Shared Word Translation
Daniel 10
Daniel Mourns for Three Weeks
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The word was true and concerned a great conflict. He understood the word and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, had been mourning for three full weeks. I ate no desirable food; meat and wine did not enter my mouth, and I did not anoint myself at all until three full weeks were completed. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was beside the bank of the great river—that is, the Tigris— I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man clothed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.
Daniel Alone Sees the Vision
I, Daniel, alone saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. So I was left alone and saw this great vision. No strength remained in me; my splendor was turned into ruin, and I retained no strength. Then I heard the sound of his words, and when I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.
A Hand Touches Daniel
And behold, a hand touched me and made me tremble on my hands and knees. He said to me, “Daniel, greatly beloved man, understand the words that I speak to you and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” When he spoke this word to me, I stood trembling. Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come because of your words.
The Prince of Persia Opposes the Messenger
“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood against me twenty-one days. Then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I was left there with the kings of Persia. I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision concerns days still to come.”
Daniel Is Overcome
When he had spoken these words with me, I set my face toward the ground and became mute. And behold, one in the likeness of the children of humanity touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to the one standing before me, “My lord, because of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. How can this servant of my lord speak with this lord of mine? For as for me, no strength remains in me now, and no breath remains in me.”
Be Strong, Be Strong
Then again one having the appearance of a human being touched me and strengthened me. He said, “Do not fear, greatly beloved man. Peace to you. Be strong, yes, be strong!” When he spoke with me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
Michael, Your Prince
Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? And now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth. There is no one who strengthens himself with me against these except Michael, your prince.”