Daniel 11:35

“And some of them of understanding shall fall, etc.] Not into sin, or from the religion they profess; and the doctrines they have an understanding of, and have instructed others in; but into distresses and calamities for their steadfast adherence to the word, worship, and ordinances of God: to try them, and purge and make them white; to try their faith, patience, and other graces, and whether they would hold fast their profession, and persevere in the good ways of God; and to purge and separate them from others, that were like chaff, hypocrites, that so they might be manifest, both the one and the other; and these good men appear to be sincere and upright: moreover, the best of men have their…”

“to try them--the design of affliction. Image from metals tried with fire. to purge--Even in the elect there are dregs which need to be purged out (Pe1 1:7). Hence they are allowed to fall for a time; not finally (Ch2 32:31; Luk 22:31). Image from wheat cleared of its chaff by the wind. make . . . white--image from cloth (Rev 7:9). to . . . time of . . . end--God will not suffer His people to be persecuted without limitation (Co1 10:13). The godly are to wait patiently for "the end" of "the time" of trial; "for it is (to last) yet for a time appointed" by God.”

“And some of them understanding shall fall - Some of those who have a correct understanding of religion, and who have joined the army from pure motives. The idea seems to be that on some occasion they would meet with a temporary defeat, in order that the sincerity of the others might be tested, or that it might be seen who adhered to the cause from principle, and who from selfish purposes. If they should not always be successful; if they should be temporarily defeated; if some of the most eminent among them should fall among the slain; and if the cause should at any time look dark, this would serve to try the sin cerity of the remainder of the army, and would be likely to “thin it off” of…”

“some: Dan 11:33, Dan 8:10; Mat 16:17, Mat 26:56, Mat 26:69-75; Joh 20:25; Act 13:13, Act 15:37-39 to try: Dan 12:10; Deu 8:2, Deu 8:3, Deu 8:16; Ch2 32:31; Pro 17:3; Zac 13:9; Mal 3:2-4, Mal 4:1-3; Jam 1:2; Pe1 1:6, Pe1 1:7; Rev 2:10 them: or, by them even: Dan 11:29, Dan 11:40, Dan 8:17, Dan 8:19, Dan 9:27, Dan 10:1, Dan 12:4, Dan 12:11; Hab 2:3; Rev 14:15, Rev 17:17 Daniel 11:36”