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.
The tenth chapter of the Book of Daniel presents a fascinating narrative of divine revelation and spiritual warfare, which is deeply embedded within the broader context of the book. It is a chapter that provides key insights into the spiritual dimensions of the universe and offers valuable lessons on the importance of prayer, faith, and spiritual resilience.
The chapter opens with Daniel, who is in mourning, receiving a vision concerning a great conflict. This vision, which was revealed in the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, left Daniel feeling weak and powerless. However, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist, appeared before him. This figure, often interpreted as an angelic messenger, provided Daniel with strength and reassurance, enabling him to receive the divine revelation.
The vision of the heavenly messenger is one of the primary themes of this chapter. The figure is described in vivid detail: his body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. This description creates a powerful image of a divine, otherworldly being, emphasizing the majesty and awe-inspiring presence of the celestial messenger.
This vision had a profound impact on Daniel. Upon seeing the heavenly being, Daniel fell into a deep sleep, his face to the ground. The angelic figure then touched Daniel, lifting him to his hands and knees, and then to his feet. The heavenly messenger assured Daniel that he was greatly loved and that his prayers had been heard. He also revealed to Daniel that he had been resisted by the 'prince of the kingdom of Persia' for twenty-one days until Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help him.
The theme of spiritual warfare is another key aspect of this chapter. The angelic messenger's struggle with the 'prince of the kingdom of Persia' offers a glimpse into the unseen spiritual battles that are waged in the heavenly realms. This theme underscores the idea that earthly events and circumstances have spiritual dimensions and implications, and that the prayers of the faithful can influence these spiritual dynamics.
This spiritual battle also highlights the role of angelic beings in the execution of God's divine plan. The involvement of Michael, one of the chief princes, in assisting the heavenly messenger, suggests that angels actively participate in spiritual warfare, acting as divine agents who carry out God's will and purposes.
The power of prayer and fasting is also a significant theme in this chapter. Daniel's prayers and his period of mourning, which involved fasting, had a direct impact on the heavenly realms. The angelic messenger told Daniel that he had been dispatched in response to his prayers. This demonstrates the efficacy of prayer and fasting, suggesting that they can invoke divine intervention and influence spiritual battles.
This theme is further reinforced by the fact that Daniel's prayers were heard and answered despite the delay caused by the spiritual warfare. This teaches us that even when it seems like our prayers are not being answered, there may be unseen spiritual battles being fought on our behalf. It encourages us to persist in prayer and maintain our faith, even in the face of apparent delays or obstacles.
The final theme of this chapter is the revelation of future conflicts. The heavenly messenger revealed to Daniel that he was to return to fight against the "prince of Persia" and that the "prince of Greece" would come. This prophecy foretold future conflicts and challenges, both spiritual and earthly, that would arise in the course of human history.
These prophecies underscore the reality of ongoing spiritual warfare and the continual struggle between good and evil. They also serve as a reminder that God is sovereign over all events and circumstances, and that He has a divine plan that will ultimately prevail, despite the challenges and conflicts that may arise.
In conclusion, chapter 10 of the Book of Daniel offers a rich tapestry of spiritual insights and lessons. It reveals the power and efficacy of prayer and fasting, the reality of spiritual warfare, the role of angelic beings in the execution of God's divine plan, and the prophetic revelation of future conflicts. It challenges us to maintain our faith and persist in prayer, even in the face of apparent obstacles or delays, and it reassures us of God's sovereign control over all events and circumstances.
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