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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Daniel 10:1–9. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
This vision is dated in the third year of Cyrus, that is, of his reign after the conquest of Babylon, his third year since Daniel became acquainted with him and a subject to him. Here is,
I.A general idea of this prophecy (Dan 10:1):
The thing was true; every word of God is so; it was true that Daniel had such a vision, and that such and such things were said. This he solemnly attests upon the word of a prophet. Et hoc paratus est verificare - He was prepared to verify it; and, if it was a word spoken from heaven, no doubt it is stedfast and may be depended upon. But the time appointed was long, as long as to the end of the reign of Antiochus, which was 300 years, a long time indeed when it is looked upon as to come. Nay, and because it is usual with the prophets to glance at things spiritual and eternal, there is that in this prophecy which looks in type as far forward as to the end of the world and the resurrection of the dead; and then he might well say, The time appointed was long. It was, however, made as plain to him as if it had been a history rather than a prophecy; he understood the thing; so distinctly was it delivered to him, and received by him, that he could say he had understanding of the vision. It did not so much operate upon his fancy as upon his understanding.
II.An account of Daniel's mortification of himself before he had this vision, not in expectation of it, nor, when he prayed that solemn prayer ch. 9, does it appear that he had any expectation of the vision in answer to it, but purely from a principle of devotion and pious sympathy with the afflicted people of God. He was mourning full three weeks (Dan 10:2), for his own sins and the sins of his people, and their sorrows. Some think that the particular occasion of his mourning was slothfulness and indifference of many of the Jews, who, though they had liberty to return to their own land, continued still in the land of their captivity, not knowing how to value the privileges offered them; and perhaps it troubled him the more because those that did so justified themselves by the example of Daniel, though they had not that reason to stay behind which he had. Others think that it was because he heard of the obstruction given to the building of the temple by the enemies of the Jews, who hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose (Ezr 4:4, Ezr 4:5), all the days of Cyrus, and gained their point from his son Cambyses, or Artaxerxes, who governed while Cyrus was absent in the Scythian war. Note, Good men cannot but mourn to see how slowly the work of God goes on in the world and what opposition it meets with, how weak its friends are and how active its enemies. During the days of Daniel's mourning he ate no pleasant bread; he could not live without meat, but he ate little, and very sparingly, and mortified himself in the quality as well as the quantity of what he ate, which may truly be reckoned fasting, and a token of humiliation and sorrow. He did not eat the pleasant bread he used to eat, but that which was course and unpalatable, which he would not be tempted to eat any more of than was just necessary to support nature. As ornaments, so delicacies, are very disagreeable to a day of humiliation. Daniel ate no flesh, drank no wine, nor anointed himself, for those three week's time, Dan 10:3. Though he was now a very old man, and might plead that the decay of his nature required what was nourishing, though he was a very great man, and might plead that, being used to dainty meats, he could not do without them, it would prejudice his health if he were, yet, when it was both to testify and to assist his devotion, he could thus deny himself; let this be noted to the shame of many young people in the common ranks of life who cannot persuade themselves thus to deny themselves.
III.A description of that glorious person whom Daniel saw in vision, which, it is generally agreed, could be no other that Christ himself, the eternal Word. He was by the side of the river Hiddekel (Dan 10:4), probably walking there, not for diversion, but devotion and contemplation, as Isaac walked in the field, to meditate; and, being a person of distinction, he had his servants attending him at some distance. There he looked up, and saw one man Christ Jesus. It must be he, for he appears in the same resemblance wherein he appeared to St. John in the isle of Patmos, Rev 1:13-15. His dress was priestly, for he is the high priest of our profession, clothed in linen, as the high priest himself was on the day of atonement, that great day; his loins were girded (in St. John's vision his paps were girded) with a golden girdle of the finest gold, that of Uphaz, for every thing about Christ is the best in its kind. The girding of the loins denotes his ready and diligent application to his work, as his Father's servant, in the business of our redemption. His shape was amiable, his body like the beryl, a precious stone of a sky-colour. His countenance was awful, and enough to strike a terror on the beholders, for his face was as the appearance of lightning, which dazzles the eyes, both brightens and threatens. His eyes were bright and sparkling, as lamps of fire. His arms and feet shone like polished brass, Dan 10:6. His voice was loud, and strong, and very piercing, like the voice of a multitude. The vox Dei - voice of God can overpower the vox populi - voice of the people. Thus glorious did Christ appear, and it should engage us,
1.To think highly and honourably of him. Now consider how great this man is, and in all things let him have the pre-eminence.
2.To admire his condescension for us and our salvation. Over all this splendour he drew a veil when he took upon him the form of a servant, and emptied himself.
IV.The wonderful influence that this appearance had upon Daniel and his attendants, and the terror that it struck upon him and them.
1.His attendants saw not the vision; it was not fit that they should be honoured with the sight of it. There is a divine revelation vouchsafed to all, from converse with which none are excluded who do not exclude themselves; but such a vision must be peculiar to Daniel, who was a favourite. Paul's companions were aware of the light, but saw no man, Act 9:7; Act 22:9. Note, It is the honour of those who are beloved of God that, what is hidden from others, is known to them. Christ manifests himself to them, but not to the world, Joh 14:22. But, though they saw not the vision, they were seized with an unaccountable trembling; either from the voice they heard, or from some strange concussion or vibration of the air they felt, so it was that a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves, probably among the willows that grew by the river's side. Note, Many have a spirit of bondage to fear who never receive a spirit of adoption, to whom Christ has been, and will be, never otherwise than a terror. Now the fright that Daniel's attendants were in is a confirmation of the truth of the vision; it could not be Daniel's fancy, or the product of a heated imagination of his own, or it had a real, powerful, and strange effect upon those about him.
2.He himself saw it, and saw it alone, but he was not able to bear the sight of it. It not only dazzled his eyes, but overwhelmed his spirit, so that there remained no strength in him, Dan 10:8. He said, as Moses himself, I exceedingly fear and quake. His spirits were all so employed, either in an intense speculation of the glory of this vision or in the fortifying of his heart against the terror of it, that his body was left in a manner lifeless and spiritless. He had no vigour in him, and was but one remove from a dead carcase; he looked as pale as death, his colour was gone, his comeliness in him was turned into corruption, and he retained no strength. Note, the greatest and best of men cannot bear the immediate discoveries of the divine glory; no man can see it and live; it is next to death to see a glimpse of it, as Daniel here; but glorified saints see Christ as he is and can bear the sight. But, though Daniel was thus dispirited with the vision of Christ, yet he heard the voice of his words and knew what he said. Note, We must take heed lest our reverence of God's glory, by which we should be awakened to hear his voice both in his word and in his providence, should degenerate into such a dread of him as will disable or indispose us to hear it. It should seem that when the vision of Christ terrified Daniel the voice of his words soon pacified and composed him, silenced his fear, and laid him to sleep in a holy security and serenity of mind: When I heard the voice of his words I fell into a slumber, a sweet slumber, on my face, and my face towards the ground. When he saw the vision he threw himself prostrate, into a posture of the most humble adoration, and dropped asleep, not as careless of what he heard and saw, but charmed with it. Note, How dreadful soever Christ may appear to those who are under convictions of sin, and in terror by reason of it, there is enough in his word to quiet their spirits and make them easy, if they will but attend to it and apply it.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Also at that time there were many who stood alongside Daniel, but they did not see the vision, for they were not worthy.
"And I saw," etc. For it is to His saints that fear Him, and to them alone, that He reveals Himself. For if any one seems to be living now in the Church, and yet has not the fear of God, his companionship with the saints will avail him nothing.
What would you do then? That he who came for our salvation should become a minister of destruction because people could not bear him? Or that he should suit his grace to our measure? Daniel could not bear the vision of an angel, and were you capable of the sight of the Lord of angels? Gabriel appeared, and Daniel fell down; and of what nature or in what guise was he that appeared? His countenance was like lightning, not like the sun, “and his eyes as lamps of fire,” not as a furnace of fire. “And the voice of his words [was] as the voice of a multitude,” not as the voice of twelve legions of angels; nevertheless the prophet fell down.… If an angel appearing took away the prophet’s strength, would the appearance of God have allowed him to breathe?… So then after trial had shown our weakness, the Lord assumed that which people required: for since people required to hear from one of like countenance, the Savior took on him the nature of like affections, that people might be the more easily instructed.
Verse 7. "And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me saw it not; but an exceeding great terror fell upon them, and they fled away and hid themselves." The Apostle Paul had a similar experience in the Book of Acts, in that while the others could see nothing, he alone beheld the vision (Acts 22:6-9).
But perhaps someone would say, “Why then did they flee, if they did not see the vision?” Most likely this fact is what filled them all the more with dread, for since they saw no one and yet heard a great voice, they likely all ran away in fright. Then he calls their astonishment not only cowardice but also the inability to see. These events resemble the things that happened to Paul on the road near Damascus. There he too saw a light that flashed around him. His companions saw nothing but only heard a voice. And then his companions likewise fled from the divine prophet when they heard only the voice, while he remained there alone.
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Summary
Daniel 10:7 vividly portrays the profound impact of a divine encounter, revealing that while Daniel alone was granted the visual aspect of a crucial prophetic vision, his companions were nonetheless overwhelmed by an unseen, palpable spiritual presence. This encounter manifested as a "great quaking" that seized them, compelling them to flee in terror and seek refuge, thereby highlighting Daniel's unique calling and preparation to receive such weighty revelations.
Context
Literary Context
Daniel 10 initiates the final and most extensive prophetic vision in the book of Daniel, spanning chapters 10-12. This vision occurs in the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, following Daniel's earlier profound experiences and interpretations. The chapter opens with Daniel in a state of mourning and fasting for three weeks, indicating his deep spiritual earnestness and preparation for divine revelation. Verse 7 serves as a crucial transition, immediately establishing the extraordinary nature of the vision by contrasting Daniel's unique perception with his companions' indirect but terrifying experience of the spiritual realm. This sets the stage for the appearance of the glorious angelic being in Daniel 10:5-6, whose presence is so overwhelming that it causes Daniel himself to lose strength and fall into a deep sleep, as described in Daniel 10:8-9.
Historical & Cultural Context
The vision in Daniel 10 takes place around 536 BC, during the early years of the Persian Empire under King Cyrus, who had conquered Babylon. This period was significant for the Jewish exiles, as Cyrus had issued a decree allowing them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Daniel, though an old man, was still serving in the Persian court, deeply concerned for the future of his people. In the ancient Near East, encounters with divine or supernatural beings were often depicted as terrifying and overwhelming, frequently resulting in physical prostration, loss of strength, or even death, as seen in various biblical accounts and extra-biblical literature. The reaction of Daniel's companions—a "great quaking" and flight—is consistent with this cultural understanding of human vulnerability in the face of transcendent power.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of Divine Revelation, emphasizing God's sovereign choice of individuals through whom He reveals His plans and purposes. Daniel is uniquely equipped and prepared to receive these profound insights, even as others around him are affected but not privy to the direct communication. Another prominent theme is the Awe-Inspiring and Terrifying Nature of the Supernatural. The "great quaking" highlights that genuine encounters with the divine or angelic realm are not merely interesting but profoundly unsettling and often terrifying for human beings, underscoring the immense power and holiness of God's messengers. This aligns with other biblical accounts of fear in the presence of God or His angels, such as the Israelites' trembling at Mount Sinai or the disciples' fear at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:6). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of Spiritual Warfare, which becomes much more explicit later in Daniel 10, where the angelic messenger reveals the cosmic struggle between heavenly beings over earthly kingdoms. The companions' terror foreshadows the gravity and spiritual intensity of the message Daniel is about to receive, which pertains to future conflicts and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "a vision; also (causatively) a mirror." This word emphasizes the visual nature of the revelation Daniel received. Unlike his companions, Daniel was granted direct sight into the spiritual realm, perceiving the glorious angelic being. This term highlights the direct, unmediated nature of God's communication to Daniel, setting him apart as a true prophet.
Meaning "fear, anxiety; care, exceedingly, fear, quaking, trembling." This word describes the intense, involuntary physical and emotional reaction of Daniel's companions. It signifies a profound terror and agitation, indicating a spiritual disturbance so potent that it overwhelmed them, even though they did not see the source of the vision. This "quaking" is not merely fear but a deep, unsettling dread that compels immediate, instinctive action.
Meaning "to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly; chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot." This verb depicts the immediate and desperate action of Daniel's companions. Their flight was not a calm departure but a sudden, urgent escape, driven by the overwhelming fear induced by the unseen spiritual presence. It underscores the terrifying nature of the encounter, demonstrating a primal instinct for self-preservation.
Verse Breakdown
"And I Daniel alone saw the vision:"
This opening clause immediately establishes Daniel's unique role as the recipient of the direct visual revelation. It highlights his singular perception of the divine manifestation, setting him apart from his companions and underscoring his prophetic calling. The emphasis on "alone" intensifies the personal and exclusive nature of this profound spiritual experience.
"for the men that were with me saw not the vision;"
This explanatory clause provides a stark contrast to Daniel's experience. While companions were physically present, they were spiritually blind to the visual aspect of the vision. This emphasizes the selective nature of divine revelation, where God chooses whom He will reveal Himself to directly, even when others are in close proximity.
"but a great quaking fell upon them,"
Despite not seeing the vision, Daniel's companions were profoundly affected by its unseen spiritual presence. The "great quaking" (Hebrew: chărâdâh) denotes an overwhelming, terrifying tremor or panic that seized them. This indicates that the spiritual reality was so potent and palpable that its mere proximity, even without visual perception, was enough to induce extreme physical and psychological distress.
"so that they fled to hide themselves."
This final clause describes the immediate and instinctive reaction of the companions to the "great quaking." Their flight was a desperate attempt to escape the overwhelming and terrifying spiritual presence, seeking refuge from something they could feel but not comprehend. This action further underscores the immense power and awe-inspiring nature of the spiritual realm.
Literary Devices
Daniel 10:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Contrast is central, immediately established between Daniel, who "alone saw the vision," and his companions, who "saw not the vision." This highlights Daniel's unique prophetic calling and the selective nature of divine revelation. The phrase "great quaking" functions as Hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme and overwhelming terror that seized the men, leading to their immediate and desperate flight. This exaggerated description underscores the immense power and unsettling nature of the unseen spiritual presence. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as Foreshadowing, preparing the reader for the gravity and intensity of the subsequent prophetic revelation. The companions' visceral reaction signals that the spiritual encounter is not ordinary but one of immense significance, hinting at the profound spiritual realities and conflicts that will be unveiled in the remainder of the chapter.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Daniel 10:7 profoundly illustrates the selective and overwhelming nature of divine revelation. God, in His sovereignty, chooses specific individuals through whom He unveils His mysteries, equipping them uniquely for such encounters. While Daniel was granted direct sight into the spiritual realm, his companions experienced a palpable, terrifying manifestation of its presence, underscoring that the spiritual world is intensely real and potent, capable of profoundly impacting human beings even when unseen. This verse implicitly teaches about human frailty in the face of divine power and the necessity of God's grace to sustain those He calls to receive His word. It also subtly introduces the theme of spiritual warfare, as the "quaking" hints at the powerful forces at play that will be revealed later in the chapter, demonstrating that God's plans unfold within a cosmic spiritual drama.
Reflection and Application
Daniel 10:7 offers a powerful reminder of the reality and potency of the spiritual realm, which often impacts our lives in ways we may not fully comprehend. This verse challenges us to cultivate a profound sense of reverence and awe when approaching God's Word and His presence. While we may not experience direct angelic encounters as Daniel did, the Bible itself is a form of divine revelation—God's inspired and authoritative communication to humanity. We are called to approach Scripture not merely as a historical text or a collection of moral principles, but as a living word, imbued with spiritual power, capable of transforming our hearts and minds. This reverence should lead to humility, recognizing our own limitations and dependence on the Holy Spirit to illuminate its truths. Furthermore, Daniel's unique calling reminds us that God equips and prepares individuals for specific purposes, and we should be mindful of the unique gifts and callings He places on others, respecting the diverse ways He chooses to work in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Daniel's companions not see the vision, but were still affected?
Daniel 10:7 illustrates the selective nature of divine revelation. God often chooses specific individuals to receive direct visual or auditory communication, while others present may only experience the peripheral effects of His presence. This phenomenon is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as when Paul's companions heard a sound but saw no one during his conversion experience on the Damascus road (Acts 9:7). The "great quaking" that fell upon Daniel's companions indicates that the spiritual reality of the angelic presence was so potent that it produced a terrifying, palpable effect on them, even without visual perception. This underscores the immense power of the spiritual realm and God's sovereign choice in how He reveals Himself.
What was the "great quaking" that fell upon them?
The "great quaking" (Hebrew: chărâdâh) refers to an intense, overwhelming fear or trembling that seized Daniel's companions. It was a profound physical and emotional disturbance, akin to a panic attack or deep terror, caused by the unseen spiritual presence of the glorious angelic being. This was not merely a psychological reaction to an unknown event, but a direct, visceral response to the raw power and holiness emanating from the divine encounter. It was so severe that it compelled them to instinctively "flee to hide themselves," indicating a primal urge to escape an overwhelming and terrifying force they could feel but not comprehend. This reaction highlights the awe-inspiring and often terrifying nature of genuine encounters with the supernatural for human beings.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Daniel 10:7, with its depiction of a unique divine encounter and the overwhelming impact of the spiritual realm, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Daniel's experience as the sole recipient of a direct vision, while others were merely terrified by its unseen presence, foreshadows Christ as the ultimate and singular revealer of God. As John 1:18 declares, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Jesus is the Word made flesh, the perfect embodiment and revelation of the Father, through whom God has spoken His final and complete word to humanity (Hebrews 1:1-2). The "great quaking" that seized Daniel's companions can be seen as a shadow of the spiritual impact of Christ's presence and power. While His presence brings salvation and peace to those who believe, it also evokes awe, reverence, and even fear in the face of His divine authority and holiness, as seen when His disciples fell on their faces at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:6) or when those who came to arrest Him fell backward at His simple declaration "I am He" (John 18:6). Ultimately, Daniel's vision, though terrifying in its immediate impact, served to reveal God's sovereign plan for the future; in Christ, this plan is not only revealed but fully accomplished, bringing light and life to a world previously shrouded in spiritual darkness and fear (John 8:12).