DANIEL
CHAPTER TEN, ELEVEN, AND TWELVE

THE LATTER DAYS:

These last three chapters make up one entire vision that Daniel received which gives to him some inside knowledge of the activity with the things that will come in the latter days upon his people.

Chapter 10 is an introductory chapter;

Chapter 11 is the essence of the vision;

Chapter 12 is the climatic in nature and concludes the vision.

We will study these three chapters individually, verse by verse, as we have done with the preceding chapters, but yet we will see some repeats of what we have already studied.

1. DANIEL’S PREPARATION Daniel 10:1-21

“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and bad understanding of the vision.” Daniel 10:1

Three important truths are presented to us:

The time when Daniel received the vision;

The truth and length of the vision;

The understanding that the vision brought to light.

God had promised Daniel an understanding of the visions - Daniel writes about this promise in Daniel 9:21-23; thus, we see God keeping His Word.

What a valuable lesson that we have before us, and we should
write this on the table of our hearts, that God honors His Word,
never will any of it fall to the ground nor come to naught.

In this chapter we see —

Daniel’s humiliation: (10:1—3)
Daniel’s vision: (10:4—9)
Daniel’s preparation: (10:10-21)

	A.  Daniel’s Humiliation.  Daniel 10:1—4

All through the Book of Daniel, the spirit of humiliation stands out before us.

What made Daniel such a great man?
	his wisdom?
his place of authority?

No, Daniel was a great man because of his humility.

None of us are perfect, but we must be humble for God to use us —“Humble yourselves in the sight of th. Lord, and ho shall lift you up.,, James 4:10

1. Daniel’s humility was displayed at a time of popularity.

“In the third year of Cryus king of Persia-” (1)

Daniel served as prime minister for many years. So Daniel was well thought of but his popularity didn’t hinder him in his relationship with God.

2. Daniel’s humility caused a mourning in the heart.

“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.” (2)

This mourning was set in the heart for three full weeks, that is, three weeks of days, some 21. days.

“Mourning” — shows or displays the attitude of a broken and concerned heart.

3.	Daniel’s humility caused Daniel to place a discipline upon himself.

“I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were finished.” (3)

Our own personal desires don’t agree with the will of God most of the time, thus, self-discipline has to be applied.

One of the hardest thing to do is to discipline self.

“I ate no pleasant bread” speaks that he didn’t fulfill his own appetites and desires with bread, meat or wine.

Remember that Daniel was used to fine foods being the Prime Minister, so no doubt, this was a real sacrifice on his part.

“Neither did I anoint myself” speaks that Daniel left off the pleasure of bathing and anointing himself with cologne.

The mourning of verse two speaks of Daniel chastening himself before God;

God took note of this -

“Then said he unto me, Pear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.” (10:12)

What a strong and practical lesson is set before us for today, If we want to be heard of God then we will have to chasten ourselves before Him.

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18

The humility of Daniel ought to cause us to take note of ourselves, and to examine ourselves, just to see how humble we really are before God.

B. Daniel’s Vision. Daniel 10:5—9

There is no name given to the man seen by Daniel, but it is believed by Bible believes that Daniel saw the Lord, Christ Jesus.

We have in the Old Testament several times when the Lord manifested Himself in human form to His servants.

One of the clearest is when the Lord appeared with two angels to Abraham in Genesis 18.

To me, this is a clear vision of the Lord Jesus Christ seen by Daniel.

We see Christ in Daniel -
As one Christ but in two special
comings, The Christ or the Anointed
One of God, literally God Himself.

* As the Crucified One, “smitten” Christ for the sins of the whole world; “shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself.” (9:26)

* As Deity, “The God of heaven.” “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break ~1n pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” (2:44)

* As King, a smiting and reigning King with a kingdom on earth.
“Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces, th. iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God bath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” (2:44,45)

* As the Stone, “The stone was cut out of the mountain without hands.” (2:45)

* As the Sovereign One, “Who brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold.” (3:25)

* As the Son of God, “The fourth is like the Son of God.” Christ will always be a friend to His people.(3:25)

* As the Ancient of days, “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.” - (7:9 —10)

* As the most High, that is He shall be the Lord of the saints. (7:25—27)

* As the Prince of princes, “he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes;” (8:25)

* As the Messiah the Prince, “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” (9:25)

a. As Christ the coming King, “Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and tilled the whole earth.” (2:34—35)

* As Christ coming for His people, “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”
(12:1—3)

But in these verses, Daniel gives to us a view of the person of Christ.

It would do the student well to study who Daniel saw (Daniel 10:5-6) and compare it with who John saw, (Rev. 1:13-15).

1. Note that Daniel was by the river. (4)

Daniel was not doubt walking by the river meditating, as he already had his mind settled upon spiritual things as is recorded in verses 1-3.

The river Hiddekel is the river Tigris.

2. Note that Daniel saw a man. (5) The certain man is that he saw one man. Daniel was the only One who saw Him.

This was a manifestation of the person of Jesus Christ, one of many in the Old Testament.

This would be good to study along with Joshua in Joshua 5:13-15.

3. Note that Daniel saw a man of great importance.(5—6)
(a) He was clothed in linen. (5) Rev. 1:13

This is the clothing worn by the High Priest on the day of atonement. Lev. 16:23

Jesus is our High Priest and is dressed in the linen of Divine Righteousness. Hebrews 7:15—17

(b) His loins were girded with fine gold of  Uphaz. (5)  Rev. 1:13

Uphaz is a place where gold is brought from. No doubt this was a high quality of gold.

Gold speaks of the Deity of Christ. That is, Christ is the Divine Son of God.  John 3:16

The girding of his loins with fine gold speaks of His readiness and His diligence in the work of His Father, as His Father’s servants, ready to do our redemption.

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4

(C) His body also was like the beryl. (6)

Beryl is a precious tone of sky color.

This was the first stone of the fourth row on the Jewish high priest’s breastplate.
Exodus 28:20

Since it is the color of the sky it would speak of His heavenliness character or of His glorification.

He is the King of Glory. Psalm 24:7—10  John 3:13

(d) His face as the appearance of lightening-. (6)  Rev. 1:14

This speaks of the brightness of His glory.

It has a two-fold significance:

It has a frightening significance, and

It has a threatening significance.

No doubt this speaks of His Lordship, One who is able to see and to demand respect because of His great strength.

John states - and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” Rev. 1:16

(e) His eyes as lamps of fire.  (6)  Rev. 1:14  Rev. 2:18; 19:12

His eyes were keen and penetrating. He is able to see into the very depth of a man’s soul.

Paul wrote:
“For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

John 2:23—25

(f) His arms and his feet like in color to polished brass.	(6)
Rev. 1:15

Brass that shines brightly. Brass speaks of judgment.

Jesus stands as the judge of all judges. He will bring all things into judgment.

“There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:12

(g) His voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.	(6)
Rev. 1:15

The voice of a multitude would be a voice that is loud and strong.

This speaks of authority;
“And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.” Ezekiel 43:2

This no doubt is the Glorious Lord, and as we meditate upon these verses, it ought to cause us —To think highly and honorable of Him:
For there is none greater.

To worship Him for He is Deity manifested:  He is Very God tabernacled  in human form.

To love and to serve Him for we can be loved by no greater:
How marvelous it is to be loved or even considered by One so great.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for sins.” I John 4:10

4. Note the effect it had on Daniel. (7—9) No One can truly see Jesus for who He is and not be effected but it.

It will cause One to flee in fear, and to fall before Him in deep respect and reverence.

(a) The men fled in fear not seeing nor understanding the vision. (7—8)

We see this same truth in Paul’s conversion.
Acts 9:7

(b) Daniel was without strength. (8)

Being without strength shows that Daniel had come to the end of self totally.

His comeliness (Daniel’s beauty or goodness) was turned into corruption, ( that which is sinful.)

How can One see himself but sinful when he stands in the presence of the Lord?

Peter said:
“Depart from me: for I am a sinful man, 0 Lord.” Luke 5:8

Peter made this statement only when he began to see the greatness of the Lord.

(c) Daniel was on his face bowed to the ground before the Lord.  (9)

When he saw the vision, he did not flee as the other men did, but threw himself prostrate, into a position of the most humble adoration, and dropped asleep, not as careless of what he heard and saw, but charmed with it.   (Matthew Henry-).

Why would One not be charmed by Christ?

(John 3:19)  "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
(John 3:20)  "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."
(John 3:21)  "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

What a lesson that Daniel teaches us:   “Yet heard I the voice of his words:´ Vs. 9.

..and when I heard the voice of his words…” Vs. 9.

We are to listen to His words.

Paul wrote: (Heb 12:25)  "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:"

Listen, He is speaking, and we are to fall prostrate before Him.

	C. Daniel’s Preparation. Daniel 10:10-21.

Daniel has spent much time in prayer and fasting, now he is on his face before the Lord. In the following verses the Lord is preparing Daniel to receive the understanding of the vision. Daniel step by step is brought to himself and to an understanding of Divine truth.

It is worthy to note that the revelation that Daniel is to receive is of no small matter. It could have easily overwhelmed him, thus, the Lord prepared him step at a time.

It is one thing to drink the milk of God’s Word, and yet another to eat of the meat, and yet another to really eat of the strong meat of God’s Word.

Much preparation of the heart is needed for One to go deep into the Holy things of God.

1. Note the help he received. (10)

“And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.”

Whose hand it was that touched him is not stated, but I feel that leaving it in the context, that it was the hand of the Lord’s angel, and here it seems to be the hand of Gabriel. For it was Gabriel that communicated with Daniel.

The touch was a source of strength to Daniel. He was before the Lord on his face, and the touch caused Daniel to raise upon his hands and knees.

One step at a time, from the face on the ground, to his knees, then to his feet.

What a truth this is for us to learn, that only by the touch of the Lord can we ever receive strength to stand.

2. Note the consolation that he received. (11-14)

The words of encouragement brought great comfort to Daniel’s heart and gave him a lot of strength, although he still was a man of great weaknesses. This very is true with each and everyone of us.

How great it is for our soul to
receive consolation from the Lord.

(a) He was addressed as a man greatly beloved. Vs. 11.

This is the same terminology in Daniel 9:23 and again in Daniel 10:19.

Note that these were words of great comfort to the heart of a troubled soul.

How encouraging it is to know that you are greatly beloved of the Lord.

And we truly are in Christ Jesus.

(b) He was a man with an understanding spirit. (11)

The “words” would speak of the matter which was being spoken. Daniel was to come to a full understanding of the truths that were to be revealed to him.

Too often we understand the words spoken but miss out on their meaning and purpose. Divine truth is taught only by a Divine God, and is revealed only by Him.

(c) He was a man who was able now to stand. (11)

He started before the Lord on his face without strength in himself to raise himself up before the Lord.

The order of our presence before God is clearly laid out for us in the life of Daniel: 

1st  We are to bow prostrate before Him:

2nd  We are to kneel before Him:

3rd  Then, we are able to stand before Him.

From being an infant, to a child, to an adult, the process is one step at a time.

(d) He was a man who displayed great fear. (11)

This being afraid or trembling before the Lord is not being a coward, but the manifestation of One’s weakness as standing in the presence of Deity.

If in the presence of Deity doesn’t cause a godly fear in our hearts, then we are in bad shape spiritually.

(e) He was a man who received an answer for his prayers. (12-14)

Daniel was a praying man and God heard and answered his prayer.

Daniel prayed much and his prayer was heard from the beginning, but the answer didn’t come until later.

How this ought to teach us to pray faithfully and then wait upon Him.

(f) He was a man in a spiritual battle. (13)

Daniel fasted and prayed three full weeks (10:2-3 and the Devil fought against the prayer being answered for the whole three weeks. (10:13)

Some believe that Daniel saw the Lord in his vision, and to me it is so, but it seemed to be Gabriel the Angel who spoke with him, and Michael, one of the chief princes strengthen Gabriel for to bring the message to Daniel.

Note:	Daniel 10:13 uses the words “Michael, one of the chief princes” which seemed to indicate an angel of the highest order.

Daniel 10:21 uses the words “Michael your prince” which seems to speak of the Lord.

Daniel 12:1 uses the words, “Michael, - the great prince” which seems to indicate that it is speaking of the Lord.

In the midst of this spiritual battle the Lord brought consolation to Daniel’s heart.

Paul speaks of the fact that God is a God of comfort and the Father of mercies. This is beautifully displayed in Daniel’s life.  II Cor. 1:3-6

3. Note the strength that he received. (15—21)

Daniel was so taken by the vision that his strength had totally left him, and also, he had been some three weeks fasting and praying.

(a) The vision was to be understood by Divine Revelation. (14)

Try as we might, Divine Truths can only be revealed by the Divine One.

Paul wrote:
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Cor. 2:14)

One of the most serious problems of today is that preachers are preaching their own interpretations and not the Lord’s.

(b) The strength to understand the vision comes from the Lord. (15—18)

There is no ability at all in the flesh for One to understand, nor to accept Divine Truth.

The Spirit of the Living God must touch and strengthen. When One relies on his own ability then chaos is soon a reality.

(1) Daniel became as dumb before the  Lord. (15)
(2) Daniel sorrow became greater than his strength. (16—17)
(3) Daniel was strengthened by the Lord. (18—19)

When Daniel was strengthened by the Lord, then was he ready and able to receive the Words of the Lord.

This verse teaches us some important truths:

* That our strength must come from the Lord not ourselves:

“and he strengthened me.” (18)

* That our strength comes when we hear the Word of the Lord:

“And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, -“ (19)

* That the strength we receive from the Lord places us in a position of listening to the Lord:

“and said, Let my Lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.” (19)

No wonder Paul wrote:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth  me.” Phil 4:13

(c) The strength permitted Daniel to understand such hard sayings. (20-21)

The things that Daniel was to understand were of no small matter. In fact Daniel was made sick because of the visions he had seen before in chapters 7:15, 28; 8:27. Thus, only by the strength of the Lord was divine understanding his.

(1) It was an understanding of why the message appeared unto him. (20)

If we could only submit to the method arid means that God uses to deal with our hearts, then, we would not be so uptight about things.

“Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?” (20)

Jesus said: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
 John 10:18

John said: “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31

The Word of the Lord has come to do — us well, not to harm us.

(2) It was an understanding of what would befall his people in the latter days. (14)

Daniel shows great concern for his people all through the Book. After reading and understanding the words of Jeremiah’s prophecy, he was greatly moved to prayer on behalf of his people.

Now, after much prayer and time spent in seeking God, he is coming to an understanding of this Divine Truth.

(3) It was an understanding of who what was to take place immediately among  the nations. (20)

The Lord would fight with the prince of Persia, because he had withstood the Lord. (Note Vs. 13)

Persia would be totally destroyed while the prince of Grecia shall come to power.

In chapter two, we are now coming to the third kingdom, that which is brass.

Note the diagram of the image in your first booklet.

Daniel 2:32,39
Daniel 7:60
Daniel 8:5—14

How long Daniel lived into the third empire we do not know, but we do know that Daniel lived through the 70 years of captivity.

CONCLUSION:

We conclude the chapter with Daniel being prepared to receive the vision that was to be given to him.

There are several things that to me are outstanding in Daniel’s life for God to bring him to this special place.

1. The fact that Daniel purposed in his heart. (12)

“for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand,-”

The key to Daniel being “a man greatly beloved” is found in the beginning of the Book when Daniel purposed in his heart. Daniel 1:8

It is from the heart, the inner man, that we purpose and dedicate ourselves unto Him.

The biggest problem most Christians have is that the matter is not first settled in their hearts before they put it into practice.

2. The fact that Daniel disciplined himself to seek God’s face. (12)

“ — and to chasten thyself before thy God, —“

Daniel not only purposed in his heart to follow after the things of God, he discipline himself in order to accomplish it.

When we know what God’s will is, and purpose to do that will in our hearts, then comes the battle to fulfill that will.

Most Christians can find the need of dedication, but it is the discipline to fulfil that dedication that causes most Christians to fall by the wayside.

3.The fact that Daniel submitted himself to the Word of God. (19)

“And said, 0 man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea,--~’--be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my Lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”

“But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scriptures of truth:
and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” (10:2 1)

To submit to the Word is to submit to the “scriptures of truth.” (21)

That is, the Book that is of God, the prophecy that no one could have known if it were not of God.

4. The fact that Daniel was protected by God’s grace. (10:20-21)

“and there is none that holdeth with me in these things but Michael your prince.” (21)

“Michael your prince” is believed to be none other than Christ in this verse, as well, as in Daniel 12:1.

What a peace that passeth all understanding to know that God will never leave nor forsake those who are His.

Daniel teaches us so much that we are forever indebted unto him by and through God’s marvelous and wonderful grace.

God is no respecter of person and if these things worked for him, then they will work for us. We might not be the writer of a Book on Prophecy, but we will know and understand the will of God for our own personal lives, and that is all we need.