Daniel 10:5

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

Then I lifted up {H5375} mine eyes {H5869}, and looked {H7200}, and behold a certain {H259} man {H376} clothed {H3847} in linen {H906}, whose loins {H4975} were girded {H2296} with fine gold {H3800} of Uphaz {H210}:

when I looked up, and there before me was a man dressed in linen wearing a belt made of fine Ufaz gold.

I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.

I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz:

Daniel 10:5 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet Daniel's final and most profound vision, which provides significant insights into future events and the spiritual realm. Having spent three weeks in mourning and fasting, Daniel is now granted a breathtaking revelation.

Context

This verse introduces a mysterious and glorious figure to Daniel, appearing after a period of intense spiritual preparation and distress. The broader context of Daniel chapter 10 describes Daniel's deep spiritual struggle and prayer, leading up to this divine encounter. The vision begins with Daniel by the side of the great river Hiddekel (Tigris), where he experiences a profound manifestation of the divine. This appearance is so overwhelming that Daniel's companions flee, and Daniel himself is left without strength, signaling the immense power and holiness of the being before him. This vision sets the stage for the detailed prophecies concerning Persia, Greece, and the end times, found in Daniel 11 and Daniel 12.

Key Themes

  • Divine Manifestation and Glory: The description of the "man" is highly symbolic, pointing to a being of immense divine authority and glory. This figure is often interpreted by theologians as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ (a Christophany) or a very high-ranking angelic being, though the description here is far more majestic than other angelic appearances. The radiant appearance suggests a divine messenger.
  • Purity and Righteousness: Being "clothed in linen" is a significant detail. In biblical symbolism, fine linen often represents purity, righteousness, and holiness. It was the attire of priests in the Old Testament (Exodus 28:42) and is associated with angels and the saints in heaven (Revelation 15:6; Revelation 19:8). This emphasizes the holy nature of the messenger and the divine encounter.
  • Authority and Readiness: The detail of "whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz" speaks to strength, preparedness, and immense value. Girding the loins was a common practice for readiness to work or battle, and gold signifies divine majesty, royalty, and wealth. The term "Uphaz" suggests gold of the highest quality and purity, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of this figure's adornment. This imagery echoes other divine descriptions, such as the resurrected Christ in Revelation 1:13, who is also "girt about the paps with a golden girdle."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "man" here is ish (אִישׁ), which can simply mean 'man,' but in the context of this extraordinary vision, it takes on a deeper, almost divine significance, setting this figure apart. The term "Uphaz" (אוּפָז) is likely a region or source known for its exceptionally pure and fine gold, similar to how "Ophir" is mentioned elsewhere in connection with high-quality gold. This detail underscores the preciousness and divine nature of the figure's attire, highlighting its supreme value and origin.

Practical Application

Daniel's vision in chapter 10 reminds us that there is a profound spiritual reality beyond what we perceive with our physical senses. God often reveals Himself or sends His messengers in ways that are awe-inspiring and humbling. This encounter also highlights the power of persistent prayer and fasting in preparing one's heart to receive divine revelation. Just as Daniel was weakened but ultimately strengthened by this divine encounter, we too can find strength and clarity through seeking God, even amidst spiritual struggle and confusion. The vision of this glorious figure encourages us to look beyond earthly concerns to the ultimate authority and majesty of God, who is actively involved in the affairs of the world and the lives of His people, and who sends His divine messengers to reveal His will.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 1:13

    And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

  • Revelation 1:15

    And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

  • Daniel 12:6

    And [one] said to the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, How long [shall it be to] the end of these wonders?

  • Daniel 12:7

    And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

  • Ezekiel 9:2

    And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them [was] clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.

  • Jeremiah 10:9

    Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple [is] their clothing: they [are] all the work of cunning [men].

  • Revelation 15:6

    And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back