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.
Daniel alone saw the vision while his companions didn't see it but 'a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.' This selective visibility parallels Paul's Damascus road experience (Acts 9:7, 22:9)—the divine encounter affects all present but reveals itself fully only to the chosen recipient. The companions' terror without seeing demonstrates that spiritual realities produce physical/emotional effects even on those not receiving direct revelation. Reformed theology affirms both common and special grace: God's general presence affects all, while special revelation targets specific recipients for specific purposes. The companions' fleeing shows appropriate response to divine presence, even when not fully perceiving it. Daniel's isolation emphasizes his unique prophetic calling.
Historical Context
By this point (c. 536 BC), Daniel had served in Babylon approximately 70 years, from teenager to old age. His companions likely included fellow Jewish exiles—possibly also governmental officials or servants. The selective nature of the vision (Daniel sees, others only sense terror) established prophetic patterns seen throughout Scripture: Moses alone approached the burning bush while shepherds tended flocks nearby; Isaiah alone saw the throne room while Jerusalem bustled around the temple; Paul alone received the Damascus revelation while companions heard sound but saw nothing. This pattern validates genuine revelation's transcendent source—not mass hallucination or natural phenomenon but sovereign divine disclosure to chosen recipients.
Questions for Reflection
What does selective visibility of divine revelation teach about God's sovereign choice in special revelation?
How do the companions' terror without seeing demonstrate spiritual realities affect even those not receiving direct revelation?
Why does God reveal Himself fully to specific individuals while others only sense His presence?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel alone saw the vision while his companions didn't see it but 'a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.' This selective visibility parallels Paul's Damascus road experience (Acts 9:7, 22:9)—the divine encounter affects all present but reveals itself fully only to the chosen recipient. The companions' terror without seeing demonstrates that spiritual realities produce physical/emotional effects even on those not receiving direct revelation. Reformed theology affirms both common and special grace: God's general presence affects all, while special revelation targets specific recipients for specific purposes. The companions' fleeing shows appropriate response to divine presence, even when not fully perceiving it. Daniel's isolation emphasizes his unique prophetic calling.