Daniel 11:35

Some of them. — The reason of this persecution is revealed. Whilst in Daniel 11:33 it appears that the sufferings of “those that understand” would instruct others, it appears that they would themselves profit by their sufferings. These gradations are mentioned (1) “to try “ — i.e., to refine, as a precious metal is refined by fire; (2) “to purge “ — i.e., to separate the bad from the good; (3) “to make white” — i.e., to cause them to become completely purified. (Comp. Psalms 51:7; Isaiah 1:18). In this way the dissemblers are made known. The patient example of the sufferers is followed by others who are faithful, while the “flatterers” become open apostates.