John Calvin Commentary Daniel 8:18

"Now as he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face toward the ground; but he touched me, and set me upright." — Daniel 8:18 (ASV)

The Prophet repeats what he had said, specifically, how he had been frightened by the magnitude of this vision. Meanwhile, he was raised up by the angel so that he would not remain in that state of stupor. Yet these two points must be noted: Daniel was astonished at first, because he could not otherwise be calm enough to listen to the angel’s voice. But at the same time, another point is added, stating that the angel set him upright in his place.

Whenever God addresses us, we must necessarily be subject to fear and dread, to produce humility and to make us teachable and obedient. Fear is the true preparation for obedience. But, as we have previously said, another feeling should follow: specifically, just as God has previously prostrated and cast us down, he will also raise us up, thereby preparing us to listen. And this disposition cannot arise unless our minds are calm and composed.

The Prophet then expresses both these states of mind here. This, as I have said, is common to all the godly. But a particular point is noted here, so that the readers of the vision should not become sluggish and receive it carelessly. For they ought to focus all their attention, conscious of their inability to understand it unless the fear of God comes first and thus prepares their minds for obedience.

While he was speaking with me, therefore, I fell into a swoon with my face upon the ground; that is, I lay astonished, and he touched me. I have already stated the opinion of others that the angel approached him, but this view is only moderately acceptable. He now adds: