DANIEL SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 10.14

Gleanings from the Book of Daniel:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

DANIEL

Chapter Ten

Daniel’s Final Vision

The Prologue

 

Introduction

Previously, Daniel had received a glimpse into the invisible world. Daniel's concern and love for his people were evidenced by three weeks of fasting and prayer regarding Israel’s future.

 

In his encounter with Daniel, Gabriel explained to Daniel he was sent by God in answer to his prayer. However, he had been hindered by the prince of Persia, a demonic national entity. Remarkably, Michael, the archangel came to his assistance and was victorious in this spiritual battle.

 

 

(Verse 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’s Purpose

Gabriel had come to disclose to Daniel three important elements regarding the prophetic revelation he was about to receive:

1. The vision concerns thy people

a.  The prophecy will encompass the future history of Israel

 

2. The vision will be accomplished in the latter days

a.  The prophecy will be fulfilled at the end of the seventy weeks (of years) or the latter days, i.e., the end of the Great Tribulation and at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

 

3. The vision is for many days yet to come

a.  The prophecy extended far into Israel’s distant future (cf. Daniel 8:26)

 

b.  The prophecy is the culmination of Jacob’s prediction to his sons (cf. Genesis 49:1-28):

Genesis 49:1 - And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.

 

 

(Verse 15)

 

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

 

The Reaction of Daniel

After hearing the message from Gabriel, Daniel became overwhelmed and responded in two ways:

1. He set his face toward the ground. Literally, I bowed my face earthward. This was done as an expression of humble reverence, similar to his experience in Daniel 10:9 upon encountering a Christophany

 

2. He became dumb or tongue-tied, that is to say, he lost his speech

 

 

(Verse 16)

 

And, behold, one like the similitude (resemblance) 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.

 

The Relapse of Daniel

Once again, Daniel witnessed an angel. There is some debate as to who is this manifestation. However, most commentators agree it is most likely Gabriel in the form of a man.

 

 And now, because he was speechless, the angel touched Daniel’s lips. In doing so, it enabled Daniel to speak God’s message for Him once again. Notice, this will be the fourth time Daniel had to be supernaturally touched (cf. Daniel 8:18; 9:21; 10:10).

 

Other prophets had likewise been touched for an utterance to occur, for instance:

1. Coal, a symbol for the Word, was placed upon Isaiah’s lips by a seraphim angel to purge him from sin:

Isaiah 6:7 - And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

 

2.  The hand of Yahweh touched Jeremiah’s lips to give him eloquence:

Jeremiah 1:9 - Then the LORD put forth His hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put My words in thy mouth.

 

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

The Reasoning of Daniel

Forthwith, upon being touched on his lips, Daniel spake to Gabriel saying three things:

1. Daniel addressed Gabriel as lord

By addressing the angel in this fashion, the word lord (small letters) is simply a title of respect, as one would say, sir.

 

2. Daniel stated his sorrows were turned upon him

The expression his sorrows were turned upon him is a colloquialism for, he was overcome with anguish or it caused him anxiety.

 

3. Daniel claimed his strength had not returned to him

At this point, Daniel continued to remain powerless.

 

 

(Verse 17)

 

For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? (NKJV) for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.

 

Daniel’s Continuing Weakness

Overwhelmed with his entire spiritual experience, Daniel found himself both physically and emotionally drained. So, with the little strength he did have, and with humility,  Daniel conversed with the angel alerting him of his unworthiness to receive such a disclosure in his condition. 

 

 

(Verse 18)

 

Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.

 

Reinvigorated

Once again, an angel, one who looked like a man, appeared to Daniel (cf. verse 10) and strengthened him for the fifth time (see verse 16 notes). Daniel needed his physical strength to receive the details of God’s enormous prophetic message.

 

Angels

Angels are also ministering spirits. The author of Hebrews attests:

Hebrews 1:14 - Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

Consequently, angels have the license to restore and empower individuals. Ultimately, however, strength is ordained by God as the angel did so to Daniel’s body.

 

Other Strengthened Prophets

1. With confidence, Job believed God would strengthen him (cf. Job 23:6)

2. With  confidence, Moses sang of the Lord’s strength (cf. Exodus 15:2)

3. With confidence, Ezra acknowledged his strength came from the hand of the Lord (cf. Ezra 7:28)

4. With confidence, David exclaimed God was his power and strength (cf. 2 Samuel 22:33)

5. With confidence, Isaiah trusted Yahweh for His strength and song (cf. Isaiah 12:2)

6. With confidence, Jeremiah credited his strength to the Lord (cf. Jeremiah 16:19)

7. With confidence, Habakkuk rejoiced in the Lord’s strength (cf. Habakkuk 3:19)

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

Daniel’s Recovery

Reiterating his elevated greatly beloved status, i.e., highly esteemed by God, Daniel received from Gabriel a customary greeting, “Peace be unto you.”  Immediately following the salutation, the angel of the Lord, on behalf of the Lord, twice declared these words of encouragement – “Be strong!” – Similar to the fashion in which Joshua had been exhorted on the eve of his conquest (cf. Joshua 1:9).

 

And when he [believed to be Gabriel] had spoken unto me, I [Daniel] was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me

After his strength was regained, Daniel responded positively. He stated he was now prepared to receive the message and interpretation of the prophecy sent by God.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

Spiritual Warfare

Daniel is meticulous in chronicling every little detail. Gabriel begins by asking Daniel, Do you understand why I have come? In effect, Daniel is about to fully comprehend the purpose of Gabriel’s visitation.

 

Even though the initial battle had been victorious against the prince of Persia Michael, the conflict not only would continue, but it would reach 200 years into the future to the succeeding empire, Greece. Therefore, after Daniel's message had been delivered, Gabriel along with Michael would return to their struggle with the prince of Persia, an invisible being having influence on the Persian Empire.

 

Once the Persian supernatural battle ended, they would begin a new campaign on Israel’s behalf with the prince of Greece, another territorial spiritual appointee of Satan. This struggle would especially entail the reign of Antiochus the Great. Recall, Persia and Greece were the second and third empires mentioned in both Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel’s visions and dreams.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

Comradery

Gabriel has much confidence in the help of Michael to defend him against Satan's principalities. Michael, the heavenly prince over Israel, would stand up and support Gabriel in any opposition the people of God would encounter.

 

But I will shew thee that which is noted [recorded, or registered] in the Scripture of Truth

The Word of God

Assuredly, Gabriel points to Scripture in answer to his question from verse 20, Do you know why I have come? He calls it the Scripture of Truth. God had pre-determined the future in His Word. So, Gabriel will reveal to Daniel what God in His foreknowledge has already sanctioned.

In other words, Daniel will be the catalyst to pen the prophetic programme of God for His people, Israel, up until the end of the world. There will be nothing contradictory, and what Daniel will hear and record will be the absolute and inerrant truth of God.

 

Epilogue to Chapter 10

Chapter 10 has shown how Daniel was prepared to receive and disseminate His revelation. The mere fact that an entire chapter is devoted to Daniel's preparation for receiving God’s prophetic plan emphasizes its importance and relevance to Scripture.

 

This book of Truth sets the stage for Daniel 11 by presenting a macro-view of the End Times, whereas the book of Revelation is a detailed version of a larger picture. Understand, only God reveals the future to those who are prepared to receive it. As clarified by John:

John 16:13 - Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1. What was the purpose of Gabriel’s visitation?

2. How did Daniel react to the angel’s visit?

3. How was Daniel affected by this visitation?

4. How was Daniel viewed by God?

5. Who was the prince of Grecia?

6. What was Michael’s involvement with Gabriel?

7. What is meant by the term Scripture of Truth?

 

 

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