Fluent Translation · Read & Reflect
Daniel 10
A vision by the river
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message was true and concerned a great conflict. He understood the message and gained understanding of the vision. At that time I, Daniel, had been mourning for three full weeks. I ate no rich food, no meat or wine passed my lips, and I used no oil on my body until the three full weeks were over. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was beside the great river, the Tigris. I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, and his arms and legs like polished bronze. The sound of his words was like the roar of a multitude. I, Daniel, alone saw the vision. The men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell on them, and they fled to hide. I was left alone, looking at this great vision. All my strength drained away; my appearance changed for the worse, and I had no strength left. I heard the sound of his words. As I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, facedown on the ground.
The messenger’s words
Then a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, greatly treasured man, understand the words I am speaking to you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” As he said this, I stood trembling. He said, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. From the first day you set your heart on understanding and humbled yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I remained there beside the kings of Persia. I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the days to come, for the vision concerns days still ahead.” As he spoke these words to me, I lowered my face to the ground and was speechless. Then someone with a human likeness touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing before me, “My lord, the vision has overwhelmed me with anguish, and I have no strength left. How can this servant of my lord speak with someone like my lord? My strength is gone, and no breath remains in me.” Again the one with a human appearance touched me and strengthened me. “Do not be afraid, greatly treasured man,” he said. “Peace to you. Be strong! Be strong!” As he spoke, I gained strength and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” He said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I must return to fight the prince of Persia. When I go out, the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is recorded in the writing of truth. No one stands with me against these except Michael, your prince.