Daniel 10:1-19 ▼

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 Upaz.

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.

10 Then a hand touched me and set me on my hands and knees.

11 He said to me, |Daniel, you are of great value. Understand the words that I am about to speak to you. So stand up, for I have now been sent to you.| When he said this to me, I stood up shaking.

12 Then he said to me, |Don't be afraid, Daniel, for from the very first day you applied your mind to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words.

13 However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me, because I was left there with the kings of Persia.

14 Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to future days.|

15 While he was saying this to me, I was flat on the ground and unable to speak.

16 Then one who appeared to be a human being was touching my lips. I opened my mouth and started to speak, saying to the one who was standing before me, |Sir, due to the vision, anxiety has gripped me and I have no strength.

17 How, sir, am I able to speak with you? My strength is gone, and I am breathless.|

18 Then the one who appeared to be a human being touched me again and strengthened me.

19 He said to me, |Don't be afraid, you who are valued. Peace be to you! Be strong! Be really strong!| When he spoke to me, I was strengthened. I said, |Sir, you may speak now, for you have given me strength.|