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DANIEL 10:1-11:1

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

1. Daniel 10 is an introduction to the message of Daniel 11-12. Daniel 10-12 make up a literary unit. This is the final vision given to Daniel.
   
   
2. This literary unit is the only place in the biblical record that discusses this angelic dimension as it relates to human events and history. However, remember this is apocalyptic imagery. It is dubious that doctrine can be built on this text. However, it should also function as a warning to us not to assume we understand all the elements of spiritual realm!
    For a good discussion of apocalyptic literature, see D. Brent Sandy, Plowshares and Pruning Hooks, chapter 5, "How Does the Language of Apocalyptic Work?" pp. 103-128
   SPECIAL TOPIC: APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: DANIEL 10:1
 ¹In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.

10:1 "third year of Cyrus" This seems to contradict Dan. 1: 21, but it means that Daniel lived during the entire exilic period and into the Persian period. Old Testament dates are not as precise as our modern dating systems. The older LXX has "the first year," but Theodotion's later Greek translation has "the third year," as do the Peshitta and the MT.

This would be about 537/536 B.C., which is very close to the time when Ezra returned with a group of Judeans (cf. Ezra 1).

For a good brief article on Cyrus II, see IVP Bible Background Commentary (OT), pp. 745-746. This volume gives many pieces of information currently found in archaeology and modern historical research. I have found it thought provoking and helpful in understanding the historical setting of the text.

▣ "king of Persia" Cyrus was of half Median descent (his mother) and half Persian descent (his father).

In Dan. 10:13 "an angelic prince of Persia" is identified with "the kings of Persia." This is a corporate understanding of a national entity or a guardian advocate of an angelic realm. It is so hard to know in Daniel what is literal and historical and what is apocalyptic and just supplied for impact! Since this is the only place (except Deut. 32:8 in the LXX) where national angels are mentioned I think it best to yield to the genre and maintain its symbolic nature.

▣ "Belteshazzar" See note at Dan. 1:7.

▣ "the message was true" The term "message" in NASB is literally "word" (BDB 182, cf. Dan. 9:2,12,23,25; 10:1,6,9,11,12,15). It can be translated as "matter," "word," "message," or "revelation." This word is used five times in chapter 9 and eleven times in chapter 10. It is the term used in Dan. 12:4,9 as to what Daniel is to "seal up."

The term "truth" (BDB 54; see SPECIAL TOPIC: AMEN) is the OT counterpart to pistis in Koine Greek. Its basic meaning is to be firm and, thereby, faithful and true. Here it is often used of the truthfulness of what is spoken (cf. Deut. 22:20; 1 Kgs. 10:6; 2 Chr. 9:5; Dan. 8:26; 11:2).

The angel's message is "true," but it is also revealed in apocalyptic imagery. Truth is not relating to the symbols or details, but to the overall message, which is found in chapters 11-12. Genre identification and characteristics have become the crucial hermeneutical tool in modern interpretation. Three helpful books in this area are

1. Gordon Fee and Doug Stuart, How To Read the Bible For All Its Worth
2. D. Brent Sandy, Plowshares and Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic
3. G. B. Caird, The Language and Imagery of the Bible

SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS IN THE OT

Daniel was reminded that the Jews' relationship to the world powers would be one of continuing conflict (cf. Dan. 9:24-27; Psalm 2; Ezekiel 38-39). It is also possible this refers to the surprising angelic conflict of Dan. 10:10-21. The TEV, JPSOA, REB, Peshitta take it as referring to the angel's message itself, which was hard to grasp (cf. Job 14:14).

▣ "had an understanding of the vision" This was Daniel's gift (cf. Dan. 1:17; 7:15, 28; 8:27), but even so he still needed an angelic interpreter (cf. Dan. 9:22-23; i.e. characteristic of Jewish apocalyptic literature).

It is uncertain to what particular vision this refers.

1. the angelic conflict of Dan. 10:12-21
2. the literary unit of chapters 10-12, which would make the vision the content of chapters 11-12

Context seems to support #2.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: DANIEL 10:2-9
 ²"In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. ³I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed. ⁴On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris, ⁵I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. ⁶His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult. ⁷Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves. ⁸So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength. ⁹But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground."

10:2 "mourning" This (BDB 5, KB 6, Hithpael PARTICIPLE) refers to fasting (Dan. 10:3) and prayer. The exact reason is not stated, possibly

1. for the sinning of God's people as in Dan. 9:1-19
2. for God's mercy on His people both now and in the tension-filled future (Dan. 10:1)
3. for the future destruction of Israel's holy city and temple (Dan. 9:24-27)
4. for greater understanding relating to the current vision

▣ "for three entire weeks" This (literally "three weeks of days") is the same period as the angelic conflict of Dan. 10:13. Again, in Daniel, time is often expressed in weeks (cf. Dan. 9:24-27; 10:2-3; "twenty-one days" in Dan. 10:13. For a good discussion of "week" (NIDOTTE, vol. 4, pp. 20-23) see Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, vol. 1, pp. 186-188.

10:3 "did not eat" This was not a total fast (NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 780-782), but he did not partake of the royal food provided him.

SPECIAL TOPIC: FASTING

▣ "any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth" The implication of these words is that Daniel normally ate and drank these items, obviously he had come to some arrangement about his food (cf. Dan. 1:8-13, for the same concept).

▣ "nor did I use any ointment" Ointment (BDB 691) had several purposes (NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 234).

SPECIAL TOPIC: ANOINTING IN THE BIBLE

10:4 "On the twenty-fourth day of the first month" This date reveals that Daniel fasted through the Feast of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (i.e. Nisan, cf. Exod. 12; Hag. 1:15; 2:10, 18, 20; Zech. 1:7). This dating is very precise. Daniel was an administrator.

SPECIAL TOPIC: FEASTS OF ISRAEL

SPECIAL TOPIC: ANE CALENDARS

▣ "I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris" Apparently he was on a governmental assignment, as in Dan. 8:27.

The phrase "great river" usually refers to the Euphrates (i.e. Gen. 15:18). The Peshitta has it here, but LXX follows the MT, "Tigris."

10:5 "a certain man dressed in linen" It is interesting that the angels in Daniel look like human males.

1. Adam, Dan. 8:16; 10:16,18
2. Ish, Dan. 9:21; 10:5; 12:6,7
3. Gebar, Dan. 3:25; 8:15

All angels in the Bible are masculine except in Zech. 5:9.

This bright white linen (BDB 94 I) is often associated with angelic appearances (cf. Gen. 18:2; Jdgs. 13:3,6; Ezek. 9:2,3,11; 10:2,6,7; Dan. 8:16; 9:21; 12:6,7; Luke 24:4 and Acts 1:10). This angel is described in terminology that depicts God and the resurrected Christ in Revelation 1. This angel is associated with YHWH's throne.

SPECIAL TOPIC: LINEN

This could refer to

1. a place of origin (cf. Jer. 10:9)
2. possibly the same as Ophir of 1 Kgs. 9:28; 1 Chr. 29:4; Job 22:24; 28:16; Isa. 13:12)
3. a grade of smelted ore (cf. 1 Kgs. 10:18), but this would require a textual emendation (cf. TEV, NJB, NIV)

The UBS Text Project, p. 215, gives "Uphaz" a "B" rating (some doubt).

1. of Uphaz ‒ אופז
2. of Ophir ‒ אופך

The exalted Christ is also described this same way in Rev. 1:13 and the seven angels with seven plagues are described this way in Rev. 15:6. This dress denotes a heavenly origin, near the throne of God.

10:6 "His body" This description is similar to the exalted Christ of Rev. 1:13-16 (E. J. Young thinks it is the pre-incarnate Christ); however, Dan. 10:11ff show that he is an angel sent by God to inform Daniel. Could the pre-incarnate Christ be thwarted for three weeks by a national angel? I think not!

▣ "beryl" This (BDB 1076 I) was a type of jewel (cf. Ezek. 28:13) either yellow jasper (cf. Exod. 28:20; 39:13) or golden in color (cf. Ezek. 1:16; 10:9), associated with

1. one of the stones on the High Priest's vest (cf. Exod. 28:20)
2. part of Ezekiel's vision of God's throne chariot (cf. Ezek. 1:16; 10:9)
3. one of the precious stones of the Garden of Eden in Ezekiel's vision of Ezek. 28:13
4. part of the new Jerusalem (cf. Revelation 21:20)

▣ "his face had the appearance of lightning" This brightness of face matches the brightness of the linen. The term "appearance" (BDB 909) is used in Daniel's "visions" in Dan. 8:16,26,27; 9:23 and 10:1. It is hard to find human words to describe these visions.

▣ "his eyes were like flaming torches" This is used of the Exalted Christ in Rev. 1:14; 2:18; 19:12, where it refers to His knowledge and insight.

▣ "his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze" This is used of the cherubim's feet in Ezek. 1:7 and of the exalted Christ in Rev. 1:15; 2:15. All of these descriptions emphasize the brightness or radiance of the angel. He was dressed as those who are close to God.

This Hebrew term (BDB 242) is translated "murmur," "roar," "crowd," or "multitude." In Ezekiel this word and "the sound of many waters" are parallel (cf. Ezek. 1:24; 43:2). It is used of the exalted Christ in Rev. 1:15. In Rev. 14:2; 19:6, it is used of the sound of the authoritative voice of one from God.

10:7 "while the men who were with me did not see the vision" Daniel, along with other Persian officials, was on a government mission (cf. Dan. 8:27). This sounds very much like Paul's description of Jesus' appearances to him in Acts, chapters 9, 22, 26. This vision was for only one!

▣ "dread fell on them" They sensed a supernatural presence.

10:8 "natural color turned to a deathly pallor" The Hebrew phrase is very intense. This vision scared Daniel badly (cf. Dan. 10:16-17; 7:28; 8:27).

10:9 "sound of his words" Twice in this verse Daniel heard this voice, but passed out before he could receive the message (cf. Dan. 8:18; Jer. 31:26; Zech. 4:1; Rev. 1:17).

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: DANIEL 10:10-14
 ¹⁰Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. ¹¹He said to me, "O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. ¹²Then he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. ¹³But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. ¹⁴Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future."

10:10 "a hand touched me" Angels did this (BDB 619, KB 688, Qal PERFECT) to encourage and strengthen those to whom they appeared (cf. Dan. 10:16, 18; 1 Kgs 19:5-7; as did Jesus, Rev.1:17). Angels can take on physical and human features.

▣ "set me trembling on my hands and knees" This (BDB 631, KB 681, Hiphil IMPERFECT with waw) is an idiom for physical strengthening. Daniel arose from being prostrate on the ground to kneeling on his hands and knees.

See note at Dan. 9:23 (NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 168, #3), where this same expression is used of Daniel by an angel (also note 10:19).

▣ "understand the words" This is a Hiphil IMPERFECT (BDB 106, KB 122). Not only was Daniel gifted by God for the understanding and interpreting of dreams and visions (cf. Dan. 1:17), but several times the angel announced that a special understanding was provided Daniel (cf. Dan. 8:16,17). Daniel must cooperate in this process and remain alert.

▣ "stand upright" This is a Qal IMPERATIVE (BDB 763, KB 840). It is similar to Ezek. 2:1. Daniel was first on his face, then on his hands and knees, and now he must stand up and hear the message.

10:12 "Do not be afraid" This (BDB 431, KB 432) is apparently a Qal JUSSIVE in meaning but not form, as is Dan. 10:19. This is YHWH's recurrent message (sometimes through angels) to His people (e.g., Gen. 15:1; 21:17; 26:24; 35:17; 43:23; Deut. 3:22; 7:18; 20:1; 31:6,8; Isa. 7:4; 35:4; 40:9; 41:10,13,14; 43:5; 44:2; 54:4; Jer. 30:10; 46:27-28). God is for us and with us (cf. Jos. 1:5-7; Isa. 43:2,5).

▣ "from the first day. . .your words were heard" God heard Daniel's prayer and sent an angel to bring the response.

▣ "heart" Here it denotes Daniel's intensity to understand the vision.

SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART

▣ "humbling yourself before God" This term's basic meaning is "to be bowed down" (BDB 776 III, KB 853, Hithpael INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT). In the Hithpael form it is also found in Ezra 8:21, where it is used of prayer and fasting (cf. Dan. 9:3,20; 10:2-3; also note Ps. 35:13).

This same Hebrew word is used in the Psalms to assert that God cares for and hears the humble (cf. Ps. 10:16-18; 69:32) and the afflicted (cf. Ps. 9:11-16; 10:12-15). The NT continues this theme about God's special care and rescue of the humble-minded in Matt. 18:4; 23:12; Luke 18:14; James 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6.

10:13, 20 "prince of the kingdom of Persia" This is a different Hebrew word than "prince" of Dan. 9:25-26 (BDB 617). This is the Hebrew term (BDB 978) which is translated "chieftain," "ruler," "official," "captain," or "prince" and usually in the Bible refers to different kinds of leaders. It is often used in late Hebrew for angels (cf. Dan. 10:21; 12:1; Jos. 5:14,15).

This seems to refer to the national angel of Persia (cf. Deut. 29:26; 32:8 in the Septuagint and Isa. 24:21).

▣ "withstanding me" This VERBAL (BDB 763, KB 840, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE) means "to place or stand in front of." It is related to the term for "prince" ("the one in front") in Dan. 9:25,26. In this context it is used both positively (cf. Dan. 10:16) and negatively (here).

▣ "for twenty-one days" This is another use of the symbolic number seven (7x3). It seems that three or three and one half are symbolic in Daniel of an incomplete or divinely shortened time and was not meant to be understood literally!

This chapter is unique in the Bible in its presentation of the spiritual realm. It records a spiritual struggle between angelic powers. Is this meant to doctrinally inform us about spiritual conflict or is this another example of apocalyptic details? I just do not believe we should base doctrine on these kinds of passages, just as I believe we should not base doctrine on parables or poetry. Doctrines should be based on clear teaching passages and other genres serve as illustrations. Since this chapter is unique we must not develop an elaborate angeology, as did the rabbis who were theologically affected by Iranian (Zoroastrian) dualism. Can the will of the one true God be thwarted or even delayed by rebellious angels? For more information, see Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah in appendix).

▣ "Michael" His name means "Who is like God?" (BDB 567) He is the national angel of Israel. He is one of two angels named in the Bible (cf. Dan. 10:21; 12:1; Jude 9 and Rev. 12:7). He is not the pre-incarnateChrist.

▣ "one of the chief princes" This ADJECTIVE (BDB 911) is used in the sense of "first in rank." Michael is called "the archangel" in Jude 9, while in Rev. 12:7-9, he leads an angelic army against the dragon (Satan) and his angels. He is also mentioned in 1 Enoch 9:1 and DSS War Scroll 9:15-16. The only other place this terminology (i.e. archangel) is used is in the rapture passage of 1 Thess. 4:16.

From the Bible itself we know of angelic levels.

1. Cherubim (Gen. 3:24; Exod. 25:18,22; Ezekiel 10)
2. Seraphim (Isaiah 6)
3. messenger angels (Daniel, often)
4. guardian angels (Matthew 18)
5. archangels (Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9)
6. national angels (Dan. 10:13,20; LXX of Deut. 29:26; 32:8; also Deut. 32:8 has now been found in a Hebrew fragment in the Dead Sea Scrolls)

Exactly how these relate to the demonic (e.g., Rom. 8:38-39; Eph. 3:10; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:15) levels of Paul's writing is uncertain.

In apocalyptic Jewish literature there are:

1. the seven angels of the Presence (cf. I Enoch 20:1-8; 81:5; 90:21-22; II Esd. 4:1; 5:20)
2. archangels (I Enoch 40; 87:2-3; 88:1; 90:31)
3. guardian angels (I Enoch 20:5 and DSS texts)

For a good discussion see Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 2^nd ed., pp. 457-475.

SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELS AND DEMONS

SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELIC LEVELS IN PAUL'S WRITINGS

The MT and LXX are reflected in the NRSV. As is obvious from the differing translations, there are two ways to understand this phrase.

1. The interpreting angel was detained and Michael came to help.
2. Michael himself remained there while the angel went on to Daniel.
3. The angel must return to help Michael confront the Prince of Persia and also Greece.

10:14 "latter days" This Hebrew term (BDB 31) basically means "end" or "that which comes after" (NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 362). It is used in a variety of ways, but in this context, it refers to a future part of human history (i.e. Dan. 2:28; Isa. 2:2; Ezek. 38:16; Hosea 3:5; Micah 4:1). Brown, Driver, Briggs' Lexicon defines it as "a prophetic phrase denoting the final period of the history so far as the speaker's perspective reaches, the sense thus varies with the context, but it often equals the ideal or Messianic future" (p. 31).

1. Gen. 49:1 ‒ Israel's possession of Canaan
2. Num. 24:14; Deut. 4:30 ‒ Israel's return from exile
3. Deut. 31:29; Jer. 23:30; 30:24 ‒ Israel's continuing rebellion
4. Isa. 2:2; Ezek. 38:8; Hos. 3:5 ‒ Israel restored and exalted
5. Ezek. 38:16 ‒ another attack on Israel after the return to the Promised Land
6. Jer. 48:47; 49:39 ‒ God restoring the nations to peace and prosperity

The real question about this phrase is the time-frame. For those who believe that all OT prophecies must be literally fulfilled to national Israel (dispensationalism), some (if not most) of these "latter days" texts have not been fulfilled and, therefore, must be future. Since these speak specifically of national Israel and not the church, then a future secret rapture to remove the church from history must be proposed. Then the book of Revelation becomes a strictly Jewish message with the millennium functioning as the fulfillment.

Neither Jesus nor any NT writer reaffirms these national prophecies. The OT prophets saw a new day in terms of their OT faith, but God's fulfillment was richer, wider, deeper, and inclusive. The gospel is for all. Jerusalem is not a city in Palestine, but imagery for heaven in Revelation 21. These inspired prophets saw as far as God chose to allow, but what they saw was partial (cf. Heb. 1:1-3).

WHY DO OT COVENANT PROMISES SEEM SO DIFFERENT FROM NT COVENANT PROMISES?

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE LAST DAYS

SPECIAL TOPIC: RAPTURE

▣ "for the vision pertains to the days yet future" A similar phrase is used in Dan. 8:26 to refer to Antiochus IV's reign, while in Dan. 2:28; 12:4,9 similar words seem to refer to the end of time. The future is often determined by the understanding or historical perspective of the human writer! The really hard interpretive issue in Daniel's visions is to what future time period they refer.

1. Most of Daniel's visions relate to the second (Medo-Persian) and third (Greece) kingdoms.
2. However, certain texts could relate to the end-time antichrist (cf. Dan. 7:7-8,11,23-28; 9:24-27; 11:36-45).
3. These very passages could refer to Jesus' first coming or Jesus' second coming, which are telescoped together in the OT.

Modern interpreters must not push the ambiguous details of this genre into a systematic eschatology which dominates NT prophecies. Neither Jesus nor other NT writers reaffirm OT nationalistic exclusivistic prophecies relating to Israel. We dare not allow the OT to interpret the NT (cf. Matt. 5:17-19; Galatians 3; the book of Hebrews). The Messiah comes for all (cf. Gen. 3:15), not just Israel. Israel is the parenthesis and is not the focus of the New Covenant (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36).

SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: DANIEL 10:15-17
 ¹⁵ When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. ¹⁶And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, "O my lord, as a result of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength. ¹⁷For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me."

10:15-17 A paraphrase of Daniel's words in Dan. 10:16-17 is, "I know I am blessed to have this vision, but I am so drained physically that I can't comprehend it."

This is literally "one in the likeness of the sons of men" (PLURAL) this concept has been used for

1. the Messiah, Dan. 7:13
2. Daniel, Dan. 8:17
3. an angel, Dan. 10:16

Angels appear as male humans.

1. MASCULINE, SINGULAR PRONOUN, Dan. 7:16
2. Gabriel called "man" (geber) in Dan. 8:15 and ish in 9:21
3. several powerful angels
   1. Adam, Dan. 8:16
   2. Adam, Dan. 10:16,18
   3. ish, Dan. 10:5
   4. ish, Dan. 12:6,7

▣ "touching my lips" This is a symbolic gesture of empowering to speak. It is used in the sense of a prophetic call in Isa. 6:7 and Jer. 1:9. In this context Daniel was still physically and emotionally unable to interact with the angelic messenger (cf. Dan. 10:16-17) so the angel had to touch him again (there is even a third touch in Dan. 10:18).

▣ "lord" This is the Hebrew term adon, which means master, owner.

SPECIAL TOPIC: LORD (adon and kurios)

▣ "as a result of the vision" These supernatural revelations were overwhelming (cf. Dan. 4:19; 7:15,28; 8:17,27; 10:8,9). See note at Dan. 4:19.

This Hebrew term (BDB 852 IV) originally referred literally to the pain of childbirth (cf. 1 Sam. 4:19; NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 127; see SPECIAL TOPIC: BIRTH PAINS). It came to be used as imagery for terrible circumstances (cf. Isa. 13:8; 21:3). This same figurative language was used for the new age in Mark 13:8. Daniel's vision of the "latter days" and its interpretation use this word play about "pain" and the end-time events about to unfold to him.

10:17 This is obviously symbolic language describing Daniel's awe at the vision he has seen and the majesty of the angelic visitor. This figurative hyperbolic language is characteristic of apocalyptic literature.

SPECIAL TOPIC: APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: DANIEL 10:18-11:1
 ¹⁸ Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. ¹⁹He said, "O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!" Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, "May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me." ²⁰Then he said, "Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. ²¹However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. (Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince. ^11:1In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him.")

10:19 "O man of high esteem" See note at Dan. 10:11.

▣ "do not be afraid" See note at Dan. 10:12.

▣ "Peace be with you" This (two Qal IMPERATIVES, BDB 304, KB 302) is the only occurrence of this NOUN (or VERB) in Daniel. It means (BDB 1022) "completeness," "soundness," "welfare," "peace." It is used often in Isaiah and Jeremiah. This same concept is expressed by Jesus (only in John) to His disciples (cf. John 14:27; 16:33; 20:19,21,26).

▣ "take courage and be courageous" This (two Qal IMPERATIVES) is YHWH's message to Joshua after Moses' death (BDB 304, KB 302, cf. Josh. 1:6,7,9). Humans need these words of encouragement. The spiritual realm is overwhelming!

10:20 "But I shall now return to fight" This is a difficult verse to interpret. This angelic being has been attacked, rescued and now goes back into the spiritual fray. The spiritual conflict continues. The conflict involves world powers, historical empires, but also spiritual beings. God's will is sure, but not without opposition. Daniel's prayer for understanding interrupts the conflict, but does not alter it! God's sovereignty controls history (cf. Dan. 2:21; 10:21), but there is still tension in this period of fallenness, both in the physical and spiritual realms.

▣ "the prince of Persia" In Dan. 8:20 it combines the racial entities of Media and Persia into the third empire of Daniel's visions (i.e., chapters 2; 7; and 8). Here it just mentions the dominant one of the two. If this literally refers to national angels, how could there be just one angel? The same is true for Greece, which will divide into several regional empires after the death of Alexander the Great.

▣ "the prince of Greece" This is another national angel (see note at Dan. 10:13). God's people will be affected by both of these nations (cf. Daniel 2; 7; 8).

10:21 "inscribed in the writing of truth" The term "inscribed" (BDB 957, KB 1293) is an Aramaic loan-word found only here in the OT. Daniel has mentally reversed back to Aramaic.

This either refers to

1. God's accurate records (like "the books," Dan. 7:10; 12:1)
2. God's plan for history and mankind is sure (cf. Ps. 139:16)

The contents of this book are the revelation of chapters 11-12. God is in complete control of future historical events, especially as they relate to His eternal redemptive plan.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary (OT), p. 746, says this book, "Book of Truth" (cf. Dan. 11:2), is similar to the Babylonian book, Tablet of Destinies, in that both record details of historical events. Chapter 11 of Daniel is a very detailed historical account of the conflict between the rulers of Egypt and the rulers of Syria/Babylon in the interbiblical period.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TWO BOOKS OF GOD

SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN

This is the same Hebrew term (BDB 304, KB 302) which basically means "to be firm," "to grow firm," or "to be strong." In Dan. 10:21 it is in the Hithpael PARTICIPLE form and in 11:1 it is in the Hiphil PARTICIPLE form. Angels serve rulers and nations (cf. Dan. 10:13,20,21). As Michael served, protected, and encouraged Israel, this angel did the same for Darius the Mede, so as to fulfill God's will in history and in redemption (i.e. chapter 2).

10:21-11:1 Notice that NASB and NKJV have a parenthesis, which begins in Dan. 10:21 and continues through Dan. 11:1. The person speaking is the angel who touched Daniel three times (cf. Dan. 10:10-21). The context implies that it is the same majestic angel described in Dan. 10:5-9. It is this angel who provided protection to Dairus the Mede (see full note at Dan. 5:31) which, I believe, is a first-year throne name for Cyrus II (cf. Isa. 44:28-45:1).

11:1 "I" This must refer to the angel speaking to David.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Why is there a problem between Daniel 1:21 and 10:1?
2. Why was Daniel mourning (fasting)?
3. What does Daniel's physical condition after his encounter with the angelic world say to us?
4. What do Dan. 10:13 and 20 say about the relation between history and the unseen world?
5. How can angelic conflict and opposition effect God's will?

 

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