The Book Of D.

The Book of Daniel.

Daniel 10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

Upward on 73 years had passed and Daniel was still in the land of Babylon. Cyrus had already given the decree to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. God's people were returning to Jerusalem under Nehemiah and Ezra.

Daniel would have been about 89 years old when he had this extraordinary vision. He had been praying and fasting before the LORD,

Daniel 10:2-3 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. [3] I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

Then as he was beside the river, Hiddekel (Tigris) he had this glorious vision.

Daniel 10:5-6 then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: [6] his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

Now when we compare what Daniel saw, and what John saw on Patmos, then we can understand the relevance, importance and the glory of this amazing vision.

Revelation 1:12-15 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; [13] and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. [14] His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; [15] and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Both Daniel and John saw the all glorious person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In both cases the Saviour was revealing the prophetic Word.

Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

When Daniel saw the vision of God the Son, he fell to the ground,

Daniel 10:8-9 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. [9] 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.

When John saw the vision of the Saviour he too fell down before Him,

Revelation 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last

What we learn here is a glorious witness, to The Word of God revealing the Prophetic Word. Only the Lord Jesus has the authority and power to open and to declare the prophetic Word. And so God the Son comes to Daniel to reveal unto him what would happen in the last days.

Daniel 10:14, 19 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

[19] and said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Next time, DV, we will look at the prophetic Word that the Son of God reveals in Daniel 10 and 11.

Blessings in Christ. Rev Mervyn Cotton.