Prophecies Concerning Persia and Greece

10 eSuddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, fman greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.

12 Then he said to me, g“Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, hyour words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 iBut the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, jMichael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people kin the latter days, lfor the vision refers to many days yet to come.”

15 When he had spoken such words to me, mI 6turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. 16 And suddenly, none having the likeness of the 7sons of men otouched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision pmy sorrows have 8overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. 17 For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me.”

18 Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 qAnd he said, “O man greatly beloved, rfear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!”

So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”