1In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia (534BC), another vision was given to Daniel, also called Belteshazzar; and he understood that it dealt with events certain to occur; but far in the future – in times of war and hardship.

2When I, Daniel, had seen this vision, I was mourning for a full three weeks. 3I ate no tasty food, nor did any meat or wine cross my lips, nor did I apply fragrant ointments to my body at all, until the whole three weeks had passed. 4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I stood by the great Hiddekel River, which is the Tigris, 5I looked up, and, a certain Man clothed in linen stood before me, a belt of fine gold from Uphaz was around His waist; 6His body was like the gemstone beryl; His face like lightning; His eyes shone like flames of fire; His arms, shoulders and feet were like burnished brass, and the sound of His words like that of a large crowd. 7And I, Daniel, was the only one who saw this vision; the men who were with me did not see it, but they did experience a great quaking, so that they fled and hid themselves. 8Therefore, I was left alone, gazing at this great vision, that left me weak; and my face turned deathly pale. 9Yet I heard the words He spoke; and when I heard them, I fell with my face to the ground in a deep sleep.

10Then a hand touched me, which set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11And he said to me, “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, carefully consider these words that I will say to you; and stand erect; for it is to you that I have now been sent.” And when he said this to me, I stood up, trembling. 12Then he said to me, “Have no fear, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, the words of your prayers were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted and impeded me for twenty-one days; but, then, Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me; because I was detained there by the king of Persia. 14Now I have come to help you understand what shall happen to your people in the latter days; for this vision is for many days in the future.”

15And as he spoke these words to me, I again bowed my face toward the ground, and was unable to say a word. 16And then, One Who looked like a man touched my lips; then I opened my mouth, and I was again able to speak, and I said to Him Who stood before me, “O my Lord, I am overwhelmed with sorrow by this vision, which has left me with no strength. 17For how can I, Your servant, Lord, talk with You, my Lord? For my strength has left me, and I can hardly breathe.” 18Then the One Who looked like a man again touched me and my strength returned, 19And He said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not. Peace be unto you; be strong, and of good courage.” And when He had spoken to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my Lord speak; for You have strengthened me.” 20Then He said, “Do you fully understand why I have come to you? And now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come. 21But first I will show you what is written in the scripture of truth; and there is none that helps me against these spirit princes, except Michael, your prince.”