Daniel Chapter 10

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History of the World

Daniel 10:1 — 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.

Cyrus defeated Belshazzar and gained dominion over the entire Medo- Persian territory (about 539 B.C.E. This vision occurred somewhere around 535-534 B.C.E. Although the events of the vision would not be fulfilled for many years (or in his time), Daniel was told that they would surely come to pass. He was also given full understanding of the vision’s meaning. The final two chapters of the book of Daniel are the continuation and completion of the prophecy that begins in this chapter(probably his last prophetic vision).

Daniel 10:2 — In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

Much speculation has been focused upon the reason for Daniel’s long fast and mourning. Most likely, Daniel was grieved by the complacency of his people. Cyrus had signed the decree that freed the Israelites from their captivity in Babylon, thereby allowing them the liberty to return to their homeland to restore the city and temple; but, only a few of the Israelites desired to leave the foreign land to which they had grown to love. Furthermore, accordingly, Jerusalem and its temple were still in ruins at this time and, those who went there to build met with stiff resistance. Many of the Israelites, including the priestly tribe, had become corrupted from intermarriage with the Babylonians.

Daniel 10:3 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.

Daniel refrained himself from pleasant tasting, highly seasoned foods that satisfied human desires. Neither did he tend to his hygiene. He did only the simple things that were required to survive. Daniel’s physical deprivation highlights his spiritual concerns. His plight was a private one of lamenting and fasting for three weeks over the state of things.

The day of God’s vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” {5T 212.3}

We are not to be of sad countenance. We are not to mourn and lament because of our trials, although we shall sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. {14MR 288.3}.

In the time of the end the people of God will sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. With tears they will warn the wicked of their danger in trampling upon the divine law, and with unutterable sorrow they will humble themselves before the Lord in penitence. {PK 590.2}

Daniel 10:4 — And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; Daniel was along the shore of the great Tigris River, called Hiddekel in some translations, when he saw a man “dressed in linen, and he had a belt made of gold from Uphaz.” Uphaz is commonly believed to be another name for the country of Ophir. The Bible refers to Ophir as a place renowned for its vast quantities of fine gold (1 Kings 9:28; Job 22:24; Isaiah 13:12).

Daniel 10:5 — 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:

Daniel 10:6 — 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.

The descriptions given in verses five and six indicates that this glorious being was most likely an appearance of Christ- the same description as been given of Him in Revelation 1:13-15.

Revelation1:13 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. Revelation 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; Revelation 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Daniel 10:7 — 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.

Daniel re-emphasized that he was alone during this vision since the others had gone to hide themselves. He was already weakened from three weeks of fasting, and what little energy might have remained in him was completely drained by this vision-he couldn’t have ran away even if he wanted to.

Dan 10:8 — 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. Daniel 10:9 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.

Daniel fainted after being completely overwhelmed by the vision; Despite this helpless condition, Daniel was still able to hear the words that were spoken to him. Daniel’s response is similar to John’s reaction to the appearance of the Son of Man in Revelation. “When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man” (Revelation 1:17). In comparing the passage in Revelation chapter one and this passage in Daniel chapter ten, we see many parallels in both the vision of Christ and in the response of Daniel and John.

The description in verses five and six of the first being depicts an unmistakable and glorious appearance that is distinctive to the Son of God when compared to His similar appearances recorded in the Bible.

Daniel 10:10 — And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

A hand touched Daniel and then placed him in an upright position, he now found himself in the presence of another being .Although the introduction of another being is not clearly described, we may conclude by the surrounding evidence that Daniel was visited by two separate beings as in his vision in chapter eight.

Furthermore, the one who now stood before Daniel seems, by his own words, to be simply a messenger sent specifically to Daniel, which would indicate that this being was an angel of God.

Daniel 10:11 — 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.

The angel addressed Daniel as “greatly loved.” What a privilege it is to be loved and respected by God! As evidenced throughout his life, Daniel had truly cultivated a deep fellowship with God and commitment to prayer. He did not waiver in his convictions but firmly stood upon the principles and promises of God.

Daniel 10:12 — 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.

The messenger arrived at the appointed time to comfort and reassure Daniel. Daniel was told not to fear because his voice had been heard in heaven from the first moment he uttered his heartfelt prayer. The angel also explained that he had been sent immediately in response to Daniel’s prayers, but there had been a delay, as explained in the following verse.

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.

The angel said that “the prince of the Persian kingdom opposed him for 21 days” until the archangel Michael came to his assistance. This prince should not be misinterpreted to mean either Cyrus, the king of Persia, or his son, Rather, this prince is of the spiritual realm, the principal agent among the vast forces of demons- it’s satan.

This verse implies that God immediately sent the angel when Daniel first prayed, but this angel was engaged in a spiritual battle along the way. This was the reason given for the delay when responding to Daniel’s prayer. Nevertheless, this delay does not diminish the power of Almighty God to act.

With all the significant visions, wonderful miracles, and valuable lessons within the book of Daniel, this verse is most important-it has highlighted an important point that has often times been overlooked. We are given a first-hand account of the spiritual warfare that takes place all around us -yet remains unseen by the human eye.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

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. Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

The angel told Daniel that he was caught up in this battle until the archangel Michael came to his assistance. He told Daniel that he was there to help him understand the future of his people (the Jews). Through this message, Daniel was given spiritual insight of a prophetic nature into the future because he had sought God earnestly. He humbled, deprived, and prepared himself to talk to God and to hear from Him, and as we see in these verses, the Lord graciously answered

Daniel’s prayer.

Something to think about

According to the angel, the Lord answered Daniel’s prayers from the very first moment that he prayed. For our prayers to be effectual, we must be certain that we have no impediments that hinder our communication with God (Isa 59:1 Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear). “The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29 (KJV)).

Sin obstructs our communication with God. When we clutter our minds and hearts with sin, our relationship with God will be strained, due to our hardened hearts; God will not honour the prayers of those who live in disobedience to His commands. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18 KJV). “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination” (Proverbs 28:9 KJV).

Our busy schedules, family obligations, and other worldly preoccupations can also detour us from prayer, because they drain our time and energy. Ironically, when these daily pressures become unbearable, we often neglect what should be our first priority. Therefore, we must learn to prioritise that which is most urgent and important.

“ Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever ” (1 Chron. 28:9 KJV).

The impediments to an effectual prayer life can be easily removed if we will set our hearts to loving and obeying God. When Daniel sought Him, God was easily found. God promises that if we wholeheartedly seek Him, we, too, will find Him. “Deut. 4:26-31 (KJV) I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. 29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 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; 31 (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.”

What us hindering your intimacy with God? Have you focused your whole attention on seeking an intimate conversation with Him?

Satan leads an army of evil angels-fallen angels who have become slaves to him-and are fully under his command Revelation 12:7; 1 Peter 5:8 In this case- we have seen that demons seek to dominate the affairs of nations. Satan possess the heart of human being and rule there as god. Ezekiel 28.

He seeks to occupy the minds of our children. He, the enemy of souls, was watching for opportunities to gain control of the mind of every child whose parents had not given faithful instruction in regard to Satan’s snares. {Counsel to Parents &Teacher 204.4}.

We are admonished by Paul to pray for the leaders of the land 1 Timothy 2:1-3. In this matter-every Christian needs to be a Daniel, praying earnestly that God will assign angels to fight back the demonic forces who are seeking to control the nation and city where we live.

Demons are assigned to control the homes- streets, avenues and most of all the minds of people and they come in full force. Mark 5:9 (KJV) And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

There are many doors that demons use to enter our homes: Books- card games- television-internet –alcohol-drugs-and many others. They can make children unbearably rude-that’s why we must pray like Daniel.

Daniel 10:14 — 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.

The angel told Daniel that the conflict ended after Michael came to his assistance, and he was now come to give him insight in the great controversy and the future of God’s people. Through this message many things are made clear for our learning and spiritual insight.

Michael is another name for the son of God, this name is used when Christ is in direct combat with satan.

Daniel 10:15 — And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.

And when he had spoken such words … Daniel was naturally overcome by the communication which had been made to him and the lack of physical strength after three weeks fasting. The presence of a heavenly being; the majesty of his appearance; the assurance that he gave that he had come to answer his prayer; and the fact that he had important revelations to make respecting the future, overwhelmed him, and he laid his face upon the ground in silence.

Daniel became speechless as he listens to the angel, again he put his face to the ground. This being had come as a direct messenger from God, and Daniel understood the importance of this angel’s visit, the message, and the great spiritual battle that God’s people must face in the future.

Daniel 10:16 — 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.

This appears to be the same being that touched Daniel in verse ten. Daniel respectfully addressed the being and admitted that he was overwhelmed, deeply grieved and utterly weakened as a result of all that he saw-he was deeply stricken by sorrow. These are things that we should study carefully and pay attention to, because the vision is for the latter days.

Daniel 10:17 — 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.

Daniel 10:18 — Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, Daniel was physically weakened from his fasting and emotionally drained from what was revealed to him. As the angel again touched him, he gained strength instantly by the power of God.

Daniel 10:19 — 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.

The messenger, with pity and compassion reiterated that Daniel was a man greatly loved by God. Daniel anxieties subsided as he was reassured and comforted. He told the angel to carry on because he was now strengthened.

Daniel 10:20 — 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.

The angel asked Daniel if he knew why he came to him, then he explained to him the nature of the current situation. He said that he had to return to fight with the prince of Persia, not against him, and when that empire had fulfilled its course, the Grecian Empire would come and take control. The angel would then have to battle with the controlling demonic forces of that empire.

By the angel’s words, we again sense the ongoing spiritual warfare between good and evil. Satan and his angels are a powerful force that only God can conquer. Satan constantly tries to interfere with God’s plan for creation and our salvation, more specifically, with those who seek the will of God.

Our time is one of intense spiritual warfare, but satan is only able to do that which is allowed by the Sovereign God. Therefore, we must pay attention to what is happening around us. The Almighty God has already won the victory, but for each one of us-it’s not over until Christ reigns supremely in our lives.

Daniel 10:21 — 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.

The messenger told Daniel that he would reveal the truth. Then, the messenger claimed that no other angel except Michael, could help him in this battle against Satan’s forces and their relentless hostility toward God’s people.

The Great Controversy-Chapter XXXI. - Agency of Evil The connection of the visible with the invisible world, the ministration of angels of God, and the agency of evil spirits, are plainly revealed in the Scriptures, and inseparably interwoven with human history.

There is a growing tendency to disbelief in the existence of evil spirits, while the holy angels that “minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation,” [HEB. 1:14.] are regarded by many as the spirits of the dead. But the Scriptures not only teach the existence of angels, both good and evil, but present unquestionable proof that these are not the disembodied spirits of dead men. {GC88 511.1}

From the days of Adam to our own time, our great enemy has been exercising his power to oppress and destroy. He is now preparing for his last campaign against the church. All who seek to follow Jesus will be brought into conflict with this relentless foe.

The more nearly the Christian imitates the divine Pattern, the more surely will he make himself a mark for the attacks of Satan. All who are actively engaged in the cause of God, seeking to unveil the deceptions of the evil one and to present Christ before the people, will be able to join in the testimony of Paul, in which he speaks of serving the Lord with all humility of mind, with many tears and temptations.

Something to think about

Daniel was physically exhausted from fasting and fervently praying- during his infirmity, God strengthened him, thereby empowering the prophet to withstand the test of his faith. We are weak frail vessels-we appear to be strong enough to withstand any trial or temptation, but all of us have experienced or will experience a breaking point in life.

When unexpected events turn tragic, we quickly find that we are not resilient and that we need more sustenance than we can muster on our own. At that hour, when our spirit is utterly broken, God picks up the rubble of our lives and binds the pieces together by His miraculous power. In our weakness, God is made stronger because we realize, more than ever before, how much we need Him.

2Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Corithians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Times of weakness empty and cleanse us of our pride, so we can be used for God’s purposes. We become consecrated vessels, ready to be filled with His power and to pour forth a living testimony to other people who also need Him. Have you experienced y our breaking point before the Lord?