1. During Cyrus’ third year as king of Persia, Daniel learned about these things. (Daniel’s other name is Belteshazzar.) The message was true. It was about a great war. But Daniel understood it, because it was explained to him in a vision.
2. At that time I, Daniel, was very sad for three weeks.
3. I did not eat any fancy food. I did not eat any meat or drink any wine. I did not use any perfumed oil. I did not do any of these things for three weeks.
4. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was standing beside the great Tigris River.
5. While standing there, I looked up. And I saw a man dressed in linen clothes. A belt made of fine gold was wrapped around his waist.
6. His body was like shiny yellow quartz. His face was bright like lightning, and his eyes were like fire. His arms and legs were shiny like polished bronze. His voice sounded like the roar of a crowd.
7. I, Daniel, was the only person who saw the vision. The men with me did not see it. But they were badly frightened. They were so afraid they ran away and hid.
8. So I was left alone, watching this great vision. I lost my strength. My face turned white like a dead person, and I was helpless.
9. Then I heard the man in the vision speaking. As I listened, I fell into a deep sleep. My face was on the ground.
10. Then a hand touched me and set me on my hands and knees. I was so afraid that I was shaking.