Daniel session 11 worksheet

Daniel chapter 10

Daniel chapter 10 meaning
When Daniel was first captured (Daniel 1:1–7) around the year 604 BC, he would have been a young man. What he sees in this passage occurs nearly seventy years later, around 536 BC. By this time, exiles are beginning to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:2–3) and endure the hardships of rebuilding their city (Ezra 3:8; 4:4–6). However, Daniel is still in Babylon, now under the control of the Persian Empire. Perhaps he was too old to relocate, or not allowed to leave. It’s also possible he chose to remain to continue advocating for the people of Israel.

Daniel sees another vision, this one involving some major conflict. Most interpreters believe this is what shakes Daniel enough to go into mourning. What he saw will be explained in greater detail in chapters 11 and 1. That vision is explained or elaborated on in chapters 11 and 12. Strictly speaking, the specific timing and reason of Daniel’s fast it not provided; it could be the vision that caused his mourning or it could be that Daniel was already in mourning when he saw the vision. Whatever the case, he was certainly deeply troubled (Daniel 10:1–3).

Apparently, Daniel’s reaction to the vision was to seek God in prayer. While standing near the Tigris river, he is stunned by the sight of a celestial being. The creature looks like a man wearing linen and gold, with brilliantly shining limbs and face, and a voice like the roar of a crowd. Aspects of the description resemble those of Jesus in the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:13–16), making some commentators think this is a preincarnate vision of Christ. However, the person Daniel sees appears to be the same entity who speaks of being delayed by another spiritual power (Daniel 10:13). For this reason, it seems best to think of this being as an angel of high order. It is clearly not Michael (Daniel 10:13, 21). This is most likely the angel Gabriel, who often delivers messages from the Lord (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26).Only Daniel sees this; the others with him merely sense the supernatural presence and run away. The encounter is so vivid and powerful that Daniel appears to pass out (Daniel 10:4–9).

Somone or something touches Daniel, restoring him enough to stand back up. Some commentators believe an entirely separate angel touches Daniel and begins to speak to him, but this seems unnatural to the text. More likely is that this is the same being he first saw. The angel reassures Daniel that he’s come to answer prayers and explain Daniel’s vision of the future. The delay was caused by a conflict with some other being, called “the prince of the kingdom of Persia.” This is apparently a demon of some kind, exerting influence over that nation. The angel was unable to break free until aided by the archangel Michael (Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7). This information again overwhelms Daniel, who stands with his face down in shock (Daniel 10:10–17).

Once again, Daniel is given strength and encouragement by the touch of his visitor. The angel calls Daniel “greatly loved” (Daniel 9:23) and notes that his visit is meant to explain what Daniel has seen. This interpretation is absolute truth: taken from the “book of truth.” This does not mean a paper-and-ink object, but instead represents the perfection and accuracy of God’s knowledge (Psalm 56:8; 139:16; 2 Samuel 7:28; Numbers 23:19). The angel prepares Daniel to withstand the intense information which is to come (Daniel 10:18–21). (BibleRef)

Daniel chapter 10 context
The event recorded here occurred in the third year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, around 536 BC. The chapter supplies background to the prophecies detailed in chapters 11 and 12. Daniel received a heavenly visitor, sent to make Daniel understand what Israel will experience in the latter days. Along with chapter 12, this covers the final prophetic vision of Daniel’s book. (BibleRef)

Daniel 10:1-9 (NKJV)
Vision of the Glorious Man
¹In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. ²In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. ³I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. ⁴Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, ⁵I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! ⁶His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. ⁷And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. ⁸Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. ⁹Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

Daniel 10:10-21 (NKJV)
Prophecies Concerning Persia and Greece
¹⁰Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. ¹¹And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. ¹²Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. ¹³But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. ¹⁴Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” ¹⁵When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. ¹⁶And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. ¹⁷For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me.” ¹⁸Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. ¹⁹And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” ²⁰Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. ²¹But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.