So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. So I was left aloneThis phrase indicates a moment of solitude for Daniel, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of his encounter with the divine. In the Hebrew context, being "left alone" often signifies a preparatory state for receiving a profound revelation or undergoing a significant transformation. This solitude is reminiscent of other biblical figures who encountered God in isolation, such as Moses on Mount Sinai or Elijah in the cave. It underscores the idea that divine encounters often require a separation from the distractions of the world. and I saw this great vision
The "great vision" refers to a divine revelation that is overwhelming in its magnitude and significance. The Hebrew word for "vision" (מַרְאָה, mar'ah) suggests not just a visual experience but an encounter that engages the whole being. This vision is not merely a dream or a fleeting image but a profound spiritual experience that conveys God's purposes and plans. The greatness of the vision highlights its importance and the weight of the message being communicated to Daniel. No strength remained in me
This phrase captures the physical and emotional impact of encountering the divine. In the presence of such holiness and power, human frailty becomes evident. The Hebrew root for "strength" (כֹּחַ, koach) implies not just physical power but also inner resolve and vitality. Daniel's loss of strength signifies the overwhelming nature of the divine presence, which often leaves individuals in a state of awe and humility, recognizing their own limitations in contrast to God's majesty. my face grew deathly pale
The transformation of Daniel's appearance to a "deathly pale" state reflects the fear and reverence that accompany a direct encounter with the divine. The Hebrew expression here conveys a loss of color and vitality, symbolizing the draining effect of such a powerful experience. This change in appearance is a common biblical motif, illustrating the profound impact of God's presence on human beings, as seen in other instances where individuals encounter angels or divine messengers. and I was powerless
The admission of being "powerless" underscores the theme of human weakness in the face of divine strength. The Hebrew word for "powerless" (עָצַר, atsar) can also mean restrained or held back, indicating that Daniel's own abilities and faculties are insufficient in the presence of God's glory. This acknowledgment of powerlessness is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding believers of their dependence on God's strength and the necessity of humility when approaching the divine. It serves as an inspirational reminder that true strength is found not in human effort but in reliance on God's power. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA prophet and a man of God who is receiving a vision. Known for his faithfulness and wisdom, Daniel is a key figure in the Babylonian and Persian courts. 2. The VisionA divine revelation that Daniel receives, which is overwhelming in its majesty and power, leaving him physically weakened. 3. The Heavenly BeingAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Daniel 10 reveals that Daniel is in the presence of a heavenly being, often interpreted as an angel or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. 4. Babylon/PersiaThe setting of Daniel's life and ministry, where he serves under various kings and empires. 5. The River TigrisThe location where Daniel receives this vision, as mentioned earlier in the chapter. Teaching Points The Power of Divine RevelationEncountering God or His messengers often leaves individuals physically and spiritually overwhelmed, highlighting the majesty and holiness of God. Human Frailty in the Presence of GodDaniel's reaction reminds us of our own limitations and the need for God's strength in our lives. The Importance of Spiritual PreparednessJust as Daniel was prepared through prayer and fasting, we too should cultivate a life of spiritual discipline to be ready for God's revelations. God's Sovereignty and ControlDespite the overwhelming nature of the vision, it serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over history and His plans for His people. Encouragement in Times of WeaknessWhen we feel powerless, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our strength and that His power is made perfect in our weakness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's reaction to the vision in Daniel 10:8 compare to other biblical figures who encountered divine revelations? 2. What can we learn from Daniel's spiritual practices that prepared him for receiving such a vision? 3. In what ways does recognizing our own frailty help us to rely more on God's strength in our daily lives? 4. How does understanding God's sovereignty, as seen in Daniel's vision, provide comfort and assurance in uncertain times? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed or powerless. How can Daniel's experience encourage you to seek God's strength in similar situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 6Isaiah's vision of the Lord, where he is similarly overwhelmed by the divine presence, highlighting the common human response to encountering God's holiness. Revelation 1John's vision of Christ, where he falls as though dead, showing a parallel in the overwhelming nature of divine revelation. Ezekiel 1Ezekiel's vision of God's glory, which also leaves him physically affected, demonstrating the power and majesty of God's presence. People Belteshazzar, Cyrus, Daniel, Javan, MichaelPlaces Greece, Persia, Tigris River, UphazTopics Alone, Appearance, Changed, Color, Colour, Comeliness, Corruption, Deathly, Face, Fearfully, Gazing, Helpless, Honour, Myself, Natural, Pale, Pallor, Power, Radiant, Retained, Strength, Vision, Yea, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 10:8 5901 loneliness Daniel 10:7-8 1466 vision Library November 15. "Oh, Man of Desires" (Margin) (Dan. x. 11).
"Oh, man of desires" (margin) (Dan. x. 11). This was the divine character given to Daniel of old. It is translated in our version, "O man, greatly beloved." But it literally means "O man of desires!" This is a necessary element in all spiritual forces. It is one of the secrets of effectual prayer, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them." The element of strong desire gives momentum to our purposes and prayers. Indifference is an unwholesome condition; indolence and …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Daniel's Band
"O Daniel, a man greatly beloved."--Daniel 10:11. It did not do Daniel any harm to know that he was greatly beloved of God; or else he would not have received that information from heaven. Some people are always afraid that, if Christian people obtain full assurance, and receive a sweet sense of divine love, they will grow proud, and be carried away with conceit. Do not you have any such fear for other people, and especially do not be afraid of it for yourselves. I know of no greater blessing that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 Elucidations.
I. (Greater licence, p. 104.) In this treatise, which is designed to justify the extremes of Montanistic fasts, Tertullian's genius often surprises us by his ingenuity. This is one of the instances where the forensic orator comes out, trying to outflank and turn the position of an antagonist who has gained an advantage. The fallacy is obvious. Kaye cites, in comparison, a passage [1125] from "The Apparel of Women," and another [1126] from "The Exhortation to Chastity." He remarks, "Were we required …
Tertullian—On Fasting. In Opposition to the Psychics Youthful Confessors
'But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink; for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The Blessing it is to the Soul. The Effects of It.
1. I wish I could explain, with the help of God, wherein union differs from rapture, or from transport, or from flight of the spirit, as they speak, or from a trance, which are all one. [1] I mean, that all these are only different names for that one and the same thing, which is also called ecstasy. [2] It is more excellent than union, the fruits of it are much greater, and its other operations more manifold; for union is uniform in the beginning, the middle, and the end, and is so also interiorly. …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away.
There is a time when the spirit of error is going abroad, and truth is questioned, and many are led away with delusions. For Satan can change himself into an angel of light, and make many great and fairlike pretensions to holiness, and under that pretext usher in untruths, and gain the consent of many unto them; so that in such a time of temptation many are stolen off their feet, and made to depart from the right ways of God, and to embrace error and delusions instead of truth. Now the question is, …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life A Sight of the Crowned Christ
(Revelation, Chapter i.) "Since mine eyes were fixed on Jesus, I've lost sight of all beside, So enchained my spirit's vision, Looking at the Crucified." "The Lord Christ passed my humble cot: I knew him, yet I knew him not; But as I oft had done before, I hurried through my narrow door To touch His garment's hem. "He drew me to a place apart From curious crowd and noisy mart; And as I sat there at His feet I caught the thrill of His heart-beat Beyond His garment's hem. "Rare was the bread He broke …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
"I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets." That the saints do not remain insensible, while their bodies are in the dull, but become angels, * see and serve God and bear his messages, and minister to the heirs of salvation, hath been argued from several considerations, in the preceding discourse; but we chiefly depend on revelation. The text and several other scriptures, we conceive to be our purpose, and sufficient to establish our theory, and that the same is illustrated and confirmed …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Doctrine of Satan.
I. HIS EXISTENCE AND PERSONALITY. 1. EXISTENCE. 2. PERSONALITY. II. HIS PLACE AND POWER. 1. A MIGHTY ANGEL. 2. PRINCE OF POWER OF THE AIR. 3. GOD OF THIS WORLD. 4. HEAD OF KINGDOM OF DARKNESS. 5. SOVEREIGN OVER DEATH. III. HIS CHARACTER. 1. ADVERSARY. 2. DIABOLOS. 3. WICKED ONE. 4. TEMPTER. IV. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS SATAN. 1. LIMITED POWER OF SATAN. 2. RESIST HIM. V. HIS DESTINY. 1. A CONQUERED ENEMY. 2. UNDER ETERNAL CURSE. VI. DEMONS. THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN. Throughout the Scriptures Satan is set …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke VII. 36-50. ^c 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. [We learn from verse 40 that the Pharisee's name was Simon. Because the feast at Bethany was given in the house of Simon the leper, and because Jesus was anointed there also, some have been led to think that Luke is here describing this supper. See Matt. xxvi. 6-13; Mark xiv. 3-9; John xii. 1-8. But Simon the leper was not Simon the Pharisee. The name Simon was one of the most common among the Jewish …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Links Daniel 10:8 NIVDaniel 10:8 NLTDaniel 10:8 ESVDaniel 10:8 NASBDaniel 10:8 KJV
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