Daniel 10:12-21

New Catholic Bible

¹² Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you resolved to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your prayer was heard. It is because of your resolve that I have come to you. ¹³ The prince of the kingdom of Persia thwarted me for twenty-one days, but finally Michael,^[a] one of the chief princes, came to help me. I left him there to confront the prince of the kingdom of Persia, ¹⁴ and I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the final days. For there is yet a further vision for those days.”

¹⁵ While he was speaking these words to me, I prostrated myself on the ground and was speechless. ¹⁶ Then someone who looked like a man touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the person standing before me, “My lord, anguish has overcome me at this vision, and I no longer have any further strength. ¹⁷ How can I, my lord’s servant, speak to you now that I have no strength left in me and my breath fails me?”

¹⁸ The one who looked like a man touched me again and strengthened me, saying, ¹⁹ “Do not be afraid, greatly beloved. You have been specially chosen. Peace be with you. Have courage and be strong.” ²⁰ As he spoke to me, I once again felt strong, and I said, “Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

Then he asked, “Do you know why I have come to you? I must first return to fight against the king of Persia, and when I have overcome him, the prince of Greece will appear. ²¹ But I have been delegated to tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth. There is no one to lend me support except Michael, your prince.