Daniel 10

In the third year of Cyrus, Daniel observed a three-week period of mourning and fasting, after which he beheld a glorious vision of a celestial being by the river Hiddekel. This awe-inspiring encounter left Daniel without strength, but an angelic messenger touched and strengthened him, revealing that his arrival was delayed by a spiritual conflict with the "prince of Persia." The angel came to impart understanding of future events concerning Daniel's people and stated he would return to continue the battle against the princes of Persia and Grecia, with Michael's sole assistance.

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, Daniel spent three full weeks in mourning and fasting, abstaining from pleasant foods and anointing himself. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, by the river Hiddekel, Daniel saw a magnificent vision of a man clothed in linen, whose appearance was like lightning and polished brass, and whose voice was like a multitude. This vision caused Daniel to lose all strength and fall prostrate, while his companions fled in fear. An angelic being touched and strengthened him, addressing him as "O Daniel, a man greatly beloved," and explained that his prayers were heard from the first day. The angel revealed his twenty-one-day delay was due to resistance from the "prince of the kingdom of Persia," until Michael, one of the chief princes, came to his aid. The purpose of his visit was to make Daniel understand what would befall his people in the latter days. The angel further declared he must return to fight the "prince of Persia," after which the "prince of Grecia" would emerge, and that only Michael stood with him in these spiritual conflicts.

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, Daniel received a true revelation, though its appointed time was long, and he understood the vision. For three full weeks, Daniel was in mourning, abstaining from pleasant bread, flesh, and wine, and did not anoint himself. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, by the great river Hiddekel, Daniel lifted his eyes and beheld a glorious man clothed in linen, with loins girded with fine gold, a body like beryl, a face like lightning, eyes like lamps of fire, and arms and feet like polished brass, whose voice was like a multitude. Daniel alone saw this vision; his companions did not, but a great quaking fell upon them, causing them to flee. Left alone, Daniel lost all strength, his comeliness turning to corruption, and he fell into a deep sleep on his face. An angelic hand touched him, setting him upon his knees and hands, and addressed him as "O Daniel, a man greatly beloved," commanding him to stand upright. The messenger reassured Daniel not to fear, stating that his words were heard from the first day he set his heart to understand and chasten himself. The angel explained his twenty-one-day delay was due to the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" withstanding him, until Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help. The angel's mission was to make Daniel understand what would befall his people in the latter days, as the vision was for many days. Daniel, again overwhelmed, became dumb, but one like the similitude of the sons of men touched his lips, enabling him to speak and express his weakness. A second touch from one like the appearance of a man strengthened him, urging him to fear not, be at peace, and be strong. Strengthened, Daniel consented for his lord to speak. The angel then declared he would return to fight with the "prince of Persia," and after that, the "prince of Grecia" would come. Finally, the angel promised to show Daniel what was noted in the "scripture of truth," affirming that none held with him in these things but Michael, Daniel's prince.