SEEING THE GLORY OF GOD Chapters ten through twelve cover the last of Daniel’s visions. Chapter Ten: Introduction to the vision that describes the appearance of the angel or probably the Word of God Himself. Chapter Eleven: The vision itself which presents special prophecies regarding the relationship between the Ptolomies of Egypt and the Seleucusians of Syria, and ends with the death of Antiochus. Chapter Twelve: The conclusion of the vision that talks about the great tribulation and the end of times. Daniel presents chapter ten as an introduction to the following two chapters, where he shows the concern of the heavenly creatures for the human world (1 Chron.1: 7, 2: 1; Zech.3: 1; Rev.12: 7). He also presents the conflict between the angels and the evil powers over the salvation or the destruction of the human race. As the angels do not cease to work for the sake of those who will inherit the salvation (Heb 1: 14), likewise the devils do not cease to attack the truth and to perish the souls. In the previous chapter, he presented to us a special vision of the seventy weeks, which determined the time of the coming of the Lord Jesus to liberate the believers, as well as directed our attention to His Second Advent. Now in this vision, Daniel is confirming the main events starting from the time of the return from Babylon until the advent of the Lord Jesus in precision and full details. 1. The date of the vision 1 2. Daniel’s enjoyment with the vision 2-9 3. The angelic ministry 10-14 4. The divine ministry 15-27 1. THE DATE OF THE VISION “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision” (1). Comparing this verse, “In the third year of the reign of Cyrus the king of Persia,” with the verse in Daniel 1: 21, “Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus;” it becomes clear that Daniel had retired at the age of 80, a year after King Cyrus started ruling. The reason for Daniel to stay in Babylon and not return to Jerusalem with Zorobabel was to fulfill a special mission by God’s command to serve his people in the captivity. Daniel saw this vision two years after he forsook his work before his departure. He had faith in God and believed that what he had seen in the vision will come true (Rev.22: 6), for he said that the message was true. In other words he had no doubts about the message in the vision although some of the events were unexpected. However, Daniel knew that the appointed time was long to come. Some people relate the long time to the fourth vision (ch 10-12), because it extends until the resurrection of the dead and the life 221 to come1. Daniel fully understood this particular vision, although he did not understand the previous vision. Why did he mention in this verse the name Belteshazzar, the name that was given to him in Babylon? The answer is two parts: 1. To confirm that, in spite of his retirement, no one knew his real name and that he cleaved to the name that was imposed on him, though he disliked it, just in case he could serve his people through it. 2. To prove that he still carries the Chaldean name, yet his heart is constantly attached to his God who reveals His mysteries to him and grants him understanding and wisdom. 2. DANIEL’S ENJOYMENT WITH THE VISION: “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled” (2-3). Daniel fasted for three whole weeks; he did not eat any pleasant food nor did he anoint himself with perfume, for Cyrus was busy with the war against the Scythians. So he left Asia Minor and appointed his son Campyses with a mission to attack the restoration of the temple and the holy city Jerusalem. Truly, some had left Babylon and had gone back to the Promised Land, but they were in shame and reproach for being unable to rebuild the spiritual life in their country. Daniel also may have heard that those returning to Jerusalem were not keen about rebuilding the temple. In this vision, the week is seven days; however in the previous vision the week is equivalent to seven years. In the first chapter of this book, we saw Daniel refusing to eat the delicacies of the king and eating only beans. Has he gone back to eating meat and drinking wine? That we don’t know? Earlier, he rejected the delicacies of the king, but now he refused any pleasant food, even in his house, to offer an acceptable fasting on behalf of his people. Those who criticize the fasting in the church pretend that it does not serve any purpose and that there is no need for it except when it is necessary, example in situations similar to what had happened with Daniel the prophet. To refute that, we say that Daniel was a man of prayer and fasting; he prayed and fasted during the tribulation as well as in other times, for he prayed three times daily. Likewise with the church fasting, we need it besides the private fasting when tribulation arises. But a clear spiritual purpose for the fasting and for all our worship must be identified. Daniel refused to eat meat, wine and any pleasant food; likewise in all our fasting, we should not only stop eating meat but we should not eat any food with lust even if it is vegetarian food or some dry bread. Prayers and confession of sins accompanied Daniel’s fasting, for fasting is to prepare one to talk with the Lord and is no goal in itself. The Lord Jesus Himself said, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matt 17: 21). Since Daniel controlled his lust, he was able to control the Chaldean kingdom, so he destroyed their idols, tamed their lions, proclaimed the Incarnation and interpreted the 1 Bethany Parallel Commentary on O.T., p. 1802. 222 hidden mysteries (5: 9-14) 1.] St. Basil the Great What about Daniel? How did he meditate on the wonders? It was only made possible after fasting for 20 days2.] St. Basil the Great “Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris,” (4). Some interpreters see that Daniel saw himself in the vision by the shore of the River Tigris, although he was not actually there and he never lived in that region before. Others see that after three weeks of fasting, Daniel was walking by the River Tigris reflecting on God’s dealings with him like Isaac used to walk in the field. Ezekiel the prophet saw a great vision by the River Chebar (Ezek.1), and at the Jordan River, the heavens were opened during the baptism of the Lord Jesus. Thus, when we sit by the baptismal water and accept the work of the Holy Spirit inside us and realize how the Lord adopted us, then we are granted a new vision of our inner life and the Son of God reveals Himself to us. We see Him sitting on His throne, granting us the deposit of His heavenly glory until we meet with Him face to face. At that time we will enjoy the fellowship of His glory and His eternal inheritance. Instead of feasting, Daniel was grieving and fasting. He did not eat any meat nor drink any wine, did not even anoint himself with any perfume as was the custom of the Persians. This vision appeared to him while he was grieving for the sins of his people. Cyrus had allowed the Jews to go back to Jerusalem, but few have accepted that, for many wanted to stay in Babylon because of their business and their material gain instead of starting new projects in the Promised Land. This situation made Daniel very sad, who stayed in the captivity not for any material gain but for serving those who did not return to Jerusalem. What saddened him more was the negligence of those who returned to Jerusalem to build the temple of the Lord and instead cared only for building their houses. This also saddened Haggai the prophet and he told the people, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” (Hagg.1: 4). This vision was on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, that is, on the feast of the unleavened bread (Exod.12: 18), which is served for a whole week directly after the Passover. “I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude” (5-6). Some interpreters see that the word “Uphaz” means pure, while others see that it refers to a special region as was mentioned in the book of Jeremiah “gold from Uphaz” (Jer.10: 9). Some translated it as “Ophir.” Some thinkers see that the linen clothes refer to the priesthood of the Lord Jesus, and that the golden girdle refers to the ministry of the Lord Jesus. In the Eastern countries, people used to wear girdles on the waist because their clothes were too long reaching their feet, which stumbled their movements. Therefore, the purpose of the girdle 1 On Renunciation of the World. 2 The long Rules, Q. 16. 223 is to hold the clothes up and help smoother movements. “His body was like beryl.” St. Jerome said that the beryl is one of the twelve precious stones, which are laid on the chest of the high priest1. The precious stones refer to the twelve tribes and the high priest intercedes for them and carries them, with love, on his chest to enjoy His divine presence. Now if we are one tribe, the tribe of Judah (spiritually) and if we are members of His body, then we have the right to enter the heavenly holies with the Heavenly Head. His voice was like the voice of a great multitude, which Daniel heard and understood, while the others sitting with him did not understand and ran away. This is exactly what happened with Saul of Tarsus on the way to Damascus when he saw and heard the Lord Jesus, while the others accompanying him could not see or understand anything. (Acts 9:7; 22:7) Daniel saw in the vision the exact description of what St. John saw in the Revelation (Rev. 1:13-15). Some people think that Daniel saw an angel, while others think that he saw the Word of God before the incarnation2. Since Daniel was weeping for the sins of his people, we believe that He who carried the sins of the world appeared to him. Daniel said, “I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen” (5). In the previous vision, it is written, “Look, Angel Gabriel was sent,” however in this vision things are different for Daniel sees the Lord, not as a perfect man but in a form of a man. The different colors of His clothes are symbol of the different gifts, which we are called to. The priesthood clothes were made of different colors, for many Gentiles were waiting for the coming of the Lord Christ, so we may become one body with different talents. His waist was girded with gold of Uphaz (5). The word “Uphaz” was translated from Hebrew to Greek and it means pure gold. He was girded with a pure gold girdle. The Word carried us and tied us as a girdle around His body through His pure love; still we remained members of His body and we shall rise with Him. His body was like beryl. The word “beryl” means, “hard to recognize.” Thus the prophet Daniel had previously declared that the body will be revealed to the world but many will have hard time to recognize it. His face was like the appearance of a lightning, and his eyes like torches of fire. It is appropriate to declare the fiery power of His judgment so He shines with justice on the wicked and destroy them. His arms and feet like burnished bronze in color. This was to declare that the first and the second call were for the Gentiles, “the last will be first and the first last.” The sound of his words was like the voice of a multitude (Rev.19: 6). [We utter the words that were prophesied3.] St. Hippolytus of Rome “And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. Yet I heard the 1 PL 25:696F. 2 Bethany Parallel Commentary on O.T., p. 1802. 3 AN Frs., vol. 5, p. 182. 224 sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground” (7-9). Daniel, who was the best person at that time, did not brag and was not selfrighteous. He considered all his righteousness as filthy rags (Is 64: 6). The glory of the Lord overcame him so he fell to the ground, as though he fainted, then he heard God’s voice. Fear fell upon all those who were with Daniel and they escaped to hide. Perhaps they saw something strange, but they did not understand the vision, therefore they got scared and fled. God allowed that to happen lest anyone think that what Daniel had seen was some imagination or fantasy. He was chosen to become a tutor to reveal God’s mysteries and to accept the divine knowledge, but he needed someone to witness that he was called to a divine task, thus God arranged for him to be among men when he saw the vision. He repeated more than once that what he had uttered was a reality and that he had truly seen it. He called it a great vision so we may take heed and look into it. Daniel trembled and lost his physical power until he became weak like a dead person. God does not want his children to be that weak, however He allows it for their edification. Sometimes when we are very healthy we do not heed to the divine voice and do not enjoy any inner heavenly vision. However, God allows some physical weakness to lift our inner energy to a specific heavenly message. The vision had scared Daniel, but the heavenly voice had filled him with peace and serenity and the touches of His hand gave him power. 3. ANGELIC MINISTRY “Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands” (10). It is obvious that Daniel saw the vision while he was lying on the ground, leaning on his knees and hands and in need of a heavenly help to assist him. The hand, which wrote on the wall and scared King Belshazzar, is the same hand that touched Daniel, raised him and gave him the enjoyment of understanding. Some people see that the heavenly hand refers to the divine incarnation, where the Lord Jesus touched our lives and souls, granting us understanding and wisdom for our redemption and His glory. St. Jerome said: [The angel appeared in the form of a man and put his hand on the prophet where he was lying on the ground. He appeared in a human form so Daniel may not fear him! 1] The appearance of the angels in the form of men reveals how the heaven values us as human beings. Though they do not have bodies like ours, yet they are not ashamed to appear in a human form, thus they declare the desire of the heavenly creatures to befriend us. “And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling” (11). The hand touched him and a heavenly voice urged him to rise, casting away any fear from him and granting him understanding. However, when Daniel rose, he was 1 PL 25:697G. 225 trembling. Because of God’s great love for us, he allows us to have some weaknesses so we may not be proud of ourselves. Daniel was the only person who was granted the gift of seeing visions. Although he received a divine help from Archangel Gabriel who touched him with his hand, talked with him and granted him understanding, yet he was still trembling to proof that he is mere dust and ashes, same as what Abraham felt about himself.A heavenly hand touched him and raised him, it was probably the hand of Archangel Gabriel who was interpreting the vision to Daniel and who called Daniel “the beloved” to encourage him and support him. St. Jerome commented on that saying: [The word “beloved” is an appropriate expression, for every saint carries beauty in himself and he is beloved from the Lord1.] The old prophet was scared and trembling but the angel encouraged him and reassured him that his prayers were answered. “Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words” (12). Archangel Gabriel asked Daniel not to fear and this was beyond Daniel’s ability, thus he needed a divine help to grant him peace and to prepare his thoughts to understand the divine mysteries. When the Archangel told him, “Do not fear,” he was not giving him a mere heavenly commandment, but a heavenly gift granted by God Himself to his beloved one. Why did God give all these gifts to Daniel and not to others? Is God biased? Does He have partiality? Never! But because Daniel had set his heart to understand through prayers, fasting and repentance with contrition; that is why he was given all these free gifts. He was not negligent and did not enjoy a lavishly, luxurious life, but was pleading God with seriousness to grant him understanding and knowledge. As St. John the Beloved said, “If we ask anything according to His will, God hears us” (1 John 5: 14). Daniel humbled himself before the Lord, repenting with a contrite heart. Because of his strong personal relationship with God, he deserved that God sent his angel to him, for the angel of the Lord encamps around “those who fear Him” (Ps 145: 19). “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia” (13). The angel justified the reason for his delay twenty-one days, or three weeks, which happened to be the three weeks of Daniel’s fasting and entreating God. Daniel did not know that during those three weeks the angel was working to help the prophet. Often we think that God does not hear our prayers or that he is slow in answering, but He is concerned about us and He hides his work from us until we discover it at the appropriate time, then we are able to understand God’s plan for us. “Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come” (14). The angel is confirming to Daniel that he came to let him know that his prayers were answered and that he is working for the advantage of Daniel’s people to save them from the evils of the king of Persia. He came to declare that God’s care is extended for many years. However, Daniel has to wait, with the spirit of prophecy, to see the coming events, not only until his departure from the land of captivity but until the coming of the 1 PL 25:697G. 226 Lord Jesus, the Savior of the world. He, who doubts that God will answer his prayers, will not be answered. We have to ask with unbounded faith, as Daniel taught us, for God heard him since the first day he prayed. But he reaped the fruit of his prayers after 21 days. Therefore, let us not be lukewarm when our prayers are not immediately answered. Let us be persistent and have confidence as Daniel did for 21 days, for God was listening to his prayer since the first day1. Fr. Isaac Archangel Gabriel clarified why God was late in answering Daniel’s prayers, because for three weeks the Archangel was fighting the prince of the Persian Kingdom, until Archangel Michael, the intercessor of God’s people, came and helped him. Who is the prince of the kingdom of Persia? Is it the king or an evil angel attacking God’s work? The reference to the prince of the kingdom of Persia does not mean a man but it means an evil angel who moves the kings of Persia against God’s people. Therefore Archangel Gabriel, supported by Archangel Michael, destroyed the evil deeds of the prince against the believers. Hence, saying the prince of the kingdom of Persia does not mean a man but rather a devil who pushes the king of Persia to do evil. St. Jerome said: [In my opinion, he is the angel appointed for Persia, as was mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy. “When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel” (Deut 32: 8). St. Paul said, “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor 2: 6-8). Thus, the prince of Persia was attacking God’s people in order to prevent them from being liberated from their captivity. Although God answered Daniel’s prayer since the first day, yet He did not declare to him His compassionate decision because the prince of Persia has been attacking God’s people for 21 days, enumerating the sins of the Jewish people as a just excuse that they should remain in captivity2.] Was Archangel Gabriel unable to resist the devil who instilled the spirit of hatred and violence in Cambyses against the believers? Or was he unable to resist the evil king himself? Why did God send Archangel Michael to help him? I do not think that receiving help from Archangel Michael is to lessen the status of Archangel Gabriel or his ability to defeat the evil, however, it reveals the spirit of the communal work, even among the heavenly creatures. It also reveals God’s concern for his people, for He does not send them only one angel but more than one for the sake of His people. In the book of Samuel, Jonathan said, “For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few” (1 Sam 14: 6). Also, in the Chronicles, Asa said, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power” (2 Chron 14: 11). Archangel Gabriel emphasized that his role has not ended yet, but God left him on purpose with the king of Persia who hated the people. God, in His justice, neither did He end the king’s life nor did He force him to love the believers, but gave him free will to do 1 Cassian: conf. 9:34. 2 PL 25:699. 227 whatever he wants. However, for the sake of the believers, God sent His angels to defeat the evil king. In the Jewish and the Christian traditions, Archangel Michael is considered as the guardian of God’s people (12: 1). 4. DIVINE MINISTRY “When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips, then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, ‘My Lord, because of the vision, my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. For how can this servant of my Lord talk with you, my Lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me.” (15-17) St. Jerome said: [Before we deserve to see God, it is proper that we realize with our inner nature the weakness of our side but when we actually have beheld a vision of God, then our inner nature is converted within us and we become wholly of the number of those concerning whom it is written in another Psalm: “All the glory of the daughter of the king is within; in golden borders” (Ps 45: 13) 1.] When Daniel was overcome by his weakness, he fell to the ground again. But God gently cared for him. Daniel was unable to utter a word until God opened his lips. He let the angel touch his lips. Because Daniel was unable to enter into a dialogue with God, the angel supported him, not only by encouraging him with words, but also by touching him. God wishes that we meet the heavenly creatures and have a fellowship of love with them, for both of us praise Him forever. The angel appeared in the form of a man, so that Daniel may hear his words. In great love and humility, the angels appear to us in the form of human beings. The devil, on the contrary, tries to deceive us by transforming himself into an angel of light (2 Cor 11: 14). Some people think that the One who appeared in the vision is the Son of God who always touches us by His divine love and gives us power to be in dialogue with Him. Introduction of the last prophecy: “Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, ‘O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!’ So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, ‘Let my Lord speak for You have strengthened me.” (18-19). St. Jerome said: [Had the angel not comforted Daniel and freed him from fear, he would not have been able to hear the mysteries of God. Therefore, Daniel said, “Speak Lord, for you have strengthened me,” for You have made me understand Your words2.] Daniel needed a continuous heavenly work, so the angel touched him, encouraged him, emphasizing that he is greatly beloved by God and the heavenly creatures, granting him peace and encouraging him to be strong by the divine commandment. We, too, are in need of constant spiritual growth through our continuous encounter with God, enjoying the fellowship with the heavenly creatures and the saints. We are strengthened by the communal act and by listening to God’s promises. 1 PL 25:700A, B. 2 PL 25:700B. 228 “Then he said, ‘Do you know why I have come to You? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come.” (20). Truly I have come to tell you about matters, which answer your prayers. But I come once more to fight the king of Persia, for he does not want to free your people from captivity1. St. Jerome “But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince” (21). The Lord sent the angel, probably Gabriel, to talk to Daniel about a second chief. Here, he talks about the Greeks. He also declared that the devil sends his evil angels to stir the Gentiles to do evil. The angel confirmed that God had a divine heavenly plan for Daniel and He gradually reveals it to him. God entrusted Michael, the Archangel, to protect His people from Satan and his evil powers. God sent the angel to the Persian King Cambyses, but his mission has not yet been completed. The attack on God’s people is continuing during the era of the Greek rulers, as well as the era of the Persian rulers. That is why the angel works among the kings who attack the truth, in order to protect the simple believers. God’s care for His church never stops in any age nor generation, and He continues to send His angels to fight the evil powers. 1 PL 25:700B. 229 FROM THE INSPIRATION OF DANIEL (10) MAY YOU PROCLAIM YOUR GLORY IN THE MIDST OF MY SUFFERINGS! Lord, grant me with Daniel the spirit of praying and fasting with humility. Let me find in You my peace and the joy of my heart. Let me not ask for a delicious food. Let me confess with tears my sins and the sins of my people, For I raise the voice of my cries to the throne of Your grace! Often I think that you have forgotten me and that You do not hear my prayers and groaning. Open my eyes so that I may see You working for my sake. You hide temporarily Your works from me, So that I may have a dialogue with You! I fell down and I am scared. O Holy One, let Your hand touch me. Let me hear Your voice full of hope telling me to “Be of good courage.” Your words have dominion over my inner depths! I see the world attacking the truth and persecuting Your church. I see Gabriel the Archangel working with Michael the Archangel to defend Your church and Your people! You gave free will to the evil people, but due to Your great love. You sent the heavenly host to protect us. You are amazing in Your justice as well as in Your love. Declare Your glory amidst Your sufferings!
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