CHAPTER 10

1 In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a revelation was made to Daniel, called Belteshazzar; and the word was most true and the times most extended; and he understood the word, and fully comprehended the vision.

2 In those days I Daniel gave myself up to mourning for three weeks of days.

3 I did not eat any delicate food; neither flesh nor wine entered my mouth: Nor did I anoint myself at all, till three weeks of days were fulfilled.

4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was upon the banks of the great river Hiddekel;

5 Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold! a man clothed in linen vesture, His loins were girt with the gold of Uphaz:

6 His body was like the chrysolite, His face like the appearance of lightning, and his eyes like lamps of fire, His arms and his feet were as bright as polished brass, And the voice of his words like the sound of a tumult.

7 I Daniel alone saw the vision: For the men who were with me saw no vision; Yea, rather, great terror fell upon them, and they fled into hiding places.

8 Then I Daniel was left alone, And I saw this great vision: Then there remained no strength within me: My comeliness was turned to corruption, and I did not retain my strength.

9 Yet I heard the voice of his words; And when I heard the voice of his words, I fell down in a swoon with my face towards the ground.

10 And behold! a hand touched me, and raised me upon my knees, and upon the palms of my hands.

11 Then he said to me, O Daniel! a man of desires, Understand the words which I address to thee, And stand upright, because I am now sent unto thee. When he had spoken this word unto me, I stood up trembling.

12 Then he said unto me, Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day on which thou didst apply thy heart to understanding, and to afflicting thyself before the face of thy God, thy words were heard. And I am come through thy words.

13 The prince of the kingdom of the Persians resisted me for twenty-one days; And, lo, Michael, one of the chief leaders, came to my assistance; And I was left among the kings of the Persians.

14 Now I am come to disclose to thee what shall occur to thy people at the close of the days; for still the vision is for days.

15 While he was speaking to me according to these words, I placed my face upon the ground, and became dumb.

16 When, lo! one bearing the form of the sons of men touched my lips; And I opened my mouth and spoke, and said to the person standing before me, O lord, my sorrows are turned upon me in vision, and I cannot retain my strength.

17 And how could the servant of this my lord speak with this my lord? Henceforth no strength remained in me and no breath was left in me.

18 Then a second time, he who bore a human appearance, touched me, and strengthened me, and said,

19 Fear not, O man of desires, peace be to thee, Take courage and be strong. And while he was addressing me, I became strong, Then I said, Let my Lord speak, because thou hast strengthened me.

20 He said next, Surely thou knowest why I am come to thee, I am now going to return to contend with the prince of Persia; And when I am gone, behold, the prince of Javan (Greece) will come.

21 But I will declare unto thee what is deeply graven in the scripture of truth: For there is not one who will stand by me in these affairs, Except Michael your prince.