Daniel10

In the third year of Cyrus, Daniel observed a three-week period of mourning and fasting, after which he beheld a glorious vision of a celestial being by the river Hiddekel. This awe-inspiring encounter left Daniel without strength, but an angelic messenger touched and strengthened him, revealing that his arrival was delayed by a spiritual conflict with the "prince of Persia." The angel came to impart understanding of future events concerning Daniel's people and stated he would return to continue the battle against the princes of Persia and Grecia, with Michael's sole assistance.

Daniel's Preparation and Vision Setting

1
In the third year of Koresh king of Persia, a word was revealed to Dani'el, also called Belt'shatzar. The word was certain: a great war. He understood the word, having gained understanding in the vision. ​
2
At that time I, Dani'el, had been mourning for three whole weeks. ​
3
I hadn't eaten any food that satisfied me - neither meat nor wine had entered my mouth, and I didn't anoint myself once, until three full weeks had passed.
4
On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, ​

The Appearance of the Divine Messenger

5
when I looked up, and there before me was a man dressed in linen wearing a belt made of fine Ufaz gold. ​
6
His body was like beryl, his face looked like lightning and his eyes like fiery torches; his arms and feet were the color of burnished bronze; and when he spoke, it sounded like the roar of a crowd.
7
Only I, Dani'el, saw the vision; the men who were with me did not see the vision; however, a great trembling fell over them; so that they rushed to hide themselves. ​
8
Thus I was left alone; and when I saw this great vision, there was no strength left in me - my face, normally pleasant-looking, became disfigured; and I had no strength. ​
9
I heard his voice speaking; and when I heard him speaking, I fell down in a faint, with my face to the ground.

The Explanation of the Delay

10
Then a hand touched me and raised me, tottering, to my hands and knees. ​
11
He said to me, "Dani'el, you are a greatly loved man. Now pay attention to the words I am saying to you, and stand upright; for it is to you that I have been sent now."After he had said this to me, I stood up, trembling. ​
12
Then he said to me, "Don't be afraid, Dani'el; because since the first day that you determined to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard; and I have come because of what you said. ​
13
The prince of the kingdom of Persia prevented me from coming for twenty-one days; but Mikha'el, one of the chief princes, came to assist me; so that I was no longer needed there with the kings of Persia. ​
14
So I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the acharit-hayamim; for there is still another vision which will relate to those days." ​
15
After he had said these things to me, I looked down at the ground and couldn't speak.

Daniel Strengthened to Receive the Message

16
Then someone who looked like a human being touched my lips, after which I could open my mouth and speak; I said to the one standing in front of me, "My lord, it is because of the vision that I am seized with such anguish; I don't have any strength. ​
17
For how can this servant of my lord speak with my lord, when my strength and breath have failed me?"
18
Then, again someone who looked human touched me and revived me.
19
He said, "You man so greatly loved, don't be afraid. Shalom to you; and be strong, yes, truly strong." His speaking to me strengthened me, and I said, "My lord, keep speaking; because you've given me strength." ​

The Purpose of the Revelation and Future Conflict

20
Then he said, "Do you know why I came to you? Although now I must return to fight the prince of Persia; and when I leave, the prince of Greece will come; ​
21
nevertheless, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. There is no one standing with me against them except Mikha'el your prince; ​

Study Notes for Daniel 10

Verse 1

This vision occurs around 536 BC, two years after the first return of the exiles to Jerusalem. The phrase 'the time appointed was long' emphasizes that the prophecy covers a vast sweep of history, culminating in the end times.

Verse 2

Daniel was observing a period of intense mourning and spiritual discipline, referred to as a partial fast, lasting 21 days (three full weeks). This discipline was likely prompted by the difficulties and opposition faced by the returning Jewish community in rebuilding the Temple.

Verse 4

The Hiddekel is the Hebrew name for the Tigris River. Daniel was likely near the Persian capital of Susa or traveling through the region, positioning him geographically near the center of the political powers that would dominate the coming age.

Verse 5

The glorious description of this 'certain man clothed in linen' strongly parallels descriptions of divine or high-ranking angelic figures (cf. Ezek. 1:26-28; Rev. 1:13-16). The linen and gold suggest holiness, purity, and high authority.

Verse 7

Similar to the experience of Paul (Acts 9:7), only Daniel perceived the vision directly, though the presence of divine power was so overwhelming that his companions were terrified and fled.

Verse 8

Daniel’s physical collapse and loss of strength demonstrate the vast gulf between mortal humanity and the glory of the heavenly realm. His 'comeliness' (beauty or vigor) was turned to 'corruption' (weakness or pallor).

Verse 10

The divine touch was necessary to revive Daniel and prepare him physically and spiritually to receive the profound prophetic message that followed.

Verse 11

Daniel is affirmed as 'a man greatly beloved' (*ish hamudot*), a title repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing God's intimate favor toward him despite his weakness.

Verse 12

This verse affirms the immediate efficacy of prayer; God heard Daniel's supplication the moment he began his fast. The delay in the answer was not due to God’s inaction but to spiritual opposition.

Verse 13

This is a key passage revealing the reality of spiritual warfare, where territorial angelic beings ('prince of the kingdom of Persia') actively oppose God's messengers. Michael, the archangel, is identified as Israel's special angelic protector.

Verse 14

The prophecy concerns the fate of Israel ('thy people') in the 'latter days,' focusing specifically on the period leading up to the end of the age, which Daniel 11 will detail.

Verse 16

Daniel’s inability to speak highlights that prophetic utterance is a supernaturally enabled gift, requiring divine intervention to overcome human frailty.

Verse 19

The instruction to 'be strong, yea, be strong' offers both encouragement and empowerment. Daniel’s immediate response ('Let my lord speak') shows his renewed readiness to receive the difficult prophecy.

Verse 20

The messenger must return to the battle against the spirit assigned to Persia. The prophetic mention of 'the prince of Grecia' sets the stage for the shift in world power from Persia to Greece (Alexander the Great) described in the next chapter.

Verse 21

The 'scripture of truth' refers to the fixed, predetermined plan of God. The messenger emphasizes that only Michael, Israel's national guardian, assists him in this ongoing cosmic battle against the forces of evil.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options