Movatterモバイル変換

Daniel 8:17,27
So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the endshall be the vision…

Daniel 10:8,9
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…

Luke 9:32
But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

he touched.

Daniel 10:10,16,18
And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees andupon the palms of my hands…

Genesis 15:12
And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

Job 4:13
In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men,

set me upright.

I fell into a deep sleep
Daniel's deep sleep can be understood as a state of overwhelming awe and physical weakness in the presence of divine revelation. This reaction is similar to other biblical figures who encounter the divine, such as Abram inGenesis 15:12 and John inRevelation 1:17. The deep sleep signifies a transition into a visionary state, where Daniel is more receptive to the spiritual truths being revealed.

with my face to the ground
This posture is one of humility and reverence, common in biblical accounts of divine encounters. It reflects Daniel's recognition of his own human frailty in the presence of God's messenger. Similar postures are seen inEzekiel 1:28 andRevelation 19:10, where individuals fall prostrate before divine beings, acknowledging their authority and holiness.

Then he touched me
The touch of the angel signifies divine empowerment and restoration. In biblical narratives, a touch often conveys healing, strength, or commissioning, as seen inIsaiah 6:7 andMatthew 8:3. This touch reassures Daniel, enabling him to receive and understand the vision. It underscores the personal nature of God's interaction with His prophets.

helped me to my feet
Raising Daniel to his feet symbolizes restoration and readiness to receive further revelation. This act of lifting up is a recurring biblical motif, representing God's ability to strengthen and uphold His servants. Similar instances occur inEzekiel 2:2 andActs 9:6, where individuals are empowered to stand and fulfill their divine missions. This phrase emphasizes God's provision of strength and clarity to those He calls.

“While he was speaking with me…”

• Daniel is still hearing the angelic explanation of the ram and goat vision (Daniel 8:15-17). The ongoing conversation underscores that God not only reveals future events but also provides clarity through His messengers (cf.Daniel 9:21;Luke 1:19).

• The phrase highlights Daniel’s attentiveness; he is not drifting into mysticism but engaging with an intelligible message from heaven (Proverbs 2:6).

• Even as Gabriel speaks, the sheer weight of divine revelation is already pressing upon Daniel—preparing us for his physical response.

“…I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.”

• Throughout Scripture, overwhelming encounters with God’s glory often drive people to collapse (Genesis 15:12;Ezekiel 1:28;Revelation 1:17). Daniel’s “deep sleep” is more like a stunned trance than ordinary rest.

• His face-down posture signals reverence and human frailty. Mortal flesh cannot casually absorb heavenly realities (Exodus 33:20;2 Corinthians 4:7).

• The scene reminds us that prophecy is not detached data; it is spiritually weighty, calling for humility before the Lord.

“Then he touched me…”

• Angelic touch often conveys divine strengthening (1 Kings 19:5-7;Isaiah 6:6-7;Daniel 10:10, 18). God does not leave His servants incapacitated; He restores them so they can receive and relay His word.

• The touch marks a transition from helplessness to empowerment, echoing Christ’s later ministry where touch brought healing and courage (Matthew 17:7).

• It also testifies to God’s personal care: the same God who reveals awesome visions stoops to revive His servant (Psalm 103:13-14).

“…helped me to my feet.”

• Standing positions Daniel to listen actively and later write faithfully (Habakkuk 2:1-2). God equips His messenger to fulfill the task, not merely to experience awe (Ezekiel 2:1-2;Acts 26:16).

• Being lifted up prefigures the believer’s own strengthening through grace: though we are dust, God raises us to stand in His presence (Jude 1:24;Ephesians 6:13-14).

• The verse assures readers that prophetic truth, while weighty, is ultimately meant to steady, not crush, God’s people (Isaiah 41:10).

Daniel 8:18 portrays the prophet overwhelmed by the heavenly message, collapsing under its weight, and then revived by angelic touch to stand and receive further revelation. The sequence reveals God’s majesty that humbles, His mercy that restores, and His purpose that enables His servants to stand, listen, and proclaim His infallible word.