The Bible Study on the Book of Daniel Chapter 10

Introduction: In chapter ten of the Book of Daniel is the introduction to his last recorded revelation and is the first of the three parts of a vision. Now this vision, some scholars, say is the greatest of all the revelations of Daniel. In this chapter we find that it gives us information on something more decidedly different from anything that we’ve read as we are induced to a special group of angels. There are some who harbor ill-will toward God’s rule over His people, Israel. This will happen in the present which is in (Daniel’s time); and in the days which are yet to come, (and at the time of the end). We should remember that chapter ten is graphic in that it also provides detailed information on how Daniel received his final revelation, Also this chapter included many surprising incidents that accompany God’s delivery of this message to Daniel.

I) Daniel’s Fourth Vision: Israel in the Last Days under the Antichrist: The Time and Place:

Daniel Chapter 10: (534 B.C.)

1) Read: (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. KJV
1) Explanation: (Daniel 10:1); in verse one; this Vision was seen about a year after the one in Daniel, in chapter eight. This unique glory of this chapter and of this Prophecy is that this alone foretold the time of the Messiah’s appearing and the very year of His Crucifixion. Also this chapter will detail Daniel’s third Vision; which is the seventy weeks of years (490 years), and their application to Israel.
1) Comments: (Daniel 10:1); in verse one; “And the thing was true, but the time that was appointed was long”, this has reference to the fulfillment of this Vision being in the far distant future, at least from Daniel’s day. In fact, it will be fulfilled shortly.
2) Read: (Daniel 10:2); in those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. KJV
2) Explanation: (Daniel 10:2); in verse two; here this “seventy years” has nothing to do with the seventy weeks of years which Daniel will see in the vision in the latter part of the chapter in verses 24 through 27. We should remember that the information of this verse did not come about through visions, but through the scriptures which our God had already given to Jeremiah the Prophecy. But Daniel read the revelations of Jeremiah; by thoroughly studying this Prophecy, but Daniel understood the number of years of the exile. Also this information of seventy years of captivity followed by a restoration is recorded in Jeremiah which are listed here. (Jeremiah 25:11-12); (Jeremiah 29:1); (Jeremiah 29:1-5); and (II Chronicles 36:21).
2) Comments: (Daniel 10:2); in verse two; (It is thought that this Vision was given about five years after the Vision of the seventy weeks of the previous chapter.
3) Read: (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. KJV
3) Explanation: (Daniel 10:3); in verse three; the prophecy of Daniel was seeking God for the deliverance of Israel from this seventy-year captivity as was promised by the Lord. Here Daniel’s prayer was based upon the books of the bible. (Leviticus, chapter 26); (II Chronicles chapter 36); and (Jeremiah chapters 25 and 29).
3) Comments: (Daniel 10:3); in verse three; there are some who argue that Daniel was on a total fast, in other words, abstaining from any food whatsoever; however the phrase, “No pleasant bread, seems to indicate otherwise, and meaning that he was on a partial fast, with his diet being vegetables, which is the same thing he ate in Chapter one when presented to Melzar in (Daniel 1:5-8); (Daniel 1:12-16).
4) Read: (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; KJV
4) Explanation: (Daniel 10:4); in verse four; Here Daniel said, that the glorious person whom I saw in a vision, it is generally agreed, that He could be no other than Jesus Christ Himself, the eternal Word. He was by the side of the river “Hiddekel,” and was probably walking in contemplation, as Isaac walked in the field to meditate.
4) Comments: (Daniel 10:4); in verse four; now here Daniel said he was by the side of the great river, which is “Hiddekel”, is the modern Tigris River.

II) “VISION OF THE MESSIAH”
5) Read: (Daniel 10:5); 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: KJV
5) Explanation: (Daniel 10:5); in verse five; Here the similarity of the apparition in verses five and six in the book of (Revelation 1:13-16); these verses suggests that it was Immanuel Himself who appeared to Daniel.
5) Comments: (Daniel 10:5); in verse five; there are similarity of the apparition in verses 5 and 6; and in (Revelation 1:13-16); 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. Here he looked up and saw the man Jesus Christ. But his attendants saw not the vision. Remember Paul’s companions were aware of the light, but saw no man in (Acts 9:7); and (Acts 22:9); Also they saw not the vision, because a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves, probably among the willows that grew by the river’s side. But Daniel saw it alone, but he was not able to bear the sight of it. Now it is the honor of those who are beloved of God that, what is hidden from others, is known to them. We believe that have a spirit of bondage to fear who never receive a spirit of adoption, to whom our Lord Jesus Christ has been, and will be, but never otherwise than a terror.
6) Read: (Daniel 10:6); 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. KJV
6) Explanation: (Daniel 10:6); in verse six; I think, there is no doubt in my mind that this is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ). Also 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.
6) Comments: (Daniel 10:6); in verse six; Daniel said that, 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. Here we see that the description of this person is very similar to that of our Lord Jesus in the book of (Revelation 1:13-14).
III) “The Effect of The Vision”
7) Read: (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. KJV
7) Explanation: (Daniel 10:7); in verse seven; the men that were with Daniel saw not the vision. But it was an exactly parallel case with what occurred at the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, in the book of (Acts 9:7). There was a Divine influence which they all felt, but only Daniel saw the appearance of our Lord. Please read chapter nine of (Acts 9:1-16).
7) Comments: (Daniel 10:7); in verse seven; even though these companions “saw not the Vision,” still they greatly felt the Power of the Presence, for a great quaking fell upon them. This means that they were terrified.
8) Read: (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. KJV
8) Explanation: (Daniel 10:8); in verse eight; the prophecy of Daniel; this is the same reaction that Daniel had upon the appearance of Gabriel the Angel, concerning the Vision of Chapter 8.
8) Comments: (Daniel 10:8); in verse eight; the phrase, for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, underlies the true meaning of this Passage. When our Righteousness is compared with that of our Lord Jesus Christ’s: there truly is no comparison.
9) Read: (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. KJV
9) Explanation: (Daniel 10:9); in verse nine; here Daniel was thus dispirited with no strength in him. But, when Daniel heard the voice of His words, then Daniel was in a deep sleep on his face, but he knew what He had said. Now when he heard voice and the vision of Christ it terrified Daniel. Also when the greatest and the best of men cannot bear the immediate discoveries of the divine glory; no man can see it and live; but it is next to death to see a glimpse of it, as Daniel here did. But the glorified saints see our Jesus Christ as He is and can bear the sight.
9) Comments: (Daniel 10:9); in verse nine; this is the same reaction that Daniel had upon the appearance of Gabriel, concerning the Vision of Chapter 8. The experience of Peter, James, and John on the “Mount of Transfiguration” was similar.
10) Read: (Daniel 10:10); and, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. KJV
10) Explanation: (Daniel 10:10); in verse ten; Daniel said; that a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. Also the strength and comfort that commonly comes by degrees to those that have been long cast down and disquieted; then they are first helped up a little, and then a little bit more. Now before God gives strength and power unto His people then God makes them sensible of their own weakness. “I trembled in myself that I might rest in the day of trouble.” (Habakkuk 3:16);
10) Comments: (Daniel 10:10); in verse ten; even though the Scripture is unclear it seems that the “hand” that “touched” Daniel was not necessarily the Hand of Christ, of verses 5 and 6. There is every implication here is that it is the Angel Gabriel.
11) Read: (Daniel 10:11); 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. KJV
11) Explanation: (Daniel 10:11); in verse eleven; the Angel Gabriel 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. Then Daniel said, nothing is more likely, nothing is more effectual, to revive the drooping spirits of the saints that to be assured of God’s love to them. Also those are greatly beloved indeed whom God loves; and it is comfort enough to know it.
11) Comments: (Daniel 10:11); in verse eleven; (The message that Gabriel is about to give Daniel will be the concluding “Vision,” and will actually tie all the other Visions together).

IV) “Angelic interpreter; Gabriel detained by Satan’s Forces Over Persia”
12) Read: (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. KJV
12) Explanation: (Daniel 10:12); in verse twelve; it was here that Daniel’s prayer was effective in that it was offered humbly and involved both his emotion and his intellect. Also he desperately desired to understand and was determined to get an answer. Now the term “set his heart” is the same phrase that is used of the Lord Jesus; “Here He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,” and the cross in the book of (Luke 9:51).
12) Comments: (Daniel 10:12); in verse twelve; far from the first day, speaks of his petition to God and his effort to understand God’s purpose concerning His People. Then God commissioned the angel Gabriel to come to him.
13) Read: (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. KJV
13) Explanation: (Daniel 10:13); in verse thirteen; the prince of Persia, was obviously not a man, for no human could have resisted a messenger of God for 21 days. So he must have been one of Satan’s emissaries. Here Satan and his forces constantly opposed God and his forces, and this conflict is reflected on earth as the enemy attempts to draw God’s people away from the things of God in (Ephesians 6:12). The prayers of God’s people are incredibly important. Remember that prayer is the tool that ensures Satan’s defeat.
13) Comments: (Daniel 10:13); in verse thirteen; the prince of the kingdom of Persia, this refers to an evil angel appointed by Satan to control the Persian Government, which, of course, was done without the knowledge of its earthly King. This Passage appears to reveal that Satan places an agent in charge of every nation (fallen angel); and, if so, this may explain national hatreds and national movements. Now God has His Angelic Agents; operating in opposition to Satan. The conflict of (Ephesians Chapter 6); and the Battle of (Revelation Chapter 12); harmonize with this supposition.

V) “Object and Subject of The Vision: Effect on Daniel”
14) Read: (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. KJV
14) Explanation: (Daniel 10:14); in verse fourteen; now from the first day that we begin to look towards God in a way of duty He is ready to meet us in a way of mercy. Thus ready is God to hear our prayers. “I said, I will confess, and thou forgavest.” If we rightly understood the meaning of God’s dealings with us, and the methods of His providence and grace concerning us, we should be better reconciled to them. Now Daniel must be made to know what shall befall his people in the latter days of the church. And after the cessation of prophecy, and when the time drew nigh for the Messiah to appear. The principal things of which this vision was intended to give the church time for it would come to pass in the days of Antiochus, and that would be nearly 300 years after this.
14) Comments: (Daniel 10:14); in verse fourteen; what shall befall your people, this refers solely to the Jews in (Daniel 9:24); and (Daniel 12:1). Therefore, the Gentile nations are included, but only as they affect Israel, and only as Israel is ensconced in her land and offering Sacrifices in the Temple; in fact, this Temple will soon be built.
15) Read: (Daniel 10:15); and when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. KJV
15) Explanation: (Daniel 10:15); in verse fifteen; it is quite possibly, that the many times mentioned concerning the vision being fulfilled in the “latter days” and that is because Daniel may have thought that these things would happen shortly, with Israel ultimately being restored to her place and position of power and supremacy.
15) Comments: (Daniel 10:15); in verse fifteen; the phrase, here when I became dumb meaning man; who has lost his integrity, has reason to blush and be ashamed of himself when he sees or considers the glory of the blessed angels that keep their integrity
16) Read: (Daniel 10:16); And, 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. KJV
16) Explanation: (Daniel 10:16); in verse sixteen; here like the similitude of the sons of men, I think Gabriel is here meant, that it was him that appeared to Daniel in a human form. Also in verse eighteen, and also see chapter (Daniel 9:21).
16) Comments: (Daniel 10:16); in verse sixteen; (Now it is quite possibly, this was Jesus Christ, because Daniel addressed Him as “O My Lord”).
17) Read: (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. KJV
17) Explanation: (Daniel 10:17); in verse seventeen; Daniel talks to Lord and tells Him that there is no strength left in him. Also Daniel said that he could not breathe freely; and he was almost suffocated with sorrow.
17) Comments: (Daniel 10:17); in verse seventeen; (Now here the implication is that it is not the vision alone causing the physical weakness, but rather the very “Presence of Jesus Christ).
18) Read: (Daniel 10:18); Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, KJV
18) Explanation: (Daniel 10:18); in verse eighteen; Daniel was touched by the hand of God here or His Angel Gabriel and it strengthened him. Now the hand of God’s power and His power going along with the Word of His Grace is alone effectual to redress all of our grievances, and to rectify whatever is amiss in us. Just one touch from Heaven brings us to our knees. And will set us on our feet, open our lips, and strengthens us; for it is God who works on us, and works in us, both to will and to do that which is good.
18) Comments: (Daniel 10:18); in verse eighteen; then there came again and someone touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. Now the man Gabriel, or the Angel Gabriel, is the same here as the person Gabriel.
19) Read: (Daniel 10:19); 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. KJV
19) Explanation: (Daniel 10:19); in verse nineteen; Here Daniel said, O man greatly beloved, let my Lord speak, and now I am so strengthened and encouraged, that I shall be able to bear any revelation that thou mayest make.
19) Comments: (Daniel 10:19); in verse nineteen; (Now it seems that this was the Lord Jesus Christ, in a pre-incarnate appearance, when He was actually speaking to Daniel).
VI) “The Prince of Grecia”
20) Read: (Daniel 10:20); 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 Grecia shall come. KJV
20) Explanation: (Daniel 10:20); in verse twenty; Now knowest thou wherefore I come, and so high art thou in favor of God, that he hath sent me unto thee to give thee farther satisfaction. And though I was elsewhere employed upon a most important mission, and I must speedily return to accomplish it. Also I must fight with the king of Persia. And to remove all that God designs him to do for the restoration of my people, and for the rebuilding of the city and the Temple of Jerusalem. But nothing less than a supernatural agency in the mind of Cyrus can account for his degree in favor of the Jews. He had no natural, no political inclination to it; and his reluctance to obey the heavenly motions is here represented as a fight between him and the Angel. Now the Prince of Grecia shall come. And I believe this refers to Alexander the Great, who was to destroy the Persian Empire. Please read about this in the second and third verses of the following chapter.
20) Comments: (Daniel 10:20); in verse twenty; here it seems that now Gabriel the angel once again picks up the conversation. And now I will return to fight with the Prince of Persia, now this did not mean that he would leave immediately, but, when the vision was completed, he would resume the conflict with this (Satanic prince). And when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come, this refers to Gabriel ultimately being successful in this conflict, and allowing the Satanic Prince to bring in the Grecian Empire. Now this would take place less than 200 years in the future.
20) Extra-Comments: (Daniel 10:20); in verse twenty; The “Prince of Grecia” is not an earthly prince, but instead he is a fallen angel that works under the direct instructions of Satan and he will control the Grecian Empire when it did come into being). (Now it was this evil prince which helped Alexander the Great conquered the known world of that day, although without his knowledge. This “Prince” is now confined to the underworld, but he will be released in the last days in order to help the Antichrist in (Revelation 17:8-14). Now it is the same presently, with the fallen angels controlling the entire nations in (Ephesians 6:12).
VII) “Michael and Gabriel”
21) Read: (Daniel 10:21); but 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. KJV
21) Explanation: (Daniel 10:21); in verse twenty-one; here we are told that the “Scripture of Truth,” is more accurately than the “Book of Truth,” which is a book that contained God’s plan for history. And it would be similar to the book or scroll that the Apostle John saw in his vision in (Revelation chapter 5).
21) Comments: (Daniel 10:21); in verse twenty-one; now the Scripture of Truth, refers to the dream that was given to King Nebuchadnezzar in, (Daniel 2:39), which showed these Empires, as well as the two visions that was already given to Daniel, as they are noted in (Daniel 7:5-6); and (Daniel 8:3-8). And there is none who holds with me in these things, but Michael your prince. This denotes the truth that as these fallen angels reigned supreme over certain empires, and Michael also served in the same position over Israel, and in fact still does.
A) Now this concludes our Bible Study on the tenth chapter of the Book of Daniel. Next week we will continue our lesson studies in the chapter eleven of the Book of Daniel. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach this great book of the Bible.
B) Remember; if you are not saved our God has the power to save anyone that calls upon the name of Jesus Christ and repents of their sins. Now all that are lost need God’s power because we have a problem with sin. The Bible tells us that “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23).
C) Now you can find the way to Heaven in the book of (Romans 10:9). This scripture in the bible tells us that “If you confess with your mouth, that “Jesus is Lord,” and that you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
D) We all need to confess our sins and ask God for his forgiveness. When you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord, then this involves an agreeing with God about your sin and your need for Salvation. You must repent of your own personal sins. By doing this you are willing to turn away from the direction in life in which you are going.
E) Now to “believe in your heart” is to place your faith in Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, also you are trusting that Jesus died on the Cross to pay for your sins. But our God proves His own love for us in that while we were sill sinners, Jesus Christ died for all of us. (Romans 5:8).
F) Remember, if you would like to have Salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ, you sincerely pray a prayer like this one; “Please God, I confess to you my sins and I need for you to save me right now. I turn away from my sins and I place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord of my life forever. Amen.”
G) Note: Now this concludes our Bible Study on the tenth chapter of the Book of Daniel. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach the next chapter of this great book of Daniel. Now remember that everything on this web-site is free. Please pass them on to other people if they have helped you.

You’re, Brother in Christ
Frank Rose