DAWN
Daily Arts Web Nucleus

\Home\

Discover the Arts! Each day a different image from the Literary, Performing, or Visual Arts representing a portion of Scripture
plus an explanation with links and a discussion forum

2013 April 2



Michael the Archangel (1456)
Jaime Huguet (1415-1492)
Gothic Style
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
Image Source: Wikipedia


     Explanation: Daniel 10 introduces the revelations in the next two chapters by telling of a spiritual breakthrough which came after a 21 day struggle. For Daniel, the breakthrough (a revelation) came after three weeks of prayer, confession, and fasting. For the spiritual being who brought the revelation - - a shining "man clothed in linen," the breakthrough came when he was finally able to come to Daniel and deliver a message from God. This being was hindered from coming to Daniel for the whole 21 days by the "prince of the kingdom of Persia." He was able to get through to Daniel only when Michael, "one of the chief princes," came and helped him. The man clothed in linen enabled Daniel to regain the strength he had lost by his fast; and he told Daniel that after he delivered his message he and Michael would go again to fight the prince of Persia who would be joined by the prince of Greece.
     This chapter is no mere introduction to the next two chapters; it is a revelation in itself - - a revelation of the interplay between prayer (and it's companions - confession and fasting) and the operations of heaven. Also it is a revelation of how things work in the spiritual realm between the angelic and the satanic forces. Although these matters are not fully explained, it is clear that they intertwine and affect one another in powerful ways. From the human standpoint, is abundantly and deeply clear from this example that when we follow the precepts which urge and command intense, pure, and prolonged prayer we engage with spiritual realities which are deeply woven into the fabric of reality. This is a key means which God has ordained to use in the accomplishment of his will - - a thing as necessary to spiritual health as eating is to physical health.


Daniel 10


     1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: 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 pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. 4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon 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 comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
     10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.
     15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. 16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. 17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.
     18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, 19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. 20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. 21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.


Home | DAWN Forum Archive | Site Index

Tomorrow's Picture: TBA

     PARTICIPATION: We have 7 areas available (via email) for your participation. We are accepting contributions for Prose, Poetry, Writers, Visual Artists, Music, DAWN, and ILLUMINATION. DAWN, the page you are presently visiting, features a new image daily and invites discussion of the artist, style, or Biblical subjects depicted. ILLUMINATION features a compact, Illuminated Bible for which we are accepting visual, auditory, musical, and written contributions on any Biblical passage or theme. Our goal is to have a community-made, online, Illuminated Bible.

Please Email Comments, Questions, and Contributions for All Areas To

AD LIB ARTS EMAIL