Matthew Poole and continuators on Daniel 7:1

1 IN the first year of Belshazzar King of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.

Now Daniel begins to declare the Visions God shewed him at sundry times, therefore he goes back to the first year of Bel [illegible: 1 letter]hazzar.

It is observed by the Curious, that the word Bel[illegible: 1 letter]hazzar is here changed by the Prophet, one letter transposed, which alters the signification greatly; for in his name [non-Latin text not transcribed], chap 5.1. which signifies treasures searched out and poss[illegible: 1 letter]ssed; but the word in the Text is this, [non-Latin text not transcribed], which Bell is consumed with the fire of an enemy, as was prophesied by Ieremy, chap. 50.2. and 51.44. See Ier. 51.25.58. The Iews used to change the Names of Idols and Idolaters, and it turned to a reproach to them, as Gr[illegible: 1 letter]tius proves well out of Moses de Kotzi.

These visions of Daniel were sent, and recorded by him in writing for the benefit of the Church, to rectifie their mistake; for they thought all things would succeed prosperously after they returned out of their Captivity: yet they should find a world of troubles in many Generations following, seeing of the 4 great Monarchies, which he calls Beasts, there was but one passed, and that they should find three more yet to come. This Daniel dreamed, saw, wrote, and told the sum of it.

This Prophesie is written in Chaldee, to be a monument and document to him, of the Reverence his Father and Grandfather shewed towards God, who had done such mighty works for them, and against them to humble their Pride, and make them know that the high God ruled, and they reigned at his Mercy. Howbeit Bel[illegible: 1 letter]hazzar made no use of it, but lifted himself up in profaneness and pride till the Wrath of God pluck't him down.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]; Or, [illegible: 1 word]