Daniel 10:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me.

NIV: Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength.

NASB: Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me.

CSB: Then the one with a human appearance touched me again and strengthened me.

NLT: Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning.

KJV: Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

NKJV: Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.

Daniel is once again touched and strengthened to counter the overwhelming effect of his visions (Daniel 10:16–17). As before, the being who touches him is one who looks like a human being. Read in context, it seems likely this is the same being with whom Daniel has been speaking: an angel (Daniel 10:10–15), probably Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26). However, not all commentators agree on this point. It's entirely reasonable that more than one angel has come to deliver this message. The exact identity of each being is not crucial to the purpose of Daniel's writing.

The first touch was meant to encourage Daniel (Daniel 10:10–12). The second enabled him to speak (Daniel 10:16). The third now provides strength. This is important, as Daniel is about to be given more information, and he will need his strength to endure what he is about to be told (Daniel 10:19–21).

Daniel 10:15—11:1 records Daniel's response to the angel's report about demonic opposition. Daniel is still weak and speechless, but a humanlike figure refreshes him. The angel says he will tell Daniel what is written in the book of truth. This leads to the prophecies contained in chapter 11.

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.

Accessed 5/18/2024 10:17:28 PM