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.
This is about 455BC.
2 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.
Daniel had his nation on his heart and was fasting about their future. Cyrus had given the command to return and rebuild Judah two years before this.
4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;
The Hiddekel is probably the Tigris.
5 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 color to polished brass, and the voice of His words like the voice of a multitude.
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| A beryl |
This description sounds a lot like other descriptions in Daniel and Revelation of God. Further verses make it sound like he is an angel, though.
7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
Earthquake or Divine fear?
8 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.
10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
11 And he said unto me, “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent.” And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.
12 Then said he unto me, “Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13 “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
We don’t know who this “prince of Persia” was. It is possible he was Cyrus or a spiritual being responsible for the area of Persia. There is no indication of how this “prince” withstood him nor how Michael helped him.
14 “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.”
The angel strengthens Daniel.
15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, “O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.
The vision he saw is recorded in chapter 11.
17 “For how can the servant of this my Lord talk with this my lord? For as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.”
Daniel is so upset he can’t stand up or hardly even breath.
18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
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.”
Imagine being called by an angel “greatly beloved”? God had a special love for Daniel.
20 Then said he, “Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? And now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.”
The Prince of Persia might be the current king and the Prince of Greece Alexander the Great. Or they might be the demons controlling those regions.
21 “But first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.)
The word "prince" here means "ruler."
"Michael" means "One who is like God."
All in all, quite a confusing chapter. We still don’t really know how to interpret most of it.