Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Daniel 10:18
Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
18. one like the appearance of a man ] ‘appearance,’ as in Dan 8:15, and often in the visions of Ezek. (Eze 1:13-14; Eze 1:26-28, Eze 8:2, Eze 10:1, Eze 42:11).
strengthened me ] i.e. both restored my physical strength, and also ‘encouraged’ me, as the same word is rendered in Deu 1:38; Deu 3:28.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
18, 19. A third touch (see Dan 10:10 ; Dan 10:16), followed by a second reassurance (see Dan 10:11-14) on the part of the dazzling being, restores Daniel’s composure entirely.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Then there came again, and touched me … – The same one is here referred to doubtless who is mentioned in Dan 10:16 – the angel. He came to him again in this condescending and familiar manner in order to allay his fears, and to prepare him to receive his communications with entire calmness.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Dan 10:18
And He strengthened me.
Our Lords humanity a source of comfort
We are not able, as yet, to bear the full revelation of divine things. We ought to be thankful that our God has revealed no more. It appears that, when weighed down under a sense of the divine presence, the readiest method of consolation is found in the touch of a certain sublime, mysterious, human hand. Surely this glorious being was that uncreated messenger of the covenant who, though not born into our nature in Daniels day, yet took upon Himself the similitude of man for a time, as He had done before when on special occasions He appeared to others of the saints before His actual incarnation. The Son of God is also the Son of Man. He is as truly man as if He were not God, and as truly God as if He had never assumed the nature of man. Show how the touch of the hand of Jesus, the man, strengthens us.
I. IT CHEERS US WHEN WE LABOUR UNDER A SENSE OF LONELINESS. Some feel alone because they are the only ones of their house who serve the Lord. Well, there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. The child of God as he grows in grace becomes more lonely. But there are no heights of attainment which Jesus has not surpassed. It falls to the lot of some Christians to stand alone in their contention for the faith. In all our work He is our companion.
II. IT IS SWEET TO FEEL THE TOUCH OF THE HUMANITY OF CHRIST WHEN WE ARE HUMBLED IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. A blessed extinction of self makes room for infinite love. There is not one covenant blessing but what, if we understood it, would have a humbling effect upon us. At such times of self-annihilation it is strengthening to the mind to feel the touch of that hand, and to perceive that He who is our God is also very near to us.
III. IN SORROW, HOW BLESSED IT IS TO PEEL THE TOUCH OF THE MANS HAND! Pain of body is the portion of many of Gods people. They are seldom long without it. Others endure the affliction of poverty. Some true Christians are naturally of a sombre temperament. There is no abyss of grief into which Jesus has not descended.
IV. THE FACT THAT JESUS IS A MAN, SUCH AS WE ARE, SHOULD GREATLY COMFORT US IN ALL OUR STRUGGLES. It seems hard, this battle of life, this fighting against sin, this contention against inbred corruption. We are apt to think sometimes, Can we ever win? Is not the battle too difficult? In such moments look at yonder man who sits upon the throne of God. He is the typical man. Consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself.
V. WHAT A BLESSED THING IT IS TO LOOK AT THE MANHOOD OF JESUS CHRIST AT TIMES WHEN WE HAVE BEEN DECEIVED BY OUR BRETHREN. Our natural tendency to idolatry leads us to confide in man. Sometimes there have come the discovery that man is only man, and that some men are not saints, though they talk in a saintly manner. At such times it is most cheering to remember that there is one man who will never deceive us. There is one who has not uttered a promise which He will not fulfil, nor won from us a confidence which He will not justify.
VI. THE SAME IS TRUE IN SEASONS OF DOUBT. There is a class of disciples like Thomas, who think much, and are apt to doubt much. They do not love doubts, they hate them, yet their doubts often go very deep, and undermine the most precious doctrines. A sight of my Lord is the sheetanchor which has held me fast in times of scepticism and doubt. I cannot doubt when I see him.
VII. THE TOUCH OF OUR REDEEMERS HUMAN HAND COMFORTS US IN THE HOUR OF DEATH. One man has broken from the prison of the grave, and therefore all will who are like him.
VIII. THE MANHOOD OF CHRIST OUGHT TO BE A GREAT COMFORT TO YOU WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING TO DO GOOD AMONG YOUR FELLOW–MEN. This is an awful world, this world of human beings. But Jesus took human nature on Him, and thereby did it the highest honour. He thought it worth while to suffer and die for sinners. Let us think none so bad as to be beyond hope of benefit. Jesus Christ stoops low; so let us do. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The Vision of Daniel
This is a record of the manner in which God reveals Himself to men, and it especially tells us how God strengthens them to hear His Word and do His Will.
1. Gods strengthening comes through what is divine becoming human. It comes into human relations and human measures. Daniel is represented here as overwhelmed by what he had seen and heard. We cannot take in too much at a time even of the highest and noblest things. They require strength of mind, clearness of intellect, to grasp and to carry them. It is so with knowledge. It is true even of our affections. Just so it is with the presence of God. We cannot dwell too long among the coruscations and flashings of the divine glory. Our week faculties reel and collapse beneath the strain. Too much was unveiled to Daniel, he became strenghtless. How was he restored? How did he gather strength again? One having the form of a man comes to him and touches him. That human touch gives him strength once more. The gentle touch of love, how it darts right through to our hearts core, and makes our blood tingle. The soothing touch of pity is more eloquent than ten thousand words. It is full of comfort, and gives patience and mighty peace. Daniel was no longer alone. He had a companion–a human companion–with him, and found heartfelt and infinite relief. Who was this human form? We do not know. We are not told that it was an angel. We are not told that it was Christ. In one sense it certainly was Christ, for all living manifestations of God are utterances or syllables, so to speak, of that eternal Word of God, of which Christ is the full and perfect embodiment. Better ask, What does He mean? than to press the question, Who is He? His appearance means this blessed, consoling, universal fact, that God is not far from men, and that He gives us power both to endure what He lays upon us, and to do His commandments, by coming to us, as Himself in a sense human, as full of human love and sympathy. There is something in God which is very near to us and very dear. He is the light by which we understand. He is the pulse that beats in the centre of our life. He is the soul of our best and purest joy. When God shows us this side of His character–what I may call the human side of it–then we grow strong, and our poverty and weakness pass at once, and pass utterly away. That is true every way. It is true in regard to our sins; and m regards to our temptations. The knowledge that Christ has overcome is there before us. That alone helps me That perfect man is here, the head and crown of humanity, and He will breathe peace and faith, hope and courage, harmony and victory, into you and into me. (J.F. Stevenson, LL.D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Daniel needed a second touch, and another word of encouragement, before he could hear and bear the angels words as to the vision and prophecy; and now, being fortified by degrees, he hath got courage.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
18. again . . . touched meItwas gradually that Daniel recovered his strength. Hence there wasneed of the second touch, that he might hear the angel withcomposure.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man,…. Or one like a man again touched him; the same that touched him before, Da 10:16, perhaps Gabriel, since he uses the same language in the following verse as he does Da 10:11:
and he strengthened me; both in body and mind, by his free and familiar conversation with him, and the comfortable words he spoke to him, a divine power accompanying them for that purpose.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
18, 19. Once more the angel strengthens him by a touch and comforts him with tender words. (Compare Dan 10:10-11; note Dan 10:16.) It is to be noted that even more than by his touch Daniel was strengthened by the angelic appeal to be strong. Even by the angels and the God of all angels the human will is honored. Man should not lose his strength, his self-possession, and his power of reason even in the presence of the supernatural.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly beloved, do not be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong, yes, be strong.” And when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me”.’
Again ‘the man’ touched him and he felt renewed. Then he was again described as a man precious to God (compare Dan 10:11), and told not to be afraid. Rather he was to be strong, repeated for emphasis (compare Jos 1:6; Jos 1:9). It basically means ‘you will need to be very strong’. And even as the ‘man’ spoke to him he was strengthened, and asked the man to give to him the message that he had come to give. God often works through our weakness, but He strengthens us at the last.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Dan 10:18. Then there came, &c. Then he being in appearance like a man, came again, and touched me, &c.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Dan 10:18 Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
Ver. 18. Then there came again and touched me. ] Not all at once, but by four degrees, was Daniel raised: (1.) He is set upon his knees and palms of his hands, Dan 10:10 an emblem of prayer; (2.) He is caused to stand upon his feet, though trembling and silent; Dan 10:11 ; Dan 10:15 (3.) His mouth is opened to speak, though not without much weakness, fears, and sorrows; Dan 10:17 (4.) He is fully strengthened here. God loves to hold his praying people long in request. He is also “a God of judgment” – one that well understandeth when and how to bestow his favours; “Blessed are all they that wait for him.” Isa 30:18
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Dan 10:18 to Dan 11:1
18 Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. 19He said, O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous! Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me. 20Then he said, Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. 21However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. (Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince. Dan 11:1 In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him.)
Dan 10:19 O man of high esteem See note at Dan 10:11.
do not be afraid See note at Dan 10:12.
Peace be with you This is the only occurrence of this NOUN (or VERB) in Daniel. It means (BDB 1022) completeness, soundness, welfare, peace. It is used often in Isaiah and Jeremiah. This same concept is expressed by Jesus (only in John) to His disciples (cf. Joh 14:27; Joh 16:33; Joh 20:19; Joh 20:21; Joh 20:26).
take courage and be courageous This is YHWH’s message to Joshua after Moses’ death (cf. Jos 1:6-7; Jos 1:9). Humans need these words of encouragement. The spiritual realm is overwhelming!
Dan 10:20 But I shall now return to fight This is a difficult verse to interpret. This angelic being has been attacked, rescued and now goes back into the spiritual fray. The spiritual conflict continues. The conflict involves world powers, historical empires, but also spiritual beings. God’s will is sure, but not without opposition. Daniel’s prayer for understanding interrupts the conflict, but does not alter it! God’s sovereignty controls history (cf. Dan 10:21), but there is still tension in this period of fallenness, both in the physical and spiritual realms.
the prince of Persia In Dan 8:20 it combines the racial entities of Media and Persia into the third empire of Daniel’s visions (i.e., chapters 2; 7; and 8). Here it just mentions the dominant one of the two. If this literally refers to national angels, how could there be just one angel? The same is true for Greece, which will divide into several regional empires after the death of Alexander the Great.
the prince of Greece This is another national angel (see note at Dan 10:13). God’s people will be affected by both of these nations. They may be corporate, national metaphors.
Dan 10:21 inscribed in the writing of truth The term inscribed (BDB 957, KB 1293) is an Aramaic loan-word found only here in the OT. Daniel has mentally reversed back to Aramaic.
This is metaphorical and either refers to (1) God’s accurate records (like the books, Dan 7:10; Dan 12:1) or (2) God’s plan for history and mankind is sure (cf. Psa 139:16). The contents of this book are the revelation of chapters 11-12. God is in complete control of future historical events, especially as they relate to His eternal redemptive plan.
NASBstands firmly. . .encouragement
NKJVupholds. . .to confirm
NRSVcontends against. . .to support
TEVhelp. . .helping
NJBto lend me support. . .give support
This is the same Hebrew term (BDB 304, KB 302) which basically means to be firm, to grow firm, or to be strong. In Dan 10:21 it is in the Hithpael form and in Dan 11:1 it is in the Hiphil form. Angels serve rulers and nations (cf. Dan 10:13; Dan 10:20-21). As Michael served, protected, and encouraged Israel, this angel did the same for Darius the Mede, so as to fulfill God’s will in history and in redemption.
Dan 10:21 to Dan 11:1 Notice that NASB and NKJV have a parenthesis, which begins in Dan 10:21 and continues through Dan 11:1. The person speaking is the angel who touched Daniel three times (cf. Dan 10:10-21). The context implies that it is the same majestic angel described in Dan 10:5-9. It is this angel who provided protection to Dairus the Mede (see full note at Dan 5:31) which, I believe, is a first-year throne name for Cyrus (cf. Isa 44:28 to Isa 45:1).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Why is there a problem between Dan 1:21; Dan 10:1?
2. Why was Daniel mourning (fasting)?
3. What does Daniel’s physical condition after his encounter with the angelic world say to us?
4. What do Dan 10:13; Dan 10:20 say about the relation between history and the unseen world?
5. How can angelic conflict and opposition effect God’s will?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
strengthened = strengthened (for endurance). Hebrew. hazak.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Dan 10:18
Dan 10:18 Then there came againH3254 and touchedH5060 me one like the appearanceH4758 of a man,H120 and he strengthenedH2388 me,
Dan 10:18
“Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me”
Once again a heavenly being touched Daniel, but this time it was for the purpose of imparting strength to him as he had reached his physical and emotional limit.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
a man The theophanies. Dan 8:15; Eze 40:3; Gen 12:7; Rev 1:9. (See Scofield “Dan 10:6”). See Scofield “Dan 10:10”.
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
again: Dan 10:10, Dan 10:16, Dan 8:18
he: 1Sa 23:15, Job 16:5, Job 23:6, Isa 35:3, Isa 35:4, Luk 22:32, Luk 22:43, Act 18:23, 2Co 12:9, 2Co 12:10, Eph 3:16, Phi 4:13, Col 1:11
Reciprocal: Eze 1:26 – the appearance of a man Eze 8:3 – he put Dan 9:21 – touched Dan 10:19 – thou hast Dan 11:1 – to confirm Mat 17:7 – touched
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Dan 10:18. Then came again means the same man or angel again contacted Daniel for the purpose of further strengthening him and making him feel assured.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Dan 10:18-19. Then there came again, &c. This seems to be spoken of the same angel, namely, the angel Gabriel, touching him again, whereby he was rendered more composed, and had his strength revived. And said, O man, &c., fear not Thou needest not be under such terrible apprehensions, as if this vision did portend to thee some mischief; for it is a peculiar token of Gods favour to thee.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Daniel’s further strengthening 10:18-19
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
This is the third instance in this chapter, of Daniel receiving strength from an angel who touched him (Dan 10:10; Dan 10:16; cf. Heb 1:14). Compare Luke’s record of an angel strengthening Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luk 22:39-44). This human-appearing angel was probably the same one who touched Daniel’s lips (Dan 10:16), but he is perhaps different from the angel who had helped him to his feet (Dan 10:10).