1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, Dn 1:21; 6:28 a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. Dn 1:7 The message was true and was about a great conflict. He understood the message and had understanding of the vision. Dn 1:17: 2:21

2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. Ezr 9:4-5; Neh 1:4

3I didn’t eat any rich food, Dn 6:18; Am 6:6; Mt 6:17 no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I didn’t put any oil on my body until the three weeks were over.

4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, = Nisan (March–April) as I was standing on the bank of the great river, Ezk 1:3; Dn 8:2 the Tigris,

5I looked up, and there was a man dressed in linen, Ezk 9:2; Dn 12:6-7 with a belt of gold Rv 1:13; 15:6 from Uphaz Some Hb mss read Ophir Jr 10:9 around his waist.

6His body was like topaz, The identity of this stone is uncertain. his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, Rv 1:14; 2:18; 19:12 his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. Rv 19:6

7Only I, Daniel, saw the vision. 2Kg 6:17-20 The men who were with me did not see it, Ac 9:7 but a great terror fell on them, Ezk 12:18 and they ran and hid.

8I was left alone, looking at this great vision. Gn 32:24 No strength was left in me; my face grew deathly pale, Lit my splendor was turned on me to ruin Dn 7:28; 8:27; Hab 3:16 and I was powerless.

9I heard the words he said, and when I heard them I fell into a deep sleep, Lit a sleep on my face Gn 15:12; Jb 4:13; Dn 8:18 with my face to the ground.

10Suddenly, a hand touched me and raised me to my hands and knees.

11He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Dn 9:23; 10:19 Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, Ezk 2:2; Dn 8:18 for I have now been sent to you.” Heb 11:14 After he said this to me, I stood trembling.

12“Don’t be afraid, Is 41:10,14; Dn 10:19 Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, Dn 9:2-23; 10:2-3 your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. Ac 10:30-31

13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, Dn 10:21; 12:1; Jd 9; Rv 12:7 one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Dn 7:17; 8:21

14Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the last days, Dt 31:29; Dn 2:28 for the vision refers to those days.” Dn 8:26; 12:4,9

15While he was saying these words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and was speechless. Ezk 3:26; 24:27; Lk 1:20

16Suddenly one with human likeness Dn 8:15 touched my lips. Is 6:7; Jr 1:9 I opened my mouth and said to the one standing in front of me, “My lord, because of the vision, anguish overwhelms me and I am powerless. Dn 7:15,28; 8:17,27; 10:8-9

17How can someone like me, Ex 24:10-11; Is 6:1-5 your servant, Lit Can I, a servant of my lord speak with someone like you, my lord? Now I have no strength, and there is no breath in me.”

18Then the one with human likeness touched me again and strengthened me. Is 35:3-4

19He said, “Don’t be afraid, Jdg 6:23; Is 43:1; Dn 10:12 you who are Lit afraid, man treasured by God. Dn 9:23; 10:11 Peace to you; be very strong! ” Jos 1:6-7,9; Is 35:4

20He said, “Do you know why I’ve come to you? I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I leave, the prince of Greece will come. Dn 8:21; 11:2

21No one has the courage to support me against them except Michael, Dn 10:13; Rv 12:7 your prince. However, I will tell you what is recorded in the book of truth.