Daniel 10:10-11
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The text emphasizes Daniel's profound weakness, not just by trembling, but by being set in a posture of partial recovery – "upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands." This detail shows he wasn't immediately restored to full strength, but rather received just enough touch to be partially upright, still weak and dependent. It highlights how even divine encounters can reveal our human frailty, requiring a gradual restoration rather than instant completeness.
And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Daniel has just witnessed a terrifying, glorious vision of a divine being that left him weak and trembling on the ground. This angelic messenger, despite the prophet's profound distress, gently touches him, not to fully restore him to his feet, but to move him into a more stable, though still humbled, position on his knees and hands. The angel's touch signifies the beginning of a divine communication, assuring Daniel that his heartfelt prayer and fasting have been heard by God, initiating the revelation that follows.
Daniel has just had an overwhelming vision of a glorious being. But it's a simple touch that profoundly impacts him, showing us the intensity of divine encounters.
The text says, "a hand touched me." This wasn't just any touch; it was from a celestial being, described in the preceding verses as incredibly radiant and powerful. Even though Daniel had already fallen in fear, this touch didn't instantly restore him to a standing position. Instead, it brought him to a trembling state on his hands and knees.
A Gradual Restoration
The Hebrew word used here suggests not just being placed, but being made to 'reel' or 'totter.' This wasn't a sign of weakness in the angel's touch, but a profound, almost overwhelming, physical response in Daniel. Imagine a powerful current passing through a fragile circuit – it works, but the effect is intense.
This emphasizes the immense power of the divine presence. Even a partial restoration of strength, moving from a full prostrate position to hands and knees, was a significant act. It shows that God's power often works progressively, meeting us where we are.
Why 'a hand'? The Bible often uses the 'hand' to represent God's direct action and authority. What does this specific touch signify for Daniel?
The phrase 'a hand touched me' is significant. While commentators suggest it belonged to an attendant angel, possibly Gabriel, the 'hand' itself is a potent symbol.
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In Scripture, 'the hand of the Lord' often signifies His direct intervention, His power, and His creative or redemptive acts (like the Exodus). Even when it's an angel's hand, it functions as the visible instrument of God's power and will.
Restoration and Authority
This touch served a dual purpose: it communicated immense power, causing Daniel's profound reaction, but it also began the process of restoration. It’s an authoritative touch that brings order from chaos, gently lifting Daniel from his complete collapse. It assures Daniel that though the vision was terrifying, he is not abandoned.
Understand the original words
chamudoth · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Refers to one who is the object of divine favor or affection. In this context, it signifies a person chosen by God to receive divine revelation and favor.
ra'ad · Hebrew Verb
A state of agitation or shaking often caused by the presence of the divine or the overwhelming weight of a vision from God. It signifies the creature's reaction to the holiness and power of the supernatural.
The angel's touch in Daniel 10:10 isn't just a physical contact; it's a divine act that re-energizes a prophet deeply moved by his prayer for his people and the weighty visions of future empires.
c. 553 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
King Nebuchadnezzar has a profound dream about a statue made of different metals, which Daniel interprets. This dream sets the stage for understanding future empires and God's ultimate kingdom.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Babylonian Empire, where Daniel has served for decades, falls to the Persians under Cyrus the Great. This marks a significant shift in world power and impacts the Jewish people's status.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
King Cyrus issues an edict allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This ushers in a new era of hope and challenges for the returned community.
c. 536 BC - 516 BC
Rebuilding the Temple
The foundation of the Second Temple is laid, but progress is slow due to opposition and hardship. This period of struggle and perseverance sets the backdrop for Daniel's deep concern for his people's future.
c. 538 BC— this verse
Daniel's Prayer for Jerusalem
In response to the Edict of Cyrus, Daniel begins a period of intense prayer and fasting, deeply concerned about the timing and fulfillment of prophecies regarding Jerusalem and his people.
Daniel 10:10-19
Angel's Touch and Reassurance
An angelic being, likely Gabriel, touches the overwhelmed prophet Daniel, giving him strength and reassuring him not to fear. This divine touch restores Daniel's ability to receive God's message.
This passage describes Ezekiel's overwhelming vision of God, where he falls on his face, mirroring Daniel's reaction to a divine encounter.
Matthew 17:6When Jesus is transfigured, the disciples fall on their faces in fear, illustrating how the proximity of divine glory can bring about a physical response of awe and terror.
Isaiah 6:5Similar to Daniel, Isaiah reacts to his vision of the Lord by crying out, 'Woe is me! For I am a man of unclean lips,' showing a profound sense of unworthiness in the face of holiness.
Luke 5:8Peter's response to Jesus' miraculous catch of fish is to fall at Jesus' knees, exclaiming 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord,' highlighting the overwhelming realization of sinfulness in God's presence.
ellicottDaniel 10:10: "And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands."
(10) An hand.— This hand was that of the person who appeared, but it is spoken of as “felt,” not as seen. But though supported by this hand, the prophet is unable to stand upright. He crouches in a terrified posture. It should be noticed that the equivalent of “set” is translated “scatter” ( Psalm 59:11 [12]). It is used in the same sense in the passage before us. (See Amos 9:9 .)
jfbDaniel 10:10: "And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands."
- an hand—namely, of Gabriel, who interpreted other revelations to Daniel (Da 8:16) [Theodoret].set me upon my knees—Gesenius translates, "cause me to reel on my knees," &c.
The text emphasizes Daniel's profound weakness, not just by trembling, but by being set in a posture of partial recovery – "upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands." This detail shows he wasn't immediately restored to full strength, but rather received just enough touch to be partially upright, still weak and dependent. It highlights how even divine encounters can reveal our human frailty, requiring a gradual restoration rather than instant completeness.
Daniel has just witnessed a terrifying, glorious vision of a divine being that left him weak and trembling on the ground. This angelic messenger, despite the prophet's profound distress, gently touches him, not to fully restore him to his feet, but to move him into a more stable, though still humbled, position on his knees and hands. The angel's touch signifies the beginning of a divine communication, assuring Daniel that his heartfelt prayer and fasting have been heard by God, initiating the revelation that follows.
Daniel has just witnessed a terrifying, glorious vision of a divine being that left him weak and trembling on the ground. This angelic messenger, despite the prophet's profound distress, gently touches him, not to fully restore him to his feet, but to move him into a more stable, though still humbled, position on his knees and hands. The angel's touch signifies the beginning of a divine communication, assuring Daniel that his heartfelt prayer and fasting have been heard by God, initiating the revelation that follows.
"And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoke…" — The text emphasizes Daniel's profound weakness, not just by trembling, but by being set in a posture of partial recovery – "upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands." This detail shows he wasn'…
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Last reviewed October 2026
