Daniel 10:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.

NIV: I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.

NASB: I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man dressed in linen, whose waist had a belt of pure gold of Uphaz.

CSB: I looked up, and there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist.

NLT: I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist.

KJV: 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:

NKJV: I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz!

This occurs during the reign of Cyrus (Daniel 10:1). Daniel had been in mourning for three weeks, perhaps in response to a vision (Daniel 10:2–3). While standing near the Tigris River (Daniel 10:4), Daniel saw a figure with a celestial appearance. A description of the figure begins here (Daniel 10:6–7).

Some Bible teachers identify this person as Gabriel: the angel who often delivers God's messages (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26). This would make him the same being who touches Daniel (Daniel 10:10) and speaks of battling with the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" (Daniel 10:13). Given that Gabriel was known to Daniel and named elsewhere but not here, others believe this is a different angelic being of a high order. Still others believe this is a preincarnate Jesus Christ because some aspects of the description match those given by John during his experience on Patmos (Revelation 1:13–16). However, as God the Son, Jesus would not have needed the help of Michael to overcome anyone (Daniel 10:13). A few commentators believe Daniel sees Jesus first, and then sees an angel, perhaps Gabriel, after he collapses (Daniel 10:9–10).

The figure's dress—white linen and a gold belt—would combine with his shining body (Daniel 10:6) into an impressive sight. The reference to "Uphaz" may be the same place called "Ophir" in Isaiah 13:12.

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.