Daniel 10

1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The word was true, and it concerned a great conflict; and he understood the word and had understanding in the vision.

2In those days, I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks of days.

3I ate no delicacies, and no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, until the completion of three full weeks.

4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was by the side of the great river—that is, the Tigris.

5I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with his waist girded with the gold of Uphaz.

6His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and his feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.

7And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, and the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves.

8So I alone was left and saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; my splendor was turned to ruin upon me, and I retained no strength.

9Then 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.

10And behold, a hand touched me and set me on my knees and the palms of my hands.

11And he said to me, “Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I am speaking to you, and stand in your place, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he spoke this word to me, I stood trembling.

12Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, because 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.”

13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood against me for twenty-one days, and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I was left there beside the kings of Persia.

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

15And when he spoke these words with me, I set my face toward the ground and became speechless.

16And behold, something like the likeness of a son of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke, and I said to the one standing before me, “My lord, because of the vision my pains have come upon me, and I have retained no strength.”

17So how can this servant of my lord speak with my lord like this? As for me, from now on no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.

18Again one with the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me.

19And he said, “Do not fear, man greatly beloved; peace be to you. Be strong, yes, be strong.” And when he spoke with 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? And now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece is coming.”

21But I will tell you what is recorded in the writing of truth. And there is no one who stands firmly with me against these except Michael, your prince.