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 Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. ​
2
In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks. ​
3
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.
4
In the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel, ​

The Appearance of the Divine Messenger

5
I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were adorned with pure gold of Uphaz: ​
6
his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
7
I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men who were with me didn’t see the vision; but a great quaking fell on them, and they fled to hide themselves. ​
8
So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. ​
9
Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.

The Explanation of the Delay

10
Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands. ​
11
He said to me, Daniel, you man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright; for am I now sent to you. When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling. ​
12
Then he said to me, Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard: and I have come for your words’ sake. ​
13
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia. ​
14
Now I have come to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days: ​
15
and when he had spoken to me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute.

Daniel Strengthened to Receive the Message

16
Behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned on me, and I retain no strength. ​
17
For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me.
18
Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.
19
He said, “Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid: peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me.” ​

The Purpose of the Revelation and Future Conflict

20
Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go out, behold, the prince of Greece shall come. ​
21
But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is no one who holds with me against these, but Michael 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