Daniel 10

Daniel Chapter TenVerse 1 This entire chapter is actually preliminary to the final two chapters, the whole chapter along with Daniel 11:1 dealing with the events that led up to the sensational predictions made in the following two chapters. One of the very interesting things in this chapter is the revelation of the activities of the holy angels upon behalf of God’s people. The Holy Scriptures have reference to this phenomenon elsewhere, especially inHebrews 1:14; but Daniel’s revelation goes beyond what is stated there. Daniel 10:1-3“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. In those days, I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.““Even a great warfare …” (Daniel 10:1).” Young has pointed out that the meaning of “great” in this phase is “for a long time.” “The word has now been found on the tablets of Mari in the sense of ’time.’"[1]Robert D. Culver is correct in the opinion that Daniel’s fasting here was not due to asceticism, but applied to a special reason for his mourning.[2] Note also that “mourning” and fasting here are in apposition, the word mourning carrying with it the idea of fasting as indicated in Daniel 10:3. The special reason for Daniel’s mourning would appear to be that, in the 3years of Cyrus, the restoration of the Temple (Ezra 1-3, especially Ezra 4:4-5) had been stopped, hence Daniel’s concern and anxiety. “Three whole weeks were fulfilled …” (Daniel 10:3).” The literal words from which this expression is translated are: “three sevens days.” “The reason for using the word ‘days’ here is to show the difference in the meaning of sevens from previous passages (where it means sevens of years)."[3] Thus we have a strong indication here that the previous mention of “seventy weeks” is actually a reference to “sevens of years,” as we have interpreted it. The critical quibble based on the first verse here as compared with Daniel 1:21 where Daniel is said to have lived until the first year of Cyrus, whereas in Daniel 10:1 he is said to have seen a vision in the third year of Cyrus, is typical of that class of objection. In the first place, the statements are not contradictory but supplementary. Also, as Wilson put it: “If we suppose that Belshazzar was king of the Chaldeans while his father was king of Babylon, just as Cambyses was king of Babylon while his father Cyrus was king of the lands, or as Nabonidus II seems to have been king of Haran while his father, Nabonidus I, was king of Babylon, this statement will harmonize with the other statements made with regard to Belshazzar."[4]Thomson likewise offered almost the same explanation of this. “We are here assuming that the chronology of this passage reckons from the overthrow of Nabunahid, that is from Cyrus’ accession to the throne of Babylon; this third year' may be reckoned from his assumption of the title King of Persia.’[5]Verse 4 “And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river Hiddekel, I lifted up mine eyes and looked, and, behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz: his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.“Of all the picayune objections that Bible enemies have cited in this passage, the prize-winner must be the objection that since Babylon was on the Euphrates River, this mention of the Hiddekel (the Tigris), some fifty miles distant from Babylon, is therefore an error. What a ridiculous objection! Daniel was a man of high authority in Babylon and could very well have been at the Hiddekel on business for the king, as the fact of his being accompanied by a number of men surely appears to suggest. Such quibbles are merely the knee-jerk response of persons who have no desire to believe the Bible anyway. Who is this magnificent person who appeared here to Daniel? Some have suggested that he was Gabriel; but the remarkable similarity between this passage and the description of the Christ in Revelation 1 points to Christ himself. As Young noted, “This is a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of the Eternal Son."[6] As Keil said, “This understanding is placed beyond doubt by a Comparison with Revelation 1:13, where John saw the glorified Christ, who is there described by a name definitely referring to Daniel 7:13."[7]As for the reason that Daniel was on the banks of the Tigris, Thomson stated that, “His purpose in being there was probably governmental, as he had attendants with him."[8]The fact of Daniel alone seeing the great vision corresponds with that which occurred to the apostle Paul and his companions on the Damascus road. Paul’s companions heard only the voice but saw no man (Acts 9:3 ff). Inherent in such facts is the truth that when Christ appeared to a person, he was seen only by those whom Christ wished to see him. It has been supposed that only Daniel was prepared in heart to receive such a vision, whereas his companions were not so prepared. Verse 10 “And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, thou man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright; for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he 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 for thy words’ sake. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days.

And when he had spoken unto me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was dumb. And behold one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth and spake and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I retain no strength. For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me.“One of the things of very great interest in this passage is the glimpse of the work of the holy angels striving with the rulers of this world’s darkness. This is the only passage in the Bible where this information surfaces. We are not informed just what the nature of such activity really entails; but according to Hebrews 1:14, we are certain that the mightiest of God’s angels are diligent to bring about world conditions favorable to the achievement of the purposes of God. The other principal factor in the passage is that of the weakness and helplessness of Daniel due to the awesome appearance of the celestial visitors who came unto him in this scene. It is idle to speculate upon the identity of the persons appearing to Daniel, as their names are not given. Some believe Gabriel was one of the angels, since he had appeared to Daniel earlier. Habakkuk also used words similar to these to mark his weakness when he heard “the voice”: “I heard, and my body trembled, My lips trembled at the voice; Rottenness entered into my bones, and I tremble in my place” (Habakkuk 3:16). “And stand upright; for unto thee am I sent …” (Daniel 10:11). Thomson has this comment: “In the Assyrian marbles, however lowly the obeisance made to the monarch by anyone admitted to his presence, he stands when he receives the monarch’s commands. Standing implies attention."[9]“Unto thee am I sent …” Indicates that the messenger had the authority to command Daniel in the name of God Himself. “In the latter days …” (Daniel 10:14).” Many commentators deny that this is a reference to what is called eschatological events or to the final summation of all things. As Thomson said, “There seems no need to take `end of the days’ as the end of the world."[10] However, we find that agreement with that view is most difficult. Throughout all of the prophets, especially the multiple references to this in the Minor Prophets, such words as “the latter days,” “the end of the days,” etc., invariably carry the implication that the final summation of the Adamic probation is in view. For example, “the last days” (Joe 2:28) was specifically declared by the apostle Peter to be a reference to Messianic times (Acts 2:16 ff). The ASV weakened the passage by translating it “afterward,” probably out of deference to the opinions of scholars denying its reference to eschatological events. In our own view, the mention of the resurrection of the dead in Daniel 12:2 makes it a practical certainty that the scenes of the Final Judgment itself are envisioned here.

Such a view makes the events of the persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes which, in a sense, are repeated in Daniel 11 with the inclusion of many details not cited earlier, a type of many of the final events. If this is not the case, this restatement of the Anticohus terror would seem to have no meaning whatever. It had already been prophesied with sufficient detail (Daniel 8). “From the first day that thou didst set thy heart … etc.” (Daniel 10:12). Barnes cited this as proof that, “Prayer is heard at once, though the answer may be long delayed."[11]In this whole paragraph, a feature of the teaching is that Daniel was raised up, somewhat gradually, and finally endowed with full strength and understanding, which actually did not occur until he had been “touched” for the third time (Daniel 10:18). Verse 18 “Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And he said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he spoke unto me I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go forth the prince of Greece shall come. But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the writing of the truth: and there is none that holdeth with me against these but Michael your prince.““Lo, the prince of Greece shall come …” (Daniel 10:20), and, “Michael your prince …” (Daniel 10:21).” Here is a glimpse of the unseen world; and what seems to be indicated is that the nations of the world themselves are being monitored and to the extent of God’s will being directed, influenced, or controlled by the mighty angels of God. It must be admitted that we know very little of this subject, due to the absence of specific teaching on it in the Word of God. Here, “Michael is presented as the guardian angel of the Jews."[12] The idea of guardian angels for the different nations is hinted at in earlier portions of the Old Testament."[13] Cited in this connection were the following passages: “A time is coming when the Lord will punish the powers above the rulers of the earth. God will crowd kings together like prisoners in a pit (Isaiah 24:21). God presides in the heavenly council; in the assembly of the gods he gives his decision (Psalms 82:1). Both of these quotations are taken from Good News Bible."[14]The firm New Testament word on the function of angels includes the following: (1) They bear away the souls of the departed in death (Luke 16:22). (2) They exercise diligence to watch over little children (Matthew 18:11). (3) All of the angels are engaged in the service of those who shall inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). (4) They aid providentially in bringing sinners in contact with the gospel (Acts 8:26). (5) They execute the sentence of God in the destruction of sinners whose importance justifies their immediate removal from the earth (Acts 12:23). (6) One of the mightiest angels, The Rainbow Angel of Revelation 10 has charge of maintaining an open Bible, “the little book,” “until time shall be no more.” (7) On special occasion when God’s great prophets and preachers of the Word needed special encouragement an angel of God stood by to inform, to prophesy, and to encourage (Acts 27:23). This last would appear to have been a special thing upon behalf of the apostles. Here in Daniel, however, there is definitely another function of the blessed angels, that of influencing human affairs through human governments for the achievement of God’s purposes among men. Also, it is not amiss here to point out that there most definitely existed in the early Church in the city of Jerusalem a conviction that every Christian had a guardian angel. We base this conviction upon the words attributed to the whole church praying in the home of Mary the sister of Barnabas, when informed by Rhoda that Peter was standing at the door, they said, “It is his angel!” (Acts 12:15). One of the great mysteries of the New Testament is why the references to angels, which are plentiful enough in the earliest days of the church, nevertheless ceased almost completely, except for their mention in connection with Revelation. Some have pointed out that this is powerful evidence supporting the authenticity of the appearances of angels that are recorded. The psychological likelihood of this phenomenon having been continued and greatly expanded, had it been anything other than actual appearances, is very, very great. Significantly only two angels are named in the Bible, both names appearing here in Daniel. Michael is called “archangel” in Jude 1:1:9, and he is mentioned as the leader of the angelic war against “the Dragon (Satan) and his angels” in Revelation 12:7-8. It has been assumed that Gabriel was also an archangel; but many have pointed out that there could be only one archangel! The Hebrew traditions on this are extensive, but no one has ever attributed any dependability to them.

Commentary On Daniel Ten by Eric HallDaniel 10 Chapter 10 is a prelude to the final vision in the book of Daniel. This vision, found in Chapters 11 and 12, will cover the history of the Jews from Daniel’ s day down until the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. Daniel 10:1 1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. The third year of Cyrus would be the third year of his reign over the Chaldeans (about 536 BC), not the third year of his reign over Persia – which would have been 20 years earlier. As we have suggested, the third year of Cyrus may have coincided with the first year of Darius the Mede, but we do not know for sure. We know for sure, however, that this vision occurred after Cyrus’ s decree that the Jews could return to Palestine. Ezra 1:1 tells us that decree went out in the first year of Cyrus. The timing here is important because Daniel, who was obviously concerned about the exiles, may have just heard that work on the temple had been halted. This may explain why he is mourning later in the chapter. What does Daniel tell us about the word that was revealed to him? (1) The word was true. Daniel received this vision and this word from God, and thus the word and the vision are true. The vision contained prophecies that would certainly be accomplished. There was no doubt on Daniel’ s part. The liberals do not approach this book from that perspective. Instead, they determine what the vision must mean, and then check to see if the events in their interpretation ever occurred (and, no surprise, they hardly ever have!). Thus, they conclude, the author of Daniel was mistaken since the events he predicted never came true. For an example of this approach to Biblical interpretation, consider the following excerpt from The New Oxford Annotated Bible commenting on Daniel 11:40– 45. Predictions that Ptolemy will provoke another war with disastrous results, so that Antiochus will conquer Libya to the west of Egypt and Ethiopia to the south, but on his way back will perish somewhere along the coastal route. None of these predictions was fulfilled. You can sense the glee as the author makes that final comment. “ Here is what Daniel said would happen, but it never happened. So much for those who think the Bible is always right…” But notice that the commentator himself is never in doubt with regard to his own conclusions. He couldn’ t be wrong, could he? What do you think? If instead we believe that the word of God is true, then the situation is different. If we make some conclusion about the scriptures that later turns out to be in conflict with historical or scientific truth, then we must be in error – not God. It is our fault for misunderstanding his word. God’ s word is truth no matter what we have to say about it. The two approaches are not all that different. We begin by assuming that God is infallible. The liberals begin by assuming that they themselves are infallible. Beginning with our premise, the liberals are wrong. Beginning with the liberal premise, God is wrong. And what does God have to say to these critics? Isaiah 44:7 Who is like me? Let him proclaim it, let him declare and set it forth before me. Who has announced from of old the things to come? Let them tell us what is yet to be. (2) The word involved great conflict. The King James Version translates this phrase by saying “the time appointed was long” or great. The Hebrew word translated “ time appointed” in the King James Version is more properly translated “ army” or “ host” going forth to war. The Revised Standard Version translation “ it was a great conflict” is preferred. The “ conflict” here is the warfare that we will see in Chapter 11. That is, the vision will involve conflicts between many different peoples and nations. (3) Daniel understood the word and the vision. Recall that in Daniel 8:27, Daniel confessed that he did not fully understand the vision that he received in that chapter even after an angel appeared to help him understand it. How is this vision different? The primary difference is that the vision in Chapters 11 and 12 is longer and contains more details. This extra detail seems to have helped Daniel understand what was in store for his people. Also, the vision in Chapters 11 and 12 is largely historical narrative, and in that sense is more straightforward than his earlier visions. This first verse in Chapter 10 is an overview of the last three chapters of Daniel. The “ understanding” of the vision in 10:1 was not present until the end of Chapter 12. If we skip down to verses 12– 14 we discover that Daniel prayed for understanding and an angel was sent to explain to him what would occur to his people in the last days.With the next verse, Daniel begins to give the account of the events that led him to this understanding. As we will see, it began with spiritual preparation and prayer. (Perhaps we should follow his example when we too seek to understand the will of God.) Daniel 10:2-3 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. Again, we see the extent of Daniel’ s spiritual preparation. Daniel prepared himself to seek God and study his word. Daniel made time for God. Indeed, Daniel seems to have made time for little else. Should we follow Daniel’ s example? Daniel got results when he prayed. God heard his prayers and acted to answer his prayers. If we want similar results then perhaps we should prepare ourselves as Daniel did. For easterners, anointing oneself with oil was a daily ritual except for those who were sick, who were mourning, or who were facing a crisis. In James 5:14, the elders anointed the sick person with oil to express their faith that the person was going to recover. (They did not think the oil healed the person.) Here, Daniel abstains from the oil because he is mourning. Note also that Daniel abstained during this time from meat and wine. The inference of course is that normally he did not abstain from these foods. Thus, the dietary changes he made when he first arrived in Babylon seem to have been just temporary. (Some have said that Daniel was a vegetarian all of his life, but this verse casts serious doubt on that idea.) Why was Daniel mourning? As we have suggested, Daniel may have heard bad news from the exiles who had left several years earlier for Palestine. As we know from Ezra, the news was not all good. Also, the vision in Chapter 8 had discussed the horrors that lay in store for God’ s people under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The vision in Chapter 9 had told Daniel that one day the Messiah would come, only to be cut off, and that one day the city and the sanctuary would be destroyed. Further, this would be God’ s last word with regard to the Jews. The vision in Chapter 11 that Daniel was about to receive will have even more to say about the horrors that would soon face God’ s people. What else could Daniel do but mourn? Daniel knew that there was a time to mourn, and he knew that the time was now! And how long did Daniel fast? Well, if we believe those who think there is a Universal Day Equals a Year Principle in the Bible, then Daniel must have fasted for 21 years! But of course there is no such principle as we have already discussed. Daniel fasted for 3 weeks – a literal 21 days. Daniel 10:4-6 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with gold of Uphaz. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the noise of a multitude. Daniel received this vision on the 24th day of the first month. The first month of the Jewish calendar is Nisan. The Passover celebration took place on the 14th day of this month, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread was from the 15th to the 21st day. Thus, Daniel received his vision 10 days after Passover. While traditionally this was a time of feasting, Daniel had spent the time fasting and mourning. Why did Daniel give us the day and the month and the year of this vision? (The year is given indirectly in verse 1.) One reason is that the extra level of detail adds to the testimony of his book. Daniel is not just making this up – these visions really occurred. A second reason is that Daniel knew that the starting point of a vision was often crucial in understanding a vision. Daniel was standing on the bank of the Tigris River. Earlier Daniel had a vision next to the River Ulai (which flows into the Tigris River). As you recall, it was unclear if Daniel was actually at the River Ulai or rather was just seeing the river in his vision. The wording here, however, seems to suggest that Daniel was actually present at the Tigris river when these events occurred. Daniel was not the only prophet to receive a message from God next to a river. Ezekiel received several visions by the River Chebar. Verse 5– 6 contain perhaps the most detailed description of an angel’ s appearance found anywhere in the Bible. The description of this angel is very similar to the description of Christ found in Revelation 1. This has caused some to conclude that perhaps Daniel was seeing the preincarnate Christ rather than an angel. One big point against this theory is that this angel, as we will soon see, fought with the Prince of Persia for three weeks until he was helped by Michael. Christ, on the other hand, had little trouble with the demons he encountered in the New Testament. Despite the similarity of their appearance in Revelation 1 and Daniel 10, the similarity between angels and Christ goes no further. Christ is the eternal creator (Colossians 1:16). Angels are creatures (Psalms 148). Christ is omnipotent (Jeremiah 32:27). Angels are not (Daniel 10). Christ is omnipresent (Psalms 139). Angels are not (Daniel 10). Christ is omniscient (1 John 3:20). Angels are not (1 Peter 1:12). Christ is worthy of our worship (Revelation 22:3). Angels are not (Revelation 22:8– 9). Daniel 10:7-9 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me; my radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words; and when I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in a deep sleep with my face to the ground. The vision in verse 7 is the vision of the angel himself appearing, not the vision in Chapters 11 and 12. The word that the angel brings is also called a vision in verse 14, but this vision in verse 7 occurs before the angel says anything. Daniel’ s companions are not able to see the vision, but they sense enough to be afraid and to flee, leaving Daniel alone. Daniel’ s experience is similar to that of Paul on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:7 and 22:9 tell us that Paul’ s companions could not see Christ or understand his voice, but did sense enough to be frightened. (They saw the bright light and stood speechless.) Also, we are reminded of the incident in 2 Kings 6:15– 17 in which Elisha prayed that the eyes of his servant would be opened so that he could see the great angelic army that surrounded them. Why could Daniel, Elisha, and Saul see what their companions could not? The most likely reason is simply that God did not want their companions to see the visions. Perhaps, though, they were more spiritually alert than their companions. Daniel’ s appearance changed when he saw the angel. Verse 8 in the New English Bible reads “ My strength left me; I became a sorry figure of a man.” Daniel 10:10-12 10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 And he said to me, “ O Daniel, man greatly beloved, give heed to the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “ Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. Again, Daniel is said to be greatly beloved by God. A literal translation of greatly beloved would be “ man of preciousness.” Daniel was precious in God’ s sight. What a tremendous complement! Why was Daniel precious in God’ s sight? Because Daniel was a man of faith and a man of good works. Because Daniel devoted himself entirely to doing God’ s will and pleasing God. We have heard so often that our works do not earn our salvation that I fear we have begun to believe that our works don’ t count for anything in God’ s sight. Our works are important to God. Indeed, Ephesians 2:10 says that we were created for good works. Why were Daniel’ s prayers so effective? Verse 12 says that Daniel set his mind to understand and he humbled himself before God. Thus, the angel says, God heard his words. It is a sad fact that although God is always able to hear us, sometimes he chooses not to hear us. Why? Because of our sinfulness. Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you so that he does not hear. Daniel 10:13-14 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, so I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia 14 and came to make you understand what is to befall your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” The answer to Daniel’ s prayer was delayed for 21 days. Why? Some suggest that the answer was not delayed, but that the angel was acting to answer his prayer. Daniel’ s concern was with the Jewish exiles, and this angel no doubt had the same concern as he wrestled with the forces behind Persia. Often answers cannot be given at once, but instead must be delayed by the arrangements necessary to bring them about. Daniel’ s prayer was heard the first day he started praying, yet the answer didn’ t show up for 21 days. Why didn’ t Daniel just give up? Luke 18:1 tells us that we should continue to pray and not lose heart, and this is just what Daniel did. James 5:16 tells us that our prayers can be very effective. Daniel 10 gives us some idea of the mighty forces that we can unleash with our prayers. This is the place of prayer – on the battlefield of the world. It is a wartime walkie-talkie for spiritual warfare, not a domestic intercom to increase the comfort of the saints. (John Piper) The prince of Persia is apparently the satanic agent assigned to work with Persia in fighting the will of God. We would be foolish to think that Satan is not organized in his fight against him. He has a plan and he works to carry out that plan. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Although God could wipe out all the forces of Hell with a single thought, he does not. Instead, he accords demons (like men) certain limited powers and gives them free will. Michael comes to the aid of this angel and remains to fight the prince of Persia. The angel Michael is also mentioned in verse 21 and later in 12:1. Here he is called a chief prince. In Jude 9 he is called an archangel. He also makes an appearance in Revelation 12:7. One conclusion we can draw is that apparently there is a hierarchy of angels in which Michael occupies a high position. By the way, the liberal critics look at all that Daniel has to say about angels, and they conclude that the theology in his book was too advanced to have been written in the sixth century BC. Of course, this theory presupposes that the Jews were just making everything up as they went along, which is exactly what the liberals believe. Why was this angelic warfare occurring? Why was Satan interested in Persia and Greece? The short answer is that Satan was interested because God was interested. Satan constantly seeks to thwart God’ s plans. Even today, Satan is seeking to destroy the church and his attacks come from within and without. He attacks the church from without through the sinful culture of the world and the false doctrines of the world’ s religions. He attacks the church from within by raising up false teachers from within our own ranks who twist the word of God to their own destruction, who deny the miracles and prophecies of the Bible, and who seek to change the eternal pattern that is found in God’ s word. This battle is not new. As we see, it was going full tilt back in the days of Daniel, 500 years before Christ. Now, 2500 years later, it continues. Our job is to take our position in God’ s army and remain faithful and true to his word. When we compromise with this world, we betray him. To God, compromise is treason! An interesting question to consider is to look at how much Satan knows about the plan of God and to ask when he found out about it. Satan obviously knew that the Jews were part of God’ s plan and so he sought to frustrate their efforts at every turn. Satan, of course, knew that Jesus as the Son of God was the focus of God’ s plan so he put temptations before him at every opportunity. But what about the death of Christ? Did Satan see that as a victory? If he did, then as we know he was badly mistaken, because as John 12:31 and Hebrews 2:14 tell us, Satan was defeated at the cross. I think that Satan first saw the cross as a victory, but later realized his mistake at the last moment. Matthew 27:19 tells us that Pilates’ wife sought to have Jesus released because of a dream she had. Who was behind that dream? I think Satan was. One thing that these verses make very clear is that there is an unseen spiritual war going on that is related to events occurring in this world. This warfare is going on behind a curtain and is obscured from our sight. The Bible occasionally pulls back that curtain a bit and gives us a glimpse of what is going on. Daniel 10 pulls back the curtain perhaps more than any other section of the Bible. Even so, we are not told very much and we can only speculate about the details of this spiritual battle. Other verses that pull back the curtain are: Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation? Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Of course, we can only speculate about the details of this spiritual warfare since the only thing we know for sure about it is what God has revealed to us – and he hasn’ t revealed very much on this topic. There is nothing wrong with conjecture just so long as we remember where the word ends and the conjecture begins. We must be careful not to go to far and become preoccupied with demons as some have done. C.S. Lewis said the following in this regard: There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight. When are the ‘ latter days’ mentioned in verse 14? The phrase could simply mean “ later” or it could point to the latter days of the Jewish age. This latter interpretation seems to fit the context better. Many assume that the “ latter days” refers to the end of the world. But as we saw in Acts 2, the ‘ last days’ occurred in the first century. If we do take the ‘ latter days’ to refer to the end of the world, then we need to be aware of some consequences of that belief. Verse 14 states very clearly that this vision concerns the role of the Jews in the latter days. As I have already suggested, I think the ‘ latter days’ refers to the time when God’ s special plan for the Jews would come to an end. This happened in the first century and fits nicely with how Peter described the last days in Acts 2. But could this vision also relate to events that will occur at the end of the world? We need to be very careful how we answer that question. To answer the question ‘ yes,’ is to logically imply that the Jews still have a special role to play in the plan of God, which many today believe is the case. If we take Daniel to refer to the end of the world in this vision, then the idea of a future Jewish role in God’ s plan follows as a logical consequence of verse 14 – we cannot avoid it. Thus, we need to be careful about the time frame we choose for this prophecy. What does the Bible have to say about the future role of the Jews in God’ s plan? Romans 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him. Acts 13:32-33 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, ‘ Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee.’ Jeremiah 33:14-16 Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring forth for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘ The Lord is our righteousness.’ Does God have a plan for the Jews today? Yes. Does God have a plan for Jews today that is different from his plan for Gentiles? Absolutely not! Daniel 10:15-19 15 When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was dumb. 16 And behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “ O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. 17 How can my lord’ s servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.” 18 Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “ O man greatly beloved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And when he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “ Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” Daniel is unable to speak until the angel (or perhaps another angel) touches his lips. Daniel’ s response to the angel is similar to that of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:5 where after seeing the vision of God on his throne he was moved to say, “ Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips.” Daniel turns his face toward the ground and is unable to speak. Daniel’ s responses to the visions he receives are worth studying. Often he is overcome and unable to speak for a time. Indeed, he sometimes loses consciousness for a moment and must be revived. I think that we have sometimes been guilty of emphasizing that Jesus is our friend (which is certainly true) at the expense of also emphasizing that Jesus is the Sovereign Lord of the Universe who upholds the universe by the power of his word and possesses all authority in Heaven and on Earth. Listen further to what Isaiah saw in Isaiah 6: Isaiah 6:1-4 In the year that King Uzzi’ah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim; each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. Our attitude toward sin is directly related to our attitude toward God. If we have become lax about sin, then perhaps it is because we have tried to lower God down to our level instead of seeing him sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up. John Calvin said: Hence that dread and amazement with which, as Scripture uniformly relates, holy men were struck and overwhelmed whenever they beheld the presence of God. … Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God. And we might add that men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their sinfulness until they have contrasted themselves with the holiness of God. The first step in saving someone is too convince him that he is lost. We cannot proclaim the good news until we have first proclaimed the bad news. Holy, Holy, Holy. That is the only attribute of God that is repeated three times for emphasis. You never read that God is love, love, love or merciful, merciful, merciful. But you do read that he is holy, holy, holy – and when we really understand that, we will see ourselves and our sin in a whole new light, just like Isaiah did. We are guilty, guilty, guilty. Voltaire said that “ God made man in His image, and man returned the favor.” Instead of coming up with new gods, I fear we have often been guilty of trying to refashion the one we have. And the result? One author has said that we are like Lancelot in search of the Holy Grail who finds himself at the end of his quest at a Tupperware party. We have tried to trivialize God. Our so-called Christian society has tried to reduce God to some catchy phrase or fish symbol we stick on our bumpers. Some even parade around in so-called “ Christian T-shirts” with slogans such as “ This Blood’ s For You,” which brings Christ’ s atoning sacrifice down to the level of a beer commercial. When Isaiah saw God on his throne and when Daniel met a messenger of God they were not driven to put a new slogan on their clothing or a catchy phrase on their chariot. They were driven to their knees when they realized their own sinfulness in the presence of the holiness of God. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire. Daniel is strengthened by the angel, and for good reason. There is bad news ahead! His people are going to undergo serious trials. Daniel 10:20-21 20 Then he said, “ Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I am through with him, lo, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince. The angel had already answered the question in verse 20. In verse 14, the angel told Daniel that he had come to help Daniel understand what would happen to the Jews at the end of days. The question here in verse 20 is merely rhetorical. Although we have a picture of spiritual warfare involving the prince of Persia and the prince of Greece, it is important to note that the outcome of the battle was never in doubt. God had already told us how the battle was going to end! Persia was a part of God’ s plan, yet Persia was supported by demonic powers. The faithless Jews that rejected Christ were also critical to God’ s plan yet were also acting on the side of Satan. Is this a contradiction? No. Paul dealt with this problem in Romans 9– 11. The Jews’ rejection of Christ allowed God to bless the whole world. Thus, how could God hold them responsible for rejecting Christ? Paul answer was that just because God is able to use evil people to further his own aims does not mean that those evil people are no longer responsible for their actions. What evil man could possibly say to God, “ You are not allowed to use my evil to accomplish something good unless you give me credit!” The idea, as Paul points out, is ludicrous. Daniel was very important to God. Indeed, God’ s dealings with the powers of the world were put on hold for a moment so that this angel could answer Daniel’ s prayer. The vision in Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 is found in the book of truth. This book conveys the idea of God’ s control and knowledge of past, present, and future. The future that God is about to tell Daniel is so certain that it is already written down. It is as if it has already happened. Psalms 139:16 Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Isaiah 44:7 Who is like me? Let him proclaim it, let him declare and set it forth before me. Who has announced from of old the things to come? Let them tell us what is yet to be.This angel and Michael appear to be outnumbered. They are contending by themselves against the demonic powers of Persia. But, of course, no one is outnumbered when God is on his side. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us?

“THE BOOK OF DANIEL”

The Vision Of The Time Of The End - I (Daniel 10:1-11:1)

1. As mentioned in previous lessons, the second half of Daniel contains four visions… a. The vision of the four beasts - Daniel 7:1-28b. The vision of the ram and the goat - Daniel 8:1-27c. The vision of the seventy weeks - Daniel 9:1-27d. The vision of the time of the end - Daniel 10:1 to Daniel 12:13– In which God reveals to Daniel many things about His purpose and plan in history, regarding the nation of Israel and the everlasting kingdom to come

2. In the tenth chapter, therefore, we find the beginning of the final vision recorded by Daniel… a. A vision that pertains to what will affect Daniel’s people (i.e., Israel) - Daniel 10:14b. Describing what will occur “in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come” - Daniel 10:14c. Its words were to be closed and sealed “till the time of the end”- Daniel 12:9– For such reasons this vision has been called “The Vision Of The Time Of The End”

3. But what is meant by the expression “the time of the end”? a. Is it the end of time as we think of it, when Christ returns? b. Or does it refer to the end of God’s dealings with Israel as His covenant nation?

[As we seek to address this and other questions raised in this difficult portion of Scripture, we first notice…]

I. THE OF A MAN A. THE DATE AND SETTING OF THE VISION…1. It occurred in the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, on the 24th day of the first month (ca. 535 B.C.) - Daniel 10:1; Daniel 10:42. Daniel had been in mourning (fasting) for three weeks

• Daniel 10:2-33. He was beside the Tigris river - Daniel 10:4 B. THE OF THE MAN…1. Daniel saw a certain man - Daniel 10:5-6a. Clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz b. With a body like beryl c. His face like lightning, his eyes like torches of fire d. His arms and feet like burnished bronze in color e. His words like the voice of a multitude

2. Only Daniel saw the vision - Daniel 10:7a. The men with him did not b. They fled with great terror to hide themselves
3. The impact on Daniel - Daniel 10:8-9a. Without strength, his vigor turned to frailty (he was probably in his nineties!) b. When he heard the sounds of the man’s words, Daniel was in a deep sleep with his face to the ground

[The similarity between this “certain man” and John’s vision of the Son of Man (cf. Revelation 1:12-17) have led many to wonder if this was a Christophany (an appearance of the preincarnate Christ); but he may have been only an angel. As we continue, we next read of…]

II. THE WITH THE MAN A. THE MAN’S INITIAL WORDS TO DANIEL…1. A hand touches Daniel, causing him to tremble - Daniel 10:102. The man addresses Daniel - Daniel 10:11a. Calling him “man greatly beloved” - cf. Daniel 9:23; Daniel 10:19b. For Daniel to understand, and to stand up c. For the man has been sent to Daniel – Daniel stands up, but trembling 3. The man comforts Daniel - Daniel 10:12a. Telling him not to fear b. That he has come because of Daniel’s humility, and desire to understand 4. The man explains the reason for the delay - Daniel 10:13a. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood him twenty-one days (the same time during which Daniel had been in mourning - cf. Daniel 10:2-3)

1. Spiritual warfare seems to have been taking place (cf. Revelation 12:7; Ephesians 6:12)
2. The “prince” (angel?) of the kingdom of Persia had been withstanding him - cf. Daniel 11:1b. But Michael came to help him who had been left alone with the kings of Persia
3. Michael is described as “one of the chief princes"2) Later he is called “your prince” and “the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people”

• Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:13) Jude calls him “the archangel”, who contended with the devil over the body of Moses - Jude 1:9– Michael appears to have served as the guardian of the nation of Israel

5. But now the man has come make Daniel understand - Daniel 10:14a. What will happen to his people (Israel) b. What will occur “in the latter days”, “many days yet to come”– From what follows, the expression “latter days” appears to refer to the time leading up to the coming of the Messiah and into the Messianic period (Harkrider) - cf. Daniel 2:28; Acts 2:16-17 B. DANIEL IS …1. Daniel is initially speechless - Daniel 10:15-17a. With his face turned to the ground b. But one with “the likeness of the sons of men” touched his lips (some think this may have been Gabriel, who had helped Daniel before - Daniel 8:16) c. Daniel can now speak, but is overwhelmed with sorrow and without strength
6. Daniel is strengthened - Daniel 10:18-19a. By the touch of the one having the likeness of a man b. By the words bestowing love, peace and courage c. Ready now to hear what he has to say

C. THE MAN RESUMES HIS WORDS WITH DANIEL…1. Though he must soon return - Daniel 10:20a. To fight with the prince (angel?) of Persia b. To deal with the prince (angel?) of Greece yet to come 2. Yet he will tell Daniel what is noted in the Scripture of Truth - Daniel 10:21 to Daniel 11:1a. Adding that only Michael helps him against them (the angelic princes of Persia and Greece) - cf. Daniel 10:13b. Adding that he had confirmed and strengthened him (Michael?) in the first year of Darius the Mede

1. At this point (Daniel 11:2), “The Vision Of The Time Of The End” begins in earnest… a. Describing what will happen “in the latter days"b. Referring to what will occur “many days yet to come”– Which we shall examine when we resume our study in the next lesson

2. In these introductory remarks of the vision, we find a glimpse of the spiritual warfare that was going on “behind the scenes”… a. With angelic forces withstanding each other - Daniel 10:13 a,20b. With angelic forces helping each other - Daniel 10:13 b,21; 11:1c. With Michael introduced to Daniel as:

1. “one of the chief princes” - Daniel 10:132) “your prince” - Daniel 10:213) “the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people” - Daniel 12:1 While there is little we truly know about this “spiritual warfare”, and to what extent it may be going on today, perhaps our study will encourage us to take more seriously Paul’s words:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

• Ephesians 6:12-13 What are we doing to take up the armor of God, that we might be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (cf. Ephesians 6:10-18)?

Chapter Ten In the third year of Darius (ca. 535 B.C.) Daniel receives a vision that will affect his people (Israel) “in the latter days” (Daniel 10:14), its words to be closed and sealed “till the time of the end” (Daniel 12:9). “The Vision Of The Time Of The End” begins with an appearance of a “glorious man” to Daniel beside the Tigris River (Daniel 10:1-9), with an explanation for his delay in coming (Daniel 10:10-21). The prophecy of the vision continues in chapters eleven and twelve.

POINTS TO PONDER

• The meaning of the phrase “in the latter days” as used in the vision

• The angelic conflict behind the scenes briefly described by the “glorious man”

REVIEW

1. What are the main points of this chapter?- The appearance of the “glorious man” to Daniel - Daniel 10:1-9- The conversation between Daniel and the “glorious man”

• Daniel 10:10-21

2. Describe the “glorious man” seen by Daniel by the Tigris river (Daniel 10:4-6)- Clothed in linen, waist girded with gold

• Body like beryl, face like lightning, eyes like torches of fire
• Arms and feet like burnished bronze
• His words like the voice of a multitude

3. Describe the impact of seeing this “glorious man” on Daniel (Daniel 10:8-9)- Left him without strength, his vigor turned to frailty

• In a deep sleep, Daniel heard the sound of the man’s words

4. How does the “glorious man” address Daniel? (Daniel 10:11)- “Man greatly beloved” (cf. Daniel 10:19)

5. Why had the “glorious man” delayed his coming to Daniel? (Daniel 10:12-13)- The prince of Persia withstood him for 21 days, but then the prince Michael helped him

6. Why was the “glorious man” sent to Daniel? When would the events occur? (Daniel 10:14)- To help him understand what would happen to his people (Israel)

• In “the latter days”, “many days yet to come”

7. Speechless and overwhelmed, how was Daniel strengthened? (Daniel 10:15-19)- The “glorious man” touched Daniel, and spoke encouraging words to him

8. What would the “glorious man” do after leaving Daniel? Who would help? (Daniel 10:20-21)- Return to fight with the prince of Persia, after that with the prince of Greece

• Michael the prince (cf. Daniel 10:13; Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7)

Daniel 10:1

Daniel 10:1. When giving a date for any event, a reference to either Darius or Cyrus is the same, Tiiis is because the MedoPersian Empire was ruled jointly by the two men, hence they may he used interchangeably for dates since they took possession of Babylon together as far as chronology was concerned. The preceding chapter began with the first year while the present one comes down to the third year of the same reign. This verse is com posed in the third person and Daniel writes it only as a historian. True, hut . . . long signifies that an inspired prophecy is not weakened any as to its reliability just because it looks far into the future. God knows as much about the future as he does of the past, hence an inspired prediction cannot fail.

Daniel 10:2-3

Daniel 10:2-3. Fasting or making of vows was not required as a general practice under the law of Moses. However, such devotions were approved when entered into by servants of God, and they were generally done in times of great anxiety or sorrow. Daniel put on a threeweek fast because of his concern for the Jews, who, though formerly released from the Babylonian captivity, were yet in an unsettled state due to the desolated condition of their city of Jerusalem, Ate no pleasant bread means he abstained from the food of bis choice and ale only what was necessary to support an existence. The people among whom Daniel then dwelt used aromatic ointments upon their bodies for the purpose of its pleasant odor and sensation, but he abstained from the use of that costly delicacy during the period of his fast.

Daniel 10:4

Daniel 10:4. Apparently the fast that Daniel observed was to bring no results. for it was three days before he heard any word of encouragement. The reason for the delay will be explained later. The prophet was on the bank of one of the rivers of Babylon; Hiddekel, later known as the Tigris.

Daniel 10:5

Daniel 10:5. Uphaz is another word for “ Ophir,” a place that produced an unusually fine quality of gold. The fine clothing this certain man was wearing indicated the dignity of his mission and the giory of the authority behind it.

Daniel 10:6

Daniel 10:6. All of these descriptive words were used for the same purpose that was stated in the preceding verse. Whether the person was directly from heaven, sent to the earth in the form of a man, or was a being of the earth and especially adorned and qualified to serve the present purpose, I do not know. In either case we may regard him as a person being used by the Lord to accomplish certain ends with conditions on earth.

Daniel 10:7

Daniel 10:7. Daniel had some men with him, but upon the approach of this unusual person they became frightened and ran away, and as a result Daniel was the only one who saw the vision and beard the words spoken.

Daniel 10:8

Daniel 10:8. The prophet did not flee, yet he was greatly affected by the circumstance so that he had a prostrated feeling or a loss of bodily strength. However, this prostration did not interfere with his hearing and activity of mind.

Daniel 10:9

Daniel 10:9. Daniel heard the voice of the man, which, in addition to the state of his mind and body already produced by the appearance of such an unusual person, caused him to fall upon his face to the ground.

Daniel 10:10

Daniel 10:10. Before continuing the communication, the man caused Daniel to have a bodily posture of resting on his hands and knees.

Daniel 10:11

Daniel 10:11. While in this position the prophet received assurance that no harm was intended against him for he was greatly beloved. But before any further parL ot the message would be delivered he was told to stand up. He obeyed the instructions to arise, but his full strength bad not returned and he trembled as he stood in the presence of this aweinspiring personage.

Daniel 10:12

Daniel 10:12. In this verse the man again encourages Daniel and acknowledges the threeweek fast that he had observed. He assures him that his words of prayer were heard from the beginning, and that it was for his words or because of them lie had come.

Daniel 10:13

Daniel 10:13. In this verse the ‘‘man’’ (or angel) will explain to Daniel why his prayer was not acknowledged sooner, although it was observed favorably from the start. To use a familiar form of speech, the man was engaged in other business which detained him. Some commentators think that Daniel was contending with this prince of the kingdom of Persia to persuade him to permit the Jews to return to Jerusalem. I do not understand how that would be, for according to Ezra 1:1-4 that privilege had been granted them two years before. If this controversy had anything to do with that subject, it must have been with some outstanding men of Persia who were not in full accord with the edict of Cyrus.

Whatever it was, it pertained to the interests of the Jews, and this man or angel could not go to the relief of Daniel for a while. He finally had “ reinforcements” in the person ot Michael, and together they got matters in shape so that the latter could “ hold the fort” for a time, which released the “man” to go and comfort Daniel.

Daniel 10:14

Daniel 10:14. The situation is similar to that described in Daniel 9:23, in that Daniel is to have his prayer answered favorably, but is also to be given more information than he had expected. In the present instance, if the prophet was asking for some reassurances of the return of his people to Jerusalem he was granted that consolation. But this inspired messenger was to tell hint of some events in the centuries ahead that would involve these same people of the Jews. Since that vision is for many days, however, the specific predictions will not be given him until the next chapter. But in recognition ot his devotion and concern for the people of God, the messenger was sent to give him the encouragement.

Daniel 10:15

Daniel 10:15. Daniel was again overcome by the presence and communication of the man, but nothing is said about his being frightened as before. He was rendered dumb or speechless but it did not affect his body Otherwise, and he could ouly bend his head toward the ground.

Daniel 10:16

Daniel 10:16. I do not understand that more than one man or angel came to Daniel, though the language seems to indicate that there was. The general subject has been the same all through these verses and hence there would be no occasion for another messenger. The person was in the form of a man whoever he was, but he was endowed with supernatural power and knowledge for he was yet to make many predictions for us to examine. This angel recovered Daniel from his dumbness, and also renewed his bodily strength after a few moments. After regaining his power of speech, Daniel toid the angel of his sorrow and its effect upon his bodily feeling.

Daniel 10:17

Daniel 10:17. Daniel felt humiliated and inferior in the presence of the person whom he called my lord. Neither is there breath left in me is figurative as to its extent, and means that the prophet was virtually exhausted by the vision.

Daniel 10:18

Daniel 10:18. Then came again means the same man or angel again contacted Daniel for the purpose of further strengthening him and making him feel assured.

Daniel 10:19

Daniel 10:19. Being comforted and strengthened by the angel, Daniel requested him to speak, which indicated that he felt prepared in body and mind to give attention.

Daniel 10:20

Daniel 10:20. The angel asked Daniel if he knew or understood why he had come to him. There is no recorded answer to the question that is available to us. but the absence of everything to the contrary implies that he understood. Thus the subject or occasion of the present meeting between Daniel and the angel was dropped, and the latter informed the prophet that he was going back to Persia to resume the controversy that is mentioned in verse 13. He added a general reference to another great event that was to occur between Persia and Greece after this angel lias conducted his “ fight” with the former. But this item is out of place chronologically and Jt will be treated in its proper place in the next chapter.

Daniel 10:21

Daniel 10:21. Chronologically speaking, the first part of verse 20 has been fulfilled and the last part of it is due: that is, it is the proper place to go more into detail as to the meaning of the words prince of Qreda shall come. Before doing so, the angel assures Daniel that what he is going to reveal to him will be in harmony with what the scriptures had previously foretold. On the present matter of predictions, Michael was the only one of the angels who was taken into the same confidential service as the one now talking to Daniel,