Daniel 10:10

KJV

¶ And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, an hand {H3027} touched {H5060} me, which set {H5128} me upon my knees {H1290} and upon the palms {H3709} of my hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then a hand touched me and raised me, tottering, to my hands and knees.

Berean Standard Bible

Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.

American Standard Version

And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:10 describes a pivotal moment in the prophet's encounter with a divine messenger, where a hand touches him, physically repositioning him from a state of prostration to a posture of being on his knees and hands. This physical intervention is a crucial step in preparing Daniel, who has been weakened by a profound vision and a period of fasting, to receive the extensive and complex revelation that follows concerning the future of Israel and the spiritual warfare in the heavenly realms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 10 serves as an introduction to the final and most extensive prophetic vision in the book of Daniel, spanning chapters 10-12. Preceding this verse, Daniel has been in a state of deep mourning, fasting, and prayer for three weeks, distressed by a vision of a "great conflict" ([Daniel 10:1](/daniel/10-1 "Daniel 10:1 - Daniel's Vision Introduction")). He is by the great river Hiddekel (Tigris) when he sees a glorious, divine being whose appearance is overwhelming ([Daniel 10:4-6](/daniel/10-4-6 "Daniel 10:4-6 - Description of the Divine Being")). The immediate effect of this encounter, detailed in [Daniel 10:7-9](/daniel/10-7-9 "Daniel 10:7-9 - Daniel's Reaction to the Vision"), is that Daniel's companions flee, and Daniel himself is left alone, utterly drained of strength, with no breath left in him. Verse 10, therefore, marks the beginning of the divine intervention to restore and prepare Daniel to receive the subsequent revelation, setting the stage for the detailed prophecies of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - Prophecy of Kings and Conflicts").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Daniel 10 occurs in the third year of Cyrus, King of Persia, placing it around 536 BC. This is a significant period for the Jewish exiles, as Cyrus had already issued his decree allowing them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). However, the rebuilding efforts faced significant opposition, as detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"). Daniel, though an old man, remained in Babylon, deeply concerned for his people and Jerusalem's future. The cultural context includes the prevalent belief in spiritual beings and the understanding that divine encounters often rendered humans weak or prostrate, requiring supernatural strengthening. The posture of being on knees and hands was a common posture of humility, supplication, and submission in the ancient Near East, often adopted when approaching a king or deity.
* **Key Themes:** This chapter, and specifically [Daniel 10:10](/daniel/10-10 "Daniel 10:10 - The Divine Touch"), contributes to several overarching themes in Daniel. One key theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, demonstrating that God is actively involved in human affairs, even amidst geopolitical conflicts and spiritual opposition. Another is **Human Weakness and Divine Strengthening**, as Daniel's profound physical and spiritual debilitation highlights the vast chasm between human frailty and divine majesty, necessitating supernatural empowerment for prophetic revelation. This is a recurring motif, also seen in [Daniel 8:17-18](/daniel/8-17-18 "Daniel 8:17-18 - Daniel's Weakness and Strengthening"). The verse also underscores the theme of **Preparation for Revelation**, showing that God prepares His chosen vessels, sometimes through humbling experiences, to receive and comprehend His profound truths. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, which becomes explicit in the subsequent verses, where the divine messenger reveals a cosmic battle behind earthly events ([Daniel 10:13](/daniel/10-13 "Daniel 10:13 - The Prince of Persia")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word, H3027, refers to the open hand, distinguishing it from the closed fist. In this context, it signifies an instrument of power, direction, and direct contact. The hand that touches Daniel is not merely a physical appendage but a conduit of divine authority and influence, initiating a physical response that prepares him for the spiritual message.
* **touched (Hebrew, _nâgaʻ'_):** H5060, a primitive root, means "to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose); by implication, to reach; violently, to strike." Here, it denotes a direct, impactful physical contact. It's not a gentle caress but a forceful, purposeful touch that immediately alters Daniel's physical state, indicating the immense power and intention behind the action.
* **set (Hebrew, _nûwaʻ'_):** H5128, a primitive root, means "to waver... to (go) up and down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), set." While it can imply wavering or wandering, in this Hiphil (causative) conjugation, it means to cause to move or set. The divine hand "set" Daniel, actively moving him from his prostrate position to one of kneeling, highlighting the supernatural agent's power and Daniel's passive reception of this divine repositioning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, an hand touched me":** This phrase immediately draws attention to a sudden, supernatural intervention. Daniel, already in a state of profound weakness and prostration, experiences a direct physical contact from an unseen, yet powerful, "hand." This touch is the catalyst for his physical reorientation and marks the beginning of his restoration. The use of "behold" (וְהִנֵּה) emphasizes the suddenness and significance of this divine action.
* **"which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands":** The divine hand's touch is not merely a sensation but an active force that physically repositions Daniel. From a state of lying prostrate, he is moved to a posture of being on his knees with his palms on the ground. This posture is one of humility, submission, and often, supplication or readiness to receive. It signifies a state of being brought low yet prepared to rise or to listen intently. This action is a necessary physical and spiritual preparation for the profound revelation that is about to be given.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Imagery** is prominent, painting a vivid picture of Daniel's physical state and the divine intervention. The "hand" and Daniel being "upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands" create a concrete visual of humility and vulnerability before divine power. **Contrast** is also evident between Daniel's utter weakness and the powerful, active touch of the divine hand, emphasizing the vast disparity between human frailty and supernatural strength. Furthermore, the action serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as this physical preparation anticipates the profound spiritual revelations Daniel is about to receive, suggesting that humility and a receptive posture are prerequisites for divine understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 10:10 powerfully illustrates the principle that divine encounters often necessitate a profound humbling and physical repositioning of humanity before God's majesty. Daniel's inability to stand and his being set upon his knees and hands underscore the vast gulf between human frailty and divine power. This physical vulnerability is not a sign of rejection but a necessary preparation for receiving profound spiritual truth. God often brings us to a place of utter dependence and humility before He imparts deeper understanding or calls us to significant tasks, demonstrating that true strength and wisdom come from Him alone. This act of divine touch also highlights God's compassionate initiative to strengthen and prepare His servants for His purposes, even when they are overwhelmed.

* [Daniel 8:17-18](/daniel/8-17-18 "Daniel 8:17-18 - Daniel's Previous Encounter and Strengthening")
* [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's Prostration Before God's Glory")
* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Reaction to the Glorified Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's experience in Daniel 10:10 offers profound lessons for our own spiritual journeys. We often approach God with our own strength, ideas, and expectations, but this verse reminds us that true encounter with the divine often begins with a humbling. Just as Daniel was physically brought to his knees and hands, we too may find ourselves in situations that strip away our self-sufficiency, forcing us into a posture of complete dependence and humility before God. This humbling is not punishment but preparation—a divine act of grace to make us receptive vessels for His truth and His will. It teaches us that authentic spiritual revelation and empowerment often follow a season of weakness and surrender. When we are brought low, it is then that God's strength is made perfect, and we become truly ready to hear and obey. This posture of humility is essential for receiving God's wisdom, navigating life's conflicts, and fulfilling His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to adopt a posture of greater humility and dependence before God?**
* **How does Daniel's physical reaction to the divine presence inform my understanding of reverence and awe in worship?**
* **Can I identify times when God has "set me upon my knees" (metaphorically or literally) to prepare me for a new understanding or task?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Daniel being "set upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands" rather than fully prostrate?**

Answer: While Daniel was initially in a state of utter prostration ([Daniel 10:9](/daniel/10-9 "Daniel 10:9 - Daniel's Deep Sleep and Weakness")), the divine touch in [Daniel 10:10](/daniel/10-10 "Daniel 10:10 - The Divine Touch") repositions him to a posture of being on his knees and hands. This specific posture is significant because it is one of humility and submission, yet it also implies a readiness to rise, to listen, or to receive. It's a transitional posture, indicating that Daniel is being prepared to engage with the divine messenger and receive the profound revelation, rather than remaining completely overwhelmed and incapacitated. It suggests a state of attentive reverence, poised for interaction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 10:10 describes an angelic touch preparing a prophet for revelation, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine touch and preparation found in Jesus Christ. The weakness and prostration of Daniel before the divine messenger highlight humanity's inherent inability to stand in the presence of God's glory, a condition ultimately remedied by Christ. Just as a "hand" touched Daniel to enable him, the very **Word of God became flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")), fully entering into human weakness and frailty. Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Jesus, the **Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world** ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), provides the ultimate means for humanity to stand before a holy God, not by our own strength but by His perfect righteousness. He is the one who lifts us from our spiritual prostration, setting us on our knees in humble worship and then raising us to new life, empowering us by His Spirit to receive and live out divine truth, as promised in passages like [Ephesians 2:4-6](/ephesians/2-4-6 "Ephesians 2:4-6 - Raised with Christ"). The divine touch on Daniel prepared him for a specific message, but Christ's redemptive work prepares all believers for eternal fellowship and the ongoing revelation of God's will through the Holy Spirit, making us **new creations** ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) capable of standing firm in faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 1:9

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Daniel 8:18

Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

Daniel 10:16

And, behold, [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

Daniel 10:18

Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

Daniel 9:21

Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.