1
In Cyrus' third year as king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel (who had been renamed Belteshazzar). The message was true. It was about a great war. Daniel understood the message because he was given insight during the vision.
2
During those days I, Daniel, mourned for three whole weeks.
3
I didn't eat any good-tasting food. No meat or wine entered my mouth. I didn't wash myself until the entire three weeks were over.
4
On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was by the great Tigris River.
5
When I looked up, I saw a man dressed in linen, and he had a belt made of gold from Uphaz around his waist.
6
His body was like beryl. His face looked like lightning. His eyes were like flaming torches. His arms and legs looked like polished bronze. When he spoke, his voice sounded like the roar of a crowd.
7
I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision. The men with me didn't see the vision. Yet, they started to tremble violently, and they quickly hid themselves.
8
So I was left alone to see this grand vision. I had no strength left in me. My face turned deathly pale, and I was helpless.
9
I heard the man speak, and as I listened to his words, I fainted facedown on the ground.
10
Then a hand touched me and made my hands and knees shake.
11
The man said to me, "Daniel, you are highly respected. Pay attention to my words. Stand up, because I've been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, trembling.