A Messenger From the Father's Throne
10 1 In Cyrus king of Persia's third year, a message was revealed to Daniel, called Belteshazzar—true, about a great war. He understood it, gaining insight into the vision.
2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. 3 I ate no fine food; no meat or wine touched my mouth; I used no oil at all, until three weeks passed.
4 On the twenty-fourth day of month one, I stood on the bank of the great river—the Tigris. 5 I looked up and saw a man in linen, his waist wrapped in fine gold of Uphaz. a a v5 This shining figure dressed in linen is described much like the risen Jesus in Revelation 1, and many in the church have read the two as one and the same. 6 His body like beryl, his face like lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and legs like polished bronze, and the sound of his words like a roaring crowd.
7 I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; the men with me didn't see it, but great trembling fell on them, and they fled to hide. 8 Left alone, I saw this great vision. No strength remained in me; my vigor turned deathly pale, and I kept no strength. 9 Then I heard his words, and hearing them, I fell face down on the ground in a deep sleep.
10 Suddenly a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, 'Daniel, dearly loved man, understand the words I speak to you; stand up, for I am now sent to you.' When he spoke this word to me, I stood up, trembling.
12 He said to me, "Don't be afraid, Daniel. From the first day you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your Father, your words were heard, and I came because of your words." 13 But the prince of Persia's kingdom opposed me twenty-one days; then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with Persia's kings. b b v13 These "princes" are angelic beings — Michael is the great archangel who guards Daniel's people, while the "prince of Persia" is a hostile spiritual power behind the earthly kingdom. 14 I came to help you understand your people's future in days to come, for the vision is for days still ahead.
15 As he spoke these words to me, I turned my face to the ground, unable to speak. 16 Then one like a man touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing before me, 'My lord, the vision has filled me with pain, and I have no strength left.' 17 How can I, your servant, speak with you, my lord? No strength remains in me now, no breath is left.
18 Again the one who looked like a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 He said, "Don't be afraid, treasured one. Peace to you; be strong, be strong!" His words strengthened me, and I said, "Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me."
20 He said, "Do you know why I came to you? Now I return to fight Persia's prince; then, as I leave, Greece's prince comes." 21 But I'll tell you what's written in the Book of Truth: none stands with me against them but Michael, your prince.
