Daniel’s Terrifying Vision of a Man
November 18, 2022
Commentary
Another vision is given to Daniel, shortly before his death (v. 1). This vision took place during “The third year of Cyrus king of Persia.” It seems that Daniel was now around eighty years of age and had retired from public service. Prior to this vision, Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, but Daniel stayed in Babylon. He may have been too old to make the long, hazardous journey or his government duties could have caused him to stay behind.
Daniel had been fasting and praying for three weeks concerning his people’s destiny (vv. 2-3). At the end of this three week period when he was standing by the Hiddekel (Tigris) River an angel from heaven appeared unto him (vv. 4-6). Evidently his companions who were with him did not see the angel but feeling a supernatural presence was near they became frightened and fled away (v. 7). Daniel remained alone and was broken by the Lord as he portrayed himself before the messenger. The angel touched Daniel and trembling he stood upright on his feet. The messenger explained how he would have been detained because of evil spirits who had opposed him. Daniel definitely caught a glimpse of the battle between good and evil powers.
When the vision ended, Daniel was alone and felt weak (v. 8). The glorious messenger he had seen in the vision then spoke to Daniel. I heard the voice of his words, (v. 9), must refer back to the figure in (vv. 5-6. It is evident that Daniel was broken and crushed on behalf of his people.
Application
One reason we in the Church today don’t see more results is because we do not have the brokeness that Daniel had. I want to do less feasting and more fasting and prayer in my life as Daniel did.
Daniel 10:1– 9 (NET)
1 In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel (who was also called Belteshazzar). This message was true and concerned a great war. He understood the message and gained insight by the vision.
2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three whole weeks. 3 I ate no choice food, no meat or wine came to my lips, nor did I anoint myself with oil until the end of those three weeks.
4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was beside the great river, the Tigris. 5 I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen; around his waist was a belt made of gold from Ufaz. 6 His body resembled yellow jasper, and his face had an appearance like lightning. His eyes were like blazing torches; his arms and feet had the gleam of polished bronze. His voice thundered forth like the sound of a large crowd.
7 Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men who were with me did not see it. On the contrary, they were overcome with fright and ran away to hide. 8 I alone was left to see this great vision. My strength drained from me, and my vigor disappeared; I was without energy. 9 I listened to his voice, and as I did so I fell into a trance-like sleep with my face to the ground.