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In the thirdyear of Cyrusking of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named*Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of greatconflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.
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His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flamingtorches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polishedbronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult.
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Now I, Daniel, alonesaw the vision, while the menwho were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a greatdreadfell on them, and they ranaway to hide themselves.
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He said to me, "O Daniel, man of highesteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and standupright*, for I have now been sent to you." And when he had spokenthisword to me, I stood up trembling.
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Then he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the firstday that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.
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"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one*days; then behold, Michael, one of the chiefprinces, came to help me, for I had been leftthere with the kings of Persia.
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And behold, one whoresembled a humanbeing* was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standingbefore me, "O my lord, as a result of the visionanguish has come upon me, and I have retainednostrength.
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"For howcansuch a servant of my lordtalk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just nownostrength in me, nor has any breath been left in me."
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He said, "O man of highesteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; takecourage and be courageous!" Now as soon as he spoke to me, I receivedstrength and said, "May my lordspeak, for you have strengthened me."
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Then he said, "Do you understandwhy I came to you? But I shall nowreturn to fightagainst the prince of Persia; so I am goingforth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come.
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"However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is noone who standsfirmly with me againstthese forces except*Michael your prince.