Daniel 10

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. He understood the message, and he had understanding of the vision.

2In those days I, Daniel, had been mourning for three whole weeks.

3I ate no rich food; no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself at all until the three whole weeks were over.

4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris,

5I raised my eyes and looked, and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.

6His body was like chrysolite, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a great crowd.

7I, Daniel, alone saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see the vision, but such great terror fell on them that they ran away and hid.

8So I was left alone and saw this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face turned deathly pale, and I had no strength left.

9Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

10Suddenly a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.

11He said to me, “Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I am speaking to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” When he had said this to me, I stood up, trembling.

12Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.

13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.

14Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision concerns days yet to come.”

15While he was speaking these words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and could not speak.

16Then one who looked like a human being touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to the one standing before me, “My lord, because of the vision, anguish has come over me, and I have no strength left.

17How can I, my lord’s servant, speak with you, my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”

18Again the one who looked like a man touched me and strengthened me.

19He said, “Do not be afraid, man greatly loved. Peace be with you! Be strong—yes, be strong.” As he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

20Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must go back to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go out, the prince of Greece will come.

21But I will tell you what is written in the book of truth. There is no one who stands firmly with me against them except Michael, your prince.