Daniel 10

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto 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.

In Cyrus's third year as king of Persia, Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, received a revelation. It was a profound truth, yet its fulfillment was far off. Daniel grasped its meaning and comprehended the vision.

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

During that time, I, Daniel, was consumed by sorrow for three long weeks.

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

For three long weeks, I didn't indulge in any delicious food or drink, nor did I pamper myself. I abstained completely, living in simplicity and austerity.

And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;

On the 24th day of the first month, I found myself standing by the vast river, Hiddekel, awestruck by its grandeur.

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen, his waist adorned with pure gold.

His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

His form shimmered like a precious gem, his face radiated with the intensity of a lightning strike. His eyes burned with a fiery passion, and his limbs gleamed like polished brass. His voice echoed with the power and resonance of a vast crowd.

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

Only I, Daniel, witnessed the vision. My companions didn't see it; instead, they were overwhelmed by fear and ran to find shelter.

Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

I found myself utterly alone, witnessing an overwhelming vision. It drained me of all my strength, my beauty within me turned to decay, leaving me powerless.

Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

I heard his voice, it echoed in my ears. As I listened, I was overcome with such a profound sleep, my face pressed against the earth.

And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

Suddenly, a gentle hand reached out, lifting me tenderly onto my knees and hands.

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

He told me, "Daniel, you are deeply loved. Grasp my words and stand tall, for I am here for you." As his words echoed, I stood, shaking with awe.

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

He reassured me, "Don't be afraid, Daniel. From the moment you decided to seek understanding and humble yourself before God, your prayers were heard. I'm here in response to your prayers."

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

The Persian prince resisted me for three long weeks. But then, Michael, a high-ranking angel, came to my aid. So, I stayed put with the Persian kings.

Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

I'm here to help you grasp what will happen to your people in the future. But remember, this vision is still a long way off.

And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.

After he spoke those words to me, I turned my face to the earth, overwhelmed into silence.

And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

Suddenly, a figure resembling a human touched my lips. I found my voice and said to the one before me, "My lord, this vision has filled me with sorrow and left me utterly drained."

For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.

How can I, a mere servant, speak to you, my lord? I'm so overwhelmed, I've lost all my strength and can barely breathe.

Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

Once more, a figure resembling a man reached out to me, infusing me with renewed strength.

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Beloved, don't be afraid. May peace be with you. Be brave, yes, be brave. After he spoke to me, I felt empowered and said, "Speak, my lord, for you've given me strength."

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

He asked, "Do you understand why I've come to you? Now, I must go back to battle the Persian prince. And when I leave, the Greek prince will arrive."

But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

But first I will reveal to you what is written in the Book of Truth. In this struggle, only Michael, your guardian prince, stands by my side.