Daniel’s Terrifying Vision of a Man

1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the word was true and one of great [†]conflict, but he understood the word and had an understanding of what had appeared.

2In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire [†]weeks. 3I did not eat any [†]tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three [†]weeks were fulfilled.

4And on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the [†]Tigris, 5I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose loins were girded with a belt of pure fine gold of Uphaz. 6His body also was like [†]beryl, his face [†]had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision that appeared, but the men who were with me did not see the vision that appeared; nevertheless, a great terror fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves. 8So I alone remained and saw this great vision that appeared; yet no might remained in me, for my outward splendor turned to [†]a deathly pallor, and I retained no might. 9But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

Daniel Is Strengthened

10Then behold, a hand touched me and set me shaking on my [†]hands and knees. 11And he said to me, “O Daniel, man of [†]high esteem, understand the words that I am about to speak to you and stand [†]upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you gave your heart to understand this and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13But the [†]prince of the kingdom of Persia was [†]standing against me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. Now I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the [†]last days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.” 15Now when he had spoken to me according to these words, I [†]turned my face toward the ground and became speechless.

16And behold, one [†]in the likeness of the sons of men was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “O my lord, as a result of the vision that appeared, pains have come upon me, and I have retained no might. 17Now how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, right now no might stands within me, nor does any breath remain within me.”

18Then this one with the appearance of a man touched me again and strengthened me. 19And he said, “O man of [†]high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace [†]be with you; gather strength and be strong!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20Then he said, “Do you know why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the [†]prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the [†]prince of [†]Greece is about to come. 21However, I will tell you what is [†]inscribed in the writing of truth. Now there is no one who [†]exerts strength with me against these forces except Michael your prince.