An Outline Study of the Book Of Daniel

Daniel Notes - Chapter 10

I. Verse 1-3 "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called 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."

1. Vs. 1: This prophecy, which finishes the remainder of Daniel’s book, was given three years after the Jews were released from captivity. This would place it somewhere around 533 BC.

2. Vs. 1: The thing revealed of which Daniel is speaking is the prophecy comprising the remainder of his book. This chapter details what the angel said to Daniel, not the prophecy itself. The prophecy is in the last two chapters. This chapter deals with why and how he would reveal the matter to Daniel.

3. Vs. 2-3: Daniel was troubled, presumably over the things revealed to him and over the afflictions of his people. This last prophecy with the accompanying discussion was in response to Daniel’s concern to help with his burden.

II. Verses 4-9 "And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 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: 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. 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. 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."

1. Vs. 4-6: It may have been the angel Gabriel that came to visit Daniel on this occasion. Gabriel elsewhere spoke to Daniel in the revelation of these prophecies. See Dan. 8:16 and Dan. 9:21. Because of the events recorded in Lk. 1:19, 26 Gabriel is regarded by many as the angel of choice when God uses an angel to give some special revelation. Also note in Dan. 10:13 this individual is working with Michael the Archangel in battle against an evil prince (angel).

2. Vs. 4-9: It may have been Christ that spoke with Daniel here. The language here is remarkably similar to Rev. 1:14-15, which is a description of Christ.

III. Verses 10-21 "And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 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. 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 I remained there with the kings of Persia. 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. 21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince."

1. Vs. 10-12: With such a frightful experience, Daniel needs reassurance. So the messenger tells Daniel God hears his prayers and accepts him. The messenger here may be the same one as in verses 4-9 or may be a different person.

2. Vs. 13: This messenger has been contending with the evil prince or angel behind the Persian Empire. This appears to be part of a great spiritual conflict going on in the spiritual realm that affects events between nations. This idea may seem extraordinary or even bizarre to us, but it is consistent with the fact God brought certain nations to power and controlled certain events among these nations. See Dan. 4:17, Rom. 13:1-3f, etc. The question of whether God is still involved in this manner is not settled in this prophecy, neither is it essential to understanding what was happening here.

3. Vs. 13: Michael relieves this messenger so he may go speak with Daniel. This is likely Michael the Archangel mentioned elsewhere in scripture. See Dan. 12:1, Jude :9, Rev. 12:7, also I Thes. 4:16.

4. Vs. 14-21: The messenger expresses urgency in finishing what he has to say so he may return to the battle for control of world events. This seems to imply such battles are somewhat of a struggle, though God’s cause has and always will win.