Daniel 10:10-11
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)
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The text emphasizes that the divine touch didn't immediately restore Daniel to full strength, but rather "set me trembling on my hands and knees." This phrase suggests a partial restoration, enough to move from a completely prostrate state but still leaving him shaky and weak, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the angelic encounter.
Daniel has just seen a terrifying, glorious angelic figure, leaving him weak and unable to stand. This touch from a different, though still powerful, angelic hand gently lifts Daniel from his face-down position, allowing him to regain some composure on his hands and knees. This immediate interaction prepares Daniel to receive the message the angel has been sent to deliver, explaining the divine answer to his earnest prayers and struggles concerning his people.
In moments of divine encounter, we often feel utterly overwhelmed. Daniel's experience here isn't just shock; it reveals our natural state before the Almighty.
When God's presence intensifies, human strength evaporates. Daniel, a man of great spiritual insight and courage, is reduced to a trembling, almost helpless state. He’s not just knocked down; he’s barely able to support himself on his hands and knees.
A humbling posture
This isn't a proud stance of defiance, but one of utter weakness and reverence. The Hebrew word translated as 'set me' can also imply 'to make totter' or 'to move.' It suggests that this touch, while raising him from a fully prostrate position, didn't immediately restore him to full strength. He was still unsteady, still overwhelmed.
This powerfully illustrates how insignificant and fragile we truly are when confronted by the majesty of God.
Though overwhelming, the touch wasn't destructive. It was a precise intervention that prepared Daniel for what was to come.
Even in judgment or overwhelming revelation, God's touch is ultimately life-giving and purposeful. The same power that can reduce Daniel to trembling is also what enables him to receive further instruction.
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A touch of restoration
While Daniel is in a state of terror, the 'hand' that touches him isn't a blow; it's a connection. Commentators suggest this was likely an attendant angel, perhaps Gabriel, whose touch was meant to steady and partially restore Daniel. It’s a demonstration of God’s tender care even amidst terrifying displays of His glory.
This touch communicates strength, albeit gradually. It's a divine enablement, moving Daniel from a state of complete collapse to one where he can begin to receive God’s message.
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.
Daniel's profound vision occurs during the Persian period, a time of hope and restoration after exile, but also one marked by ongoing challenges and uncertainties for the Jewish people in Jerusalem. His overwhelming physical reaction underscores the immense spiritual weight of the heavenly messages he receives.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Babylonian Empire, which had held the Jews in exile for decades, fell to the Persians under Cyrus the Great. This marked a significant political shift in the region.
538 BC
First Jewish Return to Jerusalem
Following Cyrus's decree, a remnant of the Jewish people, led by Zerubbabel, returned to Judah to rebuild the Temple. This marked the beginning of the Second Temple period.
c. 520-515 BC
Rebuilding of the Temple
Despite opposition and delays, the Second Temple in Jerusalem was finally completed and dedicated. This was a crucial moment of national and religious restoration for the returning exiles.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Commission and Return
Ezra the scribe, empowered by the Persian king, led another group of exiles back to Jerusalem, focusing on restoring the Law and religious observance.
c. 445-433 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, received permission to return and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, facing significant opposition from surrounding peoples.
c. 536 BC - c. 445 BC— this verse
Daniel's Prayer and Vision
The prophet Daniel, now an old man living in Babylon or on his return to Judah, fervently prays for understanding concerning the future of his people and the Temple. This prayer leads to a divine revelation.
This passage describes Ezekiel's reaction to a divine vision, where he falls on his face and hears a voice, paralleling Daniel's overwhelming experience of God's presence.
Revelation 1:17John's vision of the glorified Christ results in him falling down as though dead, showing a similar profound physical reaction to divine revelation experienced by Daniel.
Daniel 8:18This verse describes Daniel's prior weakening after a vision from the angel, showing a pattern of intense spiritual experiences causing physical distress in the prophet.
Matthew 28:3-4The guards at Jesus' tomb fall over like dead men when they see the angel and the resurrection, illustrating how the presence of heavenly beings can cause overwhelming fear and incapacitation.
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 that the divine touch didn't immediately restore Daniel to full strength, but rather "set me trembling on my hands and knees." This phrase suggests a partial restoration, enough to move from a completely prostrate state but still leaving him shaky and weak, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the angelic encounter.
Daniel has just seen a terrifying, glorious angelic figure, leaving him weak and unable to stand. This touch from a different, though still powerful, angelic hand gently lifts Daniel from his face-down position, allowing him to regain some composure on his hands and knees. This immediate interaction prepares Daniel to receive the message the angel has been sent to deliver, explaining the divine answer to his earnest prayers and struggles concerning his people.
Daniel has just seen a terrifying, glorious angelic figure, leaving him weak and unable to stand. This touch from a different, though still powerful, angelic hand gently lifts Daniel from his face-down position, allowing him to regain some composure on his hands and knees. This immediate interaction prepares Daniel to receive the message the angel has been sent to deliver, explaining the divine answer to his earnest prayers and struggles concerning his people.
"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 that the divine touch didn't immediately restore Daniel to full strength, but rather "set me trembling on my hands and knees." This phrase suggests a partial restoration, enough t…
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