DANIEL SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 10.7

Gleanings from the Book of Daniel:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

DANIEL

Chapter Ten

Daniel’s Final Vision

The Prologue

 

Introduction

It is the end of Babylonian captivity. God had raised up Cyrus the Great of Persia to send Israel back to their promised land to rebuild their Temple.

 

While in captivity, Daniel had been instrumental in interpreting two dreams of Nebuchadnezzar, and he had experienced two visions dealing with future Gentile world empires.

 

Now, in the third year of King Cyrus, Daniel, evidently on a business trip with his entourage, somewhere near the banks of the  Tigris River, received a third visionary experience after three full weeks of fasting and praying for his people. This time, however, Daniel saw a pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ (a Christophany).

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

The Reaction to the Vision

Confronted with the glorious manifestation of Christ (verses 5 and 6 fill in the details), Daniel was left alone, for he was the only one who saw the vision. The other men had not seen anything, however, they were tremendously affected by what occurred. Perhaps they may have seen the effects of the vision upon Daniel.

 

The text reads a great quaking (terror, trembling) fell upon them. Thus, His unseen presence caused them to flee and go into hiding (cf. Exodus 19:16; 20:18). A commensurate experience occurred when the Apostle Paul encountered the risen Lord on the road to Damascus:

Acts 9:7 - And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

The Impact upon Daniel

Daniel emphasizes the fact that he was solitary, indicating he was the only recipient to whom the vision was directed.

Clarification of comeliness and corruption are needed in this place:

1. Comeliness comes from the Hebrew word howd (Strong’s H1935), meaning complexion. It was also used to describe the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 53:2).

2. Corruption in this context renders frailty or being deathly pale.

 

Then he continued to describe its effect upon him:

1. He lost his physical strength

2. He became pale

3. He remained powerless

 

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

The Transition

From this point forward, I believe a transition is taking place. After hearing words from the voice of the Lord, Daniel went into a deep sleep (cf. Daniel 8:18; the same expression is found in Genesis 2:21 when God formed Eve) and fell prostrate to the ground. Here, it is highly likely the presence of the Lord exited and one of His angels, most likely Gabriel, began ministering unto Daniel.

 

Note: although the Bible does not specifically mention Gabriel by name, he is assumed in this passage, since he explained the vision of the he-goat and the ram to Daniel (cf. 8:16), and the seventy weeks prophecy (cf. Daniel 9:21). Why then would he not be the one chosen to reveal the most comprehensive prophecy of the End Times until the book of Revelation?

 

 

(Verse 10)

 

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

 

The Strengthening of Daniel

Unexpectedly, as Daniel was in a state of unconsciousness and exhaustion, a few actions were initiated:

1. Daniel was touched by an angel

This will be the third of five times Daniel is touched and strengthened (cf. Daniel 8:18; 9:21; 10:16, 18; see also Jeremiah 1:9). Notice: Daniel felt the hand on his body.

 

2. Daniel was positioned by an angel

a.  Upon his knees

b.  Upon the palms of his hands

The angel took extra precautions with Daniel, for he moved him slowly.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

Daniel’s Strength Restored

The angelic visitor, believing it to be Gabriel due to Daniel’s earlier encounters with God’s announcing angel, now audibly speaks to him.  He informs Daniel he is greatly beloved by God.

 

To be highly esteemed or desirable by God is an honor bestowed upon a select few in the Bible: Abraham (Isaiah 41:8), David (1 Samuel 13:14), John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11), Mary (Luke 1:42), and John the Apostle (John 13:23).

 

O Daniel…understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright

It was imperative in two ways for Daniel to give his utmost attention, to fully comprehend the details of the vision Gabriel was about to reveal. Not only was Daniel to mentally separate the meaning of Gabriel’s’ words, but he was commanded to stand upright so that he would be fully capable and alert to receive God’s prophetic revelation.

 

For unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling

The angel Gabriel explained to Daniel that he was sent from God to give him understanding, as he did once before near the banks of the Ulai River (cf. Daniel 8:16).

 

Recall, when reciting the words of Isaiah, Jesus told His listeners at the synagogue He had been sent by God, the Father:

Luke 4:18 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the LORD. [and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;(Isaiah 61:2b)]

 

Then, Daniel remembered trembling after hearing the words spoken by the angel.

 

 

(Verse 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 Purpose of Gabriel’s Visit

While he was still weak and trembling, Daniel heard a powerful and valued expression from the angel. He told Daniel, Fear not. The phrase fear not is used numerous times in Scripture and simply means, be fearless, do not worry, or do not be afraid.

 

In unique circumstances, fear not has been told to numerous Bible personalities. A few are mentioned:

1. To Abraham (cf. Genesis 15:1)

2. To Isaac (cf. Genesis 26:24)

3. To Jacob (cf. Genesis 46:3)

4. To Joshua (cf. Joshua 8:1)

5. To David (cf. 1 Samuel 23:17)

6. To Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 7:4)

7. To John (cf. Revelation 1:17)

 

Note: As an assignment, search the Scriptures and find as many fear not or variations thereof that may apply to him, her, them, or I.

 

Why Daniel was told to fear not was in response to Daniel’s 21 days of prayer and fasting…

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

From the very first day, Daniel had purposed in his heart to understand and humble himself before the Lord, God heard every word. And so, the angel was sent to answer Daniel’s petition.

 

Sometimes delay in answering prayers is not necessarily a sign of denial or procrastination. Nevertheless, we should continue to pray (read Jesus’ parable in Luke 18:1-8):

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

Luke 18:7 - And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear[s] long with them?

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

Good and Evil in the Spiritual Realm

The angel who spoke to Daniel provided him with a fascinating glimpse into the unseen world. There was a conflict ensuing in the transcendent realm. Gabriel told Daniel that he was restrained by the prince of the kingdom of Persia for three weeks from visiting him.

 

Angels

Angels are innumerable created invisible spirit beings that manifest themselves on some occasions. They are inferior to God, but superior to man (cf. Psalm 8:46; Hebrews 2:7).

 

Furthermore, angels have diverse degrees and levels of ranks and ministries as characterized in Scripture:

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.

 

Colossians 1: 16 -  For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him.

 

Fallen Angels

On the other hand, fallen angels are followers of Lucifer (Satan) who have rebelled against God and have attempted, and are continually trying to thwart God’s plan, purposes, and program for mankind throughout the ages. Likewise, they too have powers, ranks, and ministries.

Jude 1:6 - And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

 

Revelation 12:9 - So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

 

The prince of the kingdom of Persia

The Doctrine of Tutelary

There appears to be an order of protection or guardian angels, watching over, not only the affairs of men but also of nations. Satan too has a network of demonic forces that influence the events of nations and history. The title prince in this particular case depicts a powerful agent of Satan or a chief angel. And, apparently, he was geographically assigned to and presided over the activities of a nation, namely Persia.

 

The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days

Even though God is sovereign, He does allow opposition from the enemy. Undoubtedly, the fallen angel was powerful enough to hinder and delay one of heaven’s mightiest angels for twenty-one days.

 

For this reason, Gabriel was unable to attend to Daniel sooner, however, his 21 days of mourning had not gone unnoticed. God was fully aware. Interestingly, two-hundred years later, the forces of the prince of Greece will be influential over that empire (cf. Daniel 10:20).

 

So, two actions are evident here:

1. Gabriel had been hindered by the prince of Persia

2. Gabriel had been helped by one of the chief princes

 

But, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia

The Archangel Michael

Michael is a named angel, the chief, mighty, or archangel of God who is charged with the task of being the protectorate of God’s elect, Israel. He is sometimes addressed as the prince of Israel (cf. Daniel 10:21; see further Revelation Simplified 12.7). In this scenario, however, Michael assisted him, causing Gabriel to continue his mission while he remained in Persia with their future kings. 

 

 

Next, Gabriel is free to explain the final vision of what is to transpire in the End Times for the nation Israel. But, before that happens in Chapter 11, Daniel gets a relapse where he could not even catch his breath. Discover the reason as the narrative continues…

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1. Where was Daniel in this chapter?

2. What happened to the men who were with Daniel?

3. What happened to Daniel?

4. Who are the main characters in this study?

5. What did the angel call Daniel?

6. When was Daniel’s prayer answered?

7. Why did it take so long to answer Daniel’s prayer?

 

 

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 DANIEL SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 10.1.Introduction

Gleanings from the Book of Daniel:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

DANIEL

Chapter Ten

Daniel’s Final Vision

The Prologue

 

Introduction

The final three chapters in the book of Daniel comprise one great prophetic thought. It is the last vision that he received from God with details filled in from the previous ones. A timeline of juxtaposed events that must transpire, not only for the immediate future but also, and the distant as well, is presented to Daniel regarding Israel during the End Times, especially throughout the Tribulation Period.

 

Now, Daniel is about 85 years of age and it had been 70 years since he was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Israel’s 70-Year Captivity is over. And, after Daniel had watched the collapse of the Babylonian Empire under Cyrus the Great, the story begins two years since the first decree was issued for the captives to return to their homeland (cf. Ezra 1:1-4).

 

Key Verse

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.

 

Outline

The Prologue – Chapter 10

The Prophecy – Chapter 11

The Epilogue – Chapter 12

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

The Setting for the Vision

By way of introduction, Daniel authors a preface to the three-chapter finale by referring to himself in the third person. The setting is disclosed. He states this took place during the third year of the reign of King Cyrus the Great of Persia. Consequently, it would have occurred, according to the dating system subscribed, around 537/536 B.C.

 

Notice also in his recording, Daniel refers to himself as Belteshazzar. Recall, his name Daniel (God is my Judge) had been changed by Nebuchadnezzar to Belteshazzar (May Bel protect his life) at the beginning of the Babylonian captivity (cf. Daniel 1:7; 2:26). By this time, it may be the assimilated Israelites only knew him by his Babylonian name.

 

The Thing

A thing (you know the thing, used several times throughout the book) is a word, message, decree, or revelation. It is expressly implied, a matter spoken of.

In the opening line, the thing has several components:

1. The thing was revealed

a.  The revelation of future events

2. The thing was true

a.  The revelation of God as truth

3. The thing was appointed

a.  The revelation of a great lengthy conflict

4. The thing was understood

a.  The revelation is clearly understood

 

 

(Verse 2)

 

In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks.

 

A Time to Mourn

Two years after he had received the Seventy Weeks prophecy (cf. Daniel 9), Daniel had become discouraged because only a remnant, 42,360, of his people returned to Palestine (see Ezra 2:64).

 

Additional reasons for Daniel’s sorrow may be attributed to these factors:

1. His people would endure much suffering prophetically

2. His people became paganized living in Babylon

3. His people were comfortable with their lifestyles

a.  Some had farms

b.  Some had businesses  

4. His people became complacent in their sins

5. His people were disinterested in rebuilding the Temple

6. His people never experienced the sacrificial system

7. His people lacked the motivation in their hearts to return

 

Understand, this incident was over two generations removed from the time of Daniel's deportation. Everyone, less than 70 years of age had never seen the grandeur that once was Solomon's Temple. Again, they had no desire to go back, especially for a reconstruction program.

 

Daniel had been mourning for three entire weeks

Here, for three weeks (21 days) Daniel was mourning (bewailing, or lamenting), and alone with God. Recollect, Daniel had customarily prayed on his knees three times daily facing Jerusalem (cf. Daniel 6:10).

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

An Exceptional Fast

As Daniel was lamenting for three weeks, He had fasted, however, it was not a normal fast, but a limited one. He articulates the conditions he endured:

1. He ate no pleasant food

Pleasant food was a term used to describe staples that were desirable, in some instances, delicacies. This would be considered antithetical to the bread of affliction, i.e., unleavened bread (cf. Deuteronomy 16:3).

 

2. He ate no meat

Because of Daniel’s high position within both empires, he was privy to food from the king’s table which neither may nor may not have included meat. Either way, he had abstained from such food portions.

 

3. He drank no wine

According to Greek historian Herodotus, the Persians drank wine in large quantities. So, it would have been a readily available beverage, specially reserved for royalty at the time. It was mainly symbolic of joy and festivity. Anyway, Daniel had fasted from any such wines or diluted grape drinks.

 

By this time, it is clear Daniel had not made a life-long commitment to bland food (cf. Daniel 1:8). With regards to the meat and drink, Daniel would have continued to maintain a diet of clean foods according to Jewish dietary laws, which did not prohibit wine.

 

4. He anointed himself not

During his three-week period of mourning and fasting, Daniel refrained from anointing himself. The practice of anointing with oil (mainly olive oil) had several implications, some entailed:

1. It was characteristic of grief (cf. 2 Samuel 12:20)

2. It was practiced on festive occasions (cf. Isaiah 61:3)

3. It was used in a purification process (cf. Esther 2:12)

4. It was used as a perfume (cf. Ruth 3:3)

5. It was symbolic in anointing priests (cf. Exodus 40:15)

6. It was employed traditionally as an ointment for protection from the sun

 

Most likely, Daniel had not used any oils as a skin lotion for his twenty-one-day fast. Hence, Daniel mourned not only for seven appointed days (cf. Exodus 12:18) but for three times the period of a fast.

 

(Verse 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’s Location

Abib or Aviv (young ear of grain) was originally the first month of the Hebrew ecclesiastical year which ran from mid-March to mid-April. Abib marked the beginning of spring and when the feast of Passover was celebrated (cf. Deuteronomy 16:1). The month was later changed to Nissan (their flight) after the Babylonian captivity (cf. Nehemiah 2:1; Esther 3:7).

 

So, in the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, on the twenty-fourth day of Abib, Daniel states his location being along the shore of the great river Hiddekel, i.e., the Tigris River (cf. Genesis 2:14). The Tigris River was located roughly fifty miles east of Babylon and flows into the Persian Gulf.

 

Daniel was probably at this locale on a business trip with some of his aides (cf. Daniel 10:7).

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

An Unexpected Visitor

All of a sudden, as he looked up, a certain man (one who had the appearance of a man) came into view. Daniel first noticed two distinct features:

1. He was clothed in linen

Linen was indicative of the High Priest’s garments worn on the day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:4). Linen symbolizes the holiness of God.

 

2. He was girded about his loins with fine gold of Uphaz

A girdle or belt around the waist was customarily worn in the East. However, this sash was flecked with fine gold of Uphaz (an unknown region known for its gold), thus personifying the sovereignty of God.

 

At this point, Daniel was not in a dream, as he was earlier in Shushan by the river of Ulai (cf. Daniel 8:2), nor had he seen a vision when he encountered this divine being. He had a real encounter (explained later).

 

 

(Verse 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 Visitor’s Description

Additional and unusual features of the certain man are listed hereby:

1. His body was like the beryl

Beryl is a transparent yellowish precious stone epitomizing the glory of God.

 

2. His face was as the appearance of lightning

Lightning embodies the omnipotence of God.

 

3. His eyes were as lamps of fire

His fiery eyes represent the omniscience of God.

 

4. His arms and feet were like the colour of polished brass

Polished bronze exemplifies the judgment and wrath of God.

 

5. His voice was like the sound of a multitude

Similar to the voice of many waters (cf. Revelation 14:2), i.e., the voice from a crowd of people depicts the omnipresence of God, supreme over the nations.

 

The certain man has been identified in several ways:

1. Some say he is the archangel, Gabriel

2. Some say he is the archangel, Michael

3. Some say he is another spiritual being in bodily form

4. Some say He is a theophany, a vision of God the Father

5. Some say He is a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany)

 

The most likely candidate congruent to this passage would be Jesus Christ in His post-Resurrection glorious nature. Namely, because He has a striking resemblance to the Alpha and Omega of Revelation 1:13-16 (cf. Ezekiel 1:26-28; see also Revelation Simplified Chapter 1.13).

 

 

Next, Daniel has experiences like he never had before. The drama unfolds in the following study.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1. Why was Daniel discouraged?

2. How did he handle his discouragement?

3. How long did Daniel fast?

4. What were some things Daniel did during his fast?

5. Who does Daniel encounter?

6. Where was this encounter?

7. What did the person Daniel encountered look like?

 

 

If this study was a blessing to you, make it a blessing to others.

SAVE AND FORWARD THIS LINK

http://breadoflifeministriesassoc.blogspot.com/