Daniel Chapter Ten

“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.”

Daniel 10:1

“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia”

 “Cyrus king of Persia”

• This is the only prophecy of Daniel that is dated in reference to Cyrus’ reign
• Cyrus was king of Persia while Darius (the Mede) was king over the Chaldeans (Dan. 9:1) which was part of the Persian Empire
• Cyrus is introduced here since he is now determining the fate of Israel and he is what this chapter is about

 “a thing was revealed unto Daniel,”

• This “thing” would be the fourth prophetic outline
• This is a unique term to describe this prophecy, however, this prophecy was also unique because this “thing” would be revealed without any preceding symbols (unlike the other three)

 “Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar”

• This is Daniel’s Babylonian name (Bel was Babylonian god (Marduk)
• Name means: Bel protect his (king’s) life

“the thing was true, but the time appointed was long:”

• Hebrew: “saba”  meaning is unclear, it is translated only three times as “time appointed” in the O.T. and translated “army”; “host”; “warfare”; ”service” hundreds of times
• RSV translates this “it was a great conflict”
• Both concepts will work here: Daniel may be suggesting that the it would be a long time from his day until the end of the world (the time appointed: Dan. 11:27; 11:35)
• This is consistent with Daniel 11
• Daniel also may be suggesting that there will be a great conflict at the end

 “he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.”

• Daniel understood this vision because it was given largely in literal language
• It will only be the final portion of the vision that Daniel will not understand (Dan. 12:8)
  
  

Daniel 10:2

“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.”

Daniel 10:2

“in those days”

apparently prior to the vision

“Daniel was mourning three full weeks.”

• Daniel was upset for three full weeks
• It appears from comparing Ezra and Daniel that Daniel was upset regarding Israel
• Only about 50,000 Israelites out of about one million had chosen to return to Israel and the Samaritans were attempting to get king Cyrus to change his decision to allow them to rebuild Jerusalem
• This is the decision that Cyrus is described as struggling with in Daniel chapter ten (Dan. 10:12,13)
  
  

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 10:3

“I ate no pleasant bread,”

• This refers to delicacies: during this time of fasting Daniel only ate enough simple food to maintain his strength

“neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth,”

• Daniel did not eat meat or drink any wine

 “neither did I anoint myself at all,”

• Oil was used in dry climates to sooth the skin
• Daniel did not indulge self during this fast

“till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”

• Daniel was fasting for three weeks
  
  

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;”

Daniel 10:4

“And in the four and twentieth day of the first month,”

• This is the only chapter in the book of Daniel where the exact day, month, and year are given
• However, it is unclear whether Daniel was using the Jewish or Babylonian- Persian  calendar
• The Jewish calendar begins in the fall and the Babylonian calendar begins in the spring

 “as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;”

• Hiddekel is the Hebrew name for the Tigris River
  
  

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 10:5

“and behold a certain man clothed in linen,”

• This Man was Jesus Christ
• The description here is similar to John’s in Revelation 1:13-15
• This is the same Person described in Dan. 7:13 and Dan. 12:6

 “whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:”

• Uphaz was known for its gold (Jer.10:9)
• Uphaz may be the same city as Ophir (I Kings 9:28), which was famous for its gold, since the Hebrew letters are very similar
  
  

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 10:6

“His body also was like the beryl,”

• Hebrew “tarshish”  which may be where this substance was found

“his face as the appearance of lightning,”

• His countenance was bright as lightning

“his eyes as lamps of fire,”

• Rev. 1:14: His eyes were like “flames of fire” 

 “his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass,”

• Rev. 1:15: His feet were like “ burnished bronze”

“the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.”

• Rev. 1:15: His voice was like the “sound of many waters”
  
  

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 10:7

“And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision;”

• Daniel was the only one who saw this vision

“but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.”

• Others were present and could sense God’s Presence but did not see: the Presence of God drove away the others in fear
• Similar experience to Saul on road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-7; 22:6-9)

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 10:8

“Therefore I was left alone,”

• The others had fled

“and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me:”

• Daniel saw the vision and lost all physical strength

“for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.”

• Daniel probably fell to the ground
• Compare John’s experience (Rev.1:17) where he fell as dead in Jesus’ Presence
   

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 10:9

“Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words,”

• Daniel appears to have fainted but he can still hear His words

“then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.”

• Not the first time Daniel has fallen on the ground (Dan. 8:27)
• Hebrew: “radam” here translated “deep sleep” probably means “to be benumbed”

Daniel 10:10

“And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.”

Daniel 10:10

“And, behold, an hand touched me,”

• This hand was probably Gabriel
• This being was sent to help Daniel understand (Dan. 10:11,12)
• This is not “Michael” the prince (Dan.10:13)

“which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.”

• Hebrew “nua”  translated “set” means “to cause to tremble”
• Daniel was put on his feet by Gabriel but was still very shaky
   

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 10:11

“Daniel, a man greatly beloved,”

• This is the second time Daniel is reassured of God’s love (Dan. 9:23)

“understand the words that I speak unto thee,”

• Daniel is again asked to understand
• Note: at the time of the end the “wise” are those that understand (Dan. 12:10) and the wise represent those alive at the end 

 “and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent.”

• Daniel is still having trouble standing
• Gabriel was sent to Daniel in response to his fasting and prayer

“And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.”

• Daniel finally was able to stand but he was still shaky
   

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 10:12

“Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel:”

• Daniel stood trembling in Gabriel’s presence
• Daniel had fainted on Gabriel before!

“for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard,”

• God had heard Daniel from the first day he had prayed

“and I am come for thy words.”

• God had sent help immediately
• The delay was not with God but with the king of Persia! 

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.”

Daniel 10:13

“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days:”

• Hebrew: “sar”  translated “prince” can mean “prince of hosts” or “ruler” or “chief” or “prince”
• In Daniel’s book he often uses this word when describing supernatural beings
• This could be referring to Satan as the “prince” of this world with whom Gabriel was struggling over the mind of king Cyrus
• This also could be referring to “ruler” which would then refer to king Cyrus
• Daniel had been fasting for 21 days not realizing that God was already answering his prayer and working on Cyrus’ heart during that time

 “withstood me”

• This verse shows clearly the battle between God and Satan for man’s mind
• Eph. 6:12 : the battle against “rulers” of darkness

“but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me;”

• Hebrew: “Mika’el”  translated “Michael” literally translates “who [is] like God?”
• Michael is only mentioned in apocalyptic verses (Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7)
• Michael is only used to describe situations where there is direct conflict with Satan
• Michael is Israel’s protector (Dan.12:1), He is the “archangel” (Jude 9) and the One who battles Satan in Rev. 12:7)

 “but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes,”

• Michael, the archangel (Jude 9), will resurrect the dead at the Second Coming (I Thess. 4:16) and Jesus said that it was His voice that would do this (John 5:28) therefore, Michael is Christ
• Also the name “who is like God?” is appropriate to the Defender of God’s name, who is also God (Jesus)
• “who is like God?” is a question ( answer is Jesus) and a challenge (to Satan)
• It also fits with the context of each verse because the one Jesus is fighting is Lucifer who is the one who desired to be like God (Isa. 14:14)

 “came to help me”

• Gabriel could not overcome Satan in this battle for Cyrus and needed help

“and I remained there with the kings of Persia.”

• The phrase translated “remained there” can also be translated “left him there”
• “remained there” would be referring to Gabriel and the Hebrew suggests that Satan was sent away

• The phrase translated “remained there” can also be translated “left him there”
• “left him there” suggests that Michael was left with Cyrus and Gabriel went to Daniel (better?)
• Both concepts will work

“with the kings of Persia.”

• “kings” can be translated “kingdom” or “king”

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.”
           

Daniel 10:14

“Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people”

• First God had to answer Daniel’s prayer for help for Israel
• Now God would help Daniel

“the latter days:”

• Hebrew: “be’acharith hayyamim” which means “in the latter part [or end] of the days”
• Gabriel is telling Daniel that he does not need to worry about the present situation because this prophecy is about end time events (not Daniel’s current events)

“for yet the vision is for many days.”

• The Hebrew does not have the word “many” here and translates “for still there is a vision yet to come”
• The better translation may be “the vision is for days yet to come” RSV
• The emphasis is on more truth yet to come rather than time
   

Daniel 10:15

“And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.”

Daniel 10:15

“And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground,”

• It appears that Daniel fainted again!

“and I became dumb.”

• Daniel lost his ability to speak!
   

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 10:16

“And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips:”

• This phrase is describing Gabriel who had to veil his brightness from Daniel
• Gabriel touched Daniel’s lips and his speech returned
• This points out the power of the angels to heal (Satan also has healing power)

 “then I opened my mouth, and spake”

• Daniel’s voice was restored

“O my lord, by the vision”

• Daniel is referring to the current vision which he had previously referred to in verse 1 and 11 and to which Gabriel, in verse 14, also referred
• Some have suggested that the vision referred to here is Daniel 8 & 9 however, the context suggests otherwise 

 “my sorrows are turned upon me,”

• Daniel is overcome by this vision
• Daniel understands this vision (see verse 1)
• Daniel understands what will happen to God’s city and temple in the last days

“and I have retained no strength.”

• Daniel was so upset that he was physically exhausted
   

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 10:17

“For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord?”

• Daniel is so weak he can not even talk to Gabriel

“for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.”

• Daniel was almost in shock!
   

Daniel 10:18

“Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,”

Daniel 10:18

“Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man,”

• This description is similar to verse 16 “similitude of” men and suggests Gabriel
• Came again also suggests this is Gabriel

“and he strengthened me,”

• Again Gabriel heals Daniel
  
  

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.”

Daniel 10:19

“And said, O man greatly beloved,”

• This is the third time Daniel is called “greatly beloved”: what an honor to be special in God’s eyes!

“fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong.”

• Daniel was clearly not at peace: he was upset
• Daniel was probably 88 years old and near the end of his life

 “And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened,”

• Gabriel again strengthens Daniel this time by just speaking it

“Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”

• Daniel is finally ready to listen
  
  

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 10:20

“Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?”

• Daniel is asked if he knew where Gabriel came from

“now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia:”

• “to fight with”: here means “to fight against” rather than alongside

 “when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.’

• Gabriel is saying that as long as he continues to struggle with the kings of Persia (Cyrus and later Cambyses) their empire will continue, however, when God withdraws His Spirit (and His angels) then the empire will fall. This will continue to happen during the rest of the vision.
• The prince of Grecia was Alexander the Great and he overthrew Persia
• Note: Hebrew word “sar” translated here as “prince” actually is referring to Alexander who was the king (ruler) of Greece
  
  

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.”

Daniel 10:21

“But I will shew thee that which is noted”

• Gabriel is going to show Daniel what is truth
• Hebrew: “rasham”  means “to inscribe” or “to write down” is here translated “noted”

“scripture”:

• Hebrew “kethab” means literally “a writing”
• Gabriel may be saying he will show Daniel what to write down as truth or he is saying that God’s plans are written down and will be shown

 “there is none that holdeth with me in these things,”

• This phrase translates “there is no one who exerts himself” which means that Gabriel and Michael seem to have the special task of fighting for God’s people with Satan over the rulers of this world

“but Michael your prince.”

• Michael here is called “your” prince
• Michael is Daniel’s prince (Hebrew: “sar”
   here seems to mean “ruler”)
• Michael is Christ who will fight for us

Summary

• Daniel chapter ten begins with Daniel stating that he had been given a vision (called a thing) and he understood it
• Daniel goes on to state that he had been fasting for 3 weeks, apparently prior to this vision
• Daniel had been fasting for 3 weeks because the Samaritans were trying to get king Cyrus to rescind his decree to allow Jerusalem to be rebuilt
• Daniel was first shown a Man clothed in linen who  matches John’s description of Christ in Revelation 1 and Daniel faints
• Daniel is awakened by the angel Gabriel who tells Daniel that his prayer was heard the first day and Gabriel was sent immediately but that Gabriel was delayed 
• Gabriel was delayed because he was fighting with the prince of Persia, which refers to either fighting Satan for control of Cyrus, or to fighting Cyrus himself
• This battle took 3 weeks and was only successful when Michael (Jesus) came to help Gabriel
• Note: it may be that Michael could not come until certain prayers were completed
• Gabriel tells Daniel that the vision he has come to explain to Daniel is about what will happen to God’s people in the last days and Daniel faints again
• This vision will be described in chapters 11 and 12 and Daniel will understand it (see verse 1) because it will be given largely in literal language instead of in symbols
• Daniel appears to be fasting in order to get God to intervene for his people (Israel) and finds out that God has answered his prayers but learns that the future for God’s people is even worse and that God’s city and temple will become an abomination
• Daniel chapter 10 is the introduction to the final vision contained in chapters 11 and 12 which is a vision for the latter days
• Daniel 10 teaches us that God is always working behind the scenes to accomplish His will
• Daniel 10 teaches us that when God withdraws His Spirit, our kingdom is doomed
• Daniel 10 teaches us that God is in control