John Calvin Commentary Daniel 7:28

"Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts much troubled me, and my countenance was changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart." — Daniel 7:28 (ASV)

In this verse, Daniel first says the vision was concluded, and so the faithful could rest satisfied in looking for nothing beyond it. For we know how restless human imaginations are, and how insane a disease vain curiosity is. God knows what is useful for our information, and so He adapts His method of teaching to our capacity and for our benefit.

Yet we are volatile and insatiable, saying, Why is this not added? Why does God stop here? Why does He not proceed further? Therefore, since human ingenuity is so inflamed and intemperate, Daniel here rightly says, an end was put to the vision, to cause all the elect to accept it and be content with this partial knowledge.

He later adds, he was disturbed in his thoughts, and his countenance was changed; for he was afraid that the pious might think this vision was merely a fleeting illusion. It was of the greatest importance to distinguish this vision from any frivolous imagination. Daniel, therefore, to show that the scene presented to him was a divine revelation, expresses clearly how he was terrified in his thoughts. This happened because God wished to stamp upon his heart the certainty of the prophecy.

The change of countenance serves the same purpose. He adds, he laid up the discourse in his heart, to assure us that he was a faithful interpreter. For if we suspected him of negligence, we would not receive with reverence the message he delivered in these words, as truly proceeding from God. But when Daniel affirms that he fulfilled the duty of a faithful servant, who kept the whole discourse in his heart, additional authority is given to his teaching.

In conclusion, we must remember two points:

1. The heavenly revelation made known to the Prophet to establish him as a servant and messenger of God to us.
2. The faithful fulfillment of his duties, as he laid up in his heart what he had received, and thus delivered it himself to the Church at large.

Another vision follows.