Daniel 11:33

“And they that understand among the people shall instruct many, etc.] Such as had a better understanding of divine things than others, had more light and knowledge in the sacred Scriptures, in the law of God, and in his mind and will, and were capable of teaching others; and such as these the Lord raises up among his people in the worst of times, in the times of the greatest apostasy and declension; and these are enabled to perform their duty, to instruct the people in theirs, teach them what they should do, and how they should behave; exhort them to retain the doctrines and ordinances of their holy religion, and not embrace the doctrines and inventions of men, will worship, superstition, and…”

“they that understand--who know and keep the truth of God (Isa 11:2). instruct many--in their duty to God and the law, not to apostatize. yet they shall fall--as Eleazar (2 Maccabees 6:18, &c.). They shall be sorely persecuted, even to death (Heb 11:35-37; 2 Maccabees 6, 7). Their enemies took advantage of the Sabbath to slay them on the day when they would not fight. TREGELLES thinks, from comparison with Dan 11:35, it is the people who "fall," not those of understanding. But Dan 11:35 makes the latter "fall," not an unmeaning repetition; in Dan 11:33 they fall (die) by persecution; in Dan 11:35 they fall (spiritually) for a time by their own weakness. flame--in caves, whither they had…”

“And they that under stand among the people - Among the Hebrew people. The allusion is to such as, in those times of so general corruption and apostasy, should have a proper understanding of the law of God and the nature of religion. There were such in the days of Judas Maccabeus, and it is reasonable to suppose that they would endeavor to inculcate just views among the people. Shall instruct many - In the nature of religion; in their duty to their country and to God. See Prideaux, “Con.” iii. 265. Yet they shall fall by the sword - They shall not be immediately nor always successful. Their final triumph would be only after many of them had fallen in battle, or been made captives. Matrathins,…”

“understand: Dan 12:3, Dan 12:4, Dan 12:10; Isa 32:3, Isa 32:4; Zac 8:20-23; Mal 2:7; Mat 13:11, Mat 13:51, Mat 13:52, Mat 28:20; Luk 24:44-47; Act 4:2-4, Act 11:26, Act 14:21; Ti2 2:24, Ti2 2:25 yet: Mat 10:21, Mat 20:23, Mat 24:9; Joh 16:2; Act 12:2, Act 12:3; Co1 4:9; Ti2 1:12, Ti2 4:6; Heb 11:34; Rev 1:9, Rev 2:13, Rev 6:9, Rev 7:14, Rev 13:7-10, Rev 17:6 Daniel 11:34”