1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a matter was revealed to Daniel. Daniels name was also Belteshazzar. The matter was true. There was a great military movement. He understood the matter. He also understood the vision.
2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.
3 I ate no pleasant bread; neither flesh nor wine entered my mouth. I did not anoint myself at all until three whole weeks were completed.
4 I was on the shore of the great river, Hiddekel (Tigris River) on the twenty-fourth day of the first month.
5 I looked up to see a man clothed in linen. His loins were girded with pure gold of the Uphaz region.
6 His body also was like chrysolite and his face as the appearance of lightning. His eyes were like flaming torches and his arms and his feet like burnished copper. The sound of his words was like the sound of a crowd.
7 I, Daniel, saw the vision alone, for the men that were with me did not see the vision. A great quaking fell upon them and they ran away to hide.
8 I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me. My appearance turned deathlike (pallor) (livid) (pale) and I had no strength.
9 Yet I heard the sound of his words. When I heard the sound of his words I fell with my face toward the ground into a deep sleep.
10 A hand touched me and set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
11 He said to me: O Daniel, you are greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you. Stand upright for I have been sent to you. When he spoke these words I stood trembling.
12 Then he said: Do not fear Daniel! From the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your prayer.
13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one 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 have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the future for the vision is yet for many days.
15 When he spoke these words to me I looked to the ground and was unable to speak.
16 Then one who looked like a human touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth, and spoke to him: O my lord, by reason of the vision I have convulsions and I have no strength.
17 For how can the servant of my lord talk? I had no strength in me. I was also without breath.
18 Then the one with the human appearance touched me and he strengthened me.
19 He said, O man greatly beloved, do not fear, peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong. And when he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak for you have strengthened me.