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the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The message was true, and it concerned a great conflict. He understood that message, for the understanding was given in a vision.
2 At that time, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three full weeks. 3 I hadn’t eaten any choice food; no meat or wine had entered my mouth, and I didn’t use any oil or lotions on my body until the three weeks were over.
4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the gold of Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like chrysolite, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the roar of a multitude.
7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see the vision, however a great terror fell on them, and they all fled and hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone, looking at this great vision. No strength remained in me, my face turned deathly pale, and I was powerless. 9 Then I heard the words he spoke, and while I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.
10 But then a hand touched me and set me on my hands and knees, trembling. 11 He said to me, “Daniel, greatly beloved, understand the words I am about to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up, trembling.
12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
15 While he was speaking these words to me, I bowed my face toward the ground and was speechless. 16 Then one who had the likeness of the sons of man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, “My lord, I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, and I am completely without any strength. 17 How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
18 Again the one having the likeness of a man touched me again and gave me strength. 19 He said, “O man greatly beloved, do not be afraid. Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” While he was speaking to me, I was strengthened, and I said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I must return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I have finished with him, the prince of Greece will come; 21 but first I must explain to you what is written in the Book of Truth. There is no one else who contends against them with me, except Michael, your prince. 11:1 And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him.”