7. Although the people who were with me did not see the vision, they became so frightened that they scattered and hid.
8. Only I saw this great vision. I became weak and pale,
9. and at the sound of his voice, I fell face down in a deep sleep.
10. He raised me to my hands and knees
11. and then said, “Daniel, your God thinks highly of you, and he has sent me. So stand up and pay close attention.” I stood trembling, while the angel said:
12. Daniel, don't be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the first day you humbly asked for understanding, and he has sent me here.
13. But the guardian angel of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, who is one of the strongest guardian angels, came to rescue me from the kings of Persia.
14. Now I have come here to give you another vision about what will happen to your people in the future.
15. While this angel was speaking to me, I stared at the ground, speechless.
16. Then he appeared in human form and touched my lips. I said, “Sir, this vision has brought me great pain and has drained my strength.
17. I am merely your servant. How can I possibly speak with someone so powerful, when I am almost too weak to get my breath?”
18-19. The angel touched me a second time and said, “Don't be frightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong.”At this, I regained my strength and replied, “Please speak! You have already made me feel much better.”