Daniel 10:1

ยถ In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

In the third {H7969} year {H8141} of Cyrus {H3566} king {H4428} of Persia {H6539} a thing {H1697} was revealed {H1540} unto Daniel {H1840}, whose name {H8034} was called {H7121} Belteshazzar {H1095}; and the thing {H1697} was true {H571}, but the time appointed {H6635} was long {H1419}: and he understood {H995} the thing {H1697}, and had understanding {H998} of the vision {H4758}.

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.

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, and it concerned a great conflict. And the understanding of the message was given to him in a vision.

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto 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.

Commentary

Daniel 10:1 introduces Daniel's final significant prophetic vision, setting the stage for chapters 10-12, which contain some of the most profound and detailed prophecies in the Bible. This verse serves as a crucial preface, providing essential context regarding the time, recipient, nature, and understanding of the revelation.

Context

This verse places the vision "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia," which corresponds to approximately 536 BC. This period is significant because it's after the initial return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel, following Cyrus's decree in Ezra 1:1. Daniel, however, remains in Babylon, highlighting his continued faithfulness and service even in his old age, long after many of his countrymen had departed. The mention of his Babylonian name, "Belteshazzar," serves as a reminder of his long history in exile, first introduced in Daniel 1:7, and his enduring identity despite his foreign surroundings.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The verse emphasizes that a "thing was revealed unto Daniel," underscoring God's ongoing communication with His chosen servants to disclose His future plans and purposes. This highlights God's sovereignty over history.
  • Truth and Certainty of Prophecy: The declaration that "the thing [was] true" affirms the absolute reliability and veracity of God's prophetic word. It assures the reader that the forthcoming vision, no matter how complex or distant its fulfillment, is entirely trustworthy.
  • Long-Term Prophecy and End Times: The phrase "but the time appointed [was] long" is crucial. It signifies that the vision concerns events far into the future, particularly those relating to the end times, the fate of Israel, and the ultimate conflict between good and evil. This foreshadows the detailed prophecies about future empires and the culmination of history found in Daniel 12:4.
  • Understanding and Discernment: Daniel's spiritual acumen is highlighted: "and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision." This indicates his capacity, empowered by God, to grasp and interpret complex divine messages, a recurring motif throughout the book of Daniel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "thing" here is davar (ื“ึธึผื‘ึธืจ), which can mean 'word,' 'matter,' 'event,' or 'decree.' In this context, it refers to the entire prophetic message or vision that is about to unfold. The phrase "the time appointed [was] long" uses a Hebrew idiom that literally means "a great host" or "a long duration," clearly indicating that the events prophesied would span many years, leading to a distant future. This reinforces the eschatological nature of the vision.

Practical Application

Daniel 10:1 reminds us that God's plan unfolds over time, often stretching far beyond our immediate comprehension or lifespan. It encourages patience and trust in God's timing, even when His purposes seem distant. Daniel's example of seeking and receiving understanding, despite the complexity of the revelation, encourages believers today to diligently study God's Word and pray for spiritual discernment. The certainty that "the thing [was] true" offers immense comfort and assurance that God's promises and warnings will surely come to pass, calling us to live in light of His sovereign truth.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 6:28

    So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

  • Daniel 1:21

    And Daniel continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus.

  • Daniel 8:26

    And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told [is] true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it [shall be] for many days.

  • Daniel 1:7

    Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

  • Daniel 1:17

    ยถ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

  • Daniel 5:17

    Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

  • Daniel 12:4

    But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
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