1. In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel (who was also called Belteshazzar). This message was true and concerned a great war. He understood the message and gained insight by the vision.
2. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three whole weeks.
3. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine came to my lips, nor did I anoint myself with oil until the end of those three weeks.
4. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was beside the great river, the Tigris.
5. I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen; around his waist was a belt made of gold from Upaz.
6. His body resembled yellow jasper, and his face had an appearance like lightning. His eyes were like blazing torches; his arms and feet had the gleam of polished bronze. His voice thundered forth like the sound of a large crowd.
7. Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men who were with me did not see it. On the contrary, they were overcome with fright and ran away to hide.
8. I alone was left to see this great vision. My strength drained from me, and my vigor disappeared; I was without energy.
9. I listened to his voice, and as I did so I fell into a trance-like sleep with my face to the ground.
10. Then a hand touched me and set me on my hands and knees.
11. He said to me, “Daniel, you are of great value. Understand the words that I am about to speak to you. So stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up shaking.
12. Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel, for from the very first day you applied your mind to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words.
13. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me, because I was left there with the kings of Persia.