1 In the third year of Cyrus (called by his appellation "Darius" [= the restrainer, or the maintainer, in 9:1; 424 B.C.]. 2 years later than in ch. 9. This is Daniel's latest date; which continues to the end of this book, 73 years since his deportation: he now being 89 years old) king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar (see 1:7); and the thing was true, but [concerned] a long (or great) warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three sevens of days. (The 67th, 68th, 69th weeks. See next verse and v.13, in contrast with 9:24,25. Cp. this humiliation with that of 9:3-19)
3 I ate no pleasant food, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three sevens of day were fulfilled.
M W1 Y4-8. Angel of the Lord. Z1 9-. His words. X1 -9. Their effect. W2 Y2 10. Angel of the Lord. Z2 11-14. His words. X2 15. Their effect. W3 Y3 16-. Angel of the Lord. Z3 -16-17-. Daniel's words. X3 -17. Their effect. W4 Y4 18. Angel of the Lord. Z4 19-. His words. X4 -19. Their effect. W5 Y5 20-. Angel of the Lord. Z5 -20,21. His words.
4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month (through Passover), as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; (i.e. the Tigris. See Gen. 2:14. Land of Syria.)
5 Then I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen (Pure. Cp. the description in Rev. 1. Note the Divine and angelic appearances in this book), whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
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 color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men (cp. Acts 9:7) that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. (It frightened them.)
8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness (vigor) 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. (Because of the supernatural presence)
10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. (He was a little shaky.)
11 And he said to me, 'O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright (stand up and act like a man): for to you am I now sent.' And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.
12 Then said he to me, 'Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day (see 9:23) that you did set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard (God even knows what your thinking), and I am come for your words. (Daniel received these blessing for our benefit so we would know what would befall us, especially in the generation of the fig-tree. Began in 1948 when Israel became a nation again. See Jer. 24, then 9:27)
13 But the ruler (Satan) of the kingdom of Persia (Iran and Iraq) was standing confronting me one and twenty days (see vv.2,3. 3 weeks ended on the last day of Passover): but, lo, Michael (= who is like God? The 2nd angel named in this book. The special angelic ruler for Israel [v.21; 12:1. Cp. Jude 9, and Rev. 12:7]), one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I was superfluous there (i.e. not needed. Hence we may render "I left him there") beside the kings of Persia.
14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days (Gen. 49:1. Num. 24:14. Deut. 4:30; 31:29. See 2:28. Note the bearing of this on the prophecy itself, given in 11:21-12:3. The Holy Spirit gives unction, but God speaks to very few.): for yet the vision is for many days.' (The gap theory.)
15 And when he had spoken such words to me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. (Cp. Ps. 139:1-10. Mark 13)
16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips:
then I opened my mouth, and spoke, and said to him that stood before me, 'O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. (The presence of the Lord can be an awesome thing.)
17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? (Its very difficult)
for as for me, straightway there continued 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 (for endurance) me, (For the spiritual war. Knowledge of exactly what is going to happen. There is nothing like the touch of our Father.)
19 And said, 'O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong.'
And when he had spoken to me, I was strengthened, and said, 'Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me.' (You and Him are a majority.)
20 Then said he,
'Know you wherefore I come to you? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia (Satan): and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Greece (Alexander) shall come.
21 But I will show you that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holds with me in these things, but Michael your prince. (Michael is the one that casts Satan to earth)