Gems of Knowledge

---

Introduction:

Daniel 10 is one of the most stunning and mysterious prophetic passages in all of Scripture. It doesn’t just pull back the veil between heaven and earth—it shows us a breathtaking encounter where the divine meets the frail. For centuries, scholars and students of the Word have wrestled with the question: Who exactly appeared to Daniel in this vision? Was it Jesus, the pre-incarnate Christ? Was it an angel—possibly Gabriel? Or… was it both?

In this teaching, we’ll walk through the chapter with spiritual eyes wide open, considering the possibility that two heavenly beings appeared to Daniel. One glorious and radiant—the embodiment of divine majesty. The other, a faithful messenger, likely Gabriel—sent to deliver a word Daniel had waited weeks to receive. Together, they reveal not only the power of heaven but the order, humility, and mercy of our King.

Let’s explore this step by step (jump links provided):

• Who Did Daniel See?
• A Vision of Glory and Strength
• Two Separate Beings
• A Divine Escort? Why Not?
• Could This Be What Happened?
• A Heavenly Tag-Team?
• Why Would Both Be There?
• Jesus’ Silence
• Daniel’s Perception of the Two Beings
• A Glorious Picture of Heaven’s Order
• Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

Who Did Daniel See?

For centuries, scholars and theologians have wrestled with the mysterious visitation described in Daniel 10. The question remains: Who did Daniel see? Was it Jesus, the pre-incarnate Christ? Was it the angel Gabriel? Or… what if it was both? The text reveals details that hint at something deeper — a heavenly partnership working in perfect unity to ensure God’s message reached His faithful servant.

A Vision of Glory and Strength

In verses 5–6, Daniel describes a radiant man: “clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold… his body was like beryl, his face like lightning, eyes like flaming torches… and the sound of his words like a multitude.” This matches nearly identically with John’s vision of Jesus in Revelation 1. The description is too majestic, too glorious, too divine to be a mere angel. This is none other than Christ — before His incarnation — appearing in His heavenly glory.

But then, in verses 10–14, another figure seems to step forward — one who lifts Daniel to his feet and speaks of being delayed by the prince of Persia for 21 days needing Michael the archangel’s help. This being sounds much more like an angelic messenger — possibly Gabriel — the same messenger God used to speak to Daniel previously (Daniel 8:16, 9:21).

“I have come because of your words… But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days… Michael came to help me…”

Wait — what?

• This being needed help?
• Was delayed?
• Was in conflict with demonic powers?

That doesn’t sound like Jesus! Jesus doesn’t wrestle with demons. He commands them, and they obey.

So here’s what many scholars believe happened:

Two Separate Beings

1. The Glorious Man (vv. 4–6) — Christ, appearing in majesty to affirm Daniel.
2. The Angelic Messenger (vv. 10–21) — Gabriel (most likely), who delivers the actual interpretation and explanation, and who was delayed in battle.

This division explains both why the vision is glorious and overwhelming, but the conversation is practical and delayed. Jesus reveals the glory. Angels deliver the message. God fights the battle – but sometimes angels get caught in the crossfire. That is why Jesus came! To escort Gabriel to Daniel so he could deliver the message without any more delays.

A Divine Escort? Why Not?

Picture it:

• Gabriel is dispatched to bring understanding to Daniel.
• The Prince of Persia (a demonic principality) resists him for 21 days — not a casual delay, but a spiritual standoff.
• Jesus — the Commander of Heaven’s Armies — shows up in full majesty (Daniel 10:5–6), causing men to flee and Daniel to collapse.
• Gabriel finally breaks through and arrives.

So what if…The Lord Himself stepped in — not because He couldn’t defeat the enemy — but to personally ensure that the Word reached the faithful one who was waiting in fasting, prayer and humility?

Now that’s the heart of our God!

This would be consistent with Scripture:

• Exodus 14:14 — “The Lord Himself will fight for you…”
• Daniel 10:21 — Michael is described as “your prince” — but Jesus is the King of Kings.
• Hebrews 1:14 — Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve the heirs of salvation, but Jesus is the One who sends them.

Jesus doesn’t need help winning a battle — but He chooses to show up in the fire with us (Daniel 3), to speak comfort on the mountain (Matthew 17), and maybe… just maybe… to escort His messenger and affirm His prophet.

Could this be what happened?

Yes. Very possibly. And wow, does that move my spirit — because it reminds us that…

When God gives you a Word, He will move Heaven and earth to get it to you.

Even if there’s resistance. Even if there’s warfare. Even if it takes time.

He’s not just the Sender of angels — He’s the Faithful Witness who shows up Himself when the time is right.

A Heavenly Tag-Team?

There is a shift in tone and character throughout the chapter.

1. Verses 5–6: Daniel sees a radiant man unlike any other — clothed in linen, gold belt, eyes like fire, voice like a multitude. This strongly resembles the glorified Christ seen later in Revelation 1:13–15.
2. Verses 10–14: Then a hand touches him and a messenger begins to speak. This one says, “I was held up by the prince of Persia” — which suggests a created being like Gabriel, not the all-powerful Son of God.
3. Verses 16–17: Another “one who looked like a man” touches Daniel again, strengthening him.

👉 That could very well imply two heavenly beings present:

• One (likely Gabriel) doing the speaking and delivering the message.
• Another (possibly the pre-incarnate Christ) bringing divine strength and presence.

Why would both be there?

Because the message was that important.

Daniel had set his heart to understand (v. 12), and Heaven responded with more than just an answer — it sent glory. That’s what God does when someone seeks Him with all their heart.

Christ shows up in glory. The messenger shows up with understanding. Together they deliver a divine appointment.

It’s not a contradiction — it’s a collaboration of Heaven’s order.

This answers what many Bible scholars, theologians, and Spirit-led believers have wrestled with:

• The glory doesn’t leave.
• The language shifts.
• The message unfolds.
• And Daniel is caught in the overlap of divine Presence and prophetic Word.

They were both there interacting with Daniel throughout the entire vision. But why doesn’t Jesus speak again after verse 9?

Jesus’ Silence

Perhaps there were two reasons why Jesus remained silent throughout the remainder of the vision:

1. Silence as compassion on Daniel
2. Jesus Doesn’t Override – He strengthens

Silence as Compassion: Daniel says in verse 9: “when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and kay there with my face to the ground.” The sheer power of Christ’s voice overwhelmed him to the point of unconsciousness. Perhaps Jesus’ silence wasn’t disinterest, but mercy. He knew the effect His presence and voice had on Daniel and restrained Himself out of love. Like the gentle Shepherd He is, He stood by silently, allowing Daniel to receive the message in a way he could endure.

Jesus Doesn’t Override — He Strengthens: Rather than override the angelic messenger, Jesus allowed the one assigned to finish the mission. He didn’t strip away the responsibility because of difficulty. Instead, He stood by in power, giving strength and support — ensuring the message would not fail.

This reflects how He works with us today. – He assigns callings. – He stands by us. – He strengthens us to finish what He’s called us to do. – He doesn’t remove the mission when it’s hard — He comes to help us overcome.

Daniel’s Perception of the Two Beings

As the scene unfolds, Daniel speaks to “the one who looked like a man,” yet also refers to “the one standing before me.” The language indicates two beings — a radiant divine figure and an angelic speaker. Even more telling is Daniel’s plea in verse 19:

“Please speak to me, my lord, since you have given me strength.”

But the Messenger had already been speaking to Daniel — so why would he say that?

Because Daniel wasn’t talking to the Messenger anymore. He was now directing his request to the One who strengthened him — the One who looked like a man, who touched his lips, who brought him to his feet, who didn’t say much… yet was unmistakably present. Perhaps Daniel, still trembling and undone, longed to hear Jesus Himself speak again.

A Glorious Picture of Heaven’s Order

This moment in Scripture is a stunning portrayal of how God operates:

• Jesus is present, powerful, and compassionate.
• Angels are assigned, commissioned, and aided.
• Humanity is strengthened, honored, and not alone.

It reminds us that heaven fights for us in ways we can’t see. That when the answers are delayed, it doesn’t mean they’re denied. That Jesus Himself may be standing beside the battle, unseen, ensuring your strength and the message’s delivery.

Conclusion: You’re Not Alone

Whatever battle you face, you can trust that you are not alone. Christ has not only sent the help — He stands by the messenger. He stands by you. He won’t override your mission, but He will strengthen you to finish it.

Just like Daniel — trembling, overwhelmed, and unable to stand — you will be touched, lifted, and empowered by heaven. Because there were two then… and there are two now: His Word and His Presence. His help and His hope. His messenger and His Majesty.

He’s with you. He’s for you. He’s faithful.

And He will ensure the message gets through. Amen. 🙏

To read more Mining the Word in-depth Bible Studies click here.