Daniel: Far From HomeSample

In verses 1 to 9 Daniel has seen the one who stands behind the vision he is about to see. But before the vision comes, Daniel is ‘touched’ and spoken to. In verse 10 a hand touched the trembling Daniel. This hand is an angel. Daniel is told to consider the words he is about to hear. Here is how heaven thinks we should treat the Word of God. Consider carefully!

In verse 12 the heavenly voice tells Daniel that his prayers have been heard. The speaker has come in response to them. But in verse 13 he says that he has been delayed by the prince of Persia and that he needed the angelic help of Michael. The ideas might seem strange, but we are being introduced to the fact that there are heavenly realities beyond our world. Behind the rulers on earth stand angelic princes. Earthly conflicts are but echoes of battles in heavenly realms. The New Testament speaks of such conflict, too (e.g. Eph. 6:12). Daniel is, however, now going to be told what will happen to the Jews in the future. Here is a reminder that God hears His people when they pray, but that there can be delays in His answers.

In verses 15 to 17 we hear Daniel’s response. At first he is speechless, but for a second time he is ‘touched’, now on his lips, and he is able to speak. The vision makes him feel helpless, unworthy and without strength. Understanding reality beyond this world has left Daniel awestruck.

Once again, verse 18, Daniel is touched by the one who is speaking with him. He is told to be at peace, and to be strong. Daniel acknowledges in verse 19 that the touch and the words have indeed brought him strength and he is now ready to see the vision and hear God’s word to him. For Daniel to receive the word of God requires God to be at work in him. The same is true with us. We need God’s gracious ‘touch’ in order to properly hear His word.

In 10:20 to 11:1 Daniel is told he is about to be hear what is written in the Book of Truth. What will happen in the future is so under the control of God that He already has it written down! After revealing this truth to Daniel, the angel can return to his heavenly work (v. 20). Once again, Daniel is being told that behind human, political and international affairs is the work of angels in heaven.

Reflection

Daniel knows he needs strength from God to hear and accept God’s word. Are we in the habit of humbly coming before the Lord and asking for His strength as we read the Bible? Are we awestruck that God has already got the future written down?