Conflict of Nations and Heavenly Powers

10 In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The word was true, and it concerned a great conflict. He understood the word, having received understanding in the vision.^(A)

² At that time I, Daniel, had been mourning for three weeks.^{(B) 3} I had eaten no rich food, no meat or wine had entered my mouth, and I had not anointed myself at all, for the full three weeks. ⁴ On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris),^{(C) 5} I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist.^{(D) 6} His body was like beryl, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the roar of a multitude.^{(E) 7} I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; the people who were with me did not see the vision, though a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled and hid themselves.^{(F) 8} So I was left alone to see this great vision. My strength left me, and my complexion grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength.^{(G) 9} When^[a] I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a trance, face to the ground.^(H)

¹⁰ But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees.^{(I) 11} He said to me, “Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” So while he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling.^(J)