1 ¶ In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar; and the message was true. But Daniel went through a lengthy struggle before he comprehended the message, and understood the vision.

2 In those days I Daniel mourned for three full weeks.

3 I did not eat any pleasant tasting food, nor did I eat meat or wine, or anoint myself at any time, until three whole weeks were over.

4 And on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, Hiddekel which is the Tigris;

5 I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and saw a certain man clothed in linen, who had around his waist a belt of fine gold from Uphaz:

6 His body was also like a beryl, and his face had the appearance of lightning, and his eyes were like burning lamps, and his arms and feet had the color of polished brass, and the sound of his words was like the voice of a multitude.

7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: the men who were with me did not see vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, but no strength was left in me: for the healthy color had left my face and I looked ill, and my strength slipped away.

9 Yet I heard the sound of his words: and when I heard the sound of his words, I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.

10 ¶ And, behold, a hand touched me, and set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.

11 And he said to me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright: for I am now sent to you. And after he had said these words to me, I stood trembling.

12 Then he said to me, Do not be afraid, Daniel: for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, what you said was heard, and I have come because of your prayers.

13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days: but then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I left him there to oppose the kings of Persia.

14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the last days: for there is yet a vision for those days.

15 And when he had spoken those words to me, I turned my face toward the ground, and could not speak.

16 And, behold, one who looked like a man touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and said to him who was standing before me, O my lord, because of the vision sorrow has overwhelmed me, and I have no strength left.

17 For how can I, the servant of my lord, talk with my lord? for now no strength remains in me, nor is there any breath left in me.

18 Then the one who looked like a man again touched me, and strengthened me,

19 And said, O man greatly beloved, do not be afraid: be at peace, be strong, yes, be strong. And after he had spoken to me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me.

20 Then he said, Do you know why I have come to you? I will now go back to fight with the prince of Persia: and after I leave the prince of Greece will come.

21 However I will show you what is written in the book of truth: but there is none joining forces with me against them, except Michael your prince.