Charles Ellicott Commentary Daniel 11:35

"And some of them that are wise shall fall, to refine them, and to purify, and to make them white, even to the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed." — Daniel 11:35 (ASV)

Some of them.— The reason of this persecution is revealed. While in Daniel 11:33 it appears that the sufferings of “those that understand” would instruct others, it appears that they would themselves profit by their sufferings.

These gradations are mentioned:

1. “to try”—that is, to refine, as a precious metal is refined by fire;
2. “to purge”—that is, to separate the bad from the good;
3. “to make white”—that is, to cause them to become completely purified. (Isaiah 1:18)

In this way, the dissemblers are made known. The patient example of the sufferers is followed by others who are faithful, while the “flatterers” become open apostates.