Dave Burnette's Commentary

Daniel Chapter 10

Written By: God through Inspiration
Penned By: Daniel
Date Penned: BC 536 (Covering Events BC 605-536)
Overview: Daniel's Visions (c 7-12)
Theme: Daniel's Visions testify that God is in Control (c 7-12)
Message: Daniel Sees a Heavenly Messenger. (v 1-21) 

Daniel: Chapter 10 Commentary   


(10:1) This is Daniel's final vision (536 BC) In it, he is given further insight into the great spiritual battle between those who protect God's people and those who want to destroy them. There is also more detailed information on the future, specifically the struggles between the Ptolemies (Kings of the south) and the Seleucides (kings of the North).

(10:2) Why didn't Daniel return to Jerusalem? He may have been too old to make the long, hazardous, journey (he was over 80) His government duties could have prevented him, or God may have told him to stay behind to complete the work he was called to do but scripture does not reveal the reason.  

(10:4) The great river Hiddekel is the Tigris River.

(10:5,6) The person seen by Daniel was a heavenly being. This is believed by some commentators to be an appearance of Christ as found in Revelation chapter 1 while others contend it is an angel because it required Michael's help. In either case we see Daniel catching a glimpse of the battle between good and evil supernatural powers.

(10:10-11) Daniel was frightened by this vision, but the messenger's hand calmed his fears. Daniel lost his speech but the messenger's words strengthened him. God can bring us healing when we are hurt, peace when we are troubled, and strength when we are weak. As God to minister to you as he did to Daniel.

(10:12,13) Although God sent a messenger to Daniel, powerful obstacles detained the messenger for 3 weeks. Daniel faithfully continued praying and fasting, and God's messenger eventually arrived. Answers to our prayers may be hindered by unseen obstacles. Don't expect God's answers to come too easily or too quickly. Prayer may be challenged by evil forces, so pray fervently and pray earnestly. Then expect God to answer in his good timing. 

 


Dave Burnette's Life Application


Spiritual Warfare

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue with the Book of Daniel with Chapter 10. In our text today we see Daniels final vision as He sees the Heavenly Messenger and the spiritual warfare that goes on as the message of the Lord and those who want to destroy it. In making application we need to realize that we are engaged in Spiritual Warfare. Yes, the Lord is Real, Salvation, the Holy Spirit who is over all but the Enemy is real also, not as powerful but determined to reck an ruin our lives. Recognizing the enemy attacks and focusing on the Word of God through Obedience is an effective way to defeat the enemy. How about you? Do you see the Spiritual Warfare that we are engaged in day to day? Let us learn from our text today and the words and vision of Daniel that shows us that we are engaged in Spiritual Warfare and our path to victory is to focus on that Lord, His Word, and His Spirit.

 

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Daniel 10

Daniel 10

 1In 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.

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

 3I 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.

 4And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;

 5Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

 6His 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 colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

 7And 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.

 8Therefore 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.

 9Yet 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.

 10And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

 11And 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.

 12Then 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.

 13But 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.

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

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

 16And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, 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.

 17For 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.

 18Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

 19And 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.

 20Then 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 Grecia shall come.

 21But I will shew 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.