[1] In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to
Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a
great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the
vision. [2] In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks. [3] I
ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither
did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled. [4] In
the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the
great river, which is Hiddekel, [5] I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and,
behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of
Uphaz: [6] his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance
of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet
like burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a
multitude. [7] I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men who were with
me didn`t see the vision; but a great quaking fell on them, and they fled
to hide themselves. [8] So 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 fallen into a
deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground. [10] Behold, a hand
touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands. [11] He
said to me, Daniel, you man greatly beloved, understand the words that I
speak to you, and stand upright; for to you am I now sent. When he had
spoken this word to me, I stood trembling. [12] Then said he to me, Don`t
be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you did set your heart to
understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard:
and I am come for your words` sake. [13] But the prince of the kingdom of
Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief
princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
[14] Now I am come to make you understand what shall befall your people in
the latter days; for the vision is yet for [many] days: [15] and when he
had spoken to me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground,
and was mute. [16] Behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched
my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before
me, my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned on me, and I
retain no strength. [17] For how can the servant of this my lord talk with
this my lord? for as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me,
neither was there breath left in me. [18] Then there touched me again one
like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. [19] He said,
"Greatly beloved man, don`t be afraid: peace be to you, be strong, yes, be
strong." 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? Now I will return to fight with the prince of
Persia. When I go forth, behold, the prince of Greece shall come. [21] But
I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there
is none who holds with me against these, but Michael your prince."
