Daniel 10:1-9

Vision of a man

1 In the third year of Persia's King Cyrus, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message was true: there would be a great conflict. Daniel understood the message, having discerned the meaning of the vision.

2 During that time, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three weeks.

3 I didn't eat any rich foods. Neither meat nor wine passed my lips, and I didn't clean up at all until the three weeks were up.

4 Then, on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was on the bank of the great Tigris River,

5 I looked up and suddenly saw a man clothed in linen in front of me. He had a brilliant gold belt around his waist,

6 and his body was like topaz. His face was like a flash of lightning, and his eyes were like burning torches. His arms and feet looked like polished bronze. When he spoke, it sounded like the roar of a crowd.

7 Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The other people who were with me didn't see it. Despite that, they were terrified and ran away to hide.

8 So I was left alone to see this great vision all by myself. All my strength left me. My energy was sapped, and I couldn't stay strong.

9 Then I heard the sound of the man's words. When I heard it, I fell into a trance with my face on the ground.

Daniel 10:1-9 Meaning and Commentary

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.