Daniel 10:5, commentary and pictures

The vision came during the Babylonian captivity beside the river Hiddekel, one of the great rivers of Shinar, after Daniel had spent three full weeks in mourning and prayer. He had set his heart to understand and had humbled, chastened and afflicted his soul before God, fasting without pleasant bread, flesh, wine or anointing. His seeking was with tears, confession and humiliation.

What Daniel saw when he lifted his eyes was a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz worn as a belt around the waist. His body was like precious stone, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming lamps, his limbs like shining metal, and his voice like the sound of a crowd. The weight of testimony identifies this glorious person as the Son of God, the Lord Jesus, appearing to Daniel, while those who held the other view taught that the figure was a ministering angel coming in vision to bring a communication from God. He came with another heavenly messenger to teach Daniel.

The visit was the answer to Daniel's earnest prayer, whose words were heard from the first day, proving that he did not seek God for nothing. It came to teach Daniel and make him understand what shall happen to his people in the latter days, making known God's mind and will to the captives and especially to Daniel as one of the pure in heart who see God. Before the glorious person Daniel lost all strength, beauty and breath, fell facedown as if asleep, trembled, could not speak and was filled with sorrow until he was touched, lifted to his knees and hands and strengthened. Then he was honored as greatly beloved, told not to fear, given peace and made strong to stand and speak.

The vision shows heavenly beings taking an active interest in human affairs and earthly kingdoms. It belongs to the prophetic revelations in Daniel 7-12, which Daniel did not fully understand and which were sealed until the time of the end. It is light received direct from God given especially for the last days, giving light for future ages for the very time now living. The vision seen by the Hiddekel is now in process of fulfillment, and all the events it foretold will soon come to pass.

As Jesus appeared to Daniel by the Hiddekel to show what would transpire in the latter days, so Jesus again appeared to John exiled on Patmos. The vision teaches that the one who humbles himself, confesses sin and walks in contrition is honored by God and learns true greatness, that high position is nothing and only righteousness and truth give honor.