What does Daniel 10:1 mean?
Because of the timeline Daniel offers, readers can align these events in the flow of history. The third year of Cyrus' reign would be around 536 BC. Two years earlier, Cyrus had allowed Jewish captives—and their descendants—to begin rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple (Ezra 1:2–3).Daniel was captured at a young age and assimilated into Babylonian culture (Daniel 1:1–7). Part of that included being given a new name: Beltasha'tstsar, or "Belteshazzar." This probably referred to the deity Bel, while Daniel's birth name, Daniye'l, means "God is my judge." At the time of this vision, Daniel would have been some seventy years older. Other details about his life are not offered. We're not sure if Daniel was too old to return to Israel, or if he was still in an important position, or if he remained in Babylon for some other reason. Perhaps Daniel chose to remain where he was to influence kings such as Cyrus on his people's behalf (Daniel 1:19–21; 5:11–12; 6:3).
The "word" is a message which Daniel is given. As a divine communication, it was sure to be perfect and true. The exact nature of that vision is not stated, nor are many details given. The fact that Daniel understood it, and possibly went into mourning because of it (Daniel 10:2), suggests that it was about a war to come on the people of Israel (Daniel 10:14). His vision and grief also align with struggles experienced by the Jewish people as they began their rebuilding efforts (Ezra 3:8; 4:4–6).
Daniel 10:1–9 sets the date of Daniel's final vision as the third year of the reign of Cyrus of Persia. Daniel sees a vision of a tremendous war or battle. Seemingly in response to that vision, Daniel mourns for weeks, until he is confronted by a celestial being. Daniel appears to faint, at first, but will be quickly roused (Daniel 10:10–11) so the being, or perhaps a different being, can explain what is happening.
Daniel sees a vision of great conflict, which apparently sends him into mourning. Three weeks later, he is stunned by the appearance of a celestial being, most likely the angel Gabriel. Daniel had prayed earlier, and an angel was sent in response. But he was delayed due to a spiritual conflict, which the archangel Michael helped him overcome. Though Daniel is deeply shaken, his visitor provides strength and encouragement so that Daniel can endure the explanations which are about to be given.