Daniel Chapter 10

Daniel Chapter 10

The last three chapters of the book of Daniel are a unit, describing Daniel’s last vision and a detailed explanation by Gabriel. These chapters are a further explanation of the 2300-day prophecy of Daniel 8:14, revealing the supernatural warfare between Christ and Satan as revealed in the events of this world down through history.

Verse 1

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia – After the death of Darius, the first king of Persia, Cyrus had ascended the throne. This vision took place in the third year of his reign. More than seventy years had now passed since Daniel had been taken captive to Babylon, and he was about ninety years of age.

A message was revealed to Daniel – This “message” was a further explanation of the 2300-days by Gabriel, recorded in Daniel 11:2 – 12:3.

The message was true, but the appointed time was long – The appointed time was “long” because Gabriel’s explanation covers the periods of Persia, Greece, Pagan Rome, Papal Rome, the close of probation, the time of trouble, and the deliverance of God’s people.

He understood the message, and had understanding of the vision – After the earlier visions, which were given in symbolic language, Daniel confessed that he didn’t understand. But here Daniel states that he understood. Apparently this is because Gabriel’s last explanation is given largely in literal language.

Verse 2

Why was Daniel in mourning for three full weeks?

When Cyrus had ascended the throne, in his very first year Daniel explained to him his role in the divine plan to release the Jews (2 Chronicles 36:22, 23). (SOP 1) The king accepted the challenge, and issued the decree releasing the Jews. But the bad news was that only a remnant of some 50,000 Jews had taken advantage of this opportunity.

And now, only two years later, a crisis had developed. Work on the Jerusalem temple had run into stiff opposition from the surrounding nations. Ezra 4:5 tells us that the hostile Samaritans had even hired counselors against the Jews, probably meaning that they had bribed government officials to influence King Cyrus to rescind his decree. With only the altar completed so far, further restoration of God’s temple was in peril. Characteristically, Daniel began mourning, fasting and praying for God to intervene and fulfill His promise.

Verse 3

I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth – During his three weeks of mourning and prayer Daniel wanted a clear mind, and so he also fasted.

This fast is not what many consider to be fasting, where no food is taken, but consisted of eating sparingly of only the simplest foods. During this fast he completely avoided all rich and stimulating foods. (SOP 2)

Nor did I anoint myself at all – It was popular among ancient peoples to use oils to smooth the skin, especially in areas where the climate was hot and dry. During his time of mourning and fasting, Daniel decided to forego this personal luxury.

Verse 4

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month – We don’t know which calendar Daniel used (the Persian or Hebrew calendar), but if Daniel was using the Hebrew calendar his period of fasting took place during the Passover season.

Verses 5, 6

This radiant being who appeared to Daniel was none other than Christ Himself (compare with Revelation 1:12 – 15). (SOP 3) Earlier he had heard Christ speaking (Daniel 8), and had received a message through Gabriel that he was greatly beloved of God (Daniel 9:23). Now Christ appears personally to Daniel, arrayed in His priestly garments for His work as high priest in the heavenly sanctuary. (Note: My notes on Revelation cover in detail the description of Christ in these passages.)

Verse 7

Daniel was not alone when Christ appeared to him. Other men were also present, but they fled in terror and hid themselves, and did not see the vision.

Verses 8, 9

Struck by the splendor of the glorified Christ, Daniel completely lost his strength and fell on his face to the ground as dead. But even in this condition he heard Jesus speaking, although Daniel doesn’t reveal what He said.

Daniel’s experience was similar to that of others who have been granted a vision of God. What a contrast this is with many modern Christians, who come so casually into God’s presence to worship Him!

Verses 10, 11

Rising to his hands and knees, Daniel felt the touch of a hand that caused him to tremble. Once again Gabriel had been sent to provide a further explanation of his earlier visions concerning the 2300 days. Gabriel again assured Daniel that he was greatly beloved, and admonished him to understand what he was about to tell him.

Gabriel also told Daniel to stand up, and Daniel did so, but he continued to tremble.

Verse 12

Gently encouraging him not to be afraid, Gabriel explained that Daniel’s prayer had been heard three weeks earlier, on the first day he had begun to fast and pray. It was because of his prayer that Gabriel had now come to give a further explanation.

Verse 13

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days – The prince of the kingdom of Persia was Satan himself (Matthew 4:8, 9; John 12:31, KJV, Ephesians 6:12.) He had been hard at work, opposing Gabriel in his mission to answer Daniel’s prayer.

From the time Daniel began to fast and pray, Gabriel had been trying to persuade Cyrus to support the Jews in their work of restoring the temple at Jerusalem. But, in the mysterious conflict raging within his mind, Cyrus had resisted Gabriel’s invisible presence and silent powers of persuasion. The Samaritans’ false allegations against the Jews had no doubt disturbed him. And perhaps he was disappointed that so many of the Jews had ignored his permission to go home.

Here we are given a glimpse into the great controversy, where two invisible powers are contending for the minds of men. This is the real message of Daniel’s last vision. Down through human history this conflict would continue. Even today the battle continues, in the events of our world day. But the good news of Daniel’s vision is that the outcome is certain. God will triumph in the end! The only question that remains is, which power will we allow to rule our thoughts and minds?

Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia – Gabriel had been struggling alone with Cyrus, and with Satan, who was influencing Cyrus to resist Gabriel. This battle remained at an impasse until Michael came to help.

Who is Michael? The name Michael means “One who is like God,” and is another title for Jesus (Daniel 12:1; Jude 9, compare with 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and John 5:25). Jesus is the only Being who is truly like His Father. The name Michael appears five times in scripture, and it is always used when Jesus is in conflict with Satan. And in every instance, He emerges the mighty Conqueror.

Why is Michael called “one of the chief princes?” This phrase can also be translated, “the first of the princes,” which make more sense. Actually, the Bible calls Jesus a Prince numerous times. For example, He is called “The Prince of life” (Acts 3:15), “the Prince of princes” (Daniel 8:25), “Messiah the Prince” (Daniel 9:25), “Prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6), “the great Prince who stands watch over the sons of your people” (Daniel 12:1), and the “Prince of the kings of the earth” (Revelation 1:5, KJV).

Verse 14

Gabriel had come to explain to Daniel what would happen to his people in the last days. Daniel’s people were the Jews. But the literal nation of Jews would no longer be God’s people in the last days; obviously Gabriel was speaking here of spiritual Israel (Daniel 12:1; Galatians 3:28, 29).

Gabriel went on to explain that the vision was describing events that were far in the future.

Verses 15 – 17

In response to Gabriel’s words, Daniel bowed to the ground and was left speechless. Gabriel touched his lips and strengthened him to speak. Daniel then explained that the vision had left him speechless and without any physical strength.

Verses 18, 19

Gabriel touched him again, speaking words of encouragement, and Daniel acknowledged that he was now ready to listen to Gabriel’s explanation.

Verse 20

With Daniel now strengthened, Gabriel asked him if he understood why he had come. He then explained that his battle with Satan was not over; he must go back to continue his work.

When I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come – In verse 13, Gabriel had called Satan the prince of the kingdom of Persia. Some time after Gabriel returned to the battle with him, Greece would take dominion of the world. Then Satan would become the prince of the kingdom of Greece. This is an insight into how Satan uses the kingdoms of the world to further his own ends.

Verse 21

I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth – Here Gabriel explained that before he returned to the battle, he was going to take the time to show him key events that would transpire from that point on. These events were already written in the “Scripture of Truth,” that is, in God’s great prophetic calendar. Therefore, their fulfillment was absolutely certain.

No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince – Gabriel had been assigned to battle directly against Satan, and no one except Jesus could step into his position. It is no surprise that Gabriel was the one assigned to this position, because Lucifer had been the mightiest of the angels before his fall and Gabriel had assumed this position. (SOP 4, 5)

Spirit of Prophecy Quotations

1 “When the time came for His temple to be rebuilt, He [God] moved upon Cyrus as His agent to discern the prophecies concerning Himself, and to grant the Jewish people their liberty.

“The deliverance of Daniel from the den of lions had been used of God to create a favorable impression upon the mind of Cyrus the Great. . . .

“As the king saw the words foretelling, more than a hundred years before his birth, the manner in which Babylon should be taken; as he read the message addressed to him by the Ruler of the universe, . . . his heart was profoundly moved, and he determined to fulfill his divinely appointed mission. He would let the Judean captives go free; he would help them restore the temple of Jehovah.” – Conflict and Courage, page 257.

2 “The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance. Men need to think less about what they shall eat and drink, of temporal food, and much more in regard to the food from heaven, that will give tone and vitality to the whole religious experience.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods, page 90.

3 “No less a personage than the Son of God appeared to Daniel. Our Lord comes with another heavenly messenger to teach Daniel what would take place in the latter days.” – The Sanctified Life, page 49.

4 “Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Christ.” – Early Writings, page 145.

5 “The words of the angel, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God," show that he holds a position of high honor in the heavenly courts. When he came with a message to Daniel, he said, "There is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael [Christ] your Prince." Dan. 10:21. Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revelation, saying that "He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John." Rev. 1:1. And to John the angel declared, "I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets." Rev. 22:9, R. V. Wonderful thought--that the angel who stands next in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful men.” – The Desire of Ages, page 99.