The Vision of Daniel of the Angel is a significant event recorded in the Book of Daniel, specifically in chapters 10 through 12. This vision is one of the most profound and detailed revelations given to Daniel, a prophet and a key figure in the Hebrew Bible. The vision provides insight into spiritual warfare, the role of angels, and future events concerning the people of Israel.

Context and Setting

The vision occurs in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, around 536 B.C. Daniel, who had been in mourning and fasting for three weeks, is by the Tigris River when he receives this revelation. The timing of the vision is significant as it follows the decree of Cyrus allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, marking the end of the Babylonian exile.

The Appearance of the Angel

Daniel describes the angelic figure with vivid imagery: "I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude" (Daniel 10:5-6). This description emphasizes the majesty and power of the angelic messenger, often identified as Gabriel, who had previously appeared to Daniel.

Daniel's Reaction

The presence of the angel overwhelms Daniel, leaving him without strength. He falls into a deep sleep with his face to the ground, demonstrating the awe and fear that often accompany divine encounters. The angel touches Daniel, strengthening him and enabling him to stand and receive the message.

The Message and Spiritual Warfare

The angel reveals to Daniel that his prayers were heard from the first day he set his heart to understand and humble himself before God. However, the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" withstood the angel for twenty-one days until Michael, one of the chief princes, came to assist (Daniel 10:12-13). This passage provides a glimpse into the spiritual warfare that occurs behind the scenes, with angelic beings contending against demonic forces influencing earthly kingdoms.

Prophetic Revelation

The vision includes a detailed prophecy concerning the future of Israel and the rise and fall of empires. The angel explains that he will reveal what is inscribed in the "Book of Truth" (Daniel 10:21), outlining events that will affect the Jewish people. The prophecy spans from the Persian Empire through the Greek Empire, highlighting figures such as Alexander the Great and the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties.

The Time of the End

The vision culminates in a prophecy about the "time of the end," including the rise of a king who will exalt himself above every god and speak blasphemies against the God of gods (Daniel 11:36-37). This figure is often interpreted as a type of Antichrist, foreshadowing the ultimate conflict between good and evil.

The Role of Michael

Michael, the archangel, plays a crucial role in the vision, described as the "great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people" (Daniel 12:1). His intervention is associated with a time of unprecedented distress for Israel, yet it also promises deliverance for those whose names are found written in the book.

Resurrection and Final Judgment

The vision concludes with a promise of resurrection and final judgment: "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2). This passage is one of the clearest Old Testament references to the resurrection, offering hope and assurance of God's ultimate justice.

The Vision of Daniel of the Angel remains a profound testament to the sovereignty of God, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the assurance of divine intervention in human history.Daniel 10:1
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel, the Praying Captive
... God sent an angel into the den of lions with Daniel ... was the secret revealed unto
Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven." As a sequel ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/x daniel the praying captive.htm

The vision of the Son of Man.
... as well as here (x.14) and in xii.1, the angel speaks of them to Daniel as "thy ... them
in the latter day is precisely the import, of the vision which John saw ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the vision of the son.htm

Of the Fact that Opposing Powers Turn the Attack, which they Aim ...
... love of wickedness which they have: and this we read of as being very clearly set
forth in the vision of Daniel the prophet, where the angel Gabriel speaks as ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiii of the fact.htm

On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel.
... as the blessed Daniel, in interpreting the vision, had answered ... Daniel, though he
stood at a distance and kept ... was driven from within by the angel, and burst ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel iii scholia on.htm

Vision Fourth. Concerning the Trial and Tribulation that are to ...
... This Vision is full of the imagery of the Book of ... ther and agreuo.] The name of this
angel is variously ... Sept.) eir kai hagios; Hir in Daniel's Chaldee], Tegri. ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/vision fourth concerning the trial.htm

Daniel
... In another vision (x.-xii.) Daniel is informed by a shining one of a struggle he
had had, supported by Michael, with the tutelary angel of Persia; and he makes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/daniel.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... angel Gabriel gave him a partial interpretation; yet when the prophet heard the
words, "The vision . . . shall be for many days," he fainted away. "I Daniel ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ...
... For this reason, then, the angel says to Daniel, "Seal the words, for the vision
is until the end of the time." But to Christ it was not said "seal," but "loose ...
/.../on daniel ii the interpretation.htm

The Conclusion
... When the Angel commanded Daniel to seal up the Vision, he immediately added, "Many
shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the conclusion.htm

The vision
... things," says he, (that is, when the vision of the ... likewise, it seems, may that passage
of Daniel be referred ... And I saw," says he, "another angel ascending from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the vision .htm

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