http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 1 Commentary by Ron Thomas Questions by John C. Sewell Daniel s Vision of a Man Daniel 10:1-21
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 2 Text: Daniel 10:1:21, Daniel s Vision of a Man 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
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 3 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.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 4 Commentary: I. Daniel s Great Vision: Preliminary. A. Daniel 10:1-3, 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. In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 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. B. The 3 rd year of Cyrus the king of Persia (about 536 B.C.). 1. McGuiggan suggests the possibility this is nothing other than the vision of the seventy weeks in even more detail or that which leads up to its culminating point. a. By this time the captivity remnant had already departed from the area and headed back toward the land from which they were taken captive (Ezra 1:1). b. Ezra 1:1, Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, c. Comparing 1:21 with 10:1, it is commonly attacked as a contradiction; yet, this is not the case. d. In Daniel 1:21, all that is necessary is that Daniel s life spanned the entire Babylonian captivity, not that he died that year.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 5 C. Daniel s deprivation. e. Daniel 1:21, And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. 1. It is not clear from the passage that Daniel fasted altogether, but only that he fasted from certain foods. 2. One translation reads this way, I ate no choice food; no meat or wine came to my lips (NET). 3. Did he fast on account of the vision he had seen or, perhaps, was it because of the temple rebuilding (Ezra 4:4-5) was hindered? 4. Anointing oneself with oil (usually olive oil) was a common OT practice due to the severity of the Middle Eastern sun (cf. Psalms 21:6). 5. It was also associated with rejoicing (e.g., Proverbs 27:9) and was therefore usually not practiced during a period of mourning (NET). a. Ezra 4:4, 5, Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building. And hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. b. Psalm 21:6, For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 6 c. Proverbs 27:9, Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man s friend by hearty counsel. II. Where Daniel received the vision and the description of the one who told him. A. Daniel 10:4-9, And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 1. Daniel was by the Tigris (Hiddekel) river. 2. A certain man appeared before Daniel. a. Some interpret this to be the pre-incarnate Son of God based upon the description of Revelation 1:13-16 and 19:12 (see Hailey and Coffman). b. While possible, this does not appear to agree with Daniel 10:13.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 7 c. Revelation 1:13-16, And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. d. Revelation 19:12, His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. e. 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. C. Daniel alone saw the vision and was weakened by what he saw. 1. If this is associated with the 70 weeks vision (Daniel 9:24-27), then Daniel had further understanding of what would occur in days following. a. Daniel 9:24-27, Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 8 threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make a desolate even until the consummation, and that detemined shall be poured upon the desolate. III. The great vision refers to Daniel s people many days ahead. A. Daniel 10:10-21, And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 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. 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. 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. 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. And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. 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. For how can the servant of this my lord talk
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 9 with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, 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. 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. 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. B. The man touched and spoke to Daniel. 1. Daniel 10:10-13, And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 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. 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. 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. 2. Daniel is commended for his humility and interest in Godly things (cf. chapter 9). 3. The man who stood before Daniel was prevented from coming to him earlier, though he had made an attempt (Daniel 10:2, 13).
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 10 4. Daniel 10:2, 13, In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 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 thee with the kings of Persia. 5. This is a fantastic phrase because we think to ourselves, How can an angel of God be prevented from doing anything? ; yet, this is what we read as having occurred. Since we know nothing more than what is reveled here, speculation is useless. 6. However, we can learn something from what is here. a. In the heavenly realm a battle takes place (perhaps, during all of human history). b. If so, then passages like Revelation 12:7-9 and Ephesians 6:12 have more significant meaning, not to mention Hebrews 1:14. c. Revelation 12:7-9, And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him d. Ephesians 6:12, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 11 e. Hebrews 1:14, Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? C. Daniel is told what will happen to his people in the latter days. 1. Daniel 10:14-19, 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. And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. 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. 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. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, 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. 2. The vision given to Daniel was to take place some time later in history (the period of the sixty-two weeks?). a. Coffman thinks the phrase latter days should refer to the end of time, but this is not necessary as the following passages show: Genesis 49:1; Deuteronomy 4:30; Daniel 2:28. b. Genesis 49:1, And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 12 c. Deuteronomy 4:30, When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; d. Daniel 2:28, But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; 3. Daniel was speechless when all of a sudden an angel appeared (presumably a different one) and touched his lips (cf. Isaiah 6:6-7). Barnes thought this was Gabriel. Daniel explains his weakness and is again touched and strengthened. a. Isaiah 6:6, 7, Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. b. The angel speaks to Daniel, asking him a question. i. The manner of this fight is not told unto us; we can say that in whatever way this fight occurs, the influence of evil is powerful. ii. When God s will is done, whatever power might exist in evil, His purposes will overcome it. iii. The Medo-Persian Empire was defeated to make way for the prince of Greece.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 13 iv. The scripture of truth means the true writing, and the reference is doubtless to the Divine purposes or decrees in this matter (Barnes, E- Sword). Note: This addendum was added by John C. Sewell D. The scripture of truth. 1. Daniel 10:20, 21, 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. 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. a. Daniel had now been informed by Michael the prince. b. Michael would fight with the prince of Persia. c. Then the prince of Grecia would come. 2. Michael will show Daniel that which is recorded in the scripture of truth. a. Michael is the sole support against Persia and Greece. 3. Mangano wrote, The heavenly warfare is directed first against Persia and then Greece, because each in turn will have power over God s people. God s people will survive. The College Press NIV Commentary, Esther and Daniel,
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 14 Mark Mangano, College Press Publishing company, Joplin, Missouri, 2001.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 15 Questions Daniel 10:1-21 (Questions based on NIV text.) 1. How are revelations and visions different? How are they alike? 2. If the events in the book of Daniel were listed in chronological order, where would the events of chapter 10 be placed? 3. In the of of, a was given to (who was called ). Its message was true and it concerned a. The of the came to him in a. 4. Describe Daniel s behavior as revealed in verse 2. What accounted for this behavior?
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 16 5. Where was Daniel on the 24h day of the first month? Was this the first moth of the Jewish or Persian calendar? What was the name of this month? 6. Describe in detail what Daniel heard and saw. Exactly what is chrysolite? 7. Why did the men with Daniel not see the vision? Why were they terrified and why did they flee and hide themselves? 8. Describe Daniel s emotional state and actions as discussed in verses 8, 9 and 10. 9. Who had been sent to Daniel? How was Daniel regarded? Why had he been sent to Daniel?
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 17 10. Who had resisted this messenger and for how long? Who had been sent to help this messenger? Why was help needed? 11. Why had this messenger been sent to Daniel? 12. Who touched Daniel s lips? Identify this person. What did Daniel say? 13. Again the who looked like a Daniel, gave him and said, Do not be, O man,! Be now; be.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 18 14. What war was foretold in verse 1? What is the Book of Truth? 15. The one who looked like a man would soon return to fight against the of and when he did this; the of would come. Who supported the one who looked like a man only by. Who was/is he? 16. When were these prophesies fulfilled?