1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel , whose name was called Belteshazzar ; and the thing was true, even a great warfare : and he understood the thing , and had understanding of the vision . 2In those days I , Daniel , was mourning three whole weeks . 3I ate no pleasant bread , neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth , neither did I anoint myself at all , till three whole weeks were fulfilled . 4And in the four and twentieth day of the first month , as I was by the side of the great river , which is Hiddekel , 5I lifted up mine eyes , and looked , and , behold , a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz: 6his body also was like the beryl , and his face as the appearance of lightning , and his eyes as flaming torches , and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass , and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude . 7And I , Daniel , alone saw the vision ; for the men that were with me saw not the vision ; but a great quaking fell upon them , and they fled to hide themselves . 8So 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 . 9Yet heard I the voice of his words ; and when I heard the voice of his words , then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face , with my face toward the ground .
The Angelic Messenger
10And , behold , a hand touched me , which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands . 11And he said unto me , O Daniel , thou 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 . 12Then said he unto me , Fear not , Daniel ; for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand , and to humble thyself before thy God , thy words were heard : and I am come for thy words ’ sake . 13But 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 . 14Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days ; for the vision is yet for many days .
Understanding the Vision
15And when he had spoken unto me according to these words , I set my face toward the ground , and was dumb. 16And , behold , one in the likeness 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 reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me , and I retain no strength . 17For 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 was there breath left in me . 18Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me . 19And he said , O man greatly beloved, fear not : peace be unto thee , be strong , yea , be strong . And when he spake unto me , I was strengthened , and said , Let my lord speak ; for thou hast strengthened me . 20Then said he , Knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee ? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia : and when I go forth , lo , the prince of Greece shall come . 21But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me against these , but Michael your prince .