Daniel 10:1-9, Daniel’s Vision of Jesus

 Daniel received a message from the Lord in the third year of Cyrus, King of Persia.  This would be two years after it was decreed by Cyrus that the Jews could return to Jerusalem and the area of Judea.  One obvious question is, “why didn’t Daniel return to Jerusalem when permission was granted?”  Some think it was because of his age.  That may be true, but I think a better answer is that his governmental position allowed him the opportunity to serve the Lord and his people.  So he stayed.

Daniel was grieving and fasting again (v2-3).  Why?  I believe it is because of what had happened in Jerusalem.  Here is a timeline of events.

·       Ezra 1:1-4: the decree to rebuild was granted (536BC).

·       Ezra 1:5: there is much enthusiasm.  In the 7^th month the altar is set on its base, they celebrate the feast of tabernacles, and resume daily sacrifices (Ezra 3:1-7).

·       Ezra 3:8-13: In the 2^nd month, 2^nd year they laid the temple foundation  (535BC).

·       Ezra 4:1-5: There were hindrances to the work, including legal maneuvering by neighbors who did not want to see the Jews succeed.

·       Ezra 4:23-24: The work stopped.

·       The next year, 534BC, Daniel is praying and receives the vision of Dan. 10-12.

·       The work on the temple does not begin again for 15 years (Ezra 5:2).

Why is Daniel grieving and fasting?  Because the work stopped.  It stopped because the people became preoccupied with building their own houses to deal with the issues (Haggai 1:1-6).  God raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to stir up the people.  Haggai’s message was, “Consider your ways (Hag. 1:7)!”  Daniel grieved the lukewarm attitude of the people and their lack of zeal for the Lord’s work.

It seems clear that the “man” Daniel saw (10:5-6) is the same “Man” who speaks to the Apostle John in Rev. 1:12-18.  Note the amazing similarities.

Daniel 10:5-6	Revelation 1:12-18
Man Dressed in linen Waist girded with a gold belt Body like beryl Face like lightening Eyes as flaming torches Arms and feet polished bronze Voice as a tumult Daniel fell at His feet	Like a son of man Dressed in a robe to His feet Gird about with a golden girdle   Face like the sun in its strength Eyes flames of fire Feet burnished bronze Voice as many waters John fell at His feet

The vision begins with a vision of God, in Christ.  Daniel’s response is perfect.  He bows in worship.  We hear the Lord speak only when we are in a receiving position, one of humble worship.