Daniel 10 · דניאל

In the third year of Koresh king of Paras a thing was revealed to Daniyyel, whose name was called Belteshażżar; and the word was true, and for a long period ahead; and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

In those days I Daniyyel was mourning three full weeks.

I ate no pleasant bread, nor did meat or wine come into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

And on the twenty fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Ḥiddeqel;

I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Ufaz:

his body also was like the beryl, and his face like the appearance of lightning, and his eyes like torches of fire, and his arms and his feet in colour like burnished brass, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.

And I Daniyyel alone saw the vision: for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great trembling fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comely appearance was horribly changed, and I retained no strength.

Yet I heard the sound of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, I was in a deep sleep on my face, and my face towards the ground.

And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me trembling on my knees and on the palms of my hands.

And he said to me, O Daniyyel, thou man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to thee, and stand upright: for to thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.

Then said he to me, Fear not, Daniyyel: for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand and to humble thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come because of thy words.

But the guardian angel of the kingdom of Paras withstood me twenty one days: but, lo, Mikha᾽el, one of the chief angels, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Paras.

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

And when he had spoken such words to me, I set my face towards the ground, and I became dumb.

And, behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke, and said to him that stood before me, O my lord, by reason of the vision my pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength.

For how can the servant of my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, there remains now no strength in me, nor is there breath left in me.

Then again came one in the likeness of a man, and touched me and strengthened me,

and said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, and be resolute. And when he had spoken to me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Then he said to me, Dost thou know why I have come to thee? But now I will return to fight with the guardian angel of Paras: and when I depart from him, lo, the guardian angel of Yavan shall come.

But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the true record: and none stands fast with me against these, except your guardian angel, Mikha᾽el.