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Book of Daniel
Chapter 10

INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL 10

Chapters 10; 11 & 12 of Daniel give a more complete description of the vision in Daniel chapter 8, with a second vision on the same subject. Daniel 10 is an introduction covering the spiritual background of the historical world (Job 1:7; 2:1; Zec.3:1-2; Rev. 12:7). God’s angels act as the ministers in God's government to mankind. Daniel chapter 11 is the actual prophecy and Daniel chapter 12 brings the conclusion. As it is in the world of nature (Jn.5:4; Rev.7:1-5), so it is in human history. Angels help in fulfilling God's will in human history and resist and fight against the God-opposed evil spirit of the world. The struggles of angels (and ours) are not just symbolic, but very real (1 Sam.16:13-15; 1 Ki.22:22; Eph.6:12).

Theme: Time, place and preparation of Daniel for the vision; the vision of Christ glorified; transforming effect on Daniel; message of an unidentified heavenly messenger; Daniel assured and strengthened after the vision.
The last three chapters of Daniel should be treated as one vision. The vision relates to the nation Israel in the immediate future and also in the latter days (Jer.23:20; 30:24; 48:47; 49:39; Dan.2:28; 10:14; Hos.3:5), for instance there was the historical little horn and there shall also be a little horn in the yet to come latter days.

Some commentators consider this last vision to be the greatest of all the visions of Daniel. It is really a most exceptional section. There are things here that are different from all other chapters, and in this last vision even the method of revelation was changed.

This vision fills in far more details of the previous visions. While all was prophetic (in the future) when it was given, at the present time, much has been fulfilled and is history . . . there is also so much that is yet prophetic . . . to be fulfilled in the latter days. The line of distinction between what has been fulfilled and what is yet to be fulfilled is not always clear . . . for some predictions have a near and local fulfillment but they also have a yet to come future fulfillment.

The fulfillment in the immediate future gives us the key for the far future fulfillment. For instance, the historical fulfillment in Antiochus Epiphanes gives us a picture of the future fulfillment that will be fulfilled in the horrid Antichrist.

The key to understanding these last three chapters is found in the words that the angel gives to Daniel. Daniel 10:14 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. (KJV) . . . He had been sent to tell Daniel what would happen to his people (Israel) in the future. The vision was about the future. In other words, it will be a long time before this will be fulfilled, and it concerns Daniel's people, the people of Israel. (Let me caution you against trying to put the church in this section, because Daniel is making it very clear that he is talking about his people.)
We are stepping into a very amazing, extraordinary and strange section of the Bible. It is as though the veil of the spiritual world is in part and for a moment pulled to the side, and we get a look into the unseen world (Ex.33:23; Num.22:23-31; 2 Cor.4:18; Eph.6:12; Heb.13:2). There is absolutely nothing here to satisfy the morbid interest of an idle onlooker, but there is plenty to feed the serious longing of the humble believer, like the result that it produced upon Daniel.

When we intrude into the spiritual realm, we find the order of angels . . . both good and bad angels, fallen and unfallen ones . . . and we will be able to better understand some things about the kingdom of Satan, which is with us today (Jn.12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph.2:2). So many people take a tiny fact and then add a truck load of fiction to this subject of the spiritual realm. We need to know what the Word of God states about it.
It seems that angels do have and exercise a free will, because many of them by their own choice followed Satan in his rebellion against God. It seems that these fallen angels belong to the order of demons, which is frequently referred to in the Gospels. Angels (both good and bad ones) are in different orders, ranks and positions and have various powers and abilities, just like people do on Earth. Col. 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (KJV)
This makes a separation in God's Creation, not only of that which is in Heaven and that which is on Earth, but also of that which is visible and that which is invisible. There is a great realm today that is invisible. There are so many things in this world that we know very little about.

Why did Satan fall from Heaven? Satan fell because of pride. He wanted to BE God, not to be a servant of God. Isaiah 14:12-14 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (KJV) . . . Satan’s fall from Heaven is symbolically described here and in Ezekiel 28:12-18. While both these Passages refer specifically to the kings of Babylon and Tyre, they also refer to the spiritual power behind those kings, meaning Satan. They describe WHY Satan fell, but they do NOT tell us exactly WHEN he fell. We do know that the angels were created BEFORE the Earth (Job 38:4-7), and we know that Satan fell BEFORE he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen.3:1-14). So, Satan’s fall must have happened AFTER the time the angels were created and BEFORE he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. That really is all that we need to know.
Dear one, the Book of Job tells us, at least at that time, Satan still had access to Heaven and to the Throne of God (Job 1:6-7). It seems that at that time, Satan was still moving freely between Heaven and Earth, speaking to God directly and telling God what he was doing. At what point God discontinued this access is NOT known.
How did Satan fall from Heaven? In reality, fall is not a correct word. It would be far more accurate to say God cast Satan out of Heaven (Isa.14:15; Eze.28:16-17). Satan did NOT fall from Heaven . . . instead, Almighty God THREW him out!
For more about angels, see Special Comments at the end of this chapter.

Satan also has his angels (evil angels, demons) organized according to rank. Just as one army is set over against another army, there are generals on both sides. Satan's principalities seem to have the oversight of nations. His powers are the privates of his army, demons seeking to possess human beings. The rulers of the darkness of this world are demons who have charge of Satan's worldly business, and there is SO much wicked business going on down here. There is spiritual wickedness in the world (Eph.6:12), this being the demons who have charge of religion. It is my opinion that religion is the largest branch of all Satan’s activities!  Many people think Satan is against religion . . . he is NOT! He promotes FALSE religion! BEWARE!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_f_d%20_false_doctrines.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/death_then_what_1.1.htm
These two groups of angels move in the world in which we live. One group is on our side trying to win souls for Jesus . . . the other group works hard trying to capture the souls of men for Satan. We will see more of this as we go through this section.

Time, Place, and Preparation of Daniel
For The Vision (10:1-4)

Daniel 10:1 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. (KJV)
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia . . . this was 2 years after Cyrus' decree for the restoration of the Jews had gone forth, in accordance with Daniel's prayer (Dan.9:3-19). This vision gives not only general outlines, but small details of the future. This vision expands the vision in Daniel 8:1-14. That which then none understood (Dan.8:27), here Daniel says, he understood the thing; for a messenger was sent to him for this (Dan.10:11, 14), to make him understand it. Most likely Daniel was no longer in office at court. Daniel 1:21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. (KJV)
A thing was revealed . . .  A term used 25 times in Daniel and 45 times in Revelation, which emphasizes the subject matter of both books.
But the time appointed was long . . . the time for fulfillment was in the far distant future (verse 14). Even yet today it has not been completed. At least all of Daniel 11:35 through Daniel 12:13 is yet to be fulfilled. The idea is that the prophecy referred to great calamity, there would be many wars before all these things are fulfilled. What did Jesus say?
Matthew 24:6-9 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8  All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (KJV)
If Daniel understood the vision before the now historical section (Dan.11:2-34) was fulfilled, we today can surely understand the vision AFTER the fulfillment of this section. The whole vision is very plain, as we shall see.

Daniel 10:2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. (KJV)
Mourning three full weeks . . . that is a long time for a man to be in fasting, prayer and constant emotional strain. The weeks are most likely dated from the time of the termination of the last vision. Mourning hereis afflicting oneself by fasting from pleasant bread, flesh and wine, as a sign of sorrow. I think the following verses prove that fasting is NOT a vital Christian obligation; but merely an outward expression of sorrow and separation from ordinary worldly enjoyments, in order to give one's self to prayer.
1 Cor. 8:8  But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. (KJV)
1 Timothy 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. (KJV)  
Daniel's mourning was most likely for his countrymen, who met with many obstructions to their building of the Temple, from their adversaries in the Persian court.

Daniel 10:3 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. (KJV)
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth . . . this is saying that Daniel was NOT on a total fast. His fast was rather a general abstinence of the so-called good things of life. He lived on coarse and plain food; drinking nothing but water.

Daniel 10:4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; (KJV)
And in the four and twentieth day of the first month . . . the 24th day of our April.
I was by... the... river . . . Daniel was awake, not a trance (vs.7); as when younger, he saw the future in images, but now when old, he receives revelations from God’s angels in common language. In the patriarchal period God often appeared visibly, called theophany.
Daniel gives us the exact place and date when he received his vision and revelation. He was by the great river Hiddekel, which is the Tigris River. The time was the 24th of Nisan (April 24). Daniel is stating exact dates which makes it hard for the critics to argue with.
Hiddekel is found only twice in Scripture (Gen.2:14; Dan.10:4). It is better known as the Tigris, a more modern name not found in Scripture. The Euphrates is mentioned 21 times, for along its winding course many Biblical events took place.

I will put verses 5 & 6 together, because of the content.

Daniel 10:5-6 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. (KJV)
Daniel does not see an image or vision of beasts or weeks as before. He sees a certain man. WHO is that certain man? Some commentators hesitate to identify him, dodging the difficulty by saying he was just a heavenly visitor. Well, they, in my opinion are right. They cannot be very wrong if they call Him a Heavenly Visitor. But that is not an explanation of this Passage. I truly do believe this Person is Christ Jesus.
When the Lord Jesus was on Earth, He gave many parables, and some of them concerned the activity of a certain man (Mat.17:14; 21:28; Mk.12:1; Lk.13:6; 14:16; 20:9). That certain man was either God the Father or God the Son. In the verse above, the certain man is identified even further by His Person and His clothing. Can you see a striking similarity there, to the vision of Christ after His ascension into glory as it was seen by John in the Revelation?
Revelation 1:12-18 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13  And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14  His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15  And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16  And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (KJV) . . . The apostle John saw the glorified JESUS! I believe Daniel saw Christ . . . NOT the pre-incarnate Christ as many saw in the Old Testament, but the glorified Christ that John saw in Revelation.
Pre-incarnate Christ: (Gen.17:1; 18:1-3; 19:24; Ex.6:2-3; 24:9-11; 33:11, 20, 22-23; Num.12:6-8; Josh.5:13-15; Amos 4:10-11).        
Glorified Christ: (Dan.7:9-10, 13-14; 10:6; Mat.17:2; 28:3; Mk.9:3; Lk.9:29; Acts 10:30; Rev.1:13-17; 2:18; 19:12)  

Daniel saw the post incarnate Christ, in His office as Priestly Intercessor and Judge and the Great Shepherd of the sheep. Remember, both Israel and the church are called His sheep (Ps.23; Eze.34:23; Jn.10:16, 27-30). The Bible tells us that Moses and Elijah were present to see the transfiguration of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel records (Mat.17:1-13; Mk.9:2-13; Lk.9:28-31). Daniel was not present at that time. Why? I think that maybe because he had already seen the glorified Jesus, and this is the record of it.     
 
Consider the description of the Glorified Christ:

• He was clothed in fine linen (Dan.10:5; 12:6-7; Rev.1:13;19:8; Ex.28:4-12).
• His loins were girded with fine golden girdle (Dan.10:5; Rev.1:13).
• His body was like the beryl (Dan.10:6; Rev.4:3). The beryl is a gem.
• His face was as the appearance of lightning (Dan.10:6; Rev.1:16; 10:1).
• His eyes were as lamps of fire (Dan.10:6; Rev.1:15; 19:12). 
• His arms like polished brass (Dan.10:6; Rev.1:15; 10:1).
• His feet like polished brass (Dan.10:6; Rev.1:15; 10:1).
• His voice was like a voice of a multitude (Dan.10:6; Rev.1:15; 8:5; 10:2-4; 11:15; 14:2; 16:17-18; 19:6; Ps. 29).

Transforming Effect on Daniel (Daniel 10:7-9)

Daniel 10:7 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. (KJV)
Only Daniel alone saw the vision . . . the men that were with him did not see anything. This proves that one person can see a vision while others cannot, even though they are present at the time (Acts 9:7; 22:9). That is the way it will be when the Rapture takes place (Mat.24:40-41; 1 The.4:13-17).
Two things happened to Daniel's companions: (1.) A great quaking fell upon them. (2.) They fled to hide themselves. I do not think that any ordinary angel, not even an archangel would have had this effect upon these men.

Daniel 10:8 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. (KJV)
Daniel was left alone. What a marvelous experience of that man of God! Many have shared eagerly and joyfully in a like experience in the Bible! Abraham left Ur, and his kindred, and he was alone with God (Gen.12:1-3). Moses was sent to the backside of the desert of Midian, and at the burning bush he was alone with God (Ex.3:2-4). Elijah was disciplined by the Brook Cherith, and God was with him (1 Ki.17). Jeremiah walked a lonely path, but God was with him (Jer.1:4-19). John the Baptist was in the desert alone, but God was there (Lk.1:76-79). Paul had two years of solitary confinement in that same desert, which was God's opportunity to train him (Ga.1:10-19). The apostle John was exiled on the lonely isle of Patmos, but God was with him (Rev.1:9).
So many people, in my estimation are foolish, because the first thought that comes into their head is to get together to have a big prayer meeting. Dear one, have you ever tried being alone on a One on one basis with the Lord? In all the instances above that I mentioned, it was strictly One on one! God with one person! Personally I believe that prayer should be private and personal! I believe God hears the prayer of all His TRUE children. I say TRUE because there are millions who say they are “Christians” but in reality they are still the devil’s children (1 Jn.3:10).
God will not hear sinners: (Job 27:8-9; 35:12; Ps.18:41; Pro.21:13; 28:9; Isa.1:15; Jer.14:12; Eze.8:18; Mic.3:4; Jn.9:31) . . . God will NOT hear unforgiven sinners (Jn.3:15-18).
http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm 

Sincere prayer is where God will meet you privately on a very personal basis. Believe the Word of God and take it with you. Go off alone with Him in a quiet place. It will do you so much more good than a public prayer meeting!
It seems to me that the ungodly and the unbeliever are very sociable. They want to go to booze joints and nightclubs to have a drink with someone . . . anyone. They run in packs, they seem to want people around them all the time. They don't like to be alone.
In this Scripture, Daniel is alone with God, and he sees the Lord Jesus Christ. When that happened, Daniel said: there remained no strength in me. It had a tremendous effect upon him.  

Daniel 10:9 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. (KJV)
Yet heard I the voice of his words . . . even though Daniel had no strength, he was able to hear the words of Christ, which also added to his fear and frailty.
Then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground . . . as one that fainted, or as one that slumbered, and as one that fell flat on the ground.
It seems that Daniel fell unconscious. It does not say how long he was like that. The Lord Jesus left him, and when Daniel did regain consciousness, he found that an angel had come and ministered to him. Angels ministering: (Mat.4:11; Mk.1:13; Lk.22:43).

Message of an Unidentified Heavenly Messenger (10:10-14)

Daniel apparently is face down, flat on the earth, when a hand touches him.

Daniel 10:10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. (KJV)
An hand touched me . . . this heavenly messenger was sent by the post incarnate Christ to answer Daniel's petition. Who was he? It is my opinion that he was Gabriel, since Gabriel was sent to Daniel on other occasions (Dan.8:16; 9:21); but, he could have been just another angel.

Have you ever considered what a poor creature man is, for Almighty God to crush or to raise by the His mighty Hand? I think it would be wise for all of us to reconsider the sovereignty of God.

Daniel 10:11 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. (KJV)
A man greatly beloved . . . I believe that the Lord molds and models us like clay in His Hands to make us in His image (Gen.1:27). NO one is fit for any great thing until we are humbled; and when we are lowest in our eyes, we are most precious in God's eyes.
Understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright . . . when Saul (Paul) was struck down and blinded (Acts 9), he then received his call and commission to be an apostle, and to know the mystery of Christ (Rom.16:25; Eph.3:4, 9; Col.1:27, 22; 4:3).
When he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling . . . the Lord does not restore at once His servants from their frailties, so that they by slow, steady comforts may be grateful for every drop of mercy sent their way. By not being restored at once when they are humbled, they may be cautioned, by the remaining fears and frailties, to keep their hearts humble. Trembling at the Lord’s Voice: (Ex.19:16; Ps.114:7; 119:120; Isa. 6:5; 64:2; Jer.5:22; 23:9; Eze.3:14; 45:3-5; Dan.9:27; 10:8, 10-17; Joel 3:16)   

As we see, at first Daniel was flat with on the ground, then he was brought up on all fours, and now he is told to stand up. A man greatly beloved . . . again Daniel is reminded of the fact that he is greatly beloved of God (Dan.9:23). What a wonderful tribute this was/is to Daniel!

Daniel 10:12 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. (KJV)
From the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand . . . here is an example of prayer being delayed (vs 12-13). We must remember that such delays should NEVER hinder our faith or cause us to give up seeking an answer that is promised by God. Delays should only urge us on, and renew our efforts to be persistent in prayer and faith until the answer comes (Lk.18:1-8).

Daniel 10:13 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. (KJV)
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days . . . this is difficult, and it has led to many ideas. Some say it is earthly princes, some say angels. I think the prince of the kingdom of Persia is probably an evil angel of darkness that represented the Persian world power, to which Israel was then subject. This verse gives the reason why, though Daniel's words were heard from the first day (vs 12), the good angel did not come to him until more than three weeks (21 days) had elapsed (vs 4), which goes along with the three weeks of Daniel's mourning (vs 2).
Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me . . . Michael means who is like God? Even though an archangel, one of the chief princes, Michael is NOT ever to be compared to God. Michael, as supporter of Israel before God (Dan.10:21; 12:1) helped to influence the Persian king to permit the Jews' return to Jerusalem.
I remained there with the kings of Persia . . . the angel prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days, then Michael, one of the chief angels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.

One of the chief princes . . . means that there are ranks among angels (1 Thes.4:16; Jude 1:9).
Prince of the kingdom of Persia . . . refers to the satanic princes of the kingdom of the Medes and Persians. See more about angels at the end of this chapter. Ranks or orders of angels.

Four Angels Named in Scripture
1. Lucifer (Isa.13:12; Eze.28:11-17)
2. Michael (Dan.10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev.12:7)
3. Gabriel (Dan.8:16, 21; Lk.1:19, 26)
4. Abaddon or Apollyon (Rev.9:11)

Daniel 10:14 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. (KJV)
Now after being held back, I am come to give thee understanding as to all the purposes and provisions of God relating to thy people. This made up for the delay and this was the joyous effect of effectual fervent prayer (Jam.5:16). This was God showing abundant lovingkindness to His servant Daniel, to confirm him with such an honorable a messenger as Michael. God would not only give Daniel the knowledge of the present times and dispensations towards thy people and their enemies, but for a long time after, even 490 years, to the Coming of the Messiah, as he did to David (2 Sam.7:19).
I think that this is the key that opens the door to our understanding of the remaining part of the Book of Daniel. We must consider the following features which describe this closing vision.

• The vision concerns thy people (the Jews, Israel). I think we can definitely and firmly identify the prophecy as having Israel as its subject. Thy people means Israel.
• The prophecy will be fulfilled in the latter days. This places the final fulfillment in the period of the Seventieth Week, which is the time of the Great Tribulation period. The latter days places it at the end of that period.
• Yet the vision is for many days. This put emphasis on the fact that a long period of time is involved . . . not only in fulfillment . . . but before the vision will be finalized.

We will now come to the two parts of the vision: the historical (it was prophetic when it was given, but now has been fulfilled) and the prophecy yet to be fulfilled in the future.

Daniel Assured and Strengthened (10:15-21)

Daniel 10:15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. (KJV)
Even with the previous healing touch in verse 10, Daniel is again flat on the ground and unable to speak. Face toward the ground . . . means bowed in humble reverence (Gen.19:1). Dumb . . . Daniel was unable to speak due to the overwhelming reverence that he felt.

Daniel 10:16 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. (KJV)
One like the similitude of the sons of men . . . an angel in the shape of a man . . . some say this was Gabriel, others insist this was Jesus Christ, as before He that had humbled Daniel (vs 5-6), and now helped and encouraged him.
I opened my mouth, and spake . . . this cannot be until the Lord touches our lips (Ps.41:15; Isa.6:5-7; Jer.1:9). Even if this were an angel that appeared to Daniel, and spoke to him as a man, Daniel could not tolerate his presence without some natural fear (Rev.19:10; 22:8-9).
As before, the angel touched Daniel, this time on the lips, so he could speak. All this had a tremendous effect upon Daniel physically.

Daniel 10:17 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. (KJV)
For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? . . . I do not think this is the man clothed in linen (vs 5-6), who appeared so glorious, and whom Daniel knew to be more than a man. I think this was just an angel of the Lord. Thus Daniel being a mere mortal, sinful man, considered himself a servant of the angel of the Lord that was now before him (Rev.19:10; 22:8-9), who had touched him, and was speaking with him, and to whom he was so inferior.  Daniel must have felt very unfit and unworthy to have conversation with one that was so infinitely above him.

The Physical Effect Upon Daniel

• Strength went from me (Dan.10:8).
• My comeliness (beauty) was turned to corruption (Dan.10:8) Marred; made ugly.
• I fell into a deep sleep, face down (Dan.10:9).
• A hand touched me and set me upon my knees and hands (Dan.10:10).
• I then stood upright trembling (Dan.10:11).
• I had great fear (Dan.10:12).
• I fell again, face down (Dan.10:15).
• I became dumb, speechless (Dan.10:15).
• My lips were touched by the angel and I was able to speak again so I complained of being without strength and unable to breathe right (Dan.10:16-17). I was again strengthened and made strong enough to receive the revelation or interpretation (Dan.10:18 through Dan.12:13).
  

Daniel 10:18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, (KJV)
Daniel needed a second touch, and another word of encouragement before he could hear and tolerate the angel's words about the vision and prophecy. It was only after the angel touched Daniel again that he regained his strength.

Daniel 10:19 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. (KJV)
O man greatly beloved . . . again we have this wonderful compliment to Daniel (Dan.9:23; 10:11). The Lord is compassionate, gracious and merciful towards His saints in their infirmities (Ps.31;7, 22; 78:38; 86:13; 103:13-14; 106:44; 111:4; 145:8). And this tender way of moving towards Daniel was a symbol of good to him and his people (Israel), that the Lord would be favorable to them. Daniel is then reassured that he need not fear any evil from the appearance of this angel (vs 20-21).

Daniel 10:20 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. (KJV)
Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?. . . do you know why I came to you? In a moment I must return to fight against the evil spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia, and when I am gone, the guardian angel of Greece will appear. By what I have already said, and what I will further tell you about your prayers, which God has accepted, for God has appointed me to reveal to you what shall be to the end.
To fight with the prince of Persia . . . Cyrus, or Cambyses, who by his counsels and captains hinder the work of God; and to bring the prince of Greece upon him, Alexander the Great, who utterly ruined the Persian monarchy. It was a wonder that the prince of Greece with thirty thousand men could do it. http://www.ancient.eu/article/214/
http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=aa02
We must remember that the Lord sets and disposes the outcomes of empires, and changes them as he sees fit, especially where His people . . . Israel and the TRUE church are concerned.
Daniel's silence implies that he did not understand. Fight … the prince of Persia . . . the angel's renewed fight with the angelic power of Persia suggests that new difficulties will arise in the Persian court before the Jew' restoration is complete. But it would be counteracted by God, through the ministry of His angels. Prince of Grecia shall come . . . this angelic power would represent Greece, led by Alexander the Great. He would be the one to conquer the empire of Medo-Persia. Heavenly warfare would be fought against both Persia and Greece because of the power these kingdoms would wield over God's covenant people (Israel).

Daniel 10:21  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. (KJV)
In the scripture of truth . . . this seems to be God's secret book of decrees (Ps.139:16; Mal.3:16; Rev.5:1) that are certain to come in the future (Jn.17:17). Some think this may refer to what Daniel had already written down.
None that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince . . . Michael is the only angel who is given the responsibility of protecting Israel against the world powers. Michael your prince (vs 13) is the archangel mentioned before, who has been appointed by God as the guardian of the Jewish nation. It seems that God chose to make use of the ministry of angels in this work . . . why, we do not know. We do know that angels are NOT omnipresent (Ps.139:7-8; Pro.15:3; Jer.23:24; Mat.18:20; Rev.3:20), for they could only be in one place at one time, and could not carry out God’s command where they were not. So, to carry on the operation on the mind of the Persian king, it was necessary that either Gabriel or Michael should be present with him, and when one angel went on another commission another took his place. We know so little of the invisible world that we cannot safely confirm anything positively.

Special Comments on Daniel Chapter 10

Ranks or orders of angels:
1st Sphere . . . Seraphim, Cheribum and Thrones
2nd Sphere . . . Dominions, Virtues and Powers
3rd Sphere . . . Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
SERAPHIM . . . fiery, burning ones that are angelic beings associated with the prophet Isaiah's vision of God in the Temple when God called him to his prophetic ministry (Isa.6:1-7). They are the closest to God and radiate pure light. These are the Angels who constantly sing God’s praise, and whose duty it is to regulate the heavens. Lucifer is said to have been one of the Seraphim who had outshone all the others until he became the head of the fallen angels.     
CHERUBIM . . . sent to guard the gates of Eden (Gen.3:24). They were depicted as the bearers of God’s Throne, as the charioteers, and as powerful beings with four wings and four faces (Eze.1:6).
THRONES . . . Lesser known group of angels, but just as important. They are exempt from and untainted by any base and earthly things. Because of their high rank, they are worthy of fellowship with Jesus Christ and possess the highest knowledge that angels can have of the works of God. Some say that the very essence of God’s Spirit is conveyed to and through these angels, who then pass on the message to men and/or lower classes of angels. Thrones are known to be involved with justice in the heavens, and are some of the most powerful angels in service to God. Their main job is to carry out or fulfill the divine justice of God. They have a high position and responsibility. Sometimes they are called the many eyed ones and have the duty of carrying out God’s decisions. They are often represented as firey wheels (Eze.1:16, 19-21).
DOMINIONS . . . These are the angels who bring you the teachings of perception.  Through them the majesty of God is manifested.  They decide what needs to be done to accomplish God's will and govern the duties of angels to ensure the Universe keeps working as it should. 
VIRTUES . . . these are angels of Grace who bring God’s blessings to Earth, usually in the form of miracles, encouragement and blessings. Known as the brilliant or shinning ones, they are associated with acts of heroism and bring courage when needed. It seems that it is the virtue angels are the ones who become involved whenever people are struggling with their faith.  They work hand-in-hand with the thrones to bestow grace and rewards to those who have overcome sins in their physical lives.
POWERS . . . it seems that their job is to prevent the fallen angels (demons) from taking over the world and keeping the Universe in balance. They are also seen as the angels of birth and death.
PRINCIPALITIES . . . the guardian angels of cities, nations and rulers, also they guard against the invasion of evil angels. They keep watch over nations and try to inspire their leaders to make wise decisions.  They provide strength to the people of Earth to pursue and endure their faith.  
ARCHANGELS . . . are probably the best known of all the angels. They carry God’s most important messages to humans. They also command God’s armies of angels in the constant battle with the children of darkness (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thes.5:5). They look after the affairs of mankind and act as guardian angels to leaders of world government. They stand around God's throne, ready to carry out the divine and most important decrees to humans. According to the book of Revelation, there are seven archangels who stand in the Presence of God (Rev.8:2-5), but only two are mentioned in the KJV of the Bible: Michael (Dan.10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev.12:7), Gabriel (Dan.8:16; 9:21; Lk.1:19, 26).
ANGELS . . . are celestial beings closest to humans. They act as intermediaries between Almighty God and humanity. They are often called our guardian angels (Heb.1:14).

Book of Daniel

Ch.1 . Ch.2 . Ch.3. Ch.4. Ch.5 . Ch.6 . Ch.7 . Ch.8 . Ch.9 . Ch.10 . Ch. 11. Ch.12 . Special Comments

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