1. (In the third year that Cyrus was emperor of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who is also called Belteshazzar. The message was true but extremely hard to understand. It was explained to him in a vision.)
2. At that time, I was mourning for three weeks.
3. I did not eat any rich food or any meat, drink any wine, or comb my hair until the three weeks were past.
4. On the 24th day of the first month of the year, I was standing on the bank of the mighty River Tigris.
5. I looked up and saw someone who was wearing linen clothes and a belt of fine gold.
6. His body shone like a jewel. His face was as bright as a flash of lightning, and his eyes blazed like fire. His arms and legs shone like polished bronze, and his voice sounded like the roar of a great crowd.
7. I was the only one who saw the vision. Those who were with me did not see anything, but they were terrified and ran and hid.
8. I was left there alone, watching this amazing vision. I had no strength left, and my face was so changed that no one could have recognized me.
9. When I heard his voice, I fell to the ground unconscious and lay there face downwards.
10. Then a hand took hold of me and raised me to my hands and knees; I was still trembling.
11. The angel said to me, “Daniel, God loves you. Stand up and listen carefully to what I am going to say. I have been sent to you.” When he had said this, I stood up, still trembling.
12. Then he said, “Daniel, don't be afraid. God has heard your prayers ever since the first day you decided to humble yourself in order to gain understanding. I have come in answer to your prayer.