Daniel 10

1 In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, and great power and understanding were given to him in the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, mourned for three full weeks. 3 I ate no rich food, and no meat or wine entered my mouth. I did not anoint myself with oil until the three full weeks were over. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was beside the great river, the Tigris. [a] 5 I lifted my eyes and saw a man dressed in linen, with his waist wrapped in gold from Ophaz. 6 His body looked like topaz, his face flashed like lightning, and his eyes were like flaming lamps. His arms and legs looked like gleaming bronze, and his voice sounded like a multitude. 7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision. The men with me did not see it, but great terror fell on them and they fled in fear. 8 I was left alone and saw this great vision. No strength remained in me; my splendor turned to ruin, and I retained no strength. 9 I heard the sound of his words, and when I heard him, I lay stunned, with my face on the ground.

10 Then a hand touched me and raised me onto my knees. 11 He said to me, “Daniel, greatly beloved man, understand the words I am speaking to you and stand upright, because I have now been sent to you.” When he said this, I stood trembling. 12 He told me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. From the first day you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come because of your words.” 13 “But the ruler of the Persian kingdom opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief rulers, came to help me, and I left him there with the ruler of the Persian kingdom.” 14 “I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the last days, because the vision concerns days still to come.” 15 When he spoke these words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and was stunned. 16 Then one in the likeness of a son of man touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing before me, “My lord, at the sight of you my insides turned within me, and I have no strength.” 17 “How can your servant speak with my lord? No strength remains in me now, and no breath is left in me.” 18 Once again one who looked like a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 He said to me, “Do not be afraid, greatly beloved man. Peace to you. Take courage and be strong.” When he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “Let my lord speak, because you have strengthened me.” 20 He said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight the ruler of Persia. As I was going out, the ruler of Greece came.” 21 “But I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. No one stands with me in these matters except Michael, your ruler.”