 1 In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. And the thing was true, and a great conflict. And he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no food for delight, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled. 4 In the twenty fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river that is Tigris, 5 I lifted up my eyes and saw+ a certain man clothed in linen, whose body+ was dressed+ with fine gold of Uphaz. 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face looked like lightning. And his eyes were like lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet in color were like polished bronze, and the voice of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 I, Daniel, alone saw the vision. For the men who were with me did not see the vision. But a great quaking fell on them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me. For my beauty was turned within me to corruption, and I kept no strength. 9 Yet I heard the voice of his words and when I heard the voice of his words, then I was in a deep sleep and my face was on the ground. 10 Behold, a hand touched me and set me shaking on my knees and the palms of my hands. 11 He said to me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you and stand upright. For to you I am now sent. When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, Do not fear, Daniel. For from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard. And I have come for your words. 13 But the ruler of the kingdom of Persia withstood me 21 days. But Michael, one of the chief rulers, came to help me and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is yet for many days. 15 When he had spoken such words to me, I bowed my face toward the ground, and I became silent+. 16 Behold, one looking like the sons of men touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who stood before me, O my lord, my sorrows are turned upon me by the vision and I have kept no strength. 17 For how can the servant of my lord talk with my lord? For as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me, nor is there breath left in me. 18 Then again one like a man in form came and touched me and made me stronger 19 and said, O man greatly beloved, do not fear. Peace to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong. And when he had spoken to me, I was made stronger, and I said, Speak my lord, for you have made me stronger. 20 Then he said, Do you know why I come to you? Now I will return to fight with the ruler of Persia. When I have gone out, the ruler of Greece will come. 21 But I will show you what is written in the scripture of truth. There is no one who holds strongly with me in these things but Michael your ruler.
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