Daniel Unlocked #69. Touched by an Angel.
Daniel 10:4 gives us a setting – it was the time of the Passover. The Passover was the time of the Exodus from Egypt and now we have had a similar experience from Persia. The description of the being in the vision would have reminded Daniel of the High Priest whose task it was to minister at this time of the year.
As Daniel describes his experience, we can hardly imagine the overwhelming splendor of what he sees. That human appearance (Dan.10:5, 6) harks back to the “Son of man” depicted in the vision of the heavenly judgment (Dan.7:13). His linen clothing is reminiscent of priestly garments (Lev.16:4), an aspect that likens this personage to the “Prince of the host” depicted in connection with the heavenly sanctuary (Daniel 8). Gold also is associated with the priestly regalia as a sign of royal dignity. Lastly, the likening of this figure to lightning, fire, bronze, and a powerful voice portrays Him as a supernatural being. This is someone invested with priestly, royal, and military attributes. This figure also displays interesting similarities to the heavenly being who appears to Joshua shortly before the battle against Jericho (Josh.5:13, 14). In the vision, Joshua sees the “Commander of the army of the Lord”. Interestingly, the Hebrew word translated as “commander” (sar) here is the same word translated as “prince” in reference to Michael in Daniel 10:21. But a closer parallel occurs between Daniel and John, who received a vision of the risen Lord on the Sabbath day (Rev.1:10). There are great similarities here and between Joshua 5:13–15 and Revelation 1:12–18. The same being is being depicted.
According to Daniel, those who are with him are frightened off, and Daniel himself falls weak and frail to the ground.
The manifestation of God’s presence simply overwhelms him.
Yet, whatever his immediate fears, Daniel’s vision shows that God is in control of history. Indeed, as the vision unfolds, we will see that God provides Daniel with an outline of human history from his time to the establishment of God’s kingdom (Daniel 11 and 12). If, as we have seen again and again in Daniel, the Lord can keep human history under control, what can He do for our own individual lives?
Overwhelmed with the radiance of divine light, the prophet falls. Then an angel appears to touch him and comfort him. As you read the narrative, notice that the angel touches Daniel three times. The first touch enables the prophet to stand and hear the words of comfort coming from heaven in response to his prayers: v12. Daniel’s prayer has moved heaven.
For us this comes as an assurance that God hears our prayers, which is a great comfort in times of trouble. The second touch enables Daniel to speak. The prophet pours out his words before the Lord, expressing his feelings of fear and overwhelming emotion: (Dan.10:16, 17). So, God does not only speak to us; He wants us to open our mouths so that we can tell Him about our feelings, needs, and aspirations. The third touch brings him strength. As Daniel recognizes his inadequacy, the angel touches him and comforts him with God’s peace: “ ‘O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!’” (Dan.10:19).
Remember that the angel has been sent to Daniel, in response to his prayers, to give him insight and understanding. In other words, the vision that follows in chapter 11 will be one that is intended to encourage Daniel in response to his mourning and meditation over the present situation in Jerusalem. With God on our side, we can have peace even as we face affliction. His loving touch enables us to look into the future with hope. Even though our walk may be to us ordinary, heaven can be very near.