Daniel describes the vision's central figure: "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." This glorious being strongly resembles the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:12-16. "Clothed in linen" suggests priestly garments (Exodus 28:42, Leviticus 6:10)—linen symbolizes purity and holiness. "Loins...girded" indicates readiness for action and strength (Ephesians 6:14). "Fine gold of Uphaz" (possibly Ophir, source of finest gold) emphasizes splendor and value.
The identity of this figure is debated. Some scholars see an exalted angel (possibly Gabriel or Michael); others identify this as a Christophany—pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The strong parallels with Revelation 1 support the Christophany interpretation. Similarities include: appearing in glorious light, having bronze-like appearance (verse 6), causing observers to fall in terror, requiring strengthening touch. Whether angel or Christ, this figure represents divine authority and holiness that overwhelms human capacity to endure.
The appearance of such glory to Daniel demonstrates that God prepares His servants for difficult revelations through encounters with His holiness. Before revealing extended prophecy of conflict and persecution (chapters 11-12), God manifests His glorious power, strengthening Daniel and assuring him of divine sovereignty over all coming events. This pattern appears throughout Scripture—Isaiah's temple vision precedes his prophetic commission (Isaiah 6), Paul's Damascus road encounter precedes his apostolic ministry (Acts 9). Encountering God's glory prepares servants for demanding callings.
Historical Context
Daniel's vision occurred by the Tigris during Passover season (verse 4), after three weeks of fasting and prayer (verses 2-3). This extended spiritual preparation positioned him to receive this overwhelming revelation. Jewish tradition recognized the connection between Daniel's vision and John's Revelation vision, seeing continuity in how God reveals Himself to prophets. Early Christian interpreters often identified this figure as pre-incarnate Christ, understanding Old Testament theophanies as anticipating the incarnation. The vision's location by the Tigris, heart of Mesopotamian civilization, demonstrated God's universal sovereignty—He appears in glory even at centers of pagan power.
Questions for Reflection
How do the parallel descriptions in Daniel 10 and Revelation 1 support identifying this glorious figure as Christ in both pre-incarnate and glorified form?
What does the manifestation of such overwhelming glory before difficult prophecy teach about how God prepares servants for demanding callings?
In what ways does this vision's occurrence by the Tigris—heart of pagan civilization—demonstrate God's universal sovereignty beyond Israel's borders?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel describes the vision's central figure: "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." This glorious being strongly resembles the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:12-16. "Clothed in linen" suggests priestly garments (Exodus 28:42, Leviticus 6:10)—linen symbolizes purity and holiness. "Loins...girded" indicates readiness for action and strength (Ephesians 6:14). "Fine gold of Uphaz" (possibly Ophir, source of finest gold) emphasizes splendor and value.
The identity of this figure is debated. Some scholars see an exalted angel (possibly Gabriel or Michael); others identify this as a Christophany—pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The strong parallels with Revelation 1 support the Christophany interpretation. Similarities include: appearing in glorious light, having bronze-like appearance (verse 6), causing observers to fall in terror, requiring strengthening touch. Whether angel or Christ, this figure represents divine authority and holiness that overwhelms human capacity to endure.
The appearance of such glory to Daniel demonstrates that God prepares His servants for difficult revelations through encounters with His holiness. Before revealing extended prophecy of conflict and persecution (chapters 11-12), God manifests His glorious power, strengthening Daniel and assuring him of divine sovereignty over all coming events. This pattern appears throughout Scripture—Isaiah's temple vision precedes his prophetic commission (Isaiah 6), Paul's Damascus road encounter precedes his apostolic ministry (Acts 9). Encountering God's glory prepares servants for demanding callings.