[1] In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to
Daniel, who was named Belteshaz'zar. And the word was true, and it was a
great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the
vision. [2] In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. [3] I
ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint
myself at all, for the full three weeks. [4] On the twenty-fourth day of
the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, that is,
the Tigris, [5] I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed
in linen, whose loins were girded with gold of Uphaz. [6] His body was like
beryl, his face like the appearance 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 noise of a multitude. [7] And I, Daniel, alone
saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a
great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. [8] So I
was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me;
my radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength.
[9] Then I heard the sound of his words; and when I heard the sound of his
words, I fell on my face in a deep sleep with my face to the ground. [10]
And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.
[11] And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, give heed to the
words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to
you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling. [12]
Then he said to me, "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set
your mind to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words
have been heard, and I have come because of your words. [13] The prince of
the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but Michael, one of the
chief princes, came to help me, so I left him there with the prince of the
kingdom of Persia [14] and came to make you understand what is to befall
your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come."
[15] When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face
toward the ground and was dumb. [16] And behold, one in the likeness of the
sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to
him who stood before me, "O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have
come upon me, and I retain no strength. [17] How can my lord's servant talk
with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in
me." [18] Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and
strengthened me. [19] And he said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not, peace
be with you; be strong and of good courage." And when he spoke to me, I was
strengthened and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me."
[20] Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will
return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I am through with
him, lo, the prince of Greece will come. [21] But I will tell you what is
inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side
against these except Michael, your prince.
