Daniel 10ASV
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Daniel10

American Standard Version · Public Domain

1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.

3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

4And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,

5I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz:

6his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

7And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves.

8So 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.

9Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.

10And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

11And he said unto me, O Daniel, thou 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.

12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand, and to humble thyself before thy God, thy words were heard: and I am come for thy words’ sake.

13But 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.

14Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days.

15And when he had spoken unto me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was dumb.

16And, behold, one in the likeness 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 reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I retain no strength.

17For 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 was there breath left in me.

18Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.

19And he said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he spake unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

20Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come.

21But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me against these, but Michael your prince.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Daniel 10.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: Daniel's vision near the river Hiddekel. (1-9). He is to expect a discovery of future events. (10-21).

vv1-9

This chapter relates the beginning of Daniel's last vision, which is continued to the end of the book. The time would be long before all would be accomplished; and much of it is not yet fulfilled. Christ appeared to Daniel in a glorious form, and it should engage us to think highly and honourably of him. Let us admire his condescension for us and our salvation. There remained no strength in Daniel. The greatest and best of men cannot bear the full discoveries of the Divine glory; for no man can see it, and live; but glorified saints see Christ as he is, and can bear the sight. How dreadful soever Christ may appear to those under convictions of sin, there is enough in his word to quiet their spirits.

vv10-21

Whenever we enter into communion with God, it becomes us to have a due sense of the infinite distance between us and the holy God. How shall we, that are dust and ashes, speak to the Lord of glory? Nothing is more likely, nothing more effectual to revive the drooping spirits of the saints, than to be assured of God's love to them. From the very first day we begin to look toward God in a way of duty, he is ready to meet us in the way of mercy. Thus ready is God to hear prayer. When the angel had told the prophet of the things to come, he was to return, and oppose the decrees of the Persian kings against the Jews. The angels are employed as God's ministering servants, Heb. 1:14. Though much was done against the Jews by the kings of Persia, God permitting it, much more mischief would have been done if God had not prevented it. He would now more fully show what were God's purposes, of which the prophecies form an outline; and we are concerned to study what is written in these Scriptures of truth, for they belong to our everlasting peace. While Satan and his angels, and evil counsellors, excite princes to mischief against the church, we may rejoice that Christ our Prince, and all his mighty angels, act against our enemies; but we ought not to expect many to favour us in this evil world. Yet the whole counsel of God shall be established; and let each one pray, Lord Jesus, be our righteousness now, and thou wilt be our everlasting confidence, through life, in death, at the day of judgment, and for evermore.

Cross References

Daniel 10

Remarkable detailed parallel of the glorified figure: linen clothing, golden girdle, eyes of fire, polished brass feet.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v13Revelation 12:7thematic

Illuminates spiritual warfare in the unseen world, featuring Michael the archangel contending with opposing spiritual powers.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v13Ezra 4:4-6thematic

Historical context of the Persian court's active opposition to the Jews rebuilding the temple.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v20Daniel 10:13thematic

Symmetric connection showing ongoing spiritual warfare involving the prince of Persia and the prince of Grecia.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v1Habakkuk 2:3thematic

Calvin highlights this parallel to show that though the promised vision tarries long, the faithful must wait.

Supported by John Calvin

v2Daniel 9:3thematic

Establishes Daniel's consistent pattern of intense prayer, mourning, and fasting to seek divine understanding.

Supported by JFB

v6Ezekiel 1:16allusion

Both describe a heavenly vision utilizing the unique azure-like 'beryl' or Tarshish stone.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v9Revelation 1:17thematic

John's identical physical reaction (falling as dead) upon seeing the glorified Christ, requiring a physical touch.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v1Daniel 1:21thematic

Clarifies Daniel's lifespan and tenure under Cyrus, reconciling his post-court life with earlier chapters.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v7Acts 9:7thematic

Verbal and thematic parallel to Saul's companions hearing a voice but seeing nothing, trembling in fear.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v13Daniel 12:1thematic

Reinforces Michael's designated identity as the great angelic prince standing watch over Daniel's people.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v13Jude 1:9thematic

New Testament identification of Michael as the archangel engaged in direct, high-level spiritual conflict.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v6Ezekiel 1:24allusion

Parallels the voice of the heavenly figure to the sound of a great multitude.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v6Ezekiel 10:9allusion

Ezekiel's vision of the wheels also shares the distinct appearance of 'beryl' or Tarshish stone.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v10Daniel 8:16thematic

JFB identifies the touching hand as Gabriel, the angel previously commissioned to make Daniel understand.

Supported by JFB

v11Hebrews 1:14thematic

New Testament definition of angels as ministering spirits sent out to serve those inheriting salvation.

Supported by Matthew Henry