Part 7: Daniel - The Servant of God section B (Dn 10:4-19) published 15/11/1999

The previous studies have looked at some events during the life in exile of Daniel and his companions as recorded in Daniel chapters 1-6. It was explained in the introduction that the book is in two parts, and that the second part, chapters 7-12, is written much more in the first person ("I, Daniel … etc.). There is little of history and much of prophecy. The prohecies now in view are not the prophecies of kings which Daniel proceed to interpret in the course of his work, but the prophecies which Daniel himself has received. The clock is now also put back and we are taken again through the reigns of Belshazzar (Chs 7-8) and Darius/Cyrus (Chs 9-12).

It has not been the focus of this series to look at the prophetic statements of this book but at the interaction of lives recorded in it. In that same vein, we conclude the series by looking at what it meant to Daniel himself to have personal encounter with God.

Read the passage

It is quite clear from the description (10:5-6) that Daniel's meeting was with the Son of God - Jesus (what theologians call a pre-incarnate theophany, which means an appearance of God before He, Jesus, was born at Bethlehem). The description is reminiscent of Ezekiel's vision (Ez 1:26ff). His companions saw nothing but were so terrified that they fled. Daniel saw the vision but was overwhelmed by it and lost consciousness as he heard the words of Jesus. As Jesus ministered to him, three things happened

The touch of God enabled Daniel to stand (10:10)
Jesus picked him up not just when he was prostrate before the Lord in awe of the vision but when he had been at the end of his own tether after three weeks of selective fasting as he mourned for the spiritual state of the people of God and no doubt wondering whether his life's work had been useful at all. Two years previously Ezra had led "those whose heart God had stirred (Ezra 1:5)" back to Jerusalem to begin the task of rebuilding. Many more chose to stay than to go. Perhaps that is partly the reason why Daniel has stayed behind as well.

Daniel is first given encouragement to see himself as God sees him, held as he is by God, in high esteem (10:11), and not the poor self-esteem in which Daniel may have been holding himself. Daniel is now able to get himself to his feet. He is also encouraged not to fear (10:12). Daniel may have been feeling that his words have been falling on deaf ears, but God has heard all along the way and has now come to explain (10:14) what is going on.

We often need encouragement first to see ourselves as God sees us and to be set back on our feet when we feel 'down'. It is when we are in a state of encouragement rather than discouragement, that we can gain insight into and understanding of the purposes of God.

Q Have any members of the group had any acquaintance at all with the experience of Daniel when Jesus met him in his need?

Q Do any of need encouragement at the present time to understand again how much God loves and cares about us?

Q Do I always finish the job which God gives me to do, or do I lose interest and become distracted?

The touch of God enabled Daniel to speak (10:16)
The dynamics of any relationship must involve a two-way dialogue. Daniel became able again to speak to God. His prayer of earlier years (Dan 2:20-23) and his diligence in praying three times a day (6:10) remind us that this was not a new thing to Daniel: far from it. First, however, had to own up to the anguish and helplessness which he felt, so that these could be properly addressed.

Q Have members found that the time when things are difficult is the time when it is most difficult to keep dialogue with the Lord going?

Q Is there something that we can say to God today which will take our relationship with him forward?

The touch of God enabled Daniel to be strong (10:18)
What Daniel needs is renewed strength and that comes to him through a further touch of God upon him. Again he is told: "Do not be afraid (10:18)". He is given peace and he is made strong.

Daniel has faithfully given a lifetime of service to God but still needs these resources at his time of need. There is a verse in the chapter which follows (11:32) that sums all of this up: 'the people who know their God shall be strong and do great things. (Living Bible)'

Q Is there something that God is calling us to do which will require the strength which only he can give?