CHAPTER X. [Hebrew.]
B.C. 536-5.
1. In the third year
third since the conquest of Babylon, but first in the personal reign over Babylon
of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
2. In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
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.
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;
Tigris is the modern name for the river Hiddekel. The period of Daniel’s mourning began on Saturday, March 31st, B.C. 536, and continued 3 weeks until Saturday, April 21st. Meantime the Passover occurred on Thursday, April 12th.
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:
Ophir
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.
“One like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.” Rev. I. 13, 14, 15.
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.
“And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me.” Acts XXII. 9 also IX. 7.
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.
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 was completely overcome by the glory of this Divine manifestation.
10. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
The angel Gabriel now appears on the scene, and again assures Daniel that he is greatly beloved and continues the kindly offices spoken of in Daniel VIII. 16.—IX. 21, 22.
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.
John was the beloved apostle, John XIII. 23 and Daniel the beloved prophet, Dan. IX. 23.
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.
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 remained there with the kings of Persia.
“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation.” II Chron. XXXVI. 22.
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.
15. And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
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.
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.
18. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
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.
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.
Dan. VIII. 21.
21. But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth:
the Book of future events
and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
“Michael the archangel.” See Jude 9th verse.—“The captain of the Lord’s host.” See Joshua V. 15.—“Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels.” Rev. XII. 7.
The next chapter gives a bird’s-eye view of the period covered by the 2300 days. For a full explanation see Note D.