clothed in linen] The attire here, and the whole persons description, Chap. 10. 5. sheweth a sacrificer holy, and higher then the heavens.
the waters of the river] The gesture of standing upon the waters, importeth that of the Psalms 93:4. that how as God calmeth the waters, so h calmeth the waves of nations; and this vision answereth unto Jobs speech, that God walketh upon the high waves of the Seas. The metaphors and visions of the Scripture have a clear resemblance of that which is taught for mens affairs.
he held up his right hand] Revelation 10:5.
sware by him that liveth for ever] The gesture and oath calleth into Daniels minde Deuteronomy 32:39-43. The words of Moses begin their execution in this place, and hold on unto the full calling of the heathen.
that it shall be for a time] The summe of the matter here containeth two things; the rage of Gods enemies, and the punishment: the rage is for three years and an half. So the terme time, by Synecdoche is taken, Daniel 4:16. and Greeks commonly at this day, call an year a time, and three years three times; see Daniel 7:25.
an half] Or, part.
when he shall have accomplished] When Antiochus shall have brought the people to extremity, God shall miraculously relieve them.