Daniel 10:1  “…third year of Cyrus king of Persia…”
Cyrus’s decree to rebuild the temple was during his first year, so this is two years later.  Daniel didn’t go with the returning exiles.  Not told why, but if he was a teenager when he was captured, he could be between eighty-five and ninety-one years old.  Will be interesting to ask him some day.

1  “…The message was true, but the appointed time was long…”
Couldn’t find a commentary which said much about this.  From the English translation, it appears Daniel is saying the prophecy is true, but the time for it to occur will either take a long time or it will occur a long time in the future.  What I did find mentioned great calamity which could refer to the fact that it deals with upheavals for many years.

2-3  “…I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks…ate no pleasant food…nor did I anoint myself at all…”
He doesn’t say exactly why he is mourning.  However, since it has been two years since the remnant returned to rebuild the temple, and we know from Ezra that they faced much opposition and hardship, it is reasonable to assume Daniel was praying for them.

5  “…a certain man clothed in linen…”
Doesn’t mention Gabriel by name, but commentary seems to think it is him as he was the one to give Daniel the interpretations of the other visions.  I can see it either way.  The issue I have with Gabriel is that Daniel doesn’t call him by name, but instead gives a more detailed description of the messenger.  Also, the messenger will mention that he requires Michael one of the chief princes to come and help him.  We don’t know the specific hierarchy of the heavenly hosts, but both Gabriel and Michael have been referred to as Archangels, and it is thought that Gabriel was one who at times had spoken for God in the first person, which would seem to suggest his higher rank.  Having Michael come help him could also just mean that he was outnumbered.  Another interesting point to find out when we get home.

7  “…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…”
Reminiscent of the calling of Saul of Tarsus.  Others can sense that something is going on, but only the one for whom the message belongs can receive it.

11  “…man greatly beloved…”
Same reference he was given before.  Reminder that he is known well, personally by God.

12-13  “…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.  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”
A small insight into the spiritual realm.  Reminds me of a reference to Satan in the New Testament, prince of the power of the air.  Apparently certain spiritual beings had more power than the messenger and he needed someone of greater rank or added power than he had alone to allow him passage to his destination.  Withstood could mean stopped or just that they were equally matched.  It also alludes to several in that it mentions the kings of Persia.  Certainly leaves more questions than it answers.

14  “…the vision refers to many days yet to come”
Another reference to the prophecy stretching over a long time.

17  “…how can this servant of my lord talk with you…no strength remains in me now…”
Daniel was a bit overwhelmed with the situation, as any of us would be.  And he wasn’t afraid to admit it.

20-21  “…I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come…No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince”
More references to the spiritual warfare going on around us which we don’t see.  I have a feeling we will be greatly surprised one day to find out all that was going on.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.