Daniel 10:1–9

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, 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 weeks. 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.

Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, 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.

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. 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.

By this point, Cyrus has allowed the Jews to return to Israel where they begin the task of restoring the temple. Although Daniel is now too old to be much use in the restoration, his role as a prophet and spiritual leader is significant. He’s now quite famous—worldwide, not just with his own people.

Thus, Daniel knows well what his personal mission field is. He’s where he needs to be, doing what he needs to do. Unfortunately, the temple restoration isn’t going so well. Fierce opposition has halted the reconstruction. What’s a prophet to do in times like this?

In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 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.

Daniel’s prayer and fasting sets the stage for his greatest vision—spanning three whole chapters. It will detail battles on earth and in the heavenly realms.

The connection between the two will be electrifying.

This vision isn’t a dream. Daniel isn’t asleep, and he isn’t alone either. His buddies don’t see what he sees, a certain man clothed in linen, but they see enough to scatter in terror.

But the vision of this man knocks Daniel out. 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.

The presence of holiness always seems to be too much for folks to handle.

These Monday—Friday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. To subscribe to all the DEEPs click here:

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.