Daniel's Vision in Daniel Chapter 10
Daniel's vision in chapter 10 serves as an introduction to the prophecies detailed in chapters 11 and 12, which describe the succession of Persian and Grecian monarchies and the conflicts between Syria and Egypt [6, 10]. This vision, occurring in the third year of Cyrus's reign, two years after his decree for the restoration of the Jews, provides a detailed, anticipatory history of future events [7, 8].
The vision begins with Daniel in a state of mourning and fasting [5]. He describes seeing a glorious figure, often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, whose presence had a profound effect on him [5]. Daniel states, "And I myself, Daniel, alone saw this great vision, and as a result no strength was left in me and my complexion grew deathly pale, and I did not retain any strength" [1]. The men who were with Daniel did not see the vision as clearly or distinctly as he did, though they may have perceived a terrifying presence that caused them to flee [11].
Following this overwhelming experience, a hand touched Daniel, setting him on his knees and hands [2]. He received encouragement and strength from the divine messenger [5]. This vision is presented not through symbolic figures, as in earlier chapters like Daniel 7 and 8, but through "express words" [4]. The purpose of the messenger was to help Daniel understand the prophecy, particularly the parts that were previously unclear [7].
The content of the subsequent prophecies, introduced by this vision, focuses on the "affliction of the people of God on the part of the rulers of the world till the consummation of the kingdom of God" [10]. It also highlights the divine protection that the covenant people will experience amidst severe oppression [10]. Some interpretations suggest that the latter part of the vision, from Daniel 11:36, primarily concerns the persecutions of the Church during the time of Antichrist, leading up to a purification and the establishment of a glorious kingdom [6]. The prophet Daniel, whose name means "judgment of God," was of royal or noble descent and was taken to Babylon in 604 B.C. [3]. His visions, as recorded in the book of Daniel, have been a subject of study since ancient times, with figures like Hippolytus discussing their implications for understanding the coming of Antichrist and the end of the world [9].
Sources
- Daniel “Daniel 10:8 (LEB) — And I myself, Daniel, alone saw this great vision, and as a result ⌞no strength was left in me⌟ and ⌞my complexion grew deathly pale⌟, and I did not retain any strength.”
- Daniel “Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands. -- Daniel 10:10”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Daniel — (judgment of God). + The second son of David, by Abigail the Carmelitess. (1 Chronicles 3:1) In (2 Samuel 3:3) he is called Chileab. (B.C. about 1051.) + The fourth of 'the greater prophets." Nothing is known of his parentage or family. He appears, however, to have been of royal or noble descent, (Daniel 1:3) and to have possessed considerable personal endowments. (Daniel 1:4) He was taken to Babylon in "the third year of Jehoiakim" (B.C. 604), and trained for the king's service. He was divinely supported in his resolve to abstain from the "king's meat" for f”
- Daniel (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Daniel 10 (introduction): This chapter and the two next (which conclude this book) make up one entire vision and prophecy, which was communicated to Daniel for the use of the church, not by signs and figures, as before (ch. 7 and 8), but by express words; and this was about two years after the vision in the foregoing chapter. Daniel prayed daily, but had a vision only now and then. In this chapter we have some things introductory to the prophecy, in the eleventh chapter the particular predictions, and Dan 12:1-13 the conclusion of it. This chapter shows us, I. Daniel's solemn ”
- Daniel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Daniel 10 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL 10 This chapter is an introduction to the prophecies contained in the two following chapters; and begins with an account of Daniel's mourning and fasting, preparatory to the vision he had, Dan 10:1, and of the appearance of Christ to him, with the time and place of it; who is described by his clothing, and the several parts of his body, which were very glorious, he appearing in a human form, Dan 10:4, then follows an account of the effects it had upon him, Dan 10:7, and of what encouragement and strength he received from him, by w”
- Daniel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Daniel 10 (introduction): This and the two following chapters give an account of Daniel's last vision, wherein the succession of the Persian and Grecian monarchies is described, together with the wars that should take place between Syria and Egypt under the latter monarchy. The last part of the vision (from Dan 11:36) seems to relate chiefly to the persecutions of the Church in the times of Antichrist, till it be purified from all its pollutions; after which will follow that glorious kingdom of the saints spoken of in the seventh and eighth chapters. This chapter begins with an ”
- Daniel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Daniel 10 (introduction): DANIEL COMFORTED BY AN ANGELIC VISION. (Dan. 10:1-21) third year of Cyrus--two years after Cyrus' decree for the restoration of the Jews had gone forth, in accordance with Daniel's prayer in Dan. 9:3-19. This vision gives not merely general outlines, or symbols, but minute details of the future, in short, anticipative history. It is the expansion of the vision in Dan 8:1-14. That which then "none understood," he says here, "he understood"; the messenger being sent to him for this (Dan 10:11, Dan 10:14), to make him understand it. Probably”
- Daniel (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Daniel 10:1: This vision is dated in the third year of Cyrus, that is, of his reign after the conquest of Babylon, his third year since Daniel became acquainted with him and a subject to him. Here is, I. A general idea of this prophecy (Dan 10:1): The thing was true; every word of God is so; it was true that Daniel had such a vision, and that such and such things were said. This he solemnly attests upon the word of a prophet. Et hoc paratus est verificare - He was prepared to verify it; and, if it was a word spoken from heaven, no doubt it is stedfast and may be depended upon.”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 5: Hippolytus, Cyprian, Caius, Novatian — TREATISE ON CHRIST AND ANTICHRIST.(1) (part 10): words then being thus presented, let us observe somewhat in detail what Daniel says in his visions. For in distinguishing the kingdoms that are to rise after these things, he showed also the coming of Antichrist in the last times, and the consummation of the whole world. In expounding the vision of Nebuchadnezzar, then, he speaks thus: "Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image standing before thy face: the head of which was of fine gold, its arms and shoulders of silver, its belly and its t”
- Daniel (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Daniel 10 (introduction): The Revelation Regarding the Affliction of the People of God on the Part of the Rulers of the World Till the Consummation of the Kingdom of God - Daniel 10-12 In the third year of the reign of Cyrus, Daniel received the last revelation regarding the future of his people, which gives a fuller unfolding of the hostile attitude of the world-power toward the people and the kingdom of God from the time of the Persian dominion to the end of the days, as well as regarding the powerful protection which the covenant people shall experience amid the severe o”
- Daniel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Daniel 10:7: And I Daniel alone saw the vision,.... The object or person described; though he was not alone when he saw it, yet he alone saw it; the eyes of his body and mind being quicker than the rest, the Lord strengthening and enlightening both; for this was a peculiar and distinguishing favour granted to him: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; at least not so clearly and distinctly as Daniel did; they might have some confused sight of an object that appeared very terrible; but, being struck with consternation, they had not presence of mind to look at it; and ”