Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was made known to Daniel, whose name had been changed to Belteshazzar. The thing that was revealed was true, but its timing was delayed, and he gained understanding of it.

Daniel spent three whole weeks in mourning, eating no pleasant food, drinking no wine, and anointing himself at all. This was a time of intense spiritual preparation for him.

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, Daniel stood by the side of the great river Hiddekel. As he lifted up his eyes and looked around, he saw a man clothed in linen with girdled loins of pure gold from Uphaz standing before him. The man's body was like beryl, his face shone with lightning-like brilliance, his eyes blazed like lamps of fire, and his arms and feet gleamed like polished brass.

The sound of the man's voice was like a multitude speaking together. Daniel alone saw this vision; those who were with him fled in fear, overcome by a great trembling. Daniel was left alone, struggling to find strength after beholding such an incredible sight.

As he heard the sound of the man's voice, Daniel fell into a deep sleep with his face to the ground. A hand touched him, setting him on his knees and palms. The man spoke again: "Daniel, you are greatly beloved; understand what I am telling you, and stand upright. For I have been sent specifically to you."

The man reassured Daniel, saying, "Do not be afraid. From the moment you set your heart to understand God's ways and humbled yourself before Him, your words were heard, and I came in response to them." The prince of Persia had resisted the man for twenty-one days, until Michael, one of the chief princes, came to his aid.

The man was on a mission to explain what would happen to Daniel's people in the distant future. The vision was still far off, but he wanted Daniel to understand it fully. When he finished speaking, Daniel became speechless and his face fell toward the ground in sorrow.

A second figure, similar to the first, touched Daniel's lips, allowing him to speak again. "My lord," Daniel began, "by this vision, my sorrows have turned upon me, and I feel no strength left within me." He struggled to find words, for he was drained of energy and unable to breathe.

The man came near once more and touched Daniel, strengthening him. "Daniel, you are greatly beloved; do not be afraid," he said. "Peace be unto you, and may you be strong." When the man finished speaking, Daniel was revitalized and responded, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me."

The man revealed that his mission was to return to fight with the prince of Persia. But when he had departed, the prince of Greece would arrive. He promised to show Daniel what was written in the scripture of truth. However, he added that no one stood with him against these things except Michael, Daniel's own prince.