Daniel 10:8-18

8 And I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; and my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

9 And I heard the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, I fell into a deep stupor on my face, and my face to the ground.

10 And behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and the palms of my hands.

11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words which I speak unto thee, and stand upright; for unto thee am I now sent. And as he spoke this word unto me, I stood trembling.

12 And he said unto me, Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand, and to humble thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come because of thy words.

13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

14 And I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people at the end of the days: for the vision is yet for [many] days.

15 And as he was speaking with me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.

16 And behold, one after the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; and I opened my mouth and spoke, and said unto him that stood before me, My lord, by reason of the vision my pains are turned upon me, and I retain no strength.

17 And how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remaineth no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.

18 Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me;

Daniel 10:8-18 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit. 'shook,' as Ps. 109.25; Isa. 7.2.
• [b]. Or 'stand where thou art.'
• [c]. Or 'prevailed.'
• [d]. Or 'for those days.' 'Vision' in this verse is chazan: see ch. 8.15, Note g.
• [e]. As vers. 1,7,8: see ch. 9.23.