Daniel 10:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.

NIV: He said, 'Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.' And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

NASB: And he said to me, 'Daniel, you who are treasured, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand at your place, for I have now been sent to you.' And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.

CSB: He said to me, "Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I'm saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you." After he said this to me, I stood trembling.

NLT: And the man said to me, 'Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.' When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.

The angel who touched Daniel is most likely Gabriel. This being is often used as a messenger on God's behalf (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26). Some interpreters believe it was also Gabriel who appeared at first (Daniel 10:5–6), and whose voice and appearance caused Daniel to faint (Daniel 10:8–9). Others believe there are two separate entities here: the first being a preincarnate Jesus Christ, and the second—in this section—being Gabriel.

Here, as before (Daniel 9:23), Gabriel refers to Daniel as "greatly loved." The experience might be overwhelming, but the intent was not to cause fear. Rather, the angel has come to give Daniel further understanding of his earlier vision (Daniel 10:1). However, Daniel is still human, so despite being able to stand, he is still shaky and unsettled.

Like Daniel, believers today are "greatly loved" by their heavenly Father (John 3:16; 1 John 3:1). He wants us to understand His Word. However, God has not sent an angel such as Gabriel to believers. Instead, He has given us the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17; Romans 8:14–16; 1 Corinthians 2:10–16; Ephesians 1:13–14, 17–18). Jesus promised, "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26).

Daniel 10:10–14 explains why the angel appears three weeks after Daniel's initial vision (Daniel 10:1–9). This angel, probably Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16), had been sent as soon as Daniel prayed. Yet he was delayed and relates the circumstances surrounding his flight. The passage also introduces another angel, Michael, and reveals that the first message concerned what would happen to the Israelites in the latter days.

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.