Daniel 10:4

KJV

And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which [is] Hiddekel;

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the four {H702} and twentieth {H6242} day {H3117} of the first {H7223} month {H2320}, as I was by the side {H3027} of the great {H1419} river {H5104}, which is Hiddekel {H2313};

Complete Jewish Bible

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was on the bank of the great river, the Tigris,

Berean Standard Bible

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris,

American Standard Version

And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:4 precisely situates the prophet Daniel at a pivotal moment and location, marking the commencement of his final and most extensive vision. This verse establishes the temporal setting as the twenty-fourth day of the first month, following a period of intense fasting and mourning, and the geographical context as the banks of the Hiddekel River, also known as the Tigris. This detailed introduction sets the stage for a profound divine encounter and a revelation concerning the future of Israel and the spiritual warfare unfolding behind earthly events.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 10:4 initiates the third major prophetic vision in the book of Daniel, following the visions in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - The Four Beasts and the Son of Man") and [Daniel 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - The Ram and the Goat"). This final vision, spanning [chapters 10-12](/daniel/10-12 "Daniel 10-12 - Daniel's Final Vision"), is presented as a direct continuation of the revelation concerning the "great conflict" mentioned in [Daniel 10:1](/daniel/10-1 "Daniel 10:1 - Daniel's Understanding of the Great Conflict"). The preceding verses, [Daniel 10:2-3](/daniel/10-2-3 "Daniel 10:2-3 - Daniel's Three Weeks of Mourning and Fasting"), describe Daniel's three-week period of mourning and fasting, undertaken in response to his distress over the condition of his people and the apparent delay in God's promises. Thus, Daniel 10:4 serves as the culmination of this spiritual preparation, indicating that the vision is a direct divine response to his earnest seeking. It grounds the subsequent supernatural encounter in a specific, tangible reality, emphasizing the authenticity and significance of the revelation to follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Daniel 10 is dated to "the third year of Cyrus king of Persia" ([Daniel 10:1](/daniel/10-1 "Daniel 10:1 - The Third Year of Cyrus")). By this time, roughly 536 BC, a significant number of Jewish exiles had already returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, fulfilling the decree of Cyrus (as recorded in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and the Return of Exiles")). However, Daniel, now an elderly man likely in his late 80s or early 90s, remained in Babylon/Persia. The "first month" refers to Nisan (Abib), which is significant because it is the month of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Unleavened Bread")). Daniel's fasting until the twenty-fourth day means he abstained from these celebratory feasts, highlighting his profound anguish and spiritual devotion over the political and spiritual state of his people, who were facing opposition in rebuilding the temple and city ([Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Temple")). His location by the Hiddekel (Tigris) River places him deep within the Persian Empire, a major center of power and a common site for prophetic encounters in ancient Near Eastern literature.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, as an introduction to Daniel's final vision, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Timing**, demonstrating that God's revelations are not random but occur at precisely appointed moments, often in response to human intercession and spiritual readiness. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Preparation and Discipline**, showing that Daniel's intense period of fasting and mourning was a prerequisite for receiving such a profound and challenging vision. This emphasizes the importance of seeking God earnestly to gain divine understanding. Thirdly, the **Geographical Significance** of the Hiddekel River connects Daniel's experience to other biblical encounters with the divine in specific, often watery, locations (e.g., Ezekiel by the [Chebar Canal](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1 - Ezekiel's Vision by the Chebar Canal"), John on [Patmos](/revelation/1-9 "Revelation 1:9 - John on the Island of Patmos")), reinforcing the reality and grounded nature of the supernatural event. Lastly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Cosmic Conflict**, as the subsequent vision reveals the spiritual battles influencing earthly kingdoms, a concept central to Daniel's prophetic message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hiddekel (Hebrew, _Chiddeqel'_):** This is the ancient Hebrew name for the Tigris River, one of the two great rivers (along with the Euphrates) that defined Mesopotamia, the "cradle of civilization." Its mention grounds Daniel's vision in a specific, significant geographical location. Notably, Hiddekel is also found in [Genesis 2:14](/genesis/2-14 "Genesis 2:14 - The Rivers of Eden"), identifying it as one of the four rivers flowing from the Garden of Eden, subtly linking Daniel's experience to foundational biblical history and God's ancient purposes.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective describes the river, emphasizing its size and prominence. In a broader sense, "great" (gâdôwl) can denote significance, power, or importance. Here, it highlights the Tigris as a major waterway, a place of strategic importance, and perhaps a fitting backdrop for a vision of "great conflict" ([Daniel 10:1](/daniel/10-1 "Daniel 10:1 - The Great Conflict")).
* **side (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While primarily meaning "hand," this word is used here in an idiomatic sense to denote "by the side of" or "alongside." It indicates Daniel's physical proximity to the river, suggesting a posture of waiting, observation, or perhaps even vulnerability, as he prepares to receive a divine revelation. This usage of "yâd" implies being "at hand" or within reach, ready for engagement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the four and twentieth day of the first month":** This precise chronological marker is crucial. The "first month" is Nisan, the month of Passover and Unleavened Bread (usually March-April). The Passover was observed on the 14th of Nisan, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread followed for seven days. Daniel's vision on the 24th day means he had completed a three-week period of mourning and fasting ([Daniel 10:2-3](/daniel/10-2-3 "Daniel 10:2-3 - Daniel's Three Weeks of Mourning")), which spanned the entire period of these significant national feasts. This highlights his deep spiritual distress and intense devotion, prioritizing God's will and the fate of his people over personal celebration.
* **"as I was by the side of the great river":** Daniel's physical location is specified. Being "by the side" implies a deliberate positioning, perhaps for prayer, contemplation, or simply as a place of solitude. Rivers in biblical literature often serve as locations for divine encounters and prophetic visions (e.g., Ezekiel by the [Chebar River](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1 - Ezekiel's Vision by the Chebar River"), John on [Patmos](/revelation/1-9 "Revelation 1:9 - John's Vision on Patmos") with the "many waters"). The "great river" emphasizes its prominence and perhaps its symbolic weight as a boundary or a source of life and power in the ancient world.
* **"which [is] Hiddekel;":** This identifies the specific "great river" as the Hiddekel, known today as the Tigris River. The Tigris was one of the two major rivers of Mesopotamia (the other being the Euphrates), flowing through the heart of the Babylonian and Persian empires. Its mention here grounds the vision in a real, historical setting within the Persian Empire, where Daniel resided. The connection to the Garden of Eden in [Genesis 2:14](/genesis/2-14 "Genesis 2:14 - The Rivers of Eden") adds a subtle layer of theological depth, linking this late-exilic vision to the very beginnings of human history and God's original purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 10:4 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and significance. **Precise Chronology** is evident in the specific dating ("four and twentieth day of the first month"), which not only anchors the vision in historical time but also emphasizes the divine timing of revelation, often following periods of intense spiritual seeking. **Geographical Specificity** is achieved through the mention of "the great river, which is Hiddekel," grounding the supernatural event in a tangible, recognizable location. This specificity lends credibility and reality to the subsequent vision. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the river itself is significant; in prophetic literature, rivers often represent boundaries, sources of life, or places of divine encounter, setting a solemn and expectant tone for the profound revelation Daniel is about to receive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 10:4 serves as a profound testament to God's meticulous involvement in human history and His responsiveness to the earnest prayers of His people. It highlights the principle that significant divine revelation often follows a period of intense spiritual preparation and seeking. Daniel's three-week fast, culminating in this vision, underscores the spiritual discipline required to perceive and comprehend God's deeper truths, particularly concerning the unseen spiritual conflicts that influence earthly affairs. The precise dating and geographical setting emphasize that God's plans are unfolded with intentionality, not randomly, and that even in the midst of worldly empires, His sovereign hand orchestrates events and reveals His will to His chosen servants. This verse sets the stage for a revelation that will expose the cosmic battle between good and evil, reminding us that behind every earthly struggle lies a spiritual dimension.

* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 10:4 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, urging us to cultivate a posture of spiritual readiness and attentiveness to God's voice. Just as Daniel positioned himself through a disciplined period of fasting and prayer, we too are called to prioritize seeking God's face, especially when facing distress or uncertainty about the world around us. This verse reminds us that God's revelations are purposeful and often unfold in specific, divinely appointed times and places, even in our seemingly ordinary daily environments. It encourages us to be sensitive to the spiritual dimensions of life, recognizing that God can speak profound truths and reveal His overarching plan for history and our personal lives when our hearts are prepared to listen. Our spiritual disciplines are not merely rituals but pathways to deeper intimacy and understanding of God's will and His ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Daniel's three-week fast and mourning period teach us about the importance of spiritual discipline and perseverance in prayer, especially when we feel distressed or burdened?**
* **How does the precise dating and geographical setting of Daniel's vision encourage us to see God's hand at work in the specific details and timing of our own lives?**
* **In what "ordinary" places or moments in your life might God be seeking to reveal profound truths to you, and how can you cultivate greater attentiveness?**
* **How might understanding the "great conflict" (spiritual warfare) that Daniel was about to witness inform your approach to prayer and intercession today?**

### FAQ
**Why is the precise date and location so important in Daniel 10:4?**

Answer: The precise date, "the four and twentieth day of the first month," and the location, "by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel," are crucial for several reasons. Chronologically, the date places the vision immediately after Daniel's intense three-week period of fasting and mourning, which notably included the Passover and Unleavened Bread feasts ([Daniel 10:2-3](/daniel/10-2-3 "Daniel 10:2-3 - Daniel's Fasting Period")). This highlights Daniel's spiritual preparation and God's precise timing in revealing profound truths. Geographically, being by the Hiddekel (Tigris) River grounds the supernatural vision in a tangible, historical setting, affirming its reality and significance within the Persian Empire. It also connects Daniel's experience to other biblical prophetic encounters that occurred near rivers or bodies of water (e.g., [Ezekiel's vision by the Chebar Canal](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1 - Ezekiel's Vision by the Chebar Canal")), suggesting a common pattern for divine revelation.

**What is the significance of the Hiddekel River?**

Answer: The Hiddekel River is the ancient Hebrew name for the Tigris River, one of the two major rivers (along with the Euphrates) that flowed through Mesopotamia, the "cradle of civilization." Its significance in Daniel 10:4 is multifaceted. Firstly, it provides a specific, identifiable geographical anchor for Daniel's vision, placing him firmly within the Persian Empire. Secondly, the Hiddekel is also mentioned in [Genesis 2:14](/genesis/2-14 "Genesis 2:14 - The Rivers of Eden") as one of the four rivers flowing from the Garden of Eden. This subtle connection links Daniel's vision to the very beginning of biblical history and God's original creation, suggesting a continuity of divine purpose and interaction with humanity across millennia. For Daniel, it was a place of profound spiritual encounter, much like the Chebar River for Ezekiel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 10:4 describes Daniel's personal encounter and the setting for a future-revealing vision, it points forward to Christ in profound ways. Daniel's intense spiritual preparation, culminating in a divine encounter by the Hiddekel, foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's truth found in Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel received understanding of the "great conflict" through a divine messenger (often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God or a powerful angelic being representing Him), so too does Christ stand as the supreme revealer of God's will and the ultimate victor in the cosmic spiritual battle. The details of the vision in [Daniel 10-12](/daniel/10-12 "Daniel 10-12 - Daniel's Prophecy of the End Times") speak of future kingdoms and conflicts, all of which ultimately find their resolution and culmination in the person and work of Christ. He is the one who "has overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")), the true "Prince of Peace" who triumphs over all spiritual adversaries ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"); [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Daniel's vision, initiated in a moment of deep spiritual seeking, anticipates the coming of Christ as the definitive answer to humanity's distress and the final fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, through whom all mysteries are unveiled and all spiritual battles are decisively won ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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

Genesis 2:14

And the name of the third river [is] Hiddekel: that [is] it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river [is] Euphrates.

Daniel 8:2

And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

Ezekiel 1:3

The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.