Daniel 10

1 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.

2 At that time I, Dani'el, had been mourning for three whole weeks.

3 I hadn't eaten any food that satisfied me - neither meat nor wine had entered my mouth, and I didn't anoint myself once, until three full weeks had passed.

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

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

6 His body was like beryl, his face looked like lightning and his eyes like fiery torches; his arms and feet were the color of burnished bronze; and when he spoke, it sounded like the roar of a crowd.

7 Only I, Dani'el, saw the vision; the men who were with me did not see the vision; however, a great trembling fell over them; so that they rushed to hide themselves.

8 Thus I was left alone; and when I saw this great vision, there was no strength left in me - my face, normally pleasant-looking, became disfigured; and I had no strength.

9 I heard his voice speaking; and when I heard him speaking, I fell down in a faint, with my face to the ground.

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

11 He said to me, "Dani'el, you are a greatly loved man. Now pay attention to the words I am saying to you, and stand upright; for it is to you that I have been sent now."After he had said this to me, I stood up, trembling.

12 Then he said to me, "Don't be afraid, Dani'el; because since the first day that you determined to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard; and I have come because of what you said.

13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia prevented me from coming for twenty-one days; but Mikha'el, one of the chief princes, came to assist me; so that I was no longer needed there with the kings of Persia.

14 So I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the acharit-hayamim; for there is still another vision which will relate to those days."

15 After he had said these things to me, I looked down at the ground and couldn't speak.

16 Then someone who looked like a human being touched my lips, after which I could open my mouth and speak; I said to the one standing in front of me, "My lord, it is because of the vision that I am seized with such anguish; I don't have any strength.

17 For how can this servant of my lord speak with my lord, when my strength and breath have failed me?"

18 Then, again someone who looked human touched me and revived me.

19 He said, "You man so greatly loved, don't be afraid. Shalom to you; and be strong, yes, truly strong." His speaking to me strengthened me, and I said, "My lord, keep speaking; because you've given me strength."

20 Then he said, "Do you know why I came to you? Although now I must return to fight the prince of Persia; and when I leave, the prince of Greece will come;

21 nevertheless, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. There is no one standing with me against them except Mikha'el your prince;

Daniel 10 Commentary

Chapter 10

Daniel's vision near the river Hiddekel. (1-9) He is to expect a discovery of future events. (10-21)

1-9. This chapter relates the beginning of Daniel's last vision, which is continued to the end of the book. The time would be long before all would be accomplished; and much of it is not yet fulfilled. Christ appeared to Daniel in a glorious form, and it should engage us to think highly and honourably of him. Let us admire his condescension for us and our salvation. There remained no strength in Daniel. The greatest and best of men cannot bear the full discoveries of the Divine glory; for no man can see it, and live; but glorified saints see Christ as he is, and can bear the sight. How dreadful soever Christ may appear to those under convictions of sin, there is enough in his word to quiet their spirits.

Verses 10-21 Whenever we enter into communion with God, it becomes us to have a due sense of the infinite distance between us and the holy God. How shall we, that are dust and ashes, speak to the Lord of glory? Nothing is more likely, nothing more effectual to revive the drooping spirits of the saints, than to be assured of God's love to them. From the very first day we begin to look toward God in a way of duty, he is ready to meet us in the way of mercy. Thus ready is God to hear prayer. When the angel had told the prophet of the things to come, he was to return, and oppose the decrees of the Persian kings against the Jews. The angels are employed as God's ministering servants, ( Hebrews 1:14 ) . Though much was done against the Jews by the kings of Persia, God permitting it, much more mischief would have been done if God had not prevented it. He would now more fully show what were God's purposes, of which the prophecies form an outline; and we are concerned to study what is written in these Scriptures of truth, for they belong to our everlasting peace. While Satan and his angels, and evil counsellors, excite princes to mischief against the church, we may rejoice that Christ our Prince, and all his mighty angels, act against our enemies; but we ought not to expect many to favour us in this evil world. Yet the whole counsel of God shall be established; and let each one pray, Lord Jesus, be our righteousness now, and thou wilt be our everlasting confidence, through life, in death, at the day of judgment, and for evermore.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL 10

This chapter is an introduction to the prophecies contained in the two following chapters; and begins with an account of Daniel's mourning and fasting, preparatory to the vision he had, Da 10:1-3, and of the appearance of Christ to him, with the time and place of it; who is described by his clothing, and the several parts of his body, which were very glorious, he appearing in a human form, Da 10:4-6, then follows an account of the effects it had upon him, Da 10:7-9, and of what encouragement and strength he received from him, by words and touches, to listen to what he said; and to expect a discovery and an understanding of things of moment and importance, which should be in future times, Da 10:10-21.