Daniel 10:1-9
Daniel Sees a Heavenly Messenger
Read the passage
1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, and it concerned a great conflict. And the understanding of the message was given to him in a vision.
2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks.
3I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself with oil until the three weeks were completed.
4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris,
5I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.
6His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.
7Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves.
8So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless.
9I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
In the third year of Cyrus, a true message about a great conflict is revealed to Daniel, and understanding is given to him in a vision. Daniel has been mourning for three full weeks, eating no rich food or meat, drinking no wine, and using no anointing oil.
On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, he stands beside the Tigris River. He sees a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold. His body is like beryl, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, and his limbs like polished bronze. His voice sounds like a multitude.
Daniel’s companions do not see the vision, but terror falls on them and they run away to hide. Daniel is left alone, deathly pale and without strength. As he hears the man’s words, he falls into a deep sleep, facedown on the ground. The man who has received visions before is still overwhelmed by this encounter.
Questions
1 How long does Daniel mourn?
AnswerHe mourns for three weeks and sets aside delicacies, meat, wine, and anointing. His body participates in the seriousness of the burden he is carrying.
2 Where does Daniel see the messenger?
AnswerHe sees him beside the Tigris River. The setting is specific, but the vision itself is not shared by the men who are with Daniel.
3 How is the messenger described?
AnswerHe wears linen and gold, and his body, face, eyes, limbs, and voice are described with radiant and overwhelming images. The description communicates glory rather than ordinary appearance.
4 What happens to Daniel?
AnswerHis strength leaves him, he becomes pale, and he falls with his face to the ground. Encountering the heavenly messenger makes him aware of his weakness.
What This Means for Us
Daniel’s long mourning and sudden weakness remind us that faith does not make a person untouched by grief or fear. His experience is extraordinary, but his need for strength is familiar.
When someone in your family is overwhelmed, begin by staying near and listening. They may need rest or practical help before they can explain what is troubling them. You do not need to understand every part of their burden to care for them patiently.
Prayer
LORD, meet us in seasons of mourning and uncertainty. Give strength to people who feel overwhelmed, wisdom about spiritual experiences, and companions who know when patient care is needed. Amen.
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