Daniel 10:1 ESV
Daniel 11:11 ESV
Daniel 11:13 ESV
Daniel 10:2-3 (Daniel mourned and refrained from eating lush foods and anointing)
Daniel 10:8 ESV
Daniel 10:12 ESV
Daniel 10:18 ESV
Daniel 10:19 ESV
Daniel 10:15-19 CEV
In Daniel 10:1, a word from God was given to Daniel in a vision. The prophet knew it was true but it vexed him greatly. Even though the word in the vision he had brought him great conflict he understood the vision he had. To give us a better understanding the man in Daniel’s dream was given the name of Belteshazzar.
In Daniel 11 we can read specific details about what Daniel saw. Daniel is told of things to come. Beginning in Daniel 11:11 we are given details about two evil Kings who will come in the future. One King was from the north and a second King will rise up from the south. After some time the King from the north will prevail. We are told in Daniel 11:13 “For the king of the north shall again raise a multitude, greater than the first. And after some years he shall come on with a great army and abundant supplies.” In this verse Hebrew Bible word ‘kates’ in this scripture translates to ‘at the end’, the Hebrew word ‘ayth’ means ‘time’, and the Hebrew word ‘shaw-meh’ means a ‘lifetime or years of life’. So, after some years can be translated to: at the end of time/years of life’.
We learn from Daniel 10:2-3 that after the vision the prophet went into mourning because of the vision. He refrained from eating lush foods for three weeks. He also did not anoint himself during those three weeks.
In today’s world that would be akin to a religious person denying himself from eating certain foods like rich meat and spicy foods. It was not described as a full fast. Daniel also refrained from being anointed during that time period.
Daniel’s detailed description in Daniel 11 tells us he knew this was a future vision. He knew it was big. He knew it referred to a significant event.
Following the significant vision, Daniel suffered physically. He lost almost all strength. We learn from Daniel 10:8 that Daniel said, “I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength.”
Then Daniel heard words that told him, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words” (Daniel 10:12).
Daniel was chosen to receive the vision.
In Daniel 10:18 we are told, “Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me.”
God did not leave Daniel with no strength.
In Daniel 10:19 the one who restored Daniel said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
Even though Daniel was chosen to receive this vision and he was left with no strength. However, God did not forget Daniel.
Daniel was restored.
He was also given a message by the one who restored him.
Daniel was reminded how very much God loved him. He was told he did not need to be afraid. The one who restored him promised him peace and told him to be strong and of good courage.
Daniel testified in Daniel 10:19 that he WAS strengthened.
While the English Standard Version conveys the thought that Daniel was strengthened by a visitor, the Contemporary English Version is more specific and tells us the visitor was an Angel.
Daniel 10:15-19 says, “While this angel was speaking to me, I stared at the ground, speechless. Then he appeared in human form and touched my lips. I said, “Sir, this vision has brought me great pain and has drained my strength. I am merely your servant. How can I possibly speak with someone so powerful, when I am almost too weak to get my breath? The angel touched me a second time and said, “Don't be frightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong.” At this, I regained my strength and replied, “Please speak! You have already made me feel much better.”
Ultimately, God sent an Angel to encourage and strengthen the Prophet Daniel. The Angel reminded Daniel that God intended good for Daniel and the message God had for Daniel revealed that in God the prophet could be strong and brave.
Today’s Spiritual Practice is: Be strong and Brave
If you are feeling that your serving God has depleted your strength, ask God to help you to be strong and brave. Wait for God to strengthen you and give you peace.
In God, Deborah
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