Daniel 10
Daniel 10 is one of the prophetic books of the Old Testament, and it contains the remarkable visions experienced by Daniel and God’s messages through His angel. This chapter begins with a scene in which Daniel receives a special revelation from God while fasting and praying for an extended period, highlighting his encounter with an angel, spiritual warfare, and God’s work in history.
1verseIn the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the message was true, even a great warfare. He understood the message, and had understanding of the vision.
2verseIn those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.
3verseI ate no pleasant food. No meat or wine came into my mouth. I didn’t anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.
4verseIn the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,
5verseI lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man clothed in linen, whose waist was adorned with pure gold of Uphaz.
6verseHis body also was like beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches. His arms and his feet were like burnished bronze. The voice of his words was like the voice of a multitude.
7verseI, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me didn’t see the vision, but a great quaking fell on them, and they fled to hide themselves.
8verseSo I was left alone and saw this great vision. No strength remained in me; for my face grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength.
9verseYet I heard the voice of his words. When I heard the voice of his words, then I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.
10verseBehold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
11verseHe said to me, “Daniel, you greatly beloved man, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have been sent to you, now.” When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.
12verseThen he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake.
13verseBut the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I remained there with the kings of Persia.
14verseNow I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision is yet for many days.”
15verseWhen he had spoken these words to me, I set my face toward the ground and was mute.
16verseBehold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, “My lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows have overtaken me, and I retain no strength.
17verseFor how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? For as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me. There was no breath left in me.”
18verseThen one like the appearance of a man touched me again, and he strengthened me.
19verseHe said, “Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
20verseThen he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come.
21verseBut I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one who holds with me against these but Michael your prince.
Structure and Flow
- Verses 1-3: Daniel’s fasting and sorrow – Daniel comes before God through prayer and fasting for three weeks (21 days).
- Verses 4-9: The appearance of a figure in the vision – Daniel witnesses the manifestation of a “particularly magnificent being” (an angel) by the Tigris River. Those who were with him fearfully run away, and Daniel is overwhelmed by fear.
- Verses 10-14: The angel’s encouragement and explanation – The angel raises Daniel and reveals that his request was answered from the beginning, then explains the spiritual warfare in heaven (a confrontation with the spirits of the kingdom of Persia).
- Verses 15-21: Daniel’s weakness and spiritual strength – Daniel’s strength fades, but the angel empowers him again, leading him to be prepared for the unfolding revelation (chapters 11–12).
Key Meaning and Message
- Perseverance in prayer and endurance: Daniel’s earnest prayer is answered in God’s time, showing that there is a battle in the unseen spiritual world in the meantime.
- The reality of the spiritual world: Through the expressions “an angel” and “the prince of the kingdom of Persia,” it describes an unseen reality that exists between God’s kingdom and the powers of the world.
- Encouragement that meets us in weakness: Daniel experiences human fear and weakness, but the chapter ends with God’s angel pouring strength and courage into him.
Points to Reflect On
- While we pray and wait, do we believe that God is working in unseen places?
- Do we have the experience of asking for and receiving God’s encouragement and strength even in the weakness and fear of life?
- Can we trust the fact that God’s response comes not in my way, but according to God’s timetable and methods?
Apply It to Me
- Through steady prayer and fasting, and with endurance, we should develop an attitude of entrusting the big and small problems of life to God and waiting for Him.
- Being mindful of the reality of the spiritual world, we should give our weakness to God as it is, and seek His encouragement and help.