1
In the third year of the reign of Cyrus king of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the word was true, and it concerned a great distress. And he gave heed to the word and understood the vision.
2
At that time I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks:
3
I ate no pleasant food, neither did meat nor wine enter my mouth, nor did I anoint myself, until three full weeks were completed.
4
On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the great river, that is, the Tigris,
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I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz.
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His body was like beryl, and his face like the appearance of lightning; his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and his feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the noise of a multitude.
7
Only I, Daniel, saw the vision, but the men who were with me did not see it; nevertheless, a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled and hid themselves;
8
thus I was left alone.
When I saw this great vision, my strength left me; my face turned deathly pale, 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 into a deep sleep with my face to the ground.
10
Then a hand touched me and set me trembling on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
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He said to me, “Daniel, you man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.
12
Then he said to me, “Do not 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 because of your words.
13
The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the kings of Persia.
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Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision is for those days also.”
15
When he had spoken these words to me, I set my face toward the ground and became speechless.
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And behold, one like a man touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to him who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision my pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength.”
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How can I, your servant, speak with my lord? For now there is no strength left in me, and no breath remains in me.”
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Then the one who looked like a man touched me again and strengthened me,
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and said, “O you who are greatly loved, do not fear; peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong!” While he spoke with me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
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Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I have finished with him, the prince of Greece will come.
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But I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth.
No one stands with me firmly against them except Michael, your prince,
⚔️👼⏳ Summary of Daniel 10 – Fasting, Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Daniel 10 opens the final section of the book of Daniel (chapters 10–12), which is one great vision. Here, Daniel experiences a supernatural encounter with an angel, after fasting and humbling himself for 3 weeks. The angel explains that spiritual conflict behind the scenes of history affects world events. This reveals that the prayers of the righteous move heaven and penetrate the enemy’s realm.
📌 1. The Vision & 21-Day Fast (verses 1–3)
“At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three full weeks.”
- The third year of Cyrus’s reign (around 536 BC)
- Daniel fasted: he did not eat choice food, and did not use perfume
- He was in sorrow, likely because the building of the Temple in Jerusalem had been hindered (cf. Ezra 4)
🎯 When our hearts are burdened by circumstances, fasting and prayer draw us near to God.
📌 2. The Appearance of a Heavenly Being (verses 4–9)
“There appeared a man clothed in linen…”
The description of the being is full of glory:
- His waist was girded with gold from Uphaz
- His body was like a jewel
- His face was like lightning
- His eyes like flames of fire
- His voice like the sound of a multitude
All the others ran and hid, and Daniel alone saw the vision
He became very weak and fell face down
🎯 A deep spiritual experience often weakens the strength of the flesh — this declares the holiness of God.
📌 3. Strengthening by the Angel (verses 10–14)
“Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day…”
- The angel explained:
Daniel’s prayer had been heard from the first day he humbled himself
But “the prince of the kingdom of Persia” (an evil spiritual being) hindered for 21 days
Michael, the archangel, came to help, so that this angel could deliver the message
🎯 The prayer of the righteous is never in vain. Though delayed, the answer is being contended for in the spiritual realm.
📌 4. Explanation of the Mission & Renewed Strengthening (verses 15–21)
“I have come to make you understand…”
- Daniel trembled and could not speak — the angel strengthened him again and again
- The angel explained that he would return to contend against the princes of Persia and Greece
- But before that, he must deliver the revelation written in the “Book of Truth”
🎯 Behind world history, there is a real spiritual conflict. Yet God still holds control and reveals His will.
📖 Main Teaching
- Prayer and fasting reach into the spiritual dimension and hasten revelation
- There is a great spiritual conflict behind world events (politics, kingdoms, history)
- Michael is the protector of God’s people and joins in the struggle against the powers of darkness
- When we feel weak and helpless, the Lord strengthens us through His word and the presence of His angels
- God’s revelation does not come at random — it comes to those who humble themselves and are ready to receive it
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers… in the air.”
→ In line with Daniel 10, there are the princes of Persia and Greece who are spiritual evil powers.
“The prayer of a righteous person, when prayed in faith, is very powerful.”
→ Daniel is a clear example of the power of prayer and perseverance.
“Are not all angels ministering spirits… for those who will inherit salvation?”
→ Angels come not to be worshiped, but to strengthen and deliver God’s message.
“Our weapons… are powerful to tear down strongholds.”
→ In prayer and fasting, we wage spiritual warfare.
🎯 Daniel 10 opens our eyes to the fact that the world is not only physical — the unseen is more decisive.
🕊️ “From the first day you set your heart to gain understanding and humble yourself… your words were heard.” – Daniel 10:12
🕊️ “The prince of the kingdom of Persia stood against me for 21 days…” – Daniel 10:13
🕊️ “Do not fear, you who are beloved…” – Daniel 10:19
🕊️ “No one helped me against them, except Michael…” – Daniel 10:21
