AN AWE-INSPIRING VISION

Daniel is not disappointed. He goes on to tell us what happens next, saying: "While I myself happened to be on the bank of the great river, that is, Hiddekel, I also proceeded to raise my eyes and see, and here was a certain man clothed in linen, with his hips girded with told of Uphaz." (Daniel 10:4,5) Hiddekel was one of the four rivers that had their source in the garden of Eden. (Genesis 2:10-14) In old Persian, Hiddekel was known as the Tigra, from which came the Greek name Tigris. The region between it and the Euphrates came to be called  Mesopotamia, meaning "Land Between Rivers."  This confirms that  when Daniel receive this vision, he was still in the land of Babylonia, though perhaps not in the city of Babylon.

What a vision Daniel received!  Obviously, he saw no ordinary man when he raised his eyes. Daniel provided this vivid description:  "His body was like chrysolite, and his face like the appearance of lightning, and his eyes like fiery torches, and his arms and the place of his feet were like the sight of burnish copper, and the sound of his words was like the sound of a crowd." -Daniel 10:6.

In spite of the brilliance of the vision, 'the men that happened to be with me did not see the appearance,' said Daniel.  For some unexplained reason, "there was a great trembling that fell upon them, so that they went running away in hiding themselves."  Hence, Daniel was left all by himself on the bank of the river.  The sight of "this great appearance" was so overwhelming that the confessed:  "There was left remaining in me no power, and my own dignity became changed upon me to ruination, and I retained no power." -Daniel 10:7, 8. 

Let us take a closer look at this striking messenger who so frightened Daniel.  He was "clothed in linen, with his hips girded with gold of Uphaz."  In ancient Israel, the high priest's girdle, ephod, and breastpiece, as well as the robes of other priests, were made with fine twisted  linen and were decorated  with gold. (Exodus 28:4-8; 39:27-29)  Thus, the messenger's clothing indicates holiness an dignity of office. 

Daniel was also awed by the appearance of the messenger-the luminous glow of his gemlike body, the blinding radiance of his shining face, the penetrating power of his fiery eyes, and the glitter of his powerful arms and feet.  Even his commanding voice was fear-inspiring. All of this clearly indicates tha the was superhuman.  This "man clothed in linen" was none other than the presence of Jehovah, from which he came forth with a message.

Next time: A "VERY DESIRABLE MAN" STRENGTHENED

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999