Daniel 10:1
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, and it concerned a great conflict. And the understanding of the message was given to him in a vision.
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia
This phrase situates the events in the historical context of the Persian Empire, specifically during the reign of Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon in 539 BC. The third year of his reign would be around 536 BC. Cyrus is noted for his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 44:28. This period marks a significant transition for the Jewish people from exile to restoration.

a message was revealed to Daniel
Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon, is the recipient of divine revelation. Throughout the book, Daniel is portrayed as a prophet and a man of prayer, receiving visions and messages from God. This revelation underscores his role as a mediator of God's word to His people, similar to other prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

who was called Belteshazzar
Belteshazzar is the Babylonian name given to Daniel, reflecting the practice of renaming captives to assimilate them into Babylonian culture (Daniel 1:7). This name, possibly meaning "Bel protect the king," indicates the influence of Babylonian religion and culture. Despite this, Daniel remains faithful to the God of Israel, maintaining his identity and integrity.

The message was true
The truth of the message emphasizes its divine origin and reliability. In biblical terms, truth is often associated with God's character and His word (John 17:17). This assurance of truth would have been crucial for the exiled Jewish community seeking hope and guidance.

and it concerned a great conflict
The "great conflict" likely refers to spiritual and earthly battles, including the struggles of God's people against oppressive powers. This theme of conflict is prevalent in apocalyptic literature, such as in Daniel 7-12 and Revelation, where spiritual warfare and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom are depicted.

And the understanding of the message was given to him in a vision
Visions are a common means of divine communication in the Bible, providing insight into God's plans and purposes. Daniel's ability to understand the vision highlights his prophetic gift and God's favor upon him. This understanding is crucial for interpreting the events and encouraging the faithful, similar to how Joseph and other prophets received and interpreted dreams and visions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A prophet and a man of God who was taken into Babylonian captivity as a young man. Known for his unwavering faith and integrity, Daniel is a key figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of prophecy and visions.

2. Cyrus, King of Persia
The ruler of the Persian Empire who conquered Babylon. He is noted for his decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, fulfilling a prophecy by Isaiah.

3. Belteshazzar
The Babylonian name given to Daniel. It reflects the practice of renaming captives to assimilate them into the culture of their captors.

4. The Message
A divine revelation given to Daniel, described as true and concerning a "great conflict." This message is part of a larger vision that Daniel receives, which is detailed in the subsequent chapters.

5. The Vision
A supernatural insight granted to Daniel, allowing him to understand the message. This vision is part of a series of revelations concerning the future of Israel and the coming of God's kingdom.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in History
God uses rulers and nations to accomplish His divine purposes, as seen in the role of Cyrus in Israel's history.

The Importance of Understanding Prophecy
Daniel's insight into the vision underscores the value of seeking understanding in God's revelations, which can guide and prepare believers for future events.

Spiritual Warfare Awareness
The "great conflict" highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers should be aware of the spiritual battles that influence earthly events and seek God's wisdom and strength.

Faithfulness in Exile
Daniel's life exemplifies faithfulness to God despite living in a foreign land. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of their circumstances.

The Role of Prayer and Fasting
Although not explicitly mentioned in verse 1, the context of Daniel 10 reveals Daniel's commitment to prayer and fasting, which are vital practices for spiritual insight and strength.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Cyrus in Daniel 10:1 demonstrate God's control over world events, and how can this understanding impact our view of current global affairs?

2. In what ways can we seek to understand God's messages to us today, similar to how Daniel gained insight into his vision?

3. How does the concept of a "great conflict" in Daniel 10:1 relate to the spiritual battles we face in our own lives, and what biblical strategies can we employ to overcome them?

4. What lessons can we learn from Daniel's faithfulness in exile that can be applied to living as Christians in a secular world?

5. How can prayer and fasting enhance our spiritual understanding and readiness, as seen in the broader context of Daniel's life and visions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1
These passages prophesy about Cyrus, highlighting God's sovereignty in using a pagan king to fulfill His purposes for Israel.

Daniel 9:24-27
Provides context for the "great conflict" mentioned in Daniel 10:1, as it outlines the seventy weeks prophecy concerning Israel's future.

Revelation 12:7-9
Connects to the theme of spiritual warfare, as Daniel's vision involves a great conflict that can be seen as part of the ongoing battle between good and evil.
Man's Foolish Terror in the Presence of a Heavenly VisitorJ.D. Davies Daniel 10:1-10
The Vision of the ChristH.T. Robjohns Daniel 10:1-12, 14-19
The Vision on the Banks of the HiddekelsWilliam M. Taylor, D.D.Daniel 10:1-21
People
Belteshazzar, Cyrus, Daniel, Javan, Michael
Places
Greece, Persia, Tigris River, Uphaz
Topics
TRUE, Appointed, Belteshazzar, Belteshaz'zar, Clear, Concerned, Conflict, Cyrus, Daniel, Heed, Message, Named, Persia, Revealed, Revelation, Secret, Third, Trial, Understanding, Understood, Unfolded, Vision, War, Warfare
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 10:1-2

     8431   fasting, reasons

Daniel 10:1-3

     4544   wine

Library
November 15. "Oh, Man of Desires" (Margin) (Dan. x. 11).
"Oh, man of desires" (margin) (Dan. x. 11). This was the divine character given to Daniel of old. It is translated in our version, "O man, greatly beloved." But it literally means "O man of desires!" This is a necessary element in all spiritual forces. It is one of the secrets of effectual prayer, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them." The element of strong desire gives momentum to our purposes and prayers. Indifference is an unwholesome condition; indolence and
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Daniel's Band
"O Daniel, a man greatly beloved."--Daniel 10:11. It did not do Daniel any harm to know that he was greatly beloved of God; or else he would not have received that information from heaven. Some people are always afraid that, if Christian people obtain full assurance, and receive a sweet sense of divine love, they will grow proud, and be carried away with conceit. Do not you have any such fear for other people, and especially do not be afraid of it for yourselves. I know of no greater blessing that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Elucidations.
I. (Greater licence, p. 104.) In this treatise, which is designed to justify the extremes of Montanistic fasts, Tertullian's genius often surprises us by his ingenuity. This is one of the instances where the forensic orator comes out, trying to outflank and turn the position of an antagonist who has gained an advantage. The fallacy is obvious. Kaye cites, in comparison, a passage [1125] from "The Apparel of Women," and another [1126] from "The Exhortation to Chastity." He remarks, "Were we required
Tertullian—On Fasting. In Opposition to the Psychics

Youthful Confessors
'But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink; for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The Blessing it is to the Soul. The Effects of It.
1. I wish I could explain, with the help of God, wherein union differs from rapture, or from transport, or from flight of the spirit, as they speak, or from a trance, which are all one. [1] I mean, that all these are only different names for that one and the same thing, which is also called ecstasy. [2] It is more excellent than union, the fruits of it are much greater, and its other operations more manifold; for union is uniform in the beginning, the middle, and the end, and is so also interiorly.
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away.
There is a time when the spirit of error is going abroad, and truth is questioned, and many are led away with delusions. For Satan can change himself into an angel of light, and make many great and fairlike pretensions to holiness, and under that pretext usher in untruths, and gain the consent of many unto them; so that in such a time of temptation many are stolen off their feet, and made to depart from the right ways of God, and to embrace error and delusions instead of truth. Now the question is,
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

A Sight of the Crowned Christ
(Revelation, Chapter i.) "Since mine eyes were fixed on Jesus, I've lost sight of all beside, So enchained my spirit's vision, Looking at the Crucified." "The Lord Christ passed my humble cot: I knew him, yet I knew him not; But as I oft had done before, I hurried through my narrow door To touch His garment's hem. "He drew me to a place apart From curious crowd and noisy mart; And as I sat there at His feet I caught the thrill of His heart-beat Beyond His garment's hem. "Rare was the bread He broke
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
"I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets." That the saints do not remain insensible, while their bodies are in the dull, but become angels, * see and serve God and bear his messages, and minister to the heirs of salvation, hath been argued from several considerations, in the preceding discourse; but we chiefly depend on revelation. The text and several other scriptures, we conceive to be our purpose, and sufficient to establish our theory, and that the same is illustrated and confirmed
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Doctrine of Satan.
I. HIS EXISTENCE AND PERSONALITY. 1. EXISTENCE. 2. PERSONALITY. II. HIS PLACE AND POWER. 1. A MIGHTY ANGEL. 2. PRINCE OF POWER OF THE AIR. 3. GOD OF THIS WORLD. 4. HEAD OF KINGDOM OF DARKNESS. 5. SOVEREIGN OVER DEATH. III. HIS CHARACTER. 1. ADVERSARY. 2. DIABOLOS. 3. WICKED ONE. 4. TEMPTER. IV. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS SATAN. 1. LIMITED POWER OF SATAN. 2. RESIST HIM. V. HIS DESTINY. 1. A CONQUERED ENEMY. 2. UNDER ETERNAL CURSE. VI. DEMONS. THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN. Throughout the Scriptures Satan is set
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke VII. 36-50. ^c 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. [We learn from verse 40 that the Pharisee's name was Simon. Because the feast at Bethany was given in the house of Simon the leper, and because Jesus was anointed there also, some have been led to think that Luke is here describing this supper. See Matt. xxvi. 6-13; Mark xiv. 3-9; John xii. 1-8. But Simon the leper was not Simon the Pharisee. The name Simon was one of the most common among the Jewish
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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