Chapter 10

• In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, called Belteshazzar. This word, which is true, announces a great calamity. He paid close attention to this word and understood the vision.
• "At that time, I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks.
• I ate no choice food, no meat or wine touched my lips, and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.
  
• On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris."

Chronological and Prophetic Context:

Daniel was about 84 years old. If he was taken prisoner around the age of 15 in 605 B.C., and the vision in chapter 10 took place around 536 B.C., his age would be approximately 84. This means that he had already lived most of his life in exile and had witnessed profound political and spiritual changes.

Chapter 9 ended with an important vision in which the angel Gabriel explained to Daniel the seventy weeks that were "decreed" upon his people. This period marks the time in which God would specifically work with Israel, after which history would enter a new phase culminating with the coming of the Anointed One (Messiah) and the fulfillment of the divine plan.
The vision in chapter 10 was received three years after this revelation about the Anointed One, indicating that Daniel was deeply troubled by what had been revealed to him.

Period of Mourning and Fasting: Daniel is in a state of deep sorrow and fasting for three weeks. This mourning is not a common one but rather linked to a spiritual crisis or a heavy burden related to his people or the previous revelations he had received.

Daniel’s Fast: Daniel observes a partial fast, abstaining from "choice foods" (likely the finest foods, meat, and wine), while still eating, perhaps simple food. He also refrains from using oils, which was a common practice in the Near East for hygiene and health.

Exact Date: Daniel specifies that this experience took place on the twenty-fourth day of the first month. In the Hebrew calendar, the first month is Nisan, corresponding to March-April in our calendar. This was the time when the Jews were preparing for Passover (Pesach).

Location: Daniel was on the bank of the river Hiddekel, that is, the Tigris River. This location is significant because the Tigris was one of the major rivers of Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), marking an important geographical point in the context of the empires that dominated that region.

• "At that time, I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks"

The vision in chapter 9 is indeed a crucial one, as the angel Gabriel reveals to Daniel the seventy weeks, and in this prophecy, the coming of the Anointed One (Messiah) and His being "cut off" are clearly mentioned. Daniel understands that his people will reject the Messiah and that this rejection will bring divine judgment upon Israel, clarified by the fact that the people will lose their status as the "chosen people."

Explanation of the Prolonged Fast and Mourning During Passover:

Daniel’s fast, which starts ten days before Passover and continues ten days after, can be seen as a profound reaction to this terrible revelation. He understands that, although he prepares to celebrate deliverance from Egypt, his people will reject the One who was meant to deliver them once and for all: the Messiah.

The Law Requires Joy at Passover. However, Daniel, in the light of divine revelation, cannot enter into that joy, because he sees beyond the celebration of past deliverance (Egypt) and understands the future disaster: the rejection of the Messiah and the loss of the "chosen people" status. This is, undoubtedly, a devastating message for him, and that is why he continues in fasting and mourning.

Why Daniel Did Not Celebrate Passover with Joy:

From Daniel's perspective, Passover, commemorating deliverance from Egypt, becomes a celebration devoid of deeper meaning in light of the rejection of the Messiah. How could he celebrate liberation from an ancient bondage when he knows that his people are on the brink of spiritual captivity and much graver divine judgment?

His appetite and desire to rejoice in the festival are overshadowed by this terrible awareness. Daniel sees the disaster that will come and, in this context, refuses to enter into the joy of Passover, being consumed by the pain and mourning of the imminent loss of his people.

Refusal of Joy and Spiritual Significance:

By refusing to celebrate Passover and extending his fast, Daniel spiritually separates himself from celebrating a past liberation (Exodus) to focus on an impending suffering. In Daniel’s mind, this rejection of the Messiah not only destroys any future hope for his people but also nullifies the significance of deliverance from Egypt in the context of eternity.

This explains his excessive mourning and why he cannot enter into the joy of the Passover celebration. He sees how his people are about to make a fatal mistake, and this brings him deep inner pain, justifying such a severe fast even during Passover. This interpretation brings meaning and coherence to his behavior and to the reason why he refuses to participate in the joy of Passover.

Still, Daniel saw hope in the enduring covenant that the Messiah was to offer. This hope was tied to the faithful remnant that would enter into the new covenant of the Messiah, and this aspect became Daniel’s comfort amid the heavy revelations of judgment.

The Enduring Covenant and the Faithful Remnant

In Daniel 9:27, the Messiah is described as the one who will "confirm a strong covenant with many for one week." This covenant represents the offer of salvation through the Messiah, and Daniel understands that although Israel as a nation will reject the Messiah, there will be "many" who will accept this covenant. These "many" form the new faithful remnant—a new holy people.

This was Daniel's only comfort: the fact that God would not completely abandon humanity and that there was hope for those who would believe in the Messiah and enter into this new covenant. Daniel placed all his hope in this remnant that would take the place of Israel, forming the new chosen people, bound to God through this new and enduring covenant.

Detachment from the Meaning of the Old Passover

The old Passover, commemorating deliverance from Egypt, becomes irrelevant in the face of this new covenant. Daniel realizes that the physical redemption from Egypt is just a shadow of what was to come: spiritual redemption through the Messiah.

In light of this understanding, Daniel sees that Passover and the old sacrificial system are no longer central to God's plan. The Messiah will establish a new covenant, and this is now the true celebration that Daniel awaits. Passover no longer holds the same relevance, as he looks forward to the ultimate fulfillment of Passover through the Messiah's sacrifice.

The New Identity of the Chosen People: The Remnant

According to Daniel's understanding, the status of the chosen people will no longer belong exclusively to Israel after the rejection of the Messiah, but will be transferred to those who enter into the new covenant: the Remnant. This new chosen people is not limited to any specific nation, but is made up of all who believe in the Messiah, regardless of origin. These are the true Israel, the "holy people" described in Daniel 12:7, who will inherit eternal blessings.

Daniel knows that physical Israel will suffer judgment because of the rejection of the Messiah, but he also understands that there will be a new holy people—those who will receive salvation through the covenant offered by the Messiah. This, in fact, is the new spiritual order that Daniel anticipates.

Daniel’s Prayer and Fasting in Awaiting the Answer

The reason for Daniel’s fasting and mourning becomes clear: it is not just about sadness related to the loss of Israel’s former status, but about an intense search for understanding of what will come in the context of the new chosen people and the divine plan through the Messiah.

Daniel wants to know what will happen to this new people, how God’s plan will unfold for those who will enter the new covenant. He is engaged in prayer and fasting to receive more details about the destiny of this new holy people, and this is why he continues fasting even during Passover. The old Passover is now a shadow of what is to come, and Daniel eagerly awaits the vision of this new covenant.

• I looked up, and behold, there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of pure gold from Uphaz around his waist.
  
• His body was like a chrysolite, his face like lightning, and his eyes like flaming torches; his arms and legs gleamed like polished bronze, and his voice sounded like the roar of a multitude.
• I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; the men who were with me did not see it, but a great fear overwhelmed them, and they fled to hide.
• I remained alone, and I saw this great vision. My strength left me, my face turned deathly pale, and I was powerless.
• Then I heard the sound of his words; and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell unconscious, face down on the ground.

It is a very interesting detail that Daniel, in his vision, was physically there on the bank of the Tigris River (Hiddekel), and not just in an isolated spiritual experience. Given the circumstances—84 years of age and the difficulty of such a journey—it is important to understand the distances to evaluate how realistic it was for Daniel to travel to the Tigris.

1. The Distance between Babylon and the Tigris River (Hiddekel):

• Babylon was located on the Euphrates River, while the Tigris runs parallel to it, at a variable distance.
  
• The distance between Babylon and the Tigris River is approximately 30-40 km (in a straight line), but this can vary depending on the exact point on the Tigris bank where Daniel was located.
  
• Babylon was near the confluence of the two rivers, the Euphrates and the Tigris, so although Daniel was not directly on the Tigris, it would have been possible to reach there with a relatively short journey of about 1-2 days, if he had a suitable means of transport (such as a cart or a pack animal).

2. Realism of the Journey for an 84-Year-Old Man:

• Considering Daniel’s advanced age (around 84 years), traveling on foot would have been difficult. However, in that period, high-ranking individuals (like Daniel) would probably have had access to means of transport, such as a cart drawn by animals or other methods of travel.
  
• Moreover, the text indicates that Daniel was not alone; he was accompanied by other people, suggesting that he did not travel alone and that he had adequate assistance, whether for transport or for safety on the road.

3. What the Text Indicates About His Location:

• The biblical text clearly emphasizes that Daniel was physically present there, on the bank of the Tigris, and the other men who were with him were seized with great fear and fled. This strengthens the idea that he traveled to the Tigris, accompanied by a group of people, possibly in a context of fasting and prayer, similar to other moments in his life.

4. Conclusion Regarding Daniel's Journey:

• The distance of 30-40 km between Babylon and the Tigris River was relatively short and would have been accessible, even for someone of Daniel's age, if he had adequate means of transport and companions, as the text suggests.
  
• Although challenging, the journey was not impossible for an 84-year-old man in the described context. His physical presence on the bank of the Tigris is clearly indicated by the biblical text and would have been achievable with appropriate logistical support.

Gold from Uphaz:

Gold from Uphaz is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament, once in Daniel 10:5 and another reference in Jeremiah 10:9 ("Gold brought from Uphaz"). It is a precious material associated with valuable works and ornaments.

• Uphaz as a Place: There are not many clear historical details about Uphaz specifically, and the exact location of this place remains unconfirmed. However, it is assumed that Uphaz was a region renowned for its high-quality gold. Some translations and commentaries suggest that Uphaz could be another name for Ophir, a well-known biblical location for its precious gold, mentioned several times in connection with Solomon and his treasures (for example, 1 Kings 9:28). Ophir is also considered a legendary place where superior quality gold was mined, but its exact location also remains a subject of study.
• The Significance of Gold: In Daniel's vision, the gold from Uphaz symbolizes divine wealth and splendor. The golden belt from Uphaz of the angelic figure is a symbol of power and purity, indicating a being of great authority and holiness. In prophetic visions, such material details often carry a strong spiritual significance, related to God's divinity and sovereignty.

The Custom of Exiled Jews to Sit by the Riverbanks

The reference to exiled Jews sitting by the rivers and singing comes from Psalm 137, a psalm of lament written in the context of the Babylonian exile, after the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the Jews to Babylon:

• "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows in that land we hung our harps. For there, those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who tormented us demanded mirth, saying, 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion!'"(Psalm 137:1-3)
• Psalm 137 describes how the exiled Jews, deported to Babylon, sat by the rivers and sorrowfully remembered Zion (Jerusalem). This was part of their spiritual reflection, a way to connect with their memories of Israel, the place where they worshiped God.
• The riverbanks were gathering places for exiled Jews, where they expressed their sadness and longing for their lost land and the authentic worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. The songs mentioned in Psalm 137 are religious songs related to Temple worship and their spiritual tradition.
• The rivers of Babylon mentioned in the Psalm are most likely the Euphrates and Tigris and their tributaries.

Possibility that Jews Had Gathering Places by the Riverbanks:

• During the Babylonian exile, the Jews did not have access to the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed. In the absence of a centralized place of worship, the riverbanks could have become places where exiled Jews gathered for prayer, meditation, and singing. These locations were suitable for such spiritual activities, as water was associated with purity and renewal in their traditions.
• The songs requested by the oppressors (Psalm 137) suggest that the Babylonians knew of the Jewish custom of singing psalms and religious songs and mocked them by asking for "songs of Zion."

The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers as Gathering Places:

• The Euphrates River flowed directly through Babylon, being a central element of this ancient city. The Jews, living in and around Babylon, would have had direct access to the Euphrates, and the banks of this river would have been meeting places.
• The Tigris, mentioned in Daniel 10, is another important river in the region, which, although it did not flow directly through Babylon, was close enough. It is possible that this river also served as a place of gathering and meditation for Jews, especially for those living in the adjacent areas.

Jewish Practices Related to Worship Places by the Riverbanks:

• In the 1st century, in Acts 16:13, we see an example of how Jews in Philippi gathered for prayer by a river:
  "On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer."
• This reflects an existing custom among Jews, even outside Israel, to gather in quiet and natural places, such as riverbanks, for prayer and worship.

The Physical Effect of the Supernatural Presence

What Daniel describes is a profound and physical experience in the presence of a supernatural being. Daniel's physical reaction is a powerful example of how the divine presence and spiritual reality can affect the human body in a very real and dramatic way. Let’s analyze this phenomenon more closely:

• "My strength left me, my face turned deathly pale, and I was helpless." These descriptions show how the human body can react to the intensity of a supernatural presence. Daniel is literally weakened physically and unable to maintain a normal posture.
• Extreme weakness and paleness are signs of direct impact on his body, either due to intense fear or because of the holiness and majesty of the being he encounters.
• Loss of color in the face and extreme weakness are normal physiological reactions to extreme stress, deep fear, or overwhelming emotion, and in this case, the sight of a divine presence seems to exceed the human capacity to handle this event.
• "I fell unconscious, face down on the ground." This is a complete reaction of losing control over the body. In the presence of a divine being, Daniel is overwhelmed both emotionally and physically, and falls reflexively to the ground. This is not merely an act of prostration but a fainting caused by the intensity of the experience.
• "A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees." After falling to the ground, Daniel is touched and raised by a supernatural hand, giving him the strength to rise, trembling on his hands and knees. This intervention is not just spiritual but clearly physical, as Daniel feels the touch and begins to move.
• Trembling shows that, although he begins to regain some strength, Daniel is still profoundly affected by the spiritual intensity of the encounter. The touch gives him enough strength to regain a position, but not enough to stand fully upright, indicating how powerful the experience was.

The "Zero Degree Encounter" – A Proper Description

• Daniel here describes a "zero degree encounter," a term often used for direct contact with a supernatural reality that seems to defy the laws of physics and our usual understanding. Indeed, the presence of this divine being affects Daniel's physical reality, his body reacting to a spiritual force that goes beyond natural limits.

• Such experiences, in which spiritual and physical reality meet, lead to visible effects on the human body. Extreme weakness, fainting, and then gradual recovery of physical strength are signs of an overwhelming presence.

This passage from Daniel 10 shows us how a supernatural encounter can have a profound impact on the human body. Daniel undergoes an extremely physical experience, losing his strength and collapsing unconscious to the ground in the presence of a divine being. His reaction shows how overwhelming contact with a divine presence can be, both for the mind and the body, similar to other biblical encounters with angelic or divine presences.

Daniel not only sees but also hears a voice of overwhelming intensity, described as "the roar of a great multitude." This is an important element in supernatural experiences related in the Bible, as sound plays as powerful and overwhelming a role as the visual aspect.

1. The Voice as "The Roar of a Great Multitude"

• "His voice thundered like the roar of a great multitude." This is a description of an immensely powerful voice that is not only heard but also felt. The roar of a multitude is a deep, vast, and terrifying sound, something that can shake, create a sense of fear, and completely dominate the auditory space.
• This is not an ordinary voice, but one resembling thunder or the noise made by a vast multitude, suggesting that every word spoken was flooded with authority, as if everything around vibrated with it. The sound has a reverberating effect that goes beyond what a simple human sound could produce.

2. Parallels with Other Biblical Experiences

• Revelation 1:15:A similar description of the supernatural voice is found in Revelation, where John describes Christ as follows:
  "His voice was like the sound of rushing waters."
  Like the "sound of rushing waters," it suggests not only the power of a vast and uninterrupted sound but also an overwhelming and continuous intensity.
• Ezekiel 43:2: "And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the earth shone with His glory." This is another reference to the divine voice that is deafening and feels like a powerful thunder or a great sea crashing on the shore.

3. Symbolism of Such a Voice

• Authority and Power:The voice that "thunders like the roar of a great multitude" suggests the absolute authority of the divine or angelic person. In biblical tradition, the divine voice is often associated with thunder and powerful sounds (as was the case during the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai), indicating that the speaker is a being of supreme power whose voice cannot be ignored.
• Emotional Impact:For someone like Daniel, who faces not only the sight of a supernatural presence but also the sound of such power, the impact is overwhelming. The sound is not only heard but felt deeply within, being an instrument through which not only the message but also the overwhelming presence of divinity is conveyed.

4. The Powerful Auditory Effect on Daniel

• Daniel not only sees a supernatural being but also hears this immense voice, which intensifies his state of weakness and fear. One can imagine that a voice that "thunders like the roar of a great multitude" would be overwhelming for any human being, making him feel as if he were in the presence of a being of unimaginable authority.
• The fact that Daniel collapses unconscious and loses all strength suggests that it is not only the sight of the being that overwhelms him but also the force with which the words are spoken. The entire atmosphere is dominated by this divine presence, and the powerful voice is part of this complete domination.

A Combined Auditory and Physical Effect:

In Daniel's vision, the voice of this divine being is not just a simple sound. It is a manifestation of divine power that not only affects hearing but also space and Daniel's being. Such a sound, resembling "the roar of a great multitude," can provoke intense fear, trembling, and a state of profound reverence, as it is a sound that expresses divine glory and power.

This description provides a complete audio-visual effect, where the power of the divine being is experienced through sight and sound simultaneously, both components being felt in an overwhelming way.

• "Then a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.
  
• He said to me, 'Daniel, man greatly beloved, give attention to the words I am about to speak to you, and stand upright in your place; for now I am sent to you!'
  
• When he spoke these words to me, I stood up trembling.
  
• Then he said to me, 'Do not be afraid, 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.
  
• But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days; but behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I remained there with the kings of Persia.'"

In chapter 9, we clearly know that Daniel was praying for his people, for Jerusalem, and for the restoration of the Temple, but in chapter 10, we are given only general hints. However, there are some possible ideas related to what might have concerned Daniel and why the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" played an important role.

Starting with chapter 10, Daniel receives an extended vision that encompasses the spiritual battle behind historical events and that will culminate with the time of the end, described in chapter 12. It becomes clear that not only humans struggle to be faithful to the HOLY COVENANT, but also angels are involved in the fight to fulfill God's promises to the faithful. The opponents of God are just as real as those faithful to Him, and often they are much more active and ingenious in their plans and actions.

Therefore, the vision shows Daniel what will happen to the Faithful Remnantand how God will protect and save this holy people throughout time until the end of days. The vision in chapter 12 confirms that, although there will be great suffering, the "holy people"will be delivered and saved. This is the Remnantabout which Daniel learns more details, and it is made clear to him that the Remnant consists of all those written in the Book.

What Do We Know Specifically About This Historical Moment?

• In 538 B.C., King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the Jews to return from Babylonian exile and begin rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This decree was extremely important for the Jews as it marked the end of the Babylonian exile, according to the prophetic promises made by God through Jeremiah.

• However, although the decree had been issued, many Jews did not immediately return to Jerusalem. Some remained in Persia (formerly Babylon), and the reconstruction process was neither quick nor simple.

• In 536 B.C., the period we refer to, Cyrus had consolidated his control over his empire, including over the former Babylon. Thus, Daniel was under Persian rule.

• At this point, the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem had just begun or was in its early stages, and the Jews who returned from exile were beginning to face difficulties both from local populations (Ammonites, Moabites, etc.) and from the local administration.

• The "prince of the kingdom of Persia" mentioned in Daniel 10:13 refers to a spiritual battle that influences decisions within the Persian Empire. Although the decree had been given, spiritual opponents were attempting to thwart or delay the fulfillment of God's plan.

The Man Clothed in Linen and the One Who Touches Him

• In Daniel 10:5-6, Daniel sees a supernatural being, "a man clothed in linen," whose description is very detailed:
  "His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, and his eyes like flaming torches..."
  This seems to be the main messenger of the vision, having an overwhelming presence and an extraordinary appearance.

In Daniel 10:10, it is mentioned that "a hand touched me,"suggesting a different action from another being. This touch lifts Daniel from his position of weakness.

In Daniel 10:16, it is mentioned that "someone who looked like the sons of men touched my lips."This is a second being, as the description is different. Usually, the term "sons of men"indicates an angelic being appearing in a more human form, without the impressive supernatural elements described earlier (such as "beryl body"and "eyes of fire").

In Daniel 10:18, it is stated again that "the one who looked like a man touched me again and strengthened me."This description refers to the same angelic being mentioned earlier in Daniel 10:16, whose mission was to strengthen Daniel.

And in Daniel 8, two angels are clearly mentioned. One of them, the one standing "in the middle of the Ulai River," speaks and gives instructions to Gabriel, telling him to explain the vision to Daniel. This angel giving instructions seems to have greater authority than Gabriel and is described in a way that suggests a more imposing presence.

Gabriel is described in Daniel 8:15-16 as having a "human appearance,"suggesting a more human presence, more accessible to Daniel. After meeting him in chapter 8, Daniel immediately recognizes him in Daniel 9:21, when Gabriel comes again to deliver the message about the seventy weeks.

"Other Two" Angels

In Daniel 12:5, Daniel sees "other two"angels, one standing on one bank of the river and the other on the opposite bank. These two angels add to those already mentioned and participate in the final vision dialogue, asking questions to the main angel.

So, in total, there are four angels involved in this vision, and that is why Daniel uses the expression "other two"in Daniel 12:5 - meaning the two angels who join the two already mentioned in the vision.

In Daniel 9:21, Gabriel is mentioned as "the man Gabriel."Here, "man"is used to describe his human appearance. In chapter 9, Gabriel provides Daniel with important explanations and revelations about the seventy weeks. Gabriel also explains to Daniel the vision from Daniel 8.

Is Gabriel the one "with the appearance of a man"? It is very possible. The fact that Daniel calls him elsewhere "the man Gabriel" and that this being is described as having the form of a man (in Daniel 10:16 and 10:18) suggests that Gabriel is the one who comes to strengthen Daniel. Gabriel is a well-known angelic messenger and was sent by God also to Zechariah and Mary, as we see in the Gospel of Luke (1:19 and 1:26).

Roles of Gabriel and Michael in the Bible:

Gabriel is known as the messenger angel. He appears several times in the Bible to deliver important messages:

• In Daniel 8 and 9, he explains prophetic visions to Daniel.
  

• In Luke 1, he brings the news of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah and the news of Jesus' birth to Mary.

Michael is known as the archangel protector of those faithful to God and a spiritual warrior:

• In Daniel 10:13 and 10:21, Michael is the one who intervenes in spiritual battles to support the angels sent to Daniel.

• In Jude 1:9, Michael fights with the devil for the body of Moses.

• In Revelation 12:7, Michael leads the heavenly armies in the battle against the devil and his angels.

Gabriel and Michael – both of high rank:

Both Gabriel and Michael are angels of very high rank. Each has a specific role in God's plan:

• Gabriel is the messenger who brings important revelations and communicates directly with people, delivering divine announcements of great importance.

• Michael is the protector and warrior, an archangel who deals with spiritual battles. He is described in Daniel 10:13 and Daniel 12:1 as the defender of the holy people.

Therefore, both Gabriel and Michael are high-ranking angels. Both have essential missions in the divine plan, one focused on messages and revelations, and the other on spiritual warfare and protection.

• Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to those distant times.
  
• While he was speaking these words to me, I bowed my face toward the ground and remained silent.
  
• And behold, someone who had the appearance of the sons of men touched my lips. I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to the one standing before me, "My lord, this vision has overwhelmed me with terror, and I have lost all strength!
  
• How can the servant of my lord speak with my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe!"
  
• Then the one who had the appearance of a man touched me again and strengthened me.
  
• Then he said, "Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed! Peace be to you! Be strong now; be strong!"
  
• And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me."
  
• He said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, the prince of Greece will come!
  
• But I will tell you what is written in the book of truth. No one supports me against them except your prince, Michael."

In the biblical text, we see how the angel continues to touch Daniel in several stages, gradually giving him "doses" of energy to enable him to stand and then to speak.

• First contact: Daniel is unconscious, the angel touches him and gives him the strength to get on his hands and knees (verse 10).

• Second contact: The angel strengthens him enough to stand up, but Daniel is still trembling (verse 11).

• Third contact: The angel touches Daniel’s lips to strengthen him further, giving him the ability to speak (verse 16).

• Final contact: The angel strengthens him again (verse 18), allowing Daniel to listen and converse more clearly.

The Importance of Language and Details

Daniel could very well have skipped these details and simply said that "he was strengthened," but the insistence on these moments of strengthening indicates the importance and difficulty of this experience. He wants us to understand that the entire encounter was at the limit of endurance and that the angel had to intervene several times to keep Daniel capable of receiving the message.

The Intensity of the Experience and "Doses" of Strengthening

The details that Daniel provides about how he is gradually strengthened suggest that this experience is much more overwhelming than previous interactions. In the encounter with Gabriel in Daniel 9, Daniel only mentions that "he touched me" without going into details. In Daniel 10, however, several touches and energy doses are described:

• The first time he is lifted from the ground onto his hands and knees.

• Then he is touched and raised to his feet, but trembling.

• Finally, he is strengthened to be able to speak and receive the message.

This repetition of strengthening shows that Daniel was in an extremely weakened state, and the spiritual intensity of the angel's presence was at the limit of what he could bear, especially at the age of 84 and after three weeks of fasting and prayer. The details indicate that Daniel felt that this process of strengthening was essential and that each step was necessary to recover enough to receive the message.

"Lord of mine" vs. "Man Gabriel":

In Daniel 8:16 and 9:21, Daniel refers to Gabriel as "the man Gabriel," indicating clear recognition and a more human appearance. This suggests that Daniel perceives Gabriel as a familiar and more accessible divine messenger.

In contrast, in Daniel 10, Daniel addresses the angel who appears to him as "my lord" several times (Daniel 10:16, 17, 19). This title suggests a deeper reverence, a respect that goes beyond the simple recognition of an ordinary angel.

This difference in address indicates a more imposing appearance and a greater authority associated with this angel.