Daniel 10:5-13

New International Reader's Version

⁵ I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothes. He had a belt around his waist. It was made out of fine gold from Uphaz. ⁶ His body gleamed like topaz. His face shone like lightning. His eyes were like flaming torches. His arms and legs were as bright as polished bronze. And his voice was like the sound of a large crowd.

⁷ I was the only one who saw the vision. The people who were there with me didn’t see it. But they were so terrified that they ran and hid. ⁸ So I was left alone as I was watching this great vision. I felt very weak. My face turned as pale as death. And I was helpless. ⁹ Then I heard the man speak. As I listened to him, I fell sound asleep. My face was toward the ground.

¹⁰ A hand touched me. It pulled me up on my hands and knees. I began to tremble with fear. ¹¹ The man said, “Daniel, you are highly respected. Think carefully about what I am going to say to you. And stand up. God has sent me to you.” When he said that, I trembled as I stood up.

¹² He continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. You decided to get more understanding. You made yourself humble as you worshiped your God. Since the first day you did those things, your words were heard. I have come to give you an answer. ¹³ But the prince of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael came to help me. He is one of the leaders of the angels. He helped me win the battle over the king of Persia.