Daniel 10:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.

NIV: Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.

NASB: But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

CSB: I heard the words he said, and when I heard them I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.

NLT: Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.

KJV: Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

NKJV: Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

Despite their depiction in popular art, angels are not subtle, man-like creatures. They are incredibly powerful beings (2 Kings 19:35); It's expected that to see one in its "natural" state would inspire a sense of fear (Matthew 28:5; Luke 1:12–13; 2:9–10; Acts 10:3–4). When Daniel sees this figure—probably Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26)—Daniel's, his face drains of color and he begins to feel weak.

When the being speaks in a roaring voice, however, Daniel seem to pass out. To "fall on one's face" is a sign of either worship or humility. In this case, though, it appears Daniel was simply overwhelmed and fainted. Many biblical descriptions of heavenly encounters include similar reactions (Matthew 17:5–6). If what Daniel sees is a preincarnate Christ, the fear is even more understandable (Revelation 1:13–17). All other encounters will pale in comparison to the second coming of Christ (Revelation 19:11–16), which reduces every enemy into dust (Malachi 4:1).

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.

Accessed 5/18/2024 8:20:00 PM