10 In the third year of the reign of Persian King Koresh (Cyrus), a message was revealed to Daniyel (also named Belteshatsar (Belteshazzar)). The message was true, and it concerned was a large conflict. He understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.

2 At that time, I, Daniyel, had been mourning for three weeks. 3 I hadn’t eaten any tasty food or meat, and no wine had been near my lips. I hadn’t even put any perfumed oil on my hair or face during those three weeks.

4 Then on that day in late April, I was standing on the bank of the great river, i.e., the Hidekel. 5 When I looked up, to my surprise there was a man there dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold from Ufaz around his waist.[ref] 6 His body sparkled like a jewel, his face was brilliant like lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and his feet were like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice was loud like the sound of a huge crowd.

7 I, Daniyel, alone saw the vision, because the men with me didn’t see anything. However, they started trembling and ran away to hide, 8 so I was left alone and saw this incredible vision. My strength deserted me and my face went deathly pale, and I couldn’t move. 9 Then I heard the man start speaking, and as he did I fell to my knees then laid with my face to the ground in a deep sleep. 10 Then suddenly, a hand touched me and set me trembling back on my hands and knees.

11 The man spoke to me, “Daniyel, you’re a man who’s greatly valued. I’ve been sent to you, so stand up and listen to what I’m about to tell you.” When he said that, I stood up trembling 12 and he told me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniyel, because your prayer was heard from the very first day that you started investigating these matters. You humbled yourself before your god, so I’ve come in response to your words. 13 But the protector of the Persian kingdom held me back for twenty-one days. Then wow, Mika’el (Michael), one of God’s chief protectors,[ref] came to help me, because I’d been stuck there with the kings of Paras (Persia). 14 “Now I’ve come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the days near the end, because this vision is for the future.”

15 While he was telling me all that, I faced the ground and wasn’t able to speak. 16 Then suddenly, someone who resembled a human touched my lips and I opened my mouth and was able to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me: “My master, that vision gave me an anxiety attack and I feel weak. 17 How can a servant of my master like me be able to talk to someone like you, my master? As for me, I’ve got no energy left, and I can barely breathe.”

18 Then the one who looked like a human touched me again and strengthened me, 19 then he said, “Don’t be afraid, you human who’s greatly valued. May peace be to you! Be strong and be strong!”

While he was speaking to me, I felt stronger and said, “Go ahead and speak, my master, because you’ve given me some energy again.”

20 Then he asked, “Do you know why I’ve come to you? But now I will return to fight against the protector of Paras (Persia). When I go out, the protector of Yavan (Greece) will come. 21 But I’ll tell you what’s inscribed in the Book of Truth. There’s no one standing strong with me against them, except your protector Mika’el (Michael).” 11 As for me, in the first year of King Dareyavesh (Darius) the Madi (Mede), I stood up to support and protect him.