Daniel Chapter 10

From The Open Bible Project

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: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

• (a) He notes this third year, because at this time the building of the temple began to be hindered by Cambyses, Cyrus’s son, when the father made war in Asia minor against the Scythians, which was discouraging to the godly, and fearful to Daniel.
• (b) Which is to declare that the godly should not hasten too much, but patiently abide the fulfilment of God’s promise.

10:2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.

10:3 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.

10:4 In the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,

• (c) Called Abib, which contains part of March, and part of April.
• (d) Being carried by the Spirit of prophecy so that he could see the river Tigris.

10:5 I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were girded with pure gold of Uphaz:

• (e) This was the angel of God, who was sent to assure Daniel in this prophecy that follows.

10:6 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 burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

10:7 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.

10:8 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.

• (f) So that because of fear he was like a dead man because of his deformity.

10:9 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.

10:10 Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.

• (g) Which declares that when we are struck down with the majesty of God we cannot rise, unless he also lifts us up with his hand, which is his power.

10:11 He said to me, Daniel, you man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright; for am I now sent to you. When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.

10:12 Then said he 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: and I have come for your words' sake.

10:13 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: and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

• (h) Meaning Cambyses, who reigned in his father’s absence, and did not only for this time hinder the building of the temple, but would have further raged, if God had not sent me to resist him: and therefore I have stayed for the profit of the Church.
• (i) Even though God could by one angel destroy all the world, yet to assure his children of his love he sends forth double power, even Michael, that is, Christ Jesus the head of angels.

10:14 Now I have come to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for [many] days:

• (k) For even though the Prophet Daniel would end and cease, yet his doctrine would continue until the coming of Christ, for the comfort of his Church.

10:15 and when he had spoken to me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute.

10:16 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 are turned on me, and I retain no strength.

• (l) This was the same angel that spoke with him before in the appearance of a man.
• (m) I was overcome with fear and sorrow, when I saw the vision.

10:17 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, neither was there breath left in me.

10:18 Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.

10:19 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."

• (n) He declares by this that God would be merciful to the people of Israel.
• (o) Which declares that when God smites his children down, he does not immediately lift them up at once (for now the Angel had touched him twice), but by little and little.

10:20 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 forth, behold, the prince of Greece shall come.

• (p) Meaning that he would not only himself bridle the rage of Cambyses, but also the other kings of Persia by Alexander the King of Macedonia.

10:21 But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none who holds with me against these, but Michael your prince."

• (q) For this angel was appointed for the defence of the Church under Christ, who is the head of it.