DANIEL 10: MY COMELINESS IS TURNED INTO CORRUPTION

And the word was true and it referred to great tribulation [conflict and wretchedness]. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. (Daniel 10:1 AMP)

It concerned events certain to happen in the future: times of great tribulation—wars and sorrows, and this time he understood what the vision meant. (Daniel 10:1 TLB)

The last vision of Daniel extends from chapter 10 through chapter 12. The vision begins in his day. In panoramic view, the conflicts and tribulations of centuries and millenniums rise up before Daniel. The vision carries us to the last conflict between the forces of good and evil and the second coming of the Lord.

Daniel 10:2

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

“I Daniel was mourning three full weeks”

O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us. (Jeremiah 6:26)

The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation. (Lamentations 2:5)

The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning. The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim. Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it. (Lamentations 5:15–18)

Daniel was apparently already fasting when he received this vision. Why was he in mourning? The Bible does not tell us. However, this mourning most likely concerned the fact that Israel and Jerusalem still lay largely in ruins and the people of God were slow to return to Israel. Those who had were experiencing difficulty and opposition in seeking to restore the city and the temple. “The people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building” (Ezra 4:4).

Daniel 10:3

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips, and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. (Daniel 10:3 NIV)

The fast of Daniel appears not to have been a complete fast but a diet of the simplest kind.

Daniel 10:4–5

And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel [Tigris]; then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz.

Uphaz—a corruption of the word Ophir, a famous gold region¹

Daniel 10:6

His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

“A certain man … his body also was like”

His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. (Revelation 1:14–15)

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; these things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass. (Revelation 2:18)

His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. (Revelation 19:12)

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire. (Revelation 10:1)

The “certain man” who appeared to Daniel in vision must be Christ. The description is similar to that given in Revelation when Christ appeared to John on the island of Patmos. It appears, however, that another heavenly messenger was also in attendance, who ministered and communicated to Daniel knowledge and truth that reaches down to the end of time.

Daniel 10:7

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision [of this heavenly being], for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them so that they fled to hide themselves. (Daniel 10:7 AMP)

“Saw not the vision”

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. (Acts 9:1–7)

God does not make Himself known in this way to the causal and unbelieving, but only to those who know and love Him, those for whom God has a special message or purpose to fulfill. This is why Daniel was left alone. As with Paul’s encounter with Christ, some form of heavenly power and presence, though not seen, was experienced by his companions, causing them to hide themselves.

Daniel 10:8

Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

When I saw this frightening vision my strength left me, and I grew pale and weak with fright. (Daniel 10:8 TLB)

“Comeliness turned to corruption”

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 6:1, 4–5)

For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground. But the angel of the Lord did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the Lord. And Manoah said unto his wife, we shall surely die, because we have seen God. (Judges 13:20–22)

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 1:11–12)

The greatness of God and of heavenly messengers, appearing in person or in vision, is such an awesome and overwhelming experience that even God’s faithful people find their human frailty amplified and recognized so distinctly as to cause physical and mental weakness. Even more acute is the feeling of moral frailty in the presence of celestial purity.

Humanity, with its weakness and sinfulness, when brought into the presence of heavenly purity, feels altogether deficient. Thus it has always been with men who have been granted the privilege of viewing God’s greatness and majesty. This is why heavenly messengers, even Christ when He walked this earth, often veil themselves in the likeness of human flesh.

If someone believes he or she has seen a heavenly messenger, we can know that this messenger is actually Satan (or one of his agents clothed as an angel of light) if the person does not have a truly humble response, but rather is “vainly puffed up.” (See Colossians 2:18.)

Daniel 10:9–10

Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

“And, behold, an hand touched me”

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last. (Revelation 1:17)

John and Daniel both felt the comforting and assuring hand of heaven strengthening them and assuring them that they had been chosen to bear a message from God.

Daniel 10:11

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

“Greatly beloved”

At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. (Daniel 9:23)

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. (Daniel 10:19)

Three times the heavenly messenger addressed Daniel as beloved, a term of endearment and care. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God” (John 3:2). If we serve and love God as Daniel did, we are the beloved of heaven. We may not have the privilege of the visitation of heavenly messengers, as Daniel did. But God’s Word, recorded in the visions and dreams of the men of old who wrote the Bible, is God’s voice to us. Those today who love and serve God with all their heart, mind, and strength can gain an understanding of God’s will from His voice speaking through the Bible.

Daniel 10:12

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind and heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of [and in response to] your words. (Daniel 10:12 AMP)

“Fear not, Daniel”

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (Genesis 15:1)

And the Lord appeared unto him [Isaac] the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. (Genesis 26:24)

And the Lord said unto him [Gideon], Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. (Judges 6:23)

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (Luke 1:13)

In encounters with celestial beings, when men tremble in the presence of a holy God, the Lord’s messengers often open their messages with the words “Fear not.” These words are not only for those who, like Daniel, have trembled in the presence of angels. God encourages all His children not to fear, but to hope and trust, “for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

“For from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, … thy words were heard”

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (Mathew 6:7–8)

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. (Psalm 139:3–4)

Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7)

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. (Psalm 34:4, 6)

Though at times it may seem that God does not hear or answer us, if we are His children, “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us” (1 John 5:14). Daniel’s prayer was heard and understood even before it was put into words. God knew His heart. Yet we are admonished “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1) and to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Let us, like Daniel, rest in the assurance that God hears and cares, and let us wait upon Him to make known His purpose and to fulfill His will in us.

“And I am come for thy words”

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (James 5:16–18)

Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter. (Daniel 2:17–19, 23)

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. (Psalm 34:15, 17)

Our loving Father delights to bestow upon us many blessings, but some are received only in answer to specific requests. It is part of God’s plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow if we did not ask. Thus, the angel came in response to the prayer of Daniel.

Daniel 10:13

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. (See Ezra 4:5–24.)

Michael—Who is like God?²

“The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me”

The angel prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. (Daniel 10:13 TEV)

But for twenty-one days the Mighty Evil Spirit who overrules the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. (Daniel 10:3 TLB)

The real prince of Persia was the devil. Perverse men, under the direction of evil angels, may resist heaven’s plans, but neither men nor fallen angels can long hinder God’s purposes.

“Opposed me for twenty-one days”

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. (Daniel 10:2)

At the very time Daniel was praying and fasting, the angel Gabriel wrestled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract the evil influences at work on the mind of King Cyrus. Even Christ came to the aid of Gabriel in this endeavor. The victory was finally gained and the forces of the enemy were held in check all the days of Cyrus and of his son, Cambyses, who reigned about seven and a half years.

“Michael, one of the chief princes”

But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. (Daniel 10:21)

Daniel 10:13 gives us a brief glimpse of the otherwise unseen battles that take place between good and evil as God works out His plans. God was seeking to influence King Cyrus to release His people from bondage and allow the resettlement and rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple. Satan, the prince of this world, was working behind the scenes to hinder the working out of God’s purpose through Cyrus. A battle to influence the mind and subsequent actions of the king was taking place between Satan and the angel and then Michael (another name, I believe, for Christ, who is chief over the angels and our Prince.)

This name for Christ appears only in Daniel and Revelation, and in Jude when Christ is in conflict with Satan. Michael, meaning “who is like God,” is both a question and a challenge. Christ meets that challenge, for He is “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 19:16). He is the one who will vindicate the Father’s character in the face of Satan’s challenge to “be like the Most High.” (See Isaiah 14:12–15.)

God works on the hearts of men, leading them to cooperate with heaven’s plans. Thus, events in the history of men are often the result of supernatural agencies and of human will, guided by or opposed to the agencies of heaven. Satan and his agents sought to hinder God’s servants and “frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia” (Ezra 4:5). Despite this, God’s purpose was accomplished and Jerusalem was “built again, and the wall, even in troublous times” (Daniel 9:25).

Daniel 10:14

Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come. (Daniel 10:3 NIV)

Latter—the last or end, hence the future; also posterity³

“What shall befall thy people in the latter days”

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these. (Daniel 2:28)

The expression “latter days,” used often in the Bible, does not always mean the very end of time. Sometimes it refers to the latter part of whatever period of history the prophet has in view. Some examples of this would be Jacob’s use of “last days” in referring to the outcome of his twelve sons. (See Genesis 49:1.) Moses used the term “latter days” to refer to the tribulation that would come upon Israel for their rebellion and apostasy. (See Deuteronomy 4:30; 31:29.)

The vision in chapters 11 and 12 began in Daniel’s day and carries forward to the end of time, to the resurrection at the coming of the Lord. The vision deals with an overview of historical events concerning the same nations or powers as brought out in Daniel’s previous visions. The rise and fall of many of these nations affected the Jewish people; however, the last powers of this vision will encompass the globe.

According to the vision, the people of God throughout the world shall be affected by these apostate powers, culminating with the promise of their deliverance. The latter days of this prophecy include events that would affect the Jews through the rise and fall of Media-Persia, Greece, and pagan Rome. These latter days also take us to the coming of the Lord, at which time God’s people—the true and faithful servants of Christ—shall be delivered.

Daniel 10:15–17

And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.

Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it: though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God.

If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts: though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it: though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves. (Ezekiel 14:13–18)

God recognized three men as examples of righteousness and integrity. Daniel was one of these men. Yet, when brought face-to-face in vision with Christ and then with the angel, Daniel though a righteous man, was greatly afflicted by the encounter physically, mentally, and spiritually. If this is the result of limited contact between heaven and this man of integrity, the question comes to mind “If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:18).

When the impenitent stand before God, they will not receive the salutation “Beloved, fear not” (Daniel 10:19). Rather, “the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:15–17).

Daniel 10:18–19

Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

“Be strong, yea, be strong”

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9)

“And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened”

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16)

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. (Colossians 1:11)

It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. (Psalm 18:32)

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)

The Lord, who strengthened Daniel through His angel, can do the same for us today. He will give us the strength to do right and the ability and desire to serve and follow Him with all our heart. But we must know our need and cry out, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

Daniel 10:20

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

“When I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come”

And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city. … The word of the Lord also came unto me, saying, Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house. … And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries. (Ezekiel 11:23; 12:1–2, 15)

And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. (1 Samuel 4:21)

Though it was a time yet future to Daniel’s day, the angel foretells when the influence of heaven would no longer be heeded, when the Media-Persian empire would be left alone to fall. This has always been the fate of individuals and nations who depart from God. The angels of God and Christ were not fighting literal human kings, rather they were seeking to hold in check the influence of Satan upon the leaders that God’s purposes would be accomplished.

We should understand God could in a moment’s time destroy Satan and force all to obey His will. However God gives Satan some room to work in the great battle between good and evil and he gives man the power of choice, until the cup of this world’s iniquity is full. When the time of God’s forbearance and mercy ceases He will bring Satan and all who have yielded to him to account.

And as I was considering, behold, an he goat [Grecia] came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. And he came to the ram [Media-Persia] that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. (Daniel 8:5–7)

Daniel 10:21

But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

But I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth [or the Book of Truth]. There is no one who holds with me and strengthens himself against these [hostile spirit forces] except Michael, your prince [national guardian angel]. (Daniel 10:21 AMP)

“None that holdeth with me”

O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. (Psalm 66:8–9)

Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. (Psalm 119:16)

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

Michael, the chief prince over Israel, is none other than Christ. He was the “spiritual Rock that followed them: [Israel in the wilderness] and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). As Christ assisted and sustained the angel, so He will sustain you. As Christ sustained His people during the long ages of earthly turmoil foretold in this prophecy, so He will sustain us in our daily walk and in the greater tribulations yet to transpire in “the latter days” according to the words of this prophecy.

As Christ and heavenly agencies work behind the scenes to overrule the kingdom of darkness, we can thank God for the relative peace we have in our lives and the protection we enjoy from evil. We can be safe from the devil, who, “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Christ, our Prince and Sustainer, says to us, “In Me … [you can] have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).


Endnotes

1.  James Strong, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1987).

2.  Ibid.

3.  Ibid.