Daniel Chapter 10

At a Glance

  • Daniel 10 opens a window into a dramatic heavenly visitation that unfolds after Daniel’s prolonged mourning and fasting.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • Daniel 10 fits squarely into the second major block of Daniel’s visions (chapters 7–12), likely compiled during the 2nd century BCE, with the visions set in the broader timeline of post-exilic Israel.
  • - Spiritual warfare and divine intervention: The celestial conflict behind Persian resistance shows a layered cosmos.
  • - Prayerful humility and perseverance: Daniel’s fasting and posture of reverence set a pattern for enduring intercession.

Chapter Overview

Daniel 10 opens a window into a dramatic heavenly visitation that unfolds after Daniel’s prolonged mourning and fasting. An appearance of a man clothed in linen, with radiant features, appears by the Tigris (Hiddekel). The vision’s power leaves Daniel in a state of weakness, but a divine messenger comes to convey a message: from the first day Daniel set his heart to understand and to humble himself before God, his words were heard, and deliverance was on the way. Yet the messenger reveals a spiritual struggle: “the prince of the kingdom of Persia” withstood him for twenty-one days, until Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help. The message addresses the cosmic dimensions beneath earthly politics—there are spiritual forces shaping events that affect human history. The chapter then goes on to describe the vision Daniel will receive, its glorious, otherworldly nature, and its implications for Daniel’s people. The narrative blends high cosmology with intimate exhortation: Daniel receives a message of prophetic significance for future days, calling him to steadfast faith, perseverance, and dependence on God in the face of unseen powers.

Historical & Literary Context

Daniel 10 fits squarely into the second major block of Daniel’s visions (chapters 7–12), likely compiled during the 2nd century BCE, with the visions set in the broader timeline of post-exilic Israel. The genre here is heavenly messenger literature and apocalyptic narrative, emphasizing the reality of spiritual warfare behind human affairs. The chapter’s emphasis on a celestial defense (Michael) and the “prince of Persia” motif highlights the belief that political events are influenced by spiritual principalities and powers. It also foreshadows the more detailed prophecies in Daniel 11–12, which unpack the conflict between powerful empires and God’s people. The purpose is to reassure Daniel (and readers) that prayer, humility, and perseverance engage not only the visible world but also the invisible one that shapes history’s course.

Key Themes

- Spiritual warfare and divine intervention: The celestial conflict behind Persian resistance shows a layered cosmos.

- Prayerful humility and perseverance: Daniel’s fasting and posture of reverence set a pattern for enduring intercession.

- Divine authorization and messenger ministry: The appearance of a heavenly messenger demonstrates God’s ongoing engagement with human history.

- The interplay of heaven and earth: God’s purposes are accomplished through both human decisions and heavenly power.

- Trust in God’s timing and protection: The eventual help from Michael signals that God marshals his protectors in crucial moments.

Modern Application

- Recognizing hidden forces: The chapter invites believers to consider how spiritual realities influence political and personal life, encouraging prayerful discernment.

- Persistent intercession: Daniel’s example promotes sustained intercession beyond immediate outcomes.

- Dependence on God’s messengers: The role of angels can be read as encouragement that God speaks to his people through means beyond the obvious.

- Courage in uncertainty: Knowing that spiritual battles occur can empower believers to face complex, uncertain situations with faith.

- Prayer as transformative practice: The discipline of fasting and seeking God remains relevant for modern spiritual formation.

- Daniel 9 (prayer and prophetic timeline) for continuity in prophetic intercession.

- Ephesians 6:10-18 (spiritual warfare) for the New Testament parallel.

- Acts 12:5-11 (divine intervention in human affairs) for God’s active involvement in history.

- Revelation 12 for cosmic conflict imagery.

Recommended Personas

- Daniel for contemplative, prophetic interpretation in the face of spiritual struggle.

- Michael (as a biblical figure) to illuminate heavenly defense and intercession.

- Jesus for ultimate authority over spiritual powers and cosmic events.

Note: This set of chapter overviews aims to balance narrative flow with theological insights and practical application, presenting a cohesive, accessible guide for readers of Voices of the Bible.

Chapter Text

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.

2

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

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.

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;

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

10

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

15

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

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.

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.

18

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

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.

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.

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.

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