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THE BOOK OF DANIEL
CHAPTER 10
Daniel 10: 1 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, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
This is about three years after Daniel's vision in Chapter 9. In this Chapter, he lays the ground work for his last vision. Though it is not mention here, the Israelites has returned to the promise land and were attempting to build the temple.
Daniel 10: 2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
Daniel was in mourning for three full weeks.
Daniel 10: 3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Daniel didn't even take care of his physical need during this time.
Daniel 10: 4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;
The beginning of the three weeks of fasting was not indicated in the scriptures, but it was completed by the 24th day of the first month. This would allow time for the two day festival of the beginning of the year and the beginning of the new moon which was a time of joy and not a suitable time for Daniel to fast (I Sam 20:18-19).
Daniel recorded that the vision came to him as he was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris.
Daniel 10: 5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
Daniel 10: 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Daniel sees an appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ just as the apostle John sees him in Revelation 1:11-16. Daniel sees the post resurrection, glorified body of Christ at His coming to earth to rule and reign.
Daniel 10: 7 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, so that they fled to hide themselves.
Daniel 10: 8 Therefore 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.
Daniel 10: 9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
Daniel saw the vision which overwhelmed him with terror, those who were with him did not see the vision but sensed that something awesome was happening and they fled and hid themselves. Daniel experience is similar to that of Paul on the road to Damascus when the men with Saul heard a sound but did not see anyone and did not understand what was being said (Act 9:7). When Daniel saw the Lord Jesus Christ in his glorified body he lost all strength and when he heard the voice he fell over as dead just as John did when he saw the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 1:17).
Daniel 10: 10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
Daniel 10: 11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a 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.
Daniel 10: 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
Daniel 10: 13 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.
Gabriel set Daniel upon his knees and hands. When Daniel stood he was trembling. Gabriel told him that he was greatly beloved and he understood the words that he would speak. Gabriel explain to Daniel what took him twenty-one days to reach him with his message from God. The prince of Persia is Satan in the heavens like the prince of Persia on the earth. Satan would not let Gabriel come through a section of heaven where he had control over until Michael the arc angel came to help him.
Daniel 10: 14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.
Gabriel came to give Daniel understanding of the latter days of the Nation of Israel and the period of time before the vision is finalized.
Daniel 10: 15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
Daniel 10: 16 And, behold, one like the similitude 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 vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.
Daniel 10: 17 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 is there breath left in me.
Daniel 10: 18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
Daniel 10: 19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
The vision left Daniel speechless and he bowed toward the ground. Again Daniel was touched by one who looked like a man. Daniel tried to talk but his strength was gone from him. Daniel was again touched and given strength and Gabriel stated do not be afraid because he was highly esteemed. Daniel was strength and he told Gabriel to speak.
Daniel 10: 20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.
Daniel 10: 21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
Gabriel will return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when he is gone the prince of Greece will come; he tells Daniel that the scripture is truth. Gabriel tells Daniel that Michael is the only one that holds with him in these things. Michael is the arch angel that is the prince of Israel.
