Daniel

Daniel Chapter 10

Daniel 10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

This was the king that was prophesied that would grant permission for the the captives to return to Israel and restore Jerusalem. Isaiah prophesied and even named this king years before the king was born. I read an article on the Internet and from a reputable bible theologian that said that Cyrus was the son of Astyages and Queen Esther of the book of Esther. That would make sense but since the bible doesn't really say, we can't say for sure. The way Cyrus helped the Jews return to their own land and rebuild the temple was prophsied in Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1 so it would be resonable that he may have descended from the Jews himself. There are other sources that state other views on his decendants.

Isaiah 44:26 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:
27 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:
28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

We can take this as a double prophecy of that day and of latter days when Israel is restored to its own homeland. As in those days, there was much trouble, fighting and hindrances to rebuilding Jerusalem so it was and still is in these latter days. Old Harry Truman had the fight of his life to pressure the UN to vote for the state of Israel to be allowed to come into existence back in 1948. There is much trouble in Israel today also and it never ceases, but one day they will not only be a nation but Jesus Christ will be ruling from that nation. This is why the devil tries hard to stop them. He does not want bible prophecy to come to pass.

Daniel 10:2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

To those familiar with the Lord laying a burden upon the heart so that one feels like doing nothing but praying; it was probably a heavy burden like we feel when we are deeply concerned for the spiritual condition of someone's soul or as in Daniel's case the state of his whole nation. We shall see in this chapter that fervent prayer and the seeking of God does have results. Daniel was earnestly concerned for his nation of Israel. Nothing he did was to be seen of men.

Daniel 10:3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

Daniel was fasting and praying for the burden was heavy upon him. He was humbling himself and set his heart to seek the Lord.

Daniel 10:4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;
5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

This sounds very much like Jesus Christ and I believe it was Jesus but was not known by the name of Jesus or Yeshua until he came into the flesh and was born of Mary. He was dressed as a priest who was ready to do sacrifice on behalf of the people. Jesus became our high priest to make intercession to God on behalf of all who come to Him and believe. So this may have been Jesus. There is a detailed description of Jesus' role as high priest in the book of Hebrew.

Here is the description in Revelation:

Revelation 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Daniel saw this vision before Jesus came to dwell among men and later died for sins. In Revelation it was after the resurrection of Jesus that John saw his vision.

Daniel 10:7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

This is similar to the account of the conversion of the apostle Paul. Paul experienced things that those with him did not experience but they were aware that something was occurring.

Daniel 10:8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

We have to remember how powerful God is, and that our human flesh is very weak. It would be hard for us to stand straight and tall in the presence of an almighty God. It's not that God makes people react in that manner but many may react different ways in God's presence. It's not that God goes around knocking people down so to speak, but our reaction to a strong presence of the Lord may cause us to fall to the ground in awe and wonder.

There are many well meaning discernment ministries on the Internet that are really going hard against people who "fall out under the power" and have certain manifestations. I'm sure all that goes on in every revival meeting is not always what we would consider, normal. We are flesh and people get in the flesh and want to draw attention to one's self at times. Sometimes though it is just our human reaction to what we are feeling. Look how people act when their favorite football team scores a touchdown. Believe me, they are not all poised and dignified. There is a chance also that Satan may send some of his people into a meeting to mimic or cause trouble. There is such a thing as being slain in the spirit but it is not God purposely doing it but our reaction to His presence that may cause this.

Let's be very careful in our accusations for we would be accusing Daniel, Peter and perhaps John. I agree though that we have to have discernment and be careful not to follow false doctrine. We must line everything up with scripture, but also use wisdom that we don't false accuse anyone. God's presence is awesome and real. I doubt that His presence will cause us to have no reaction at all. I do notice though that those that and have visitations from the Lord mentoned in the bible fall forward, not backward.

Daniel 10:9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

This was just too much for Daniel in the flesh to take until the hand touched him.

Daniel 10:10 And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

Again we see Daniel called, "greatly beloved". That would be the ultimate joy to have God refer to us as beloved. Notice also that God desires to comfort and set upright those that do fall to the ground in awe. He comes to people for a reason. They are to listen to what He has to say. Notice in the next verse that He is told not to be afraid and that he was heard the very first time he started to seek God for understanding. Awesome.

Daniel 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

The first thing God's messengers do is tell those overwhelmed by the visions and dreams they receive, is to "fear not." There was nothing for Daniel to fear from God and God is quick to reassure him. Notice that most dreams and visions in the bible were for a purpose. They never were to exalt the person receiving these visions. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daniel did not go around or start a Revelation ministry to rake in money and build a cathedral. They probably could have if they had gotten enough followers. Real prophets do not make too many friends especially among the worldly crowd. The message to repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, turns off rebellious people. Many times too, established religious leaders will reject anyone coming along that might attract more people than they can attract. They may feel threatened instead of seeking God for more understanding themselves.

As I mentioned before about verse 12, God heard Daniel's prayer and set in motion the plan to answer it, as soon as Daniel prayed the prayer.

Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

This shows that there is war and fighting among spiritual beings when one empire falls and another one rises to power. It is God who allows or disallows any ruler from reigning. Kings and rulers should be the ones to fear God.

Daniel 10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

We see this is definitely a latter day vision.

Daniel 10:15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.

This also would be our reaction to these types of visions and visitations from God.

Daniel 10:16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

This one looked like a human. Angels sometimes take the form of men.

Daniel 10:17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.
18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come.

This angel has to fight with the angelic being (one that had rebelled with Satan). The rule of the Medes and Persians was about the end and then the prince of Greece was to come. Another evil angelic being represented Alexander the Great. So this was an angel speaking to Daniel, The angel was fighting the spiritual prince over the Medes and Persians so the Grecian Empire could begin. This is deep stuff but fascinating to study. So many things we do not know or understand but the one to seek for understanding is our Father in Heaven, our creator and the one who is good and holy.

Daniel 10:21 But I will show thee that which is noted in the Scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

Michael is a good angel of God who represents Israel. He was there to help Gabriel or whoever was fighting the prince of Persia. God's will is done at the final end of all things. At His word nations stand or fall.

This is why the people of any nation needs to fear God and not cast away His word. When we ignore God, we open the door to evil angelic beings to enter into the country's leaders and take control.

There is no way Adolph Hitler could have rose to power if the churches of Germany would have been on fire for God and what we call "prayed up" or walking in the spirit of God. When the church or God's people get worldly minded and start to go into apostasy, the whole nation will suffer.

In further chapters we will see more description of nations, rulers and even the antichrist of latter days. God gives us the prophets in the Old Testament and the apostles in the New Testament to show us what is to occur in the latter days just before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. God does not leave us with just one witness. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. DC

Daniel Chapter 11

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