Daniel 10:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks.

NIV: At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks.

NASB: In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks.

CSB: In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks.

NLT: When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks.

KJV: In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

NKJV: In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.

Daniel has been given another vision, this time regarding some type of major war or battle (Daniel 10:1). Few details are given about Daniel's mourning. Was the mourning prompted by the vision? Or was he mourning over something else when he had the vision? This taking place in the third year of Cyrus' reign would place it around 536 BC. This is the same time during which Israel was allowed to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding (Ezra 1:2–3). However, while there, the people faced great opposition (Ezra 3:8; 4:4–6). Also, the number of Israelites who returned (Ezra 2:64) seems small given how many Jews would have been living in Persia at that time.

The mourning depicted here may be a reaction to Israel's lukewarm reaction to freedom. Or it might be Daniel's sorrow that his people would continue to be harassed and attacked. Daniel may have also been discouraged to realize that the full, permanent restoration of Israel to the Promised Land was not to occur in his lifetime (Isaiah 27:12–13). It may be that he mourned because of what he saw in the future, combined with Israel's current condition.

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.

The event recorded here occurred in the third year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, around 536 BC. The chapter supplies background to the prophecies detailed in chapters 11 and 12. Daniel received a heavenly visitor, sent to make Daniel understand what Israel will experience in the latter days. Along with chapter 12, this covers the final prophetic vision of Daniel's book.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.