Daniel’s Vision of a Mighty Man
1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message of a great warfare was true. Daniel understood it. He had understanding of the vision.
2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three whole weeks. 3 I ate no fine foods. No meat or wine came into my mouth. I did not anoint myself at all, until three entire weeks were fulfilled.
4 In the 24th day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel, 5 I looked up and there was a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were adorned with pure gold of Uphaz. 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face like the appearance of lightning, and his eyes like flaming torches. His arms and his feet were like burnished bronze. The voice from his words was like the voice of a multitude.
7 I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great terror fell on them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone seeing this great vision. No strength remained in me, for my face grew deathly pale, and I had no strength. 9 Yet I heard the voice from his words. When I heard the voice from his words, then I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.
The Angel’s Prophecy of Persia, Greece
10 A hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 He said to me, “Daniel, you are a greatly beloved man. Understand the words that I am speaking to you and stand upright, for I have been sent to you, now.”
When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then 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 were heard. I have come for the sake of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for 21 days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to days to come.”
15 When he had spoken these words to me, I set my face toward the ground and was mute. 16 One in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overtaken me, and I have no strength. 17 For how can this servant of my lord talk with someone like you, my lord? For as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me. There was no breath left in me.”
18 Then one like the appearance of a man touched me again and he strengthened me. 19 He said, “Greatly beloved man, do not be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong.”
When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go out, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one who stands with me against them, except Michael your prince.