Commentaries of the divine John Calvin, upon the prophet Daniel, translated into English, especially…Commentaries of the diuine Iohn Caluine, vpon the prophet Daniell, translated into Englishe, especially…

Here Daniel doth first of all refuse the rewards offered. We do not read that he did so before: no he seemed to embrace that which was given him of the king Nebuchadnezzar. What is the cause of this diversity? for it is not like that the Prophet changed his mind or purpose. What is the cause then that he was content heretofore to receive honour of the king Nebuchadnezzar, and now refuseth the honour offered? Again, here is an other doubt. For in the end of the chapter we shall see that he was clothed with purple, and also it was publicly proclaimed by decree, that he should be third in the kingdom. Wherefore it seemeth that either the Prophet had forgotten himself when he did receive the purple which he had so boldly refused: or else what is the cause why he did so, and did not deny afterward to wear this princely apparel? For the first, I doubt not but that he would speak more roughly to that wicked and desperate Beltsazar: but because that there remained yet ⟨image 96⟩some goodness in king Nebuchadnezzar, and he had good hope of him, therefore did he treat him more gently. As for king Beltsazar, it was of necessity that he should be more roughly dealt withal, because he was come to all extremities. I doubt not but that this was the cause of the difference. For the Prophet went forward constantly in his course: but it was his duty to put a difference betwixt the diversity of the persons: and because there was greater pride, obstinacy, and stubbornness in the king Beltsazar, therefore he declareth that he giveth unto him less honour then he did unto his Grandfather. Furthermore the time of the captivity & subjection was now at an end, in respect whereof he did before reverence the Monarchy of the Chaldees.

Here Daniel doth first of all refuse the rewards offered. We do not read that he did so before: no he séemed to embrace that which was geuen him of the king Nebuchadnezer. What is the cause of this diuersity? for it is not lyke that the Prophete chaunged hys mynde or purpose. What is the cause then that he was content heretofore to receiue honour of ye kyng Nebuchadnezer, and now refuseth the honour offered? Agayne, here is an other doubt. For in the end of ye chapter we shall sée that he was clothed wyth purple, and also it was publikely proclamed by decrée, that he should be third in the kyngdome. Wherefore it séemeth that eyther the Prophet had forgotten hymselfe when he did receiue ye purple which he had so boldly refused: or els what is the cause why he did so, and did not deny afterward to weare thys princely apparell? For the first, I doubt not but that he would speake more roughly to that wicked and desperate Beltsazar: but because that there remayned yet