CHAPTER XII INTRODUCTION TO THE LAST VISION (Chapter 10)

The last three chapters of the book of Daniel are inseparable, for they relate the last recorded vision of the prophet. The tenth chapter is preliminary to a detailed history of the world, and is valuable because of the important spiritual lessons which it contains. Daniel was an old man, and nearing the end of a long and eventful career, but his last days were full of anxiety for his race, and he still carried the burden of their captivity on his heart. Since the events recorded in the ninth chapter, he had been in the lions’ den, thrust there because of the cruel hatred of men in high positions. His godly life was a constant rebuke to the corruption of men in office, and they sought to destroy him, but God put these men to confusion, and witnessed to the purity of Daniel’s life. The prophet had been held in high esteem by Darius the Mede, and on his death and the accession of Cyrus, Daniel had remained in the court, a counselor of the king.SDP 154.1

Cyrus, in the first year of his reign, had issued an emancipation proclamation to the Jews. The Spirit of God had pleaded with the heart of the king, and he felt that he was brought into power for that purpose. When, after every provision had been made for the return, but a small fraction of the Jews took advantage of it, Cyrus began to doubt the wisdom of the decree. It was with the Jews as with sinners to-day. Pardon is ^{MarginThe righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.
Psalm 92:12-14.
Daniel must have been about ninety years of age at this time.
Daniel 6:4-22.
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Daniel 6:3.
The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
Ezra 1:1, 2.} granted and freedom offered, but they choose to remain in sin until they receive the penalty-death. The sins of Babylon dazzled the eyes of the Jews who beheld them, and the voice of their God was but faintly heard. (Comp. Ezekiel 33:30-32.)SDP 154.2

Daniel could not understand the situation. The spiritual condition of his own people weighed heavily upon him, and the changing attitude of the king worried him. He thought upon the previous vision, and wondered if it could be that his people-the Jews-would cling to the sins of Babylon until they were overtaken by the persecutions described as belonging to the latter days. He could not understand the times, although the words spoken by Gabriel seemed clear of comprehension.SDP 155.1

Two years after the decree of Cyrus, Daniel determined to humble his heart before God by prayer and fasting until he should understand the matter. He did not practice total abstinence from food, for this fast was not the fast of a day. But he withdrew from the king’s table and partook of the plainest kinds of food, spending much time in prayer and study. It was his purpose to have his appetite so in subjection that physical wants would not crowd out his desire for spiritual insight. The spiritual life of man too often partakes of the earthly mold of his body by overindulgence of appetite. The soul should control the body, and not be burdened by the body. This condition Daniel sought to attain. He sought also to strengthen the mind by retiring to a quiet spot on the banks of the river Tigris. He took with him a few men as companions. Doubtless these were Jews who also felt a burden for Israel. The solitude of the spot, the swiftly <sup>MarginLet favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.
Isaiah 26:10.
Ezekiel 23:14-16.
Lamentations 4:1, 2.
Thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
Daniel 9:23.
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.
2. In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
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.
Daniel 10:1-3.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly: so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Corinthians 9:26, 27.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16.
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.
Daniel 10:4.</sup> flowing waters of the river, the lofty trees, and the clear sky above, led the prophet’s mind out after his God.SDP 155.2

For three weeks he thus sought for light and truth. Then it was that he looked up and beheld the Son of God by his side, the same who appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos. The brightness which shone round about Michael was too great for the eyes of the companions of Daniel, and they hastened to hide themselves. The countenance of Christ was like lightning, and as he gazed upon the prostrate form of Daniel, the other men fled for their lives. But what would have been death to those who harbored sin, was life to the one whose character was pure. The dross had been consumed before, and the light shone upon the prophet as sunlight on a mirror.SDP 156.1

So full of life is the Son of God that his eyes appeared as lamps of fire, flashing light. He it is who says, “I will guide thee with mine eye.” Daniel could bear the gaze, but his companions felt that those eyes burned into their very souls, and they hid from his gaze.SDP 156.2

To the ears of Daniel, accustomed by long experience to heavenly sounds, the voice of the “One Man” was as the voice of the multitude, or as the sound of many waters, clear and beautiful. To human ears, dull of hearing, it is like thunder. The Jews at the time that the Greeks came to Christ had a similar experience to that of the companions of Daniel. Sitting in the temple court, the lightning played about the head of Christ, and a voice which to him was the voice of God, to them sounded like the crash of a thunder bolt. <sup>Margin5. 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:
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.
Revelation 1:15-18.
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.
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.
Daniel 10:5-8.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:7.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:4.
Psalm 32:8.
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying. This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21.
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
Psalm 89:15.
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered; others said, An angel spake to him.
John 12:20, 28-30.</sup> Daniel was left alone in the presence of the Son of God, and as he compared his own condition to that of Christ, he seemed but a lump of clay, a broken vessel, uncomely and useless. “My vigor was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” He clung close to the cold earth, his face to the ground in a deep sleep, helpless in the hands of his God. “What is man that thou are mindful of him, or the son of man that thou visitest him?”SDP 156.3

Then Gabriel, the angel who had so often talked with Daniel, touched him with his hand, and lifted his prostrate form. He said, “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright; for unto thee am I now sent.” There was power in the touch of the angel’s hand. There was power in the touch of the Saviour’s hand. When on earth virtue, life, the healing power of God, constantly radiated from him. He could touch the leper, and a life-current flowed from him to the diseased one.SDP 157.1

So it was with Gabriel’s touch. He who stood in the presence of God was so filled with life that as he laid his hand on man, a thrill of life was felt in every nerve. It may be so with beings today. The follower of Christ should have the life-current so strong within him that sin is rebuked, and disease driven from him. “A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee,” is the promise. Christ came that we might have an abundance of life; the cup full to overflowing. We do not half realize our privilege.SDP 157.2

It was three full weeks since Daniel had begun to pray, and Gabriel explained the cause of <sup>Margin9. 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.
Daniel 10:9.
Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.
Genesis 18:27.
Psalm 8:3-5.
10. And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands,
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.
Daniel 10:10, 11.
Mark 1:31.
And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue cut of him, and healed them all.
Luke 6:19.
And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Matthew 8:2, 3.
I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God.
Luke 1:19.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16:17, 18.
Psalm 91:7.
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:10.
John 10:10.
12. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand,</sup> the delay. From the first day of the fast his words had been heard, but their answer required the co-operation of Cyrus, the Persian king. So while Daniel waited, ignorant of the work of heaven in his behalf, and little dreaming of the strivings in the heart of the king, Gabriel had been at the Persian court pleading with Cyrus.SDP 157.3

One may wonder how Gabriel worked. Details are not given, but one thing is sure: until the moment of a nation’s rejection, angels are always in the midst of their councils. Men will be led to take positions for the truth, not knowing the real reason for their own decisions. The Holy Watcher is a constant witness in legislative halls to-day, and every just decree is the result of an impulse from the throne of God. This influence was at work in the heart of Cyrus, and so pressing were the petitions offered by Daniel that Christ himself came in person to help Gabriel. To Daniel doubtless it seemed that his prayer was unheard, but God was working out the answer in a way unknown to the prophet. Had he ceased to make intercession at the end of one week, or at the end of two weeks, the history of an entire people would have been changed. The promise is, “Before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I will hear.” God is often testing the strength of our desires when he withholds an immediate answer to our prayer.SDP 158.1

“Knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee?” asked Gabriel. “I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” Daniel fell to the ground, and the breath went from his body. This was his condition when in vision. He was unable to speak until Christ <sup>Marginand to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
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.
Daniel 10:12, 13.
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Hebrews 1:14.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
Proverbs 8:15, 16.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16.
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31.
Isaiah 65:24.
For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
Isaiah 64:4.
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.
15. And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
Daniel 10:14, 15.</sup> touched his lips. Then he spoke to Gabriel, who stood by his side to strengthen him, and to explain to him the history of the latter days.SDP 158.2

God has had many prophets. The effect of the Spirit upon a human being when in vision is unexplainable. There is an overpowering presence which so overcomes the physical being that it has no strength to act of itself. The breath leaves the body, and the voice of God speaks through the human instrument. The eyes remain open, as Balaam described his condition, but the person sees things outside the world. He is often taken far beyond the bounds of earth as was the case of Ezekiel, John, and Paul. Earth’s attraction is broken, and with an angel guide the prophet visits other places, or beholds the future, reading there the history of men and nations. When the living coal from the altar is laid upon those lips, they speak words of heavenly wisdom. Isaiah had this experience.SDP 159.1

For the third time Gabriel expressed the love of God for Daniel, adding, “Peace be unto thee; be strong, yea, be strong.” By word and by touch Gabriel strengthened the gray-haired prophet. He was ready for the revelation, and said, “Let my Lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”SDP 159.2

The things which are noted in the history of truth were related by this great revealer. Man sees not as God sees, and in his shortsightedness he often emphasizes the unimportant, and passes lightly over events of universal interest. But when history is given in God’s Word it is a chronicler of those things which are “noted in the Scripture of truth.” This fact is noticeable in the history of the Persian kings, which is contained <sup>MarginO Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
Psalm 51:15.
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.
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.
Daniel 10:16, 17.
Numbers 24:15, 16.
The heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
Ezekiel 1:1.
Revelation 4:1.
How that he was caught up into paradise.
2 Corinthians 12:4.
18. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
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.
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.
21. But I will show 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.
Daniel 10:18-21.</sup> in the next few verses. In the most abbreviated manner, Gabriel touches the events of hundreds of years, but he brings into prominence things which are noted elsewhere in the Word of God, and which can be understood only by a careful study of other books of the Bible.SDP 159.3

For an understanding of the history of Persia, it is necessary to study carefully Ezra, Esther, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah. These books carry the history to the time of Persia’s greatest strength, and through the time when that nation worked for God and his people. Then, and not till then, is the record silent. ^{MarginEzra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Esther record events connected with the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity.}SDP 160.1