Theme: Strengthened by Words
The final three chapters in the book of Daniel speak of one single event. Today, we cover chapters 10 and 11 because it is most helpful to study them together. Chapter 10 begins with the final vision that was given to Daniel. At this point in history, the first wave of Jewish exiles had returned home at the decree of King Cyrus. Daniel, who at this time was at least 80 years old, remained behind in Persia. Just as he came to Babylon with the first group of exiles, in order to prepare to lead God’s people spiritually, so Daniel’s mission would be to remain in Persia. This was his task from God.
In this final vision, Daniel speaks with a mysterious man. Daniel’s description of the man is quite unique: I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. (Dan 10:5-6)
One of the big questions of the final chapters is, who is this man? Our first impression might be that it is an angel from God. However, in the preceding chapter, when God sent an angel to Daniel, He specifically stated such (Gabriel). Also, the appearance of this man in chapter 10 doesn’t exactly fit with an angel. When angels are described in the Bible, they are indeed described at bright and powerful in their appearance, but this individual is on a different level of glory. The most intriguing detail in identifying this man is the effect he has on Daniel. As we trace this throughout the chapter, the most likely answer is that Daniel was speaking with Jesus. Now, this is obviously a pre-incarnate form that Jesus takes – meaning before His own conception and birth into this world. It’s clear that if this is Jesus, He has purposely taken this glorified form to draw attention to the importance of His message. As God, we don’t know what Jesus’ form was in heaven at this point, or even if He had a form. But, for the purpose of this vision, Jesus took this form to reveal this message to Daniel.
And quite a message it was. At this point, let’s work back from chapter 11. The reason we take chapters 10 & 11 together is because it’s difficult to understand them separately. Chapter 11 is essentially a very detailed prophecy about the history of God’s people – first the history of the physical nation of Israel up to the time of Christ and second, the history of the Church up to the final day of judgment. This vision is very much along the same lines as the others that we have studied which God gave to Daniel. They all serve the purpose of preparing Israel for the period of history leading up to Christ’s first coming, and also to prepare believers for the period of time leading up to Christ’s second coming.
The prophecy of chapter 11 is probably the most detailed prophecy in all of Scripture. Like the others in Daniel, it traces the history of kings and nations that played a role in God’s plan of salvation. We don’t have the time to go into detail about the entire chapter, but as a summary, the different parts of the prophecy, and its fulfillment are printed in the bulletin. The transition from v.35 to v.36 marks the transition from Israel to God’s Church. As we saw in chapters 7and 8, Antiochus Epiphanes was a precursor of the actual Antichrist. Just as Antiochus tormented God’s people of Israel, so that Antichrist torments God’s Church. So, Jesus was giving Daniel a message about both Old Testament and New Testament events as they affected God’s people. Therefore, the details of chapter 11 were helpful to the people of Israel in their preparation of Jesus’s first coming. But they are also helpful to us today in our preparation of Jesus’ second coming. What Israel endured before the first advent was a picture of what the Church will endure before the second Advent.
That is about all we can say at this point
about chapter 11. The more important area of focus is understanding the
connection to chapter 10 within this context.
As we mentioned at the beginning, everything in chapter 10 revolves around the messenger – which we believe is Christ. There’s a reason He spends so much time prepping Daniel for this vision. To start, Daniel is near the end of his service and he strikes us as someone who is worn down. He speaks of being in mourning for three weeks and refusing to eat choice foods or drink wine. When Daniel first witnessed this messenger, he was terrified and put his face to the ground. It’s probable that some of Daniel’s anxiety was generated from the difficulty the returning exiles were having in the land of Israel. If you read the historical accounts of this side of the story – from Ezra and Nehemiah, you will remember that even though the people had Cyrus’ blessing in returning, they were not exactly welcomed back home. This news may have been the source of Daniel’s mourning, but clearly there was a lot that concerned him in this chapter.
Since there is so much emphasis in chapter 10 in the messenger, and because this individual clearly was sent from God to enlighten and encourage Daniel, we can track the flow of the chapter through the words that are spoken. In this way, chapter 10 serves as a timely metaphor for our lives. As we were reminded of last weekend, the age of prophetic vision has been sealed shut. We should not expect God to appear before us as He did here in chapter 10. He does not reveal His will to us through dream and interpretation as he did throughout the life of Daniel. But here in chapter 10, we see what God uses in our lives – words.
When you have the opportunity, I encourage you to review chapter 10 in your Bible and underline all of the references to words spoken. It’s the predominant theme. And as the source of God’s revelation to us today, we trace our life with God through words. Think about our worship service so far and every other weekend. Every special thing we do, each item of truth from God, is given and received through Words. Sometimes that seems old fashioned and boring. Our traditions and methods are often criticized by those who are interested in a much more emotionally and visually stimulating experience – those who desire the “dream and vision” forms of communication. But God has sealed shut outwardly miraculous forms of communication and so we trust that He works in us and teaches us through His Word.
What we also see in chapter 10 is that God’s Word breaks down to build up. It’s not just a matter of breaking down and building up. Sometimes, we think of the Word’s effect in that way but there’s a more deliberate process to God’s activity. He breaks down to build up. He’s intentional about doing it that way. Why is that an important distinction? Because who wouldn’t rather skip out on the breaking down process and focus on the building up process? (we like to separate those two ideas)
In Christian, Bible-based terms, you’ve learned about this as the distinction between law and gospel – and it is the heartbeat of your faith in Jesus. Law and Gospel not only come only through God’s words, they also are the only way to properly break down to build up.
You can see the Law and the Gospel come forth in Daniel 10 when you track the words. The initial dialogue between Daniel and Jesus is filled with the effect of the Law. In verse 9, we’re told that upon hearing the first words of Jesus, Daniel put his face to the ground. In verse 11, Daniel said that the words caused him to tremble. In verse 12, Jesus tells Daniel that he came to Daniel because of Daniel’s prayer (words) which were offered in the humility of faith. In verse 15, Daniel again turned his face to the ground and was speechless.
We don’t know what exact words were being given to Daniel from Christ, but clearly they produced the same effect as the law of God. The law is righteous and true, and inwardly we desire it because we know it is good. But, inwardly, we also struggle with imperfection and the decay of sin. The law’s effect, therefore, when we are honest about it, is to convict us of unrighteousness before God. Daniel certainly felt that reality and it caused him to tremble before this divine messenger. Daniel knew that he had no right to stand before Christ, because Daniel was a justifiably accused sinner before God. The only thing that Daniel did deserve was judgment.
But what a different response he received from God. As Daniel bowed in humility, Jesus came and touched Daniel’s lips and strengthened him. And He said to Daniel, “O man, greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” And upon receiving that divine renewal, Daniel stood, strengthened, and confessing, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” And so, chapter 10 ends, and Jesus proceeds to reveal the vision of chapter 11.
Everything changed when the Lord came to Daniel and strengthened him with His Word. This scene reminds me of a similar instance for another one of God’s prophets. In Isaiah 6, Isaiah sees a similarly remarkable vision from God and is overcome in humility at the prospect of his sin. He confessed, "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts." And in that moment of repentance, an angel from God took a live coal from the altar and touched Isaiah’s lips with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips, your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.”
From that moment, Isaiah was not only equipped to move forward as a representative of God as a prophet, but he was comforted in his heart that his own sins had been cleansed by God. We see the same thing happen here with Daniel. In his weakness, the LORD strengthened him. He renewed Daniel in this moment of agony, and He used words. So much attention is given in the book of Daniel to the dreams, visions, and miracles that we quickly forget – God’s Word has the most powerful effect. (the signs confirm the Word, just as in Jesus’ ministry) Jesus came here to Daniel in chapter 10 for the express purpose of reaffirming Daniel’s trust in the Scripture of Truth, so that Daniel would no longer mourn, tremble, or fear. And it worked. Daniel was renewed. He was at peace. He was strengthened.
Since the truth of Scripture never changes, you have access to that same source of renewal, peace, and strength. God gives you words to encourage you. Each moment you spend in God’s Word He is coming before you to reveal an important message. When you use the Word of God without adding your opinions to it, without detracting from its intended meaning, and with confidence that it delivers what God promises – it will break down to build up. Don’t be intimidated or offended that the Word works this way – it is God’s way; it is His design to encourage and strengthen you.
The law will expose unrighteousness wherever it is found, whether that be in Satan’s schemes, the world’s lusts, or your own heart. It will shine the light of truth in an unapologetic way. Many try to hide and avoid it, but no one can. But don’t let your reactions of sorrow, frustration, or anger block out God’s purpose through it – to build you up in His grace. The gospel is good news indeed, sweet and consoling – but only to the sinner stricken with grief before God. Let it be so in your life.
We can be patient with the dreams and visions. One day Jesus will appear before us in His full glory – the day is coming. But for today – we have God’s Words – powerful, effective, and precious – let us use them as God intended. Amen.
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