10 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. 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. 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; 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 colour
to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 21 But
I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there
is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.