The Vision of the Lord God: “A Man Clothed in Linen” Daniel 10

Daniel 10:1 Time of the Vision “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.” Time of the Vision

Daniel 10:2, 3 Daniel’s Mourning “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 Mourning

Daniel 10:4 “Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris.” The 24th Day

Time of Vision This is the third year of Cyrus, King of Persia; Daniel is still in Babylon. At this time, the prophet Daniel would be an old man (probably about 90). The Babylonian name confirms that this is the same Daniel. After 70 years of captivity, Daniel chose to remain in Babylon.

Affirms Truth of the Revelation Knew the words were true. The message indeed was difficult. It concerned “warfare.” Daniel said he “understood the thing.” Does not means he understood “all” of it War and hardship would be coming. Struggle for things in the revelation itself.

Daniel’s Anguish “In those days”—duration of three weeks Length of his fasting from food and drink Not anointing with oil when one was in mourning or facing a crisis Daniel’s sincerity is seen in this example of his humiliation. His understanding of the approaching “suffering” caused him great turmoil.

Time Period 24th day of the first month This date would be three days after conclusion of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. (Exodus 23:15) Passover fell on the 14th day of the month, and the Feast followed for the next seven days—15-21. Daniel was beside the Tigris River.

Daniel 10:5 “I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz!” A Man Clothed in Linen

Daniel 10:6 A Man Clothed in Linen “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.” A Man Clothed in Linen

Daniel 10:7 “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.” For Daniel’s Eyes Only

Daniel 10:8 “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.” For Daniel’s Eyes Only

His Visage Clothed in linen—celestial visitant Gold girded his lions—fine gold His body—like beryl (transparent stone from Tarshish) Face—like the presence of lightning—resplendent brilliance Eyes—like flaming torches Arms and feet—like burnished brass Voice—like the sound of a multitude

Revelation 1:13 “And in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.” A Similar Vision

Ezekiel 1:13 A Similar Vision “As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning.” A Similar Vision

Revelation 1:16 “He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” A Similar Vision

Revelation 1:15 “His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters.” A Similar Vision

Daniel’s Eyes Only Everything about this person frightened Daniel. Tidings about warfare—from one who looked like he could wage warfare! Daniel’s companions were trembling. Nearness to them—Daniel saw the vision—they could not. Similar to the Apostle Paul’s vision— Acts 9:3ff.

Daniel’s Eyes Only Daniel was left alone. The companions fled; then Daniel saw the vision. Daniel lost all his strength (fear). His vigor turned to fragility. The creature appeared in human form. Was this the incarnated Christ? Mighty angel on a par with Michael?

The Person Some claim that this was a “theophany”—a physical appearance of a spiritual Deity. Yet, remember that angels are also created beings. They are spirit, but they can take human form. Remember Abraham and Lot. One thing’s for sure—God sent this “person.” His message came from God!

Effect on Daniel Daniel’s strength left him. He fell into a deep sleep or swoon. He fell into a state of unconsciousness. Like being stunned. Why should this seem strange to one who believes he has been in the presence of a Holy Being! Sadly, many claim such experiences today, as if they were common!

Daniel 10:10 “Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands.” A Hand Touched Daniel

Daniel 10:11 A Hand Touched Daniel “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.” A Hand Touched Daniel

God Hears Daniel’s Words “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.’ God Hears Daniel’s Words

Daniel 10:13 ‘But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.’ Where He Came From

Daniel 10:14 ‘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.’” Why He Has Come

The Heavenly Being’s Exhortation Gradually, Daniel’s consciousness was restored. His Touch: “Hand” shook to rouse him Daniel trembled in his palms, and he was on his knees. His Tone: His words are tender--“O man greatly beloved” His words comfort--“fear not” His words assure, “I came for thy word’s sake”

The Heavenly Being’s Exhortation Must have been music to Daniel’s ears Visitor explains that Daniel is an object of love. Instructs Daniel to stand upright Yet, in his humility, Daniel continues to tremble. Daniel’s words were heard from the time he began to consider the future of the people. At the beginning of his prayer and fasting, the visitor had been sent from God.

The Heavenly Being’s Exhortation His Task: His mission: to help Daniel understand what would befall him in the “latter days” The King of Persia “withstood” the visitor for 21 days--the same amount of time as Daniel’s fasting. This is thought to mean spiritual warfare. It was not the physical king of Persia. It was a wicked or demonic being behind the kingdom of Persia. Such contending is beyond our understanding.

Hebrews 1:14 “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” Ministering Spirits

Wickedness in Heavenly Places Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Wickedness in Heavenly Places

Revelation 12: 7,8 “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.” War in Heaven

Jude 9 “Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” Michael the Archangel

Daniel 12:1 “At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book!” Michael the Archangel

Spiritual Warfare Michael called “standing for God’s people.” Here, he is called “your prince” (10:21). Michael gave help to this heavenly messenger and this enabled him to bring the message to Daniel. The Lord Himself, on behalf of His faithful people, makes war on heathen nations’ hostile spirits. Revelation 19:11-16

Making Daniel Understand “Latter Days” Language used in Genesis 49:1 In this context, it means in “future days.” Some of Daniel’s prophecy does refer to the Messianic Period—Daniel 2:44,45. Yet, what is about to be revealed to him will happen during the “Grecian” period--in Chapter 11. The key words are “many days yet to come.”

Daniel Becomes Speechless “When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless.” Daniel Becomes Speechless

Daniel 10:16 “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.’” Daniel Speaks

Daniel Feels Inadequate “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.” Daniel Feels Inadequate

Again, Daniel Is Touched “Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.” Again, Daniel Is Touched

Daniel’s Helplessness He is unable to regain his composure. He is astonished and speechless. Reverent position—”face set toward the ground.” Because of this vision, Daniel is unable to retain strength. Extreme desperation

God’s Helpfulness The heavenly being “touched” Daniel for the second time. One in human form touched Daniel’s lips that he might speak. Tells him his inability is due to pangs caused by the vision. Daniel speaks as though he were a servant speaking to his superior. Vs.16—restores speech; vs.18—restores strength.

Daniel 10:19 “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.’” Greatly Strengthened

Daniel 10:20 “Then he said, ‘Do you know why I have come 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.’” Greatly Beloved

Daniel 10:21 “But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.” Daniel’s Prince

Daniel Receives Assurance The Lord comforts and assures Daniel. “Fear not” “Peace be unto you” “Be strong, yea, be strong” Bad news is coming. This encouragement made him strong, and so he is ready to hear what the messenger has to say. Calls him back to what he had previously said

Future Spiritual Warfare This makes clear, that despite the fact that Persia is under God’s hand, and serving God’s purpose, it is yet supported in its career of ungodliness by demonic powers. Spiritual warfare is a reality. Another struggle against the Prince of Greece is looming. One is put down, and another will rise up to fight against God’s will.

Future Spiritual Warfare A glimpse into the spiritual activity behind the scenes We see there are “ranks” of angels, principalities, and powers and dominions of this world. Daniel assured of the truthfulness of what he is hearing God knows what the future holds! “Continue in battle”—future battles yet to be fought.

Behind the Scenes There will always be those who seek to thwart God’s plans. They can’t succeed—but they’ll try! God keeps them in check and at bay. Look at an example of such action…

chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:16,17 “... Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” God’s Army

Scripture of Truth This phrase informs Daniel that the history about to be revealed (Chapter 11) contains events of which God alone bears record. As always, it is infallibly accurate. One needs only to compare God’s prophetic revelations to secular history to see His absolute accuracy! God knows and reveals the DETAILS!! Even before it comes to pass! The strongest argument for inspiration!