Daniel 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong… I. DANIEL'S PECULIAR SITUATION. 1. Exposed to great temptations. 2. Deprived of religious privileges. 3. Exposed to great sufferings for conscience sake. II. DANIEL'S EXALTED PIETY. Piety will ensure divine, if it does not receive human, approbation. How was Daniel's piety seen? 1. In his conscientious regard to the exercise of devotion. The man who is much with God in secret is likely to be an eminent witness for God in public. Principles produced and strengthened at a throne of grace give stability and firmness of character, that no external opposition can destroy. 2. In his unbending firmness. Decision of character is a great Christian excellence. 3. An unblemished reputation. What lamentable blots disfigure — we might almost say — disgrace the portraits of many, whose moral features are delineated by the faithful pencil of Divine revelation. But no prominent defects in Daniel's character require the aid of the veil of charity. See Daniel 6:4. III. HIS DISTINGUISHED HONOUR. His piety was no barrier to his preferment. 1. He was the special object of the divine care. As to his body, and as to his soul. 2. Daniel was an eminent witness for God. 3. He was remarkably useful; and 4. He was favoured with extraordinary revelations from the great Head of the Church. (J. R. Cooper.) Parallel Verses KJV: And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. |
    |