Daniel 10:7

Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves.

Study Bible

Only I, Daniel
This phrase emphasizes the unique and personal nature of the revelation given to Daniel. In the Hebrew text, the emphasis on "I, Daniel" underscores the exclusivity of the experience. Daniel, a prophet and a man of God, is singled out for this divine encounter, highlighting his favored status and the special role he plays in God's plan. This personal encounter with the divine is reminiscent of other biblical figures who received unique revelations, such as Moses and Paul, underscoring the idea that God chooses specific individuals for His purposes.

saw the vision
The Hebrew word for "vision" is "מַרְאָה" (mar'ah), which can refer to a supernatural appearance or revelation. This vision is not merely a dream or a figment of imagination but a profound spiritual experience that conveys divine truth. In the biblical context, visions are often used by God to communicate His will and future events to His prophets. Daniel's ability to see the vision while others could not suggests a spiritual sensitivity and readiness to receive God's message, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.

the men with me did not see it
This phrase highlights the distinction between Daniel and his companions. The inability of the men to see the vision suggests a spiritual blindness or lack of preparedness to receive divine revelation. This echoes other biblical instances where God reveals Himself selectively, such as when Saul's companions did not hear the voice of Jesus on the road to Damascus. It serves as a reminder that spiritual insight is a gift from God, often reserved for those who are in tune with His Spirit.

but a great terror fell upon them
The Hebrew word for "terror" is "חֲרָדָה" (charadah), indicating an overwhelming fear or dread. This reaction is common in biblical accounts of divine encounters, where the presence of the supernatural evokes a profound sense of awe and fear. The terror that fell upon the men, despite their inability to see the vision, suggests the palpable presence of the divine, which can be sensed even by those who are spiritually unprepared. It underscores the holiness and power of God, which can be overwhelming to human senses.

and they ran and hid themselves
This response of fleeing and hiding is reminiscent of other biblical narratives, such as Adam and Eve hiding from God in the Garden of Eden. It reflects the natural human reaction to the divine presence, which often reveals human frailty and sinfulness. The act of hiding signifies an attempt to escape the overwhelming holiness of God, a theme that runs throughout Scripture. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need for reconciliation with God, who desires to reveal Himself to humanity despite our initial fear and inadequacy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
A prophet and a man of God who is receiving a vision. Known for his faithfulness and wisdom, Daniel is a key figure in the Babylonian and Persian courts.

2. The Men with Daniel
Unnamed companions of Daniel who were present but did not see the vision. Their reaction to the unseen presence highlights the supernatural nature of the event.

3. The Vision
A divine revelation given to Daniel, which is part of a larger prophetic message concerning future events and spiritual realities.

4. The Great Terror
A profound fear that fell upon the men with Daniel, causing them to flee and hide. This indicates the overwhelming presence of the divine, even when not directly perceived.

5. The Setting
Likely in the region of the Tigris River, where Daniel was in mourning and prayer, seeking understanding from God.

Teaching Points

Selective Revelation
God sometimes chooses specific individuals to receive His revelations. This calls for humility and trust in God's sovereign choices.

The Fear of the Lord
The reaction of the men with Daniel reminds us of the awe and reverence due to God. It is a reminder of His holiness and power.

Spiritual Perception
Not everyone perceives spiritual realities in the same way. This encourages us to seek God earnestly for understanding and discernment.

God’s Presence
Even when not directly seen, God’s presence can have a profound impact on those nearby. We should be sensitive to His presence in our lives.

Courage in Faith
Like Daniel, we are called to stand firm in faith even when others around us may not understand or share our experiences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Daniel’s experience of seeing the vision while others did not challenge our understanding of how God communicates with His people?

2. In what ways can the fear experienced by the men with Daniel inform our understanding of the fear of the Lord in our own lives?

3. How can we cultivate a sensitivity to God’s presence and discernment of spiritual realities in our daily walk with Him?

4. What are some modern-day situations where God might reveal something to one person and not to others, and how should we respond to such revelations?

5. How can we encourage others who may not have the same spiritual experiences as we do, while still affirming the truth of our own encounters with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 9
The conversion of Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus, where those with him heard a sound but saw no one, similar to the men with Daniel who did not see the vision.

Exodus 20
The fear of the Israelites at Mount Sinai when God’s presence was manifested, illustrating the common biblical theme of human fear in the presence of the divine.

Matthew 17
The Transfiguration of Jesus, where only Peter, James, and John witnessed the vision, while others were not present, showing selective revelation.