Daniel 10:11
“And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.”
Context:The book of Daniel is categorised as a prophetic and apocalyptic book, and it contains a collection of visions and prophecies given to the prophet Daniel during the time of the Babylonian exile. In Daniel 10, we find Daniel in mourning, seeking understanding and receiving a vision.
The speaker:The verse begins with someone addressing Daniel. Although the identity of the speaker is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, we can gather from the context that it is likely an angel or a heavenly being sent to deliver a message to Daniel.
Daniel’s Beloved Status:The speaker refers to Daniel as “a man greatly beloved.” This description indicates that Daniel was highly esteemed and favoured by God. Throughout the book of Daniel, we see his unwavering faith, commitment to God’s laws, and his willingness to stand for what is right, even in the face of adversity. As a result, Daniel found favour in the eyes of God and was held in high regard.
Instruction to Understand:The speaker instructs Daniel to “understand the words” being spoken to him. This suggests that the message conveyed in the vision is intended to provide insight and understanding to Daniel. It emphasises the importance of comprehension and discernment in interpreting the prophetic message being conveyed.
Standing Upright:The speaker further instructs Daniel to “stand upright.” This phrase carries symbolic significance, representing strength, resilience, and readiness. It suggests that Daniel should prepare himself to receive the message and stand firm in the face of its revelations.
Daniel’s Response:The verse concludes with Daniel’s response to the speaker’s words. Upon hearing the instruction, Daniel “stood trembling.” This reaction reflects the profound impact of encountering a divine being and the weightiness of the message he was about to receive. It demonstrates humility, awe, and reverence in the presence of the divine.
