Daniel 9:20–11:1
Confidence given
It is encouraging to me that Daniel was not perfect. Up to now, most of what we have read about Daniel suggests he was faultless. However, here we read: ‘I was pouring out my heart, baring my sins and the sins of my people’ (9:20, MSG). Yet, as soon as he began to pray an answer was given and he is called ‘highly esteemed’ (v.23; 10:11): ‘You are much loved!’ (9:23, MSG).
The vision and the prophecy, like so many prophecies, have different layers of fulfilment. There is the immediate historical fulfilment and there is a long-term fulfilment.
The long-term fulfilment was in the death of Jesus. He is the one ‘to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness’ (v.24). He is the anointed one (Luke 4:18). He is the one who will return and the end will come like a flood.
Jesus echoed these words to his disciples when speaking about the struggles that his followers would face after he had gone, and until his final return (see Matthew 24:6,8,15–16). They are partly fulfilled whenever someone sets themselves up against God, from Roman Emperors to Stalin, and will one day be fulfilled in Jesus’ final victory over evil.
Daniel has a vision, which, when read through the lens of the New Testament, we understand to be a vision of Jesus: ‘I looked up and to my surprise saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body was hard and glistening, as if sculpted from a precious stone, his face radiant, his eyes bright and penetrating like torches, his arms and feet glistening like polished bronze, and his voice, deep and resonant, sounded like a huge choir of voices’ (Daniel 10:5–6, MSG).
This is very similar to the description of Jesus in Revelation 1:12–18. When Daniel sees this vision of Jesus he ‘went weak in the knees, the blood drained from [his] face’ (Daniel 10:8, MSG).
As Daniel humbles himself he receives reassurance. A voice tells him, ‘Relax, Daniel… don’t be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard’ (v.12, MSG).
The vision continues and Daniel describes how he ‘was surprised by something like a human hand that touched [his] lips.’ He goes on, ‘I opened my mouth and started talking… this humanlike figure touched me again and gave me strength. He said, “Don’t be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be all right. Take courage. Be strong.” Even as he spoke, courage surged up within me. I said, “Go ahead, let my master speak. You’ve given me courage”’ (vv.15–19, MSG).
When Jesus touches your lips, you are given the confidence and ability to speak (v.16). When Jesus touches your body, you are given the confidence and strength to act (v.18).
The message given to Daniel is, ‘Do not be afraid... Peace! Be strong’ (v.19). This confidence comes to you because Jesus gives you boldness, peace and strength.
Lord, I desperately need the presence of Jesus with me. Help me to understand your word and to humble myself before you (v.12). Give me confidence in your presence. Please touch my lips and give me the confidence and ability to speak your words. Please touch my body and give me the confidence and strength to act. Take away my fears and give me your peace.