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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