Daniel 10:1-9 – In awe of Him

Daniel 10 serves as a prelude to Daniel's final message and vision, recorded in chapters 11-12. It’s noteworthy that even in this initial, a reference is made to Daniel’s name, Belteshazzar, a name bestowed upon him by Nebuchadnezzar at the start of his exile to Babylon. This name, Belteshazzar, carries a profound significance, signifying that Daniel, despite the change of regime, was still a pivotal figure in the court, his influence and significance undiminished. 

The message and vision Daniel received, which pertained to a great conflict, was the most extensive one he had. It was imparted to him in the third year of Cyrus’ reign over the Jews, a crucial period when the Medo-Persian empire had assumed control and the first group of Jews had already returned to Jerusalem to initiate the temple’s reconstruction. This timing underscores the political and historical context of the narrative, while the sheer magnitude of the vision, with its awe-inspiring details, evokes a sense of wonder and intrigue. 

However, those early returnees met with opposition and mounting pressure both politically and socially. Ezra 4:24 reveals that the rebuilding of the temple they started was halted in the second year of Darius’ or Cyrus’ reign. 

At that time, Daniel was in a state of deep mourning. He was deeply troubled by what was happening in Jerusalem, so much so that he took the time to mourn and fast. It was during this period of vulnerability and emotional turmoil that Daniel had a remarkable and exceptional encounter.   

Verses 4-6 said that on the 24th day of the first month, by the bank of the great river Tigris, Daniel “lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz.”   This man-like figure appeared before Daniel, radiating a glory more significant than any he had witnessed. This figure’s glorious presence was so overwhelming that even those with Daniel, who were unable to see him were frightened by the inexplicable presence. They were said to flee and hide, leaving Daniel alone with the divine figure. 

Who is this figure that Daniel encountered? Many believed that He is none other than the same Jesus whom John described in Revelation 1:12-16.  It is one of the pre-incarnation appearances of Christ in the Old Testament. This encounter with the divine figure is significant as it marks a direct connection between God and Daniel, providing him with a vision and a message that would guide God’s people in their struggles and challenges.  

All alone, in a state of weakness, verses 7-9 said that Daniel alone saw the vision. Though he was pale and weak at this point, he heard the figure’s voice. The voice was so powerful and awe-inspiring that as soon as he heard the words, he prostrated and fell into a deep sleep with his face on the ground. This physical reaction is a testament to the intensity of the encounter and the depth of Daniel’s reverence and fear in the presence of the divine figure. 

Daniel’s encounter with the divine figure teaches us an essential lesson about the power of vulnerability and humility. The lesson we can apply from Daniel’s encounter with the divine figure is that vulnerability and humility can lead to powerful spiritual experiences and guidance, and we should always approach the divine with reverence and awe.