Daniel 10
Vision near the River Hiddekel.This chapter tells about a vision Daniel received in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia. The vision was true and important, but it described events that would take a long time to happen. Daniel understood the vision clearly, even though it was about things far in the future. The message was so powerful that it affected Daniel deeply, and it came while he was humbling himself and praying for God’s people.v. 1: In the third year of Cyrus, Daniel received a special message from God. The vision showed what would happen in the future, even up to the end of the world. Daniel understood the vision and knew it was true . v. 2: Before he had this vision, Daniel spent three weeks mourning. He was sad for the sins and troubles of God's people. Some think he was upset because many Jews chose not to return to their land, or because enemies were stopping the rebuilding of the temple . v. 3: During this time, Daniel ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine, and did not use any lotions to comfort himself. Even though he was old and important, he chose to humble himself before God for three weeks . v. 4: On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, Daniel was by the river Hiddekel (Tigris), possibly to pray and think about God. There he saw a special vision . v. 5–6: Daniel saw a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold. His body shone like a precious stone, his face was bright like lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and legs shone like polished bronze, and his voice sounded like a crowd of people. Many think this was a vision of Christ Himself (Daniel 10:5–6; Revelation 1:13–15 a). – v. 7: Daniel’s companions did not see the vision, but they felt a great fear and ran away to hide. Sometimes, God reveals things to His special servants that others do not see or understand . v. 8–9: Daniel was left alone to see the vision. He became very weak and pale, and had no strength left. When he heard the voice of the man speaking, he fell into a deep sleep with his face to the ground (Daniel 10:8–9 b). Even great people are overwhelmed by God’s glory, but God’s words can bring comfort and peace. – Daniel Strengthened and Receives the Final Vision This section describes how Daniel, after being weakened by a vision, is touched and strengthened by an angel. The angel explains that Daniel’s prayers were heard from the beginning, but spiritual opposition delayed the answer. Daniel is given understanding of what will happen to his people in the future. This passage teaches us that God hears our prayers, even when answers are delayed, and that spiritual battles are real but God’s help is greater. v. 10: Daniel is touched by a hand, which helps him get up on his hands and knees. The vision had left him weak, but the touch begins to give him strength again. v. 11: The angel speaks to Daniel, calling him “a man greatly loved.” He tells Daniel to stand up and listen, because he has been sent to him. When Daniel hears these words, he stands up, still trembling from the experience. v. 12: The angel encourages Daniel not to be afraid. He explains that from the first day Daniel set his heart to understand and humbled himself before God, his words were heard. The angel says he has come because of Daniel’s prayers. v. 13: The angel reveals that the “prince of the kingdom of Persia” (a spiritual being opposed to God’s plan) resisted him for 21 days. But Michael, one of the chief angels (archangel), came to help him, so he was able to come and deliver the message to Daniel. v. 14: The angel tells Daniel that he has come to explain what will happen to Daniel’s people in the future. The vision concerns days still to come. v. 15: While the angel is speaking, Daniel turns his face to the ground and is speechless, overwhelmed by the vision and the message. v. 16: Then one who looks like a man touches Daniel’s lips, enabling him to speak. Daniel tells the angel that he is in pain and weak because of the vision, and finds it hard to talk. v. 17: Daniel asks, “How can someone like me, your servant, talk with someone like you, my lord?” He says he has no strength and can hardly breathe. v. 18: Again, the one who looks like a man touches Daniel and gives him strength. Daniel is encouraged to speak again. v. 19: The angel says, “Do not be afraid, you who are greatly loved. Peace be to you; be strong and courageous.” As the angel speaks, Daniel’s strength returns and he is able to listen and respond. v. 20: The angel asks Daniel if he knows why he has come. He says he must soon return to fight against the prince of Persia, and after that, the prince of Greece will come (showing that spiritual battles are ongoing and connected with world events). v. 21: The angel says he will tell Daniel what is written in the Book of Truth (God’s plan), and that no one supports him in these things except Michael, Israel’s prince (angelic protector). Summary: In this passage, Daniel is strengthened by an angel after being overwhelmed by a vision. The angel explains that Daniel’s prayers were heard right away, but spiritual forces delayed the answer. Daniel learns that spiritual battles happen behind the scenes, but God’s messengers will help and strengthen those who seek Him. The vision will show what will happen to God’s people in the future, and Daniel is encouraged not to be afraid but to be strong and trust in God’s plan.
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