Daniel Chapter 10
1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare. He understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.
3 I ate no pleasant bread. No meat or wine came into my mouth. I didn't anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.
4 In the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,
5 I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, there was a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were adorned with pure gold of Uphaz.
6 His body also was like the 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.
7 I, 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.
8 So 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.
9 Yet 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 towards the ground.
10 Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
11 He 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.
12 Then 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.
13 But 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.
14 Now 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."
15 When he had spoken these words to me, I set my face towards the ground, and was mute.
16 Behold, 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.
17 For 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."
18 Then one like the appearance of a man touched me again, and he strengthened me.
19 He 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."
20 Then 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.
21 But 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.
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Daniel Chapter 10 Guide
The last things were revealed to Daniel in the reign of Cyrus. For three whole weeks he mourned and fasted as the result of a revelation to him of a great warfare. At the close of that period there appeared to him, by the side of the great river Hiddekel, a glorious Person. The description, when compared with that of John in Patmos, leaves no doubt that in this chapter we have the account of one of the Christophanies of the Old Testament. So radiant was the revelation that Daniel was reduced to weakness in the presence of it and filled with an overwhelming sense of awe.
While prostrate in the dust, he felt the touch of a hand and was lifted into the position of obeisance and adoration. He who had thus appeared to him and touched him then addressed him in words full of tenderness, bidding him not to fear, declaring that his loyalty to God was known and valued.
The glorious One then proceeded to foretell the history of Daniel's people in the latter days. There is a touch of mystic wonder about this story as this glorious One speaks of having been with the kings of Persia, of being in conflict with principalities, having dominion over earthly kingdoms, and being helped by a prince Michael, evidently of spiritual nature rather than a material manifestation.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Daniel Chapter 10 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Daniel's vision near the river Hiddekel. -- (1-9)
- He is to expect a discovery of future events. -- (10-21)
Verses 1-9
This chapter relates the beginning of Daniel's last vision, which is continued to the end of the book. The time would be long before all would be accomplished; and much of it is not yet fulfilled. Christ appeared to Daniel in a glorious form, and it should engage us to think highly and honourably of him. Let us admire his condescension for us and our salvation. There remained no strength in Daniel. The greatest and best of men cannot bear the full discoveries of the Divine glory; for no man can see it, and live; but glorified saints see Christ as he is, and can bear the sight. How dreadful soever Christ may appear to those under convictions of sin, there is enough in his word to quiet their spirits.
Verses 10-21
Whenever we enter into communion with God, it becomes us to have a due sense of the infinite distance between us and the holy God. How shall we, that are dust and ashes, speak to the Lord of glory? Nothing is more likely, nothing more effectual to revive the drooping spirits of the saints, than to be assured of God's love to them. From the very first day we begin to look toward God in a way of duty, he is ready to meet us in the way of mercy. Thus ready is God to hear prayer. When the angel had told the prophet of the things to come, he was to return, and oppose the decrees of the Persian kings against the Jews. The angels are employed as God's ministering servants, Heb. 1:14. Though much was done against the Jews by the kings of Persia, God permitting it, much more mischief would have been done if God had not prevented it. He would now more fully show what were God's purposes, of which the prophecies form an outline; and we are concerned to study what is written in these Scriptures of truth, for they belong to our everlasting peace. While Satan and his angels, and evil counsellors, excite princes to mischief against the church, we may rejoice that Christ our Prince, and all his mighty angels, act against our enemies; but we ought not to expect many to favour us in this evil world. Yet the whole counsel of God shall be established; and let each one pray, Lord Jesus, be our righteousness now, and thou wilt be our everlasting confidence, through life, in death, at the day of judgment, and for evermore.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.