly journey; provision was made for a later date Passover feast in case of a journey, etc. - perhaps this second date Passover feast arranged by Hezekiah echoes the second coming feast when Christ returns to establish his kingdom on earth.

2Chron 30:8 - we are to yield to our Father's will so we might enter His sanctuary which He has sanctified/consecrated forever.

2Chron 30:10-11 - couriers inviting people (in Israel) were scorned and ridiculed but they continued on and some listened (2Tim 4:1-2).

2Chron 30:18-20;1Tim 2:5 - Hezekiah prays to God to mediate for the spiritually/ritually unclean people needing (V.18) "pardon" [Heb. "kaphar" (3722) means "atonement, to cover, to put off, to placate, pardon"] and the Lord healed/forgave them (Num 8:19;Psa 41:4;Hos 14:4); the law couldn't forgive sin, it was only a postponement till there was forgiveness with Christ's sacrifice (Rom 3:20-26).

2Chron 30:21-26 - repetitions of "seven days" perhaps echoes the millenial day of rest; many sanctified priests (perhaps echoes the saints in the millenial rest); whole assembly, congregation; "strangers" (Gentiles) included with Jews; great rejoicing in Jerusalem.

30:8   The exhortation to ‘yield yourselves unto the Lord’ is echoes in Rom 12:1 as an exhortation to those who believe the gospel.

RIGHT ATTITUDE

Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, '"May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God - the LORD, the God of his fathers - even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.' And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people." (2Chron 30:18-20)

God's laws required strict adherence. Yet here was a time when the people chose to worship God in the way he wanted to be worshipped, but because their decision had been delayed, were not able to do it in exactly the way God wanted it to be done. Their decision to keep the Passover was one that was made with a willing and enthusiastic attitude. It was one that showed, that had they been able to, they would have done it right. And so, after Hezekiah prayed for his people, "the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed his people."

This instance shows how important it is to have the right attitude as we live for our God. This does not excuse us from doing things our own way rather than God's way, but it does show us the attitude we should own as we live for him.

Let us give him all we have got in enthusiasm, love and service, wherever we are right now.

30:18-19         Notice that Hezekiah prayed for those who prepared their hearts. Forgiveness is not given unconditionally. It is given on the basis of the repentant attitude of the one prayed for.

30:8    Being stiff necked is not the same as being unaware. A person who is unaware of what is required can learn and respond. The stiff necked already knows what is right and has made a conscious decision to disobey.

Reunification of Israel and Judah

v5 is incredibly significant in terms of Bible history, but something not often talked about. Israel and Judah had been separate nations until now, with Israel worshipping the golden calves at Dan and Samaria, and Judah worshipping the LORD at Jerusalem. But when we read 2Kin 18:9-12 we see that early in the reign of Hezekiah, Israel's nation was destroyed and sent into captivity. This gave Hezekiah the opportunity to attempt to re-establish the worship of the LORD throughout all the remnants of Israel as well as Judah, and at the same time to regain a measure of unity between the two nations.

Further note: This echoes the reason for why the calves were set up in the first place - because of the feast at Jerusalem. See 1Kin 12:26-33

30:20  Hezekiah prayed for the people. However the matter of the unclean people was in the hand of God. That he “healed” them is an indication of a effectual fervent prayer. James 5:17

30:27  The prophet who was speaking at the time of Hezekiah – as this chapter is – also quotes Deut 26:15

30:5   This is the only time after the diving of the kingdom between Judah and Israel that we find the specification from Beersheba to Dan. So we see that Hezekiah is seeking to restore the two parts of the kingdom of God. Is harmony and fellowship something we strive to achieve in our relationships?

30:9   When Hezekiah encourages the people to return to God and that they will receive compassion from Him he is drawing on Solomon’s prayer as recorded in 1Kin 8:50

2Chron 30:9   speaking to the northern kingdom it seems that captivity was seen as inevitable. However the king assures them that if they repent their captors will be kind to them. But this will not be due to the kindness of the Assyrians. It will be  through Gods graciousness.

30:27  The way in which the priest prayed to God in His holy dwelling is echoed in Isaiah 63:15 which records the same event, it seems.

30:25 on this occasion good king Hezekiah took note of what the law said regarding Levites and strangers as spoken in Deut 26:11

30:2-3 Despite Hezekiah’s enthusiasm to reintroduce faithful worship in Israel when he came to the throne there was insufficient time to cleans the buildings and the people, ceremonially, in time for the passover on the 14^th day of the 1^st month. It would have been easy to conclude that the passover could wait for another 12 months. However God had made provision – Num 9:10-13 – for individuals who, by force of circumstance, were unable to keep the passover to keep it a month later. Hezekiah saw a principle in that provision which he used to keep the passover a month later.

30:1 So often we read about war between Israel and Judah. Hezekiah’s approach was the correct approach. He sought to unite the nation in true worship of Yahweh.

30:10 there is apathy and there is opposition. Which do you think is harder to deal with?  I suppose apathy saps our resolve and strength but opposition in the form of derision is harder to bear.

30:4  How often do we, when our plans are delayed, feel “pleased”? Hezekiah’s pleasure was that the passover would be able to be kept according to the law even though the date in the first month had been missed. His concern was not to keep the passover irrespective of the fact that the house and the priests had not been fully sanctified but that God had to be glorified by things being done accurately. Is this how we think and behave?

v.7 reminds us of the situation with Paul in Acts 9, where God chooses an individual to talk to but those around are aware of part of what is going on. Acts 9:7

10:1-3 Daniel was mourning for Zion - listening to the words of Isaiah 61:3.The vision of the 'certain man' draws on the vision that Ezekiel had
10:6 like a beryl Ezekiel 1:16
10:6 appearance of lightning Ezekiel 1:14
10:6 feet as polished brass Ezekiel 1:7
10:6 voice as a multitude Ezekiel 1:24
Also the language of this area of DAN 10 is used again in Revelation 1 where it speaks of the glorified Christ.
10:6 eyes like a flame Revelation 1:14
10:6 feet like polished brass Revelation 1:15

v.10,11 - It is clear that the physical and mental strain involved in being a prophet and receiving revelation from God was quite severe. God chose out those who could cope with this. Quite a lesson for us. We should not expect anything to be easy - not even the receiving of God's commandments.

We are now back in time. Cyrus made the first decree which brought about the work recorded in Ezra. The work ceased until the second year of Darius (Ezra 4:24). So we should realise that Daniel is not chronological. Rather the visions are recorded in the order and way they are so that we can see the relationship between the events predicted in each vision.

GOD HEARS PRAYER
When Elijah had his competition with the prophets of Baal to see which God was real and would answer by fire, Elijah taunted the prophets by saying, "Maybe Baal is asleep, or out for a walk or maybe he's not listening - shout louder!" But Baal didn't hear because Baal is not a god. But when Elijah prayed, God answered his prayer straight away, proving that he is alive and powerful.

God hears prayer No matter where we are, no matter who we are with, no matter how loudly or softly we say it, God will hear it. We do not need to repeat ourselves over and over because he will hear us first time. In fact, Jesus said in Matt 6 v 7, "Do not keep on babbling," or in the AV, "Use not vain repetitions." God hears us first time every time.

Daniel was given first hand reassurance of that fact when the Angel said, "Since the first day you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them." Daniel was heard first time!

God hears us first time too It may be that his answer is delayed for a time for reasons we don't understand. But whatever the case, we can be assured that God does hear our prayers.

10:11 In this account we have a wonderful indication of the work of the angels. The delay in responding to Daniel's request said nothing about Daniel's trust in God. Rather it indicates that the angels, because of the free will of men, have to work with mankind to bring about God's plan.

10:12-13 Daniel might have thought that his prayer was not heard because he had to wait for an answer. However it is clear that the prayer was heard and the decision to act upon it was taken immediately. However there were circumstances in "heaven" which delayed the response. We must be careful to remember that there may be more important issues than an immediate answer to our prayers. However this does not mean that they go unheard.

V.21 In the word of God that has been saved for us to day are recorded God's plans and purposes for man, and the earth. These decrees and plans are "truth" things that are realities and shall unfailingly come to pass, having been part of that master plan that our Heavenly Father has, which will not be changed.

Vs.9-11 Daniel, the beloved of Yahweh, demonstrates the progression of development for all true believers.  We begin our life in Christ as novices, in a prone position as it were.  Then, as we continue on our journey we grow, Yahweh helping us to our knees.  We are further helped until we stand upright, still trembling, to work out our salvation Phil 2:12).  Finally, we are strengthened by receiving immortality at the end of days (v.18).

Do we have another insight in today’s chapter into the working of Angels? We are not specifically told that the man clothed in linen who talked to Daniel is an Angel (Dan 10:5,6). But his appearance seems to be that of an Angel, and his words in Dan 10:12 are very similar to Gabriel’s words in Dan 9:23. If this vision is of an Angel, then in Dan 10:12,13 he says that he was sent to bring Daniel a message, but on the way went to Persia, to do something there. The king of Persia proved very difficult, and the Angel was delayed for three weeks.  Then Michael came to help him, releasing him to go on to talk to Daniel. After this comes Dan 10:20, where he is now to leave Daniel and to go back “to fight with the prince of Persia”.

I love the story of the angels' involvement in world affairs in Dan 10 and have found it most useful in preaching and teaching the young people about how God works. The history books don't record angelic interventions but we are clearly told that God rules in the kingdoms of men. Some of the seeming miraculous twist and turns in the political history of the world have come about consequent to sudden changes in weather eg the destruction of the Persian fleet by storm in the war against Greece was a real turning point-was it Gabriel and Michael whipping up the wind? George Bush might be the commander in chief but God through the angels is pulling the strings.

10:9-10  So Daniel experienced a death and resurrection in type.

10:21 In saying ‘that which is noted in the Scriptures of truth’ we realise that what Michael is about to speak – Dan 11 – is based on earlier Scripture.

Vs.2,3 Daniel was in mourning for three weeks.  During that time he ate no pleasant bread (KJV); delicacies (ESV).  Normally, under the rule of Cyrus, Daniel was eating royal food. Contrast this with Daniel's arrival in Babylon, when he refused to partake of royal food (1:8). 

Vs.5,6 The archangel Gabriel addressed Daniel previously (9:21).  It would not be a stretch to suppose that it was Gabriel who addressed Daniel here.  Although we have little insight into the work of angels, we know that they operate behind the scenes in world affairs  Here we are told of dealings with the king of Persia in which Gabriel (?) received help from another archangel, Michael (vs.13,21).

10:14In telling Daniel that the words spoke of what would happen to Israel in the ‘latter days’ would help Daniel to understand that the things he had been seeing would not be fulfilled in his lifetime. A ;little like the way in which Balaam told Balak what Israel would do to them in the ‘latter days’ – Num 24:14

Vs.13,20 Cyrus did not have any natural inclination to help the Jews. But, Yahweh had chosen him to do so. He was called Yahweh's shepherd (KJV), and anointed (KJV) (Isa 44:28; 45:1) 

Here, we have a glimpse of the work of angels, operating in a realm not understood by us. The outcome would be certain, that Cyrus would fulfil the Yahweh's will. But, how the angels supernaturally persuaded him is a mystery. Note that the initial period of working with Cyrus matches the time of Daniel’s mourning (v.2).

10:12 The fact that Daniel’s prayer was heard as soon as it was uttered makes it like that of Hezekiah – 2Kin 20:5 – the only difference here is that there was a delay in advising Daniel that the prayer had been answered.

Vs.2,3 It is not clear why Daniel was mourning and fasting. Perhaps Daniel was mourning for his nation that was encountering political roadblocks to re-building the temple. Or, perhaps he was perplexed by his last vision.

V.4 The Hiddekel (KJV) was the Tigris. The Tigris was one of the three rivers which flowed out of Eden (Gen 2:14). Hence, we can deduct that the Garden of Eden was located in the Mesopotamian region.

Vs.5,6 Was the man Gabriel?

The image of a man seen in the vision of Dan 10:5-6 is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. We know that because it is the same description in Rev 1:13-18 of the man who in v18 "was dead ... is alive for evermore".

Q: How could Jesus be there in a vision long before his birth?

A: Because this was a dream, not a real event. The purpose of Jesus had already been set by God, and thus He was revealing some aspect of His plan with Jesus to Daniel.

Q: Why would Jesus appear to Daniel in a vision about Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome?

A: Because the people of Israel were in captivity within these nations, or subject to them, from Daniel's time until Jesus was born.

10:1 So even though we have moved from the Chaldeans to the Medes and Persians Daniel is still introduced with the name given to him by Nebuchadnezzar – maybe indicating that it was more than a name. It may well have been a title given to him.

10:18  Isn’t it interesting that the very being that causes the ‘fear’ is the one who provides the strength! The lesson for us is clear.

10:13  Notice that Daniel’s prayer was heard immediately but he did not know it had been answered for three weeks because the angels were busy elsewhere.  This is not an indication of weakness on the part of God. Rather it teaches that before certain things can happen other details need to be in place.  We should take comfort from this, knowing that our prayers are heard immediately even though action might not be taken for quite some time. It would be wrong to assume that because our prayer is not answered that God has not heard it.

10:15-17   Do we ever feel as despondent as Daniel when we realise that we do not understand some aspect of Scripture?

1. Dan 10:1 - as Michael Parry noted in his 2008 comments, Cyrus king of Persia was selected by God to facilitate the return of the Jews. This was prophesied approximately 174 years before the birth of Cyrus (Isa 44:28;45:1;Dan 5:30-31).

2. Dan 10:2-3 - "three 'full'<3117> 'weeks'<7620>...three 'whole'<3117> weeks" - "3" is thought by many to refer to "divine perfection, being entombed 3 days, resurrection on the 3rd day; "7" is thought by many to refer to "spiritual perfection, God's seal or covenant number, the millennial day of rest when Christ returns to earth to rule his Father's kingdom on David's throne".

3. Dan 10:4 - "of the first month" - is this referring to the first religious month which would include the Passover as opposed to the first civil month which would begin with the Feast of Trumpets followed by the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles?

4. Dan 10:4 - does the 24th day have any connection with the 24 elders (Rev 19:4;4:4)? Some view 24 as a double 12 (12 thought by many to be the number of governmental perfection) and perhaps referring to the spiritual Jerusalem to come.

5. Dan 10:5-6 - some feel this refers to an angel manifesting the glory of God, others feel this refers to Christ manifesting the glory of his Father (i.e. God), and still others feel this refers to a symbolic representation of the multitudinous body of Christ constituting the redeemed saints (Dan 7:9;Rev 1:12-20;Eze 1:4,5,7,13,16,24,27,28;John 17:21-23;Eph 4:4;1:22-23;1Cor 12:12).

5. Dan 10:5,7,16 - V5 "man"<376>, V7 "men"<376>, V16 "men"<120>.

6. Dan 10:5 - "clothed in linen" (Rev 4:4;19:8,14;16:15;7:14).

7. Dan 10:5 - "whose loins were girded 'with fine gold'<3800> 'of Uphaz'<210>" - girded loins allowed one the freedom of movement to prepare for action (Eph 6:14) while the fine gold represents a tried faith with gold clothing the bride of Christ (Psa 45:9,13;1Pet 1:7;Heb 11:6;Rom 10:17) and gold is prominently featured in the Most Holy Place suggesting purification and immortality.

8. Dan 10:6 - "His body was 'like the beryl'(<8658> can refer to a beryl, topaz, yellow jasper, chrysolite, etc.)" - Beryl (Eze 1:16) was one of the Gems in the High Priest's breastplate and appears to be the 10th stone listed (Exo 28:17-21) while Dan (Num 2:25) was the 10th tribe listed (the number "10" is thought by many to signify perfection of divine order and/or refer to judgment and the name "Dan"<1835> means to judge Gen 49:16-18;1Cor 6:2); the order of the stone changes to 8th in Rev 21:20 and the tribe of Dan is replaced by Levi in the tribes of spiritual Israel (Rev 7:5-8;5:9-10) so perhaps we have judgment followed by immortality for the perfected Levitical priestly community (the number "8" is thought by many to refer to immortality).

9. Dan 10:6 - "his face as the appearance of lightning" (Rev 1:16;Mark 9:2-4;Matt 28:2-3;Exo 34:30,35).

10. Dan 10:6 - "his eyes as lamps of fire" - eyes are the symbols of inyelligence and knowledge (Zech 3:8-9;4:2,10;Rev 1:14;5:5-9).

11. Dan 10:6 - "his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass" - brass symbolizes flesh therefore polished brass speaks of the natural fleshly man that has been worked on and spiritually shaped through trial so that the spiritual man tramples on the old Adamic nature manifested by the flesh (Eph 4:22-24;Mark 10:21) so this suggests it is not a heavenly angel.

12. Dan 10:6 - "the voice of his words like the voice of a 'multitude'<1995>" - because of the "voice of a multitude" some feel this certain man must refer to saints in a plural sense (i.e. the multitudinous Christ) but is this definitive (Eze 43:2;1:24;Rev 1:15;14:6-7;Acts 2:4-8;1Cor 12:12-27;Eph 4:15-16)?

13. Dan 10:6,9,11 - "words" (is it all the same voice?).

14. Dan 10:7 - "a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves" (similar to Matt 28:2-6).

15. Dan 10:8-9 - the effects of mortality and symbolic death "in a deep sleep...my face toward the ground".

16. Dan 10:10-11 - a symbolic resurrection.

17. Dan 10:13,21 - seemingly an angel being delayed and needing help from Michael the archangel who is the guardian of Israel and principally in charge of her affairs (Exo 23:20-21;Josh 5:14-15;Jude 1:9;Zech 3:1;Ezra 5:5; the work of Michael is to be taken over by Jesus Dan 12:1-2).

18. Dan 10:20 - God raised up Cyrus to execute His purpose, but Alexander the Great would be victorious over Persia.

10:7-8 The vision had an impact on those that were with Daniel and also on Daniel.  The reaction of those with Daniel was to flee away. The reaction of Daniel was that he had no strength.  However, Daniel, in contrasts with the others with him, was concerned to know the matter. So we see the contrasting way ungodly and godly men react to God’s words. 

10:13  We are given here an insight into how God rules but men have free will. God had a plan which required the mind of the prince of Persia to think certain things. Rather than simply force the prince to things God required it took time indicating that the prince had to change his own mind. Doubtless this was achieved by the angel providing circumstances which caused the prince to change his own mind.

10:1    So we are about 2 years after Ezra 1:1

10:2       Daniel was well aware of the desolation of Jerusalem and that he did not know when, exactly, it would end. He did not understand the visions he had seen nor the words of the prophets that he read. So he mourned. Are we so sorrowful when we do not understand the significance of the scriptures that we read?

10:1    The seventy years captivity was now over. Daniel had been taken to Babylon as a young man who was able to be a wise counsellor immediately so by now he must be in his late eighties or early nineties

10:2   Jesus said “blessed are they that mourn” – Matt 5:4. Clearly Jesus is speaking of those who mourn for the desolation of Zion. How often do we mourn the sorry state of Jerusalem today? Is it part of our ongoing concern for the kingdom of God to be established?

10:14 Daniel was shown the significance of what he had seen. However to help him realise that it was not going to happen for some time the angel makes that point specifically to Daniel. It is always helpful to appreciate the timescale in fulfilling prophecy. Normally we do not have the luxury of knowing when the word will be fulfilled.

10:13 Rarely are we given the name of an angel. In fact there are times when the angel will not reveal their name. Here we learn the angel is “Michael” – his name means “who is like God”. Maybe the reason for his name being told to us. So we can clearly see that he is doing with work of Yahweh.

Many brethren think that Daniel's visions apply to Christadelphians in the end times.

The vision that Daniel saw in Daniel 10, in particular, is about what would happen to the Jews in the latter days:

Dan 10:14

Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

I wonder if there is not a connection to the 3 full weeks that Daniel mourned and the 21 days that the Prince of Persia resisted the angel. We a Daniel mourning because of some opposition Cyrus was showing towards the Jews or Daniel himself?

10:11 David was a man “after God’s own heart” –1Sam 13:14 – Daniel was “greatly beloved” – Abraham is described as “a friend of God” – 2Chron 20:7. Surely we would be happy if any of those descriptions was accurately applied to us. Scripture teaches us what it was about these men that endeared them to the Creator. David’s focus was on God’s plan to have a meeting place in Jerusalem. Daniels’ focus was on the restoration of Jerusalem and Abraham believed that God would very specifically give him a son who would live forever. Jesus said to his disciples that they were his friends if they kept his words – John 15:14.

10:12  Daniel had been mourning, bot eating and not anointing himself - :2-3– But now we realise that he was doing more than mourning. He had been praying also.

We do well to learn from the example of Daniel. He lamented the situation that he was in and mourned but prayed also. We, likewise, should not only mourn, for example, the desolation of God’s land, but should also pray for its restoration to glory. 

10:15  Daniel was “dumb” and “set his face towards the ground” because he, even though he could not understand the full significance of what he was being told, appreciated the amount of effort Yahweh, through His angels, had expended to bring about His plan.

Do we appreciate that our Father is working, through the angels, to bring about the kingdom where He will be glorified by we who have been transformed to beings possessing eternal life?

TO REALLY SEE

The prophecies revealed to Daniel in the last three chapters of his book had a profound effect on him. As we read though these prophecies, we tend to discuss and argue our way through them, and we use them as doctrinal sounding boards, but very rarely do they affect us the way they affected Daniel.

Daniel's reaction is told to us before he begins explaining his vision. This is what he said, "In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks." (Dan 10:2-3).

The understanding of what we now know as the prophecies of the kings of the North and the South, and the times of the end, had a dramatic effect on Daniel's physical and emotional wellbeing. I wonder if he could see the suffering of his people and the people of God at the time of the end, and that he was emotionally distressed by what he saw?

These prophecies are not only given to us for interest or debate - they are here to warn us. Maybe if we could really see what was coming, we would fast for three weeks too!

Have you ever thought about the Judgement Seat of Christ? Well no duh. 

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. (Matt 12:36)

Have you ever pondered how in the world you will be able to not simply give a grade of your life, but as this verse says, you will recount every word you have spoken!

And if that's not a tough enough task, you have to do with the Lord Jesus Christ looking at you right in the eyes as you do it! There is absolutely no way we are gonna be able to do that...alone that is.

Daniel came to this very same conclusion talking to the Angel. Daniel shared all the emotions that we are going to feel during that Judgement Day - Speechless (Dan 10:15), overwhelmed with sorrow and sin (v.16), and without anymore strength (v.17). 

But look what happens to this man beloved of God! He is given the words to speak (v.16) and was lifted up beyond anything he'd ever imagine! (v.18) 

This, brothers, sisters, and friends, is how, even with all our worries, sins, and weaknesses, will stand before our Lord and Friend in that day! (v.19)

v.10 - It is interesting that God chooses to use a time when Peter is hungry to do this.

10:5 Peter is only called Simon Peter here and in Cornelius' account of this event outside the Gospels. He styles himself 'Simon Peter' 2 Peter 1:1 Matthew 4:18 10:2 16:16 Mark 3:16 Luke 5:8 6:14 John 6:68 13:6 9 24 36 18:10 15 25 John 20:2 6 21:2 - 3 7 11 15 17 Acts 10:5 18 32 11:13
Acts 10:16 this was done thrice - that in the mouth of two or Three witnesses shall every word be established. Deuteronomy 17:6

10:36 In saying that the gospel was 'preaching peace' Peter is drawing on Isaiah 57:19 which actually speaks of the message being sent to those who are 'afar off' Peter is using this passage to demonstrate that the gentiles are to be offered the hope of the gospel.

:2-5 That Cornelius good deeds and prayers were heard and yet he had to be baptised establishes the point that piety and good works are not enough to please God.

10:35 In saying God accepts any who 'worketh righteousness' Peter is quoting Isa 64:5. The context of Isaiah 64 how God would reveal his secret in Christ - which is the universality of His salvation. See the way that Isa 64:4is used by Paul (1Cor 2:9)

V.10  he became very hungry The Greek prospeinos (4361) is only used this one time in scripture. The root word peina (3933) which means hunger The addition of the prefix pros (4314) intensifies the meaning, thus giving the translationvery hungry The R,V. gives just hungry.

Vs.44-47 Here we have an incident where people received the Holy Spirit without first being baptised.  However, this did not preclude the necessity for baptism.

V.28 "an unlawful thing" this illegality applied to custom rather than to the Law of Moses. The Mosaic law forbade marriage with a Gentile, but did not forbid having anything to do with them. If all association had been forbidden, then how could proselytes have been made? The ancestry of Jesus would not have included Rahab and Ruth. 

V.16 Peter had denied Jesus three times (Matt 26:75).  In response to this, the risen Lord repeated three times His assignment for Peter to feed His (Jewish) sheep (John 21:15-17).  Now the assignment is being extended to include Gentile sheep, Cornelius being the first.  Again the instructions are repeated three times. 

The centurion in this chapter seems to me to be the same man whose servant Jesus healed. We can base this on the similar accolade in both accounts "he loves our nation" (Luke 7:5) or "he is held in good reputation by the Jews" (v22), the way he treated his servants, and the faith and devotion he showed to the God of Israel. If this is so (and you'll have to be the judge of that) there's a very interesting theme that develops.

In Luke 7:4 the Jews said that this man was "deserving" of having his servant healed. The man himself, however, told Jesus "I am not worthy for you to come under my roof". Jesus' estimation of the man was "I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" What we can learn from this is that the man knew the customs of the Jews so well that he knew a Jew wouldn't enter his house. He had therefore reasoned that salvation would come without this being necessary. This took great faith. In Acts, then, we find Peter with the same problem (v28), but this time Jesus tells him to go into the Centurions house. This is because in order to be saved we have to let Jesus into our house (Rev 3:20). Peter then revealed to the Centurion that it was by faith that salvation would come; the same faith that he had unknowingly shown to Jesus previously (v43).

The Jews thought a man needed to be worthy to be saved. Cornelius realised this was not the case. In saying what he did he demonstrated Jesus' parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:20-24). Whoever we are, and whatever we have done, we can be in Jesus' household as long as we recognise our unworthiness, and believe in him. Interestingly, the Jewish brethren showed the same attitude as the prodigal son's brother (11:3-4).

V.35 To fear God is not to be frightened of Him, but means to have such profound a sense of humble duty towards Him, that one would make a special effort to doing that which God commands. This in turn, requires that the worshipper shall know who God is, and what His plan and purpose is. To know God is to know His plan and purpose, because in John 1:1 we are told that God was the Word (Logos) or plan. To know His plan and purpose is to know God as manifested by Jesus Christ.

v 4  Here, as in Daniel 10, we have an angel coming in answer to prayer.

10:26 This act of Peter, ordering Cornelius to stand up; is not to be compared with that of Paul in Acts 14:15, where Paul and Barnabas were worshipped as gods and not as men. In the homage shown by Cornelius, Peter was not in a position to know what it meant, so he took the precaution of stopping any possibility of worship. The exhortation here for the humble servant of the Lord is clear. It is the Word which speaks and not the speaker, therefore give glory to God and not to man.  

V.1 I wonder if it was Cornelius who witnessed the death of Jesus (Luke 23:47).

Vs.34,35 Peter confessed his understanding that Yahweh would accept Gentiles and Jews equally to be His people.  Later he forgot this when he showed favouritism to Jews. Fortunately, Paul set him straight (Gal 2:11,12). 

Let us hope that we have thoughtful, loving brethren who will keep us on the narrow path (Prov 9:8,9; Ecc 7:5; 2Tim 4:2).

10:25-26 The apostles repeatedly resist the praise of me during their preaching. – Acts 3:12, 14:14-15

Vs.5,6 Peter was living with Simon the tanner in Joppa.

Jews did not, generally, find tanning a desirable occupation. The odours, in the process of tanning, are overwhelmingly unpleasant. Besides, Jews might have to process animals that were ritually unclean.

Tanning establishments were always found near the sea in the Ancient Near East. First, the sea breezes would waft away the terrible smells; and, second, salt water was readily accessible to wash the hides. Joppa (Jaffa) lies on the Mediterranean coast just south of modern Tel Aviv.

10:4 Isa 65:24 speaks of the faithful gentile whom God will hear. This centurion was one of those spoken of in Isa 65:1 who were not of Israel who had not previously sought God.

V.1 Cornelius is commonly considered the first Gentile convert to the True Gospel.

But, what of Cornelius's status as a Roman army officer: All true followers are covenanted to follow Jesus - to be at peace with all, and to show violence to nobody.

In the Roman army, the rank of centurion was divided into six levels, which roughly equate to the difference between captain and colonel in a modern army. Apart from armed conflict in the field, the centurion had to inflict both minor and major punishments on soldiers. There were six punishments for minor offences, one of which was a brutal whipping of the offending soldier (s).

Then, there were two major punishments:

Fusturarium: a sentence for desertion or dereliction of duty. The legionary would be stoned or beaten to death by cudgels, in front of the assembled troops, by his fellow soldiers, whose lives had been put in danger. Soldiers under sentence of fustuarium who escaped were not pursued, but lived under sentence of banishment from Rome.

Decimation: a sentence carried out against an entire unit which had mutinied, deserted, or shown dereliction of duty. One out of every ten men, chosen by lots, would be beaten to death, usually by the other nine, who would be forced to live outside the camp and in some instances obliged to renew the military oath, the sacramentum (Wikipedia).

After baptism, Cornelius could have been subject to the fusturarium if he were considered derelict in his duty.

What is the command of Jesus to His followers? Christ commanded through Paul: Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity) (ESV).

And so, Cornelius should remain as a centurion if he could not gain his freedom from the Roman army. However, if he remained he could do no violence to anyone under Christ’s laws (Luke 3:14).

But what happened to Cornelius? We do not know. Perhaps the Lord provided a way in which he could extricate himself from the Roman army. Or, if he had to remain a centurion, perhaps the Lord provided a way for Cornelius in which he did not have to engage in any violence. Or, perhaps the Lord gave Cornelius a trial in which he had to choose possible death in order to follow Him.

Our situation in life might not be as critical as that of Cornelius. Nevertheless, we should be prepared to lay down our lives in the service of the Lord, if we are His true followers (John 15:6;1John 3:16).

10:9 Cornelius has had his encounter with the angel and his servants are on their way to meet Peter God is now at work preparing Peter for the encounter, knowing that Peter would have difficulties with the whole idea of baptising a gentile.

10:4   So it is evident that God hears the prayers of individuals who have not been baptised or who are not Jews.

Acts 10:1-2

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.”

It is recorded of Cornelius that he was a devout man, a man who reverenced God and who with all his family and servants were believers in God. Cornelius was a prayerful man; indeed, he was a good man. Yet, through an angelic vision, he was told he needed to do more! He was told to seek out the apostle Peter for, “he (Peter) shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do” (verse 6). You see, despite all his good deeds, Cornelius was not in a covenant relationship with God.

When Cornelius sought out for Peter, Peter expounded to them about the witness of the prophets, about God’s purpose in Yahshua the Anointed (verses 38-43), and when they understood this message they were all baptized (verses 46-48).

 Some very important issues arrive from this narrative. Cornelius and his family needed a better level of understanding of the Scriptures. They had to understand what God’s purpose was with the nation of Israel and with His son. They had to understand and accept that they possessed a sinful nature, as we all do, and that God provided a way of overcoming our sinful nature through the Messiah. Peter emphasized the need for believing in Yahshua for the remission of sins. They had to understand and accept that full-immersion baptism in water was a necessary act to become related to the Hebrew Messiah. They had to understand and accept that Yahshua was coming back to earth to judge those responsible both living and dead. They had to understand the hope of being raised from the grave, a bodily resurrection again to life.

We see from this that it is absolutely necessary to have a correct understanding of the Scriptures if we are to lead a life acceptable to God, walking in His righteousness and not in ours.

This is a classic example of when being good and doing good is simply not good enough!

WHERE WILL IT END?

Over time there has been a number of people with whom I have had the pleasure of sharing my faith. Not many of them hang around. Some already live in other places, some I have met at work and one or other of us moves on, others move cities or countries and over time often much of the contact is lost. There may well be some of those people I will never meet again.

Cornelius was possibly one of those sorts of people for Peter. He was a centurion in the Italian regiment, presumably part of a group of soldiers sent from Italy to Israel on a peace keeping mission. With a little bit of intervention from God, Cornelius was able to hear about Peter's faith, to believe,  and to be baptised, along with all the people that came to his house to hear Peter's message that day.

But what happened to Cornelius? The only time we hear of him is in Acts 10. He came from Italy to Israel and later, we can assume that he was sent back to Italy once his time of service was over. Peter probably never saw him again. But later, when Paul finally found himself in Italy, there were a number of pockets of believers. Could it be that Cornelius and his regiment spread the gospel all over Italy? Could it be that the people we once met and knew, now in far off places are sharing what we shared with them?

Let's make sure that we change people for good when they cross our paths. Who knows where it will end?

CHANGE

There are two ways we can respond to change. We can either resist it or we we can work with it. Generally change is not an easy process to go through in our lives, and so our natural tendency is generally to resist change. But if the change is from God, then we must be prepared to go with it, embrace it and move on.

Cornelius, Peter and all the believers had a major process of change to go through when God began calling the Gentiles to become followers of Jesus.

Cornelius changed from living a 'good' life to becoming a believer and follower of Jesus Christ and committing to that new way of life in baptism.

Peter changed from believing that the gospel and the kingdom were entirely Jewish, to having having to accept other people into the faith and breaking down the traditional barriers that stood in the way.

And changes began among all the believers as they also had to learn the same lesson as Peter, eventually giving up much of their traditional thinking, allowing them to associate with Gentiles and to accept them as part of God's family.

These were all hard changes to make for all the people involved, but eventually they embraced them and the gospel spread. Like Peter, Cornelius and the rest of the Jewish believers, let us embrace and grow from the changes that God puts in our way.

10:39   Whilst we understand that Jesus was crucified on a ‘stake’ or ‘cross’ Peter uses the word ‘tree’ to pick up on the Jewish law – Deut 21:22-23

Acts 10:16.

Is there significance to the fact that the vision occurred to Peter 3 times - and not once or twice?

I think there almost has to be a connection between Peter's 3 time denial of Jesus and the fact that this vision occurs 3 times. This situation was such a big deal in God's overall plan - the opening of the gospel door to the Gentiles - and Peter would be similarly tested as before - and needed to pass this test. It was essential that he not turn a blind eye to the vision and its meaning and the subsequent appearance of Cornelius' men and their story. And so, it seems to me, the threefold repetition was there to remind him that as he failed in the past, he needed now to succeed.

Some might make the argument that if Peter were really forgiven by God for his denial of Jesus - which he was - then would God or Jesus really do things afterward that reminded him of a sin he had repented of and was forgiven for? And I think that the answer to that honest question is Yes. It almost has to be there in Jesus' questioning of Peter in John 21:15-17 - 3 times again. "Do you love me more than these (i.e. probably the fish and fishing that he had so soon gone back to)? It is true that the word for "love" the first 2 times is "agape", and on the 3rd occasion Jesus changes to "phileo", therefore upsetting Peter that he would question even his "affection" for him. But all in all it was again a 3 time reminder, I believe, of his betrayal, though that is surely not the only reason for his asking him the questions in the first place.

One important point to keep in mind about how God works - whether it is with Peter or any and all of us - is that even though we may be forgiven of our sins, it is good from time to time to be reminded of the fact that we did fall so that we can vow to never, ever go down that same road again. I know with myself and some sins that I've committed in my life, when I hear of someone doing something similar or when I read in the Bible of a similar situation, I can more easily think back to my disgust at myself for having done such a thing and make the renewed promise to God that never again will I behave in that way - and, of course, seek His help in fulfilling that promise.

So, bottom line, yes, I do believe there was a very real point to the vision occurring 3 times, and I bet that Peter got the point as it was intended.

10:24,27       Cornelius had invited many family and friends into his house to hear what Peter had to say even though it seems that he had a concern about himself.  He clearly saw that what was going to be spoken to him was relevant for many others also. Maybe we should encourage our ‘interested friends’ to invite their friends and family along also.

10:34-35      Peter’s response to Cornelius highlights Peter’s own Jewish prejudices. How often do our prejudices affect who we speak to about the gospel?

10:10   It all happens so naturally. I don’t suppose Peter would have considered why he had become very hungry suddenly. However his hunger, was the vehicle God used in which to give him the vision of the sheet and animals. Whilst God does not appear to us in visions like he did to Peter we can still learn from Peter’s experience. God works in the most natural events in our lives. We must be alert to His hand at work

HANG AROUND

Every now and then God gives us open opportunities to effectively preach his word. Peter had one of those moments when he was told to go and see Cornelius. Cornelius was ready to hear the gospel message. So as soon as Peter arrived and everyone had gathered, Peter told them all the good news about Jesus Christ. His message was accepted and confirmed as the Holy Spirit fell on those who were there.

The next step was to baptise them in the name of Jesus Christ. We also see people baptised on regular occasions and it is important that we rejoice with them as they begin their new life in Christ.

But having believed and been baptised, that is often where people are left. The example of Peter and Cornelius is a great one when it comes to the next step. The last sentence of this story says it all: "Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days." (Acts 10:48). They needed nurturing. They needed encouragement. Their faith needed growth and support. And so Peter gave them what they needed until they were ready to go out and do the same for others.

So let's not stop at preaching, reaching out or baptising some one, but hang around and continue to nurture and grow them for as long as it takes until their faith is strong.

10:39  Some may wish to debate whether the “cross” on which Jesus was crucified was a “stake” or a “cross” in the way in which the church depicts it. However there are a few occasions –  Acts 5:10, 10:39, 13:29, Gal 3:13 – where the word “tree is specifically used. It is important to note that on all these occasions the audience are Jews. Rather than debate what it was we should reflect on the way that the word “tree” is used when speaking to Jews – to remind them of the words of Deut 21:21

10:13     This is another example of God using the taking of food as part of a commission to go and work for Him. An earlier one is Elijah – 1Kin 19:5

10:2    It is not a casual comment that all Cornelius’ house were “devout”. It would appear that Cornelius was like Abraham in that he taught his household – Gen 18:19

10:45    that the believing Jews were astonished highlighted that even though they had been baptised into the “things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ”  - Acts 8:12 - their understanding of the place of gentiles in Gods purpose, at this time, was lacking.

10:41 the witnesses spoken of here are the disciples and the women. The gospel records provide the details of those meetings and that part of the gospel records would serve as the documented evidence of the claims. A strong indication that the gospel records were available early in the first century.

10:29 Peter did not know why Cornelius had sent for him. All Peter had received was the vision of the sheet with unclean beasts in it. Nevertheless he left Joppa immediately he was called for. Are we so diligent in doing things even when we do not know the full details of what is required or the reason for the request?

10:38 Saying that Jesus was “anointed” draws on the promise of Isa 61:1. When Christ was preached it was important that the apostles drew attention to the Old Testament scriptures that were fulfilled in Jesus.

10:1 Notice the detail we have about Cornelius. He was a centurion. Countless men and women were baptised and we are not given any details about the position in society. That he was a “centurion” who “feared God” (:2) and we find in the gospels on a number of occasions where we come across centurions in a positive light Matt 8:5-13 Mark 15:39 being just two examples. Maybe their military responsibilities caused them to listen carefully to itinerant preachers. Consequently they were moved by what they heard.

10:17-20 We should not forget that there was still persecution of the believers even though Saul had been baptised and was no longer seeking to kill believers. However the arrival of three men, at least one a Roman soldier, doubtless would have caused Peter to wonder what was about to happen. Whether he was being captured by enemies of the gospel or what else might it mean. So God, in His mercy, advises Peter not to be concerned.