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August 24, 2016 |
| Daniel 10 | ||
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
1. (1-3) Introduction: Daniel's state of heart.
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia1 a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar2. The message was true, and one of great conflict, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks3. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
2. (4-6) Daniel sees a glorious man on the banks of the Tigris River.
Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris (Hiddekel), I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen 4, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude 5. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
3. (Dan 10:8-9) Daniel's reaction to the sight of the man.
Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.
1. (10-11) The certain man introduces himself to Daniel.
Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
2. (12-14) The angel explains his coming to Daniel, and the opposition he faced on the way.
Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia 6 withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes7, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come."
3. (15-19) Daniel is strengthened in his weakness.
When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, "My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me." Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!" So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me."
4. (10:20-11:1) The angel introduces his message to Daniel.
Then he said, "Do you understand why I came to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince. Also in the first year of Darius the Mede, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him)."
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The appearance of the "glorious man" to Daniel - (Dan 10:1-9)
- The conversation between Daniel and the "glorious man" - (Dan 10:10-21
2) Describe the "glorious man" seen by Daniel by the Tigris river (4-6)
- Clothed in linen, waist girded with gold
- Body like beryl, face like lightning, eyes like torches of fire
- Arms and feet like burnished bronze
- His words like the voice of a multitude
| DANIEL 10:4-6 | REVELATION 1:12-16 |
| Clothed in linen | Clothed with a garment |
| Waist girded with gold | Girded about the chest with a golden band |
| Body was like beryl (Golden topaz) | |
| Face like … lightning | Head and hair were white like wool |
| Eyes like torches of fire | Eyes like a flame of fire |
| Feet like burnished bronze | Feet were like fine brass |
|
Sound of his words like the voice of a multitude |
Voice as the sound of many waters |
3) Describe the impact of seeing this "glorious man" on Daniel (8-9)
- Left him without strength, his vigor turned to frailty
- In a deep sleep, Daniel heard the sound of the man's words
4) How does the "glorious man" address Daniel? (11)
- "Man greatly beloved" (cf. Dan 10:19)
5) Why had the "glorious man" delayed his coming to Daniel? (12-13)
- The prince of Persia withstood him for 21 days, but then the prince Michael helped him.
6) Why was the "glorious man" sent to Daniel? When would the events occur? (14)
- To help him understand what would happen to his people (Israel)
- In "the latter days", "many days yet to come"
7) Speechless and overwhelmed, how was Daniel strengthened? (15-19)
- The "glorious man" touched Daniel, and spoke encouraging words to him
8) What would the "glorious man" do after leaving Daniel? Who would help? (20-21)
- Return to fight with the prince of Persia, after that with the prince of Greece
- Michael the prince (cf. Dan 10:13; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Re 12:7)
1Daniel 1:21- Conflict of dates/time line?
2 The first wave of exiles had returned under the leadership of Ezra (Ezra 1-2). Two years after Cyrus' decree for the restoration of the Jews had gone forth, in accordance with Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:3-19
3 Nisan (~March), Feast of unleavened bread reminded them of their Egyptian bondage. Daniel mourned not merely for the seven days appointed (Exodus 12:18), from the evening of the fourteenth to the twenty-first of Nisan, but thrice seven days, to mark extraordinary sorrow. His mourning ended on the twenty-first day, the closing day of the passover feast.
4Linen --the raiment of priests, being the symbol of sanctity, as more pure than wool (Exodus 28:42 ); also of prophets (Jeremiah 13:1); and of angels (Revelation 15:6)
5 A certain man … Revelation 1:12-16, Daniel 10:13, (Ezekiel 9:2).
6 Prince: idea of a ruler or authority. (Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:16, Colossians 2:15). These angelic ranks include both faithful angels and fallen angels.
7 Michael: In other passages Michael is associated with the battle between good angels and evil angels (Revelation 12:7, Jude 1:9).