Why was Daniel mourning and fasting for three full weeks?

Daniel was deeply troubled about his people and their situation. Some Jews had gone back to Jerusalem, but the rebuilding of the temple was facing strong opposition, and many still lived far from their homeland. This weighed heavily on him. For three weeks he chose simple food, no meat or wine, and no personal comforts like oil on his skin. His fasting was not a show, but a way to humble himself, seek God’s mercy, and pray earnestly for his people in a time of distress.

What does it mean that “the time appointed was long”?

The phrase points to the fact that the message Daniel received did not concern quick or easy events. It looked ahead over a long stretch of history, covering coming kingdoms, troubles for God’s people, and distant days, reaching toward the final fulfillment of God’s plans. The point is that God’s word about the future is true, even when it seems slow in being carried out. Those who trust God are called to patience, waiting calmly for His promises to unfold in their proper time.

Who is the “man clothed in linen” that Daniel sees by the river?

Daniel describes a figure in linen, with a belt of fine gold, a body like a precious stone, a face like lightning, eyes like flaming lamps, limbs like polished bronze, and a voice like a great crowd. Many readers understand this as a picture of Christ before He came to earth, showing His purity, glory, and royal honor. Linen points to holiness and priestly work, the gold hints at kingly worth, and the blazing face and eyes show His power and knowledge. The scene underlines how great and holy this Person is.

Why did the men with Daniel flee even though they did not see the vision?

The men who were with Daniel did not see what he saw, yet a strong fear came over them and they ran to hide. This shows how God’s presence can affect people even when they do not fully understand what is happening. It also highlights that this revelation was meant especially for Daniel. He alone was left to see and hear clearly, while others only felt a vague terror. The scene hints that deep spiritual insight is not given to everyone in the same way, but God knows whom He will address and how.

How did the vision affect Daniel’s body and feelings?

The vision drained Daniel completely. He says there was no strength left in him, and his good appearance turned to corruption. In other words, he felt ruined and helpless in himself. The bright glory of the heavenly figure showed him how weak and small he was. When he heard the voice, he fell into a deep sleep on his face, with his face to the ground. This shows that meeting God’s glory is not light or casual. It humbles a person and makes them feel their need for God’s help and mercy.

What does this passage teach about God’s character and glory?

This passage shows God as Lord over history, giving true messages about long future events. The shining figure in linen displays purity, power, and royal worth, pointing to Christ’s holy and exalted place. His eyes like fire and voice like a multitude show that He sees all and speaks with full authority. At the same time, God comes near enough to speak to an old, weak servant who is fasting and praying. So we see both God’s blazing holiness and His kindness in revealing His plans and drawing near to those who seek Him.

How does Daniel’s fasting and mourning speak to believers today?

Daniel’s example shows that fasting and simple living can be a real way to seek God when hearts are heavy. He gave up pleasant food and comfort, not to impress others, but to focus on prayer and confess his people’s need. Today, believers can follow this pattern in their own way when facing sin, trouble, or confusion. The point is not the exact foods avoided, but a sincere heart that is willing to set aside comforts to pray earnestly, ask for mercy, and pay close attention to what God may show through His word.

Why is this vision by the river Hiddekel important for understanding Israel’s future?

This vision comes at a time when Israel’s future looked shaky. The people faced enemies, and the temple work had been hindered. God answered Daniel’s mourning with a vision that reached far beyond the present troubles. It spoke of coming conflicts and God’s rule over empires, showing that He had not forgotten His people. Even though the “time appointed was long,” the message confirmed that God’s plans for Israel and for the coming Messiah would stand. This helps readers see history, not as random, but under God’s steady hand.

Dan.10.1

Daniel 10:1

KJV

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

Daniel Is Terrified by a Vision

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

Cross References

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