Daniel 10

Daniel’s Vision by the River

1 So in the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, a word came to Daniel (the dude also known as Belteshazzar). It was some serious truth about a great war. Daniel understood it because he got the vision.

2 In those days, I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks straight.

3 I did not eat any fine food, no meat, no wine, and I did not even lotion up for three full weeks.

4 On the 24th day of the first month, I was by the Tigris River.

5 I looked up and saw this man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.

6 His body was like topaz, his face lit up like lightning, his eyes were flaming torches, his arms and legs were like polished bronze, and his voice sounded like a crowd talking all at once.

7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision. The dudes with me did not see anything, but they got shook and ran off to hide.

8 So I was left there all alone, looking at this vision. I was drained of strength, my face turned ghostly pale, and I felt weak.

9 Then I heard him speak, and as soon as I heard it, I passed out, face down on the ground.

A Heavenly Messenger

10 Suddenly, a hand touched me and got me up to my hands and knees. I was still shaky though.

11 He said, “Daniel, you are highly esteemed. Stand up and listen because I got a message for you.” As he spoke, I stood up trembling.

12 He said, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. From the first day you set your mind to understanding and humbled yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come because of them.”

13 “But the prince of the Persian kingdom held me up for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the top angels, came to help me, and I left him to handle the kings of Persia.”

14 “Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, because the vision concerns a time yet to come.”

15 While he was speaking to me, I could not even look up. I just kept my face down.

16 Then someone who looked like a man touched my lips, and I was able to speak again. I said, “My lord, because of this vision, I am weak and can barely stand.”

17 “How can I, your servant, even talk to you, I have got no strength left, and I can hardly breathe.”

Strength for the Journey

18 The one who looked like a man touched me again and gave me strength.

19 He said, “Do not be afraid, you are highly esteemed. Peace! Be strong now.” When he said this, I felt stronger and said, “Speak, my lord, I am ready to listen.”

20 He said, “Do you know why I have come to you, Soon I must go fight the prince of Persia, and after him, the prince of Greece will come.”

21 “But I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.”