And some of them {r} of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

(r) That is, of those that fear God and will lose their life for the defence of true religion. Signifying also that the Church must continually be tried and purged, and ought to look for one persecution after another: for God has appointed the time, and therefore we must obey.

King James Translators' Notes

try them: or, try by them

Scofield Reference Notes

[1] the time of the end

Here the prophetic foreview, having traced the history of the two parts of Alexander's empire which had to do with Palestine and the Jews, viz. Syria and Egypt, to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, and having described his career, overleaps the centuries to "the time of the end," when he of whom Antiochus Epiphanes was a type, the "little horn" of Dan 7:8 the "Beast out of the sea" of Rev 13:4-10 shall appear (cf) See Scofield Note: "Dan 7:8". Prophecy does not concern itself with history as such, but only with history as it affects Israel and the Holy Land. Antiochus Epiphanes was insignificant as compared with historical personages whom the Bible does not mention, but he scourged the covenant people and defiled God's altar, thus coming into prophetic light. From verse 36 the "little horn" of Dan 7:8,24-26 fills the scene. His prosperity lasts until "the indignation" (the "time of trouble" of Dan 12:1 Mt 24:21 is accomplished (Dan 11:36). This is parallel with Rev 17:10-14 19:19-21. Dan 11:37-45 supply details not mentioned in the N.T. The expression "God of his fathers" (Dan 11:37) has been held to indicate that the "king" is an apostate Jew, but this does not accord with Dan 9:26 which was fulfilled by the Gentile armies of Rome. The "little horn" is an apostate, but from Christianity, not Judaism (cf) 1Jn 2:18,19. Dan 11:38-45 describe his career. Substituting "the god of forces" (i.e. forces of nature) for the true God (Dan 11:38,39), he soon presents himself as that god (cf) 2Th 2:3,4. While his career lasts he is an irresistible conqueror Dan 11:40-44). He established his palace in Jerusalem, probably at the time of his supreme act of blasphemous impiety Dan 9:27 12:11 Mt 24:15 2Th 2:4. From this time begins the great tribulation Dan 12:1 Mt 24:21 which runs its course during the last half of Daniel's seventieth week, viz. three and one half years Dan 7:25 12:7,11 Rev 13:5. Scofield "Rev 19:20".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

35. 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 (1Pe 1:7). Hence they are allowed to fall for a time; not finally (2Ch 32:31; Lu 22:31). Image from wheat cleared of its chaff by the wind.

make . white-image from cloth (Re 7:9).

to . time of . end-God will not suffer His people to be persecuted without limitation (1Co 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.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

11:31-45 The remainder of this prophecy is very difficult, and commentators differ much respecting it. From Antiochus the account seems to pass to antichrist. Reference seems to be made to the Roman empire, the fourth monarchy, in its pagan, early Christian, and papal states. The end of the Lord's anger against his people approaches, as well as the end of his patience towards his enemies. If we would escape the ruin of the infidel, the idolater, the superstitious and cruel persecutor, as well as that of the profane, let us make the oracles of God our standard of truth and of duty, the foundation of our hope, and the light of our paths through this dark world, to the glorious inheritance above.