Definition: In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Daniel 10:1. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious verse! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says that God revealed something very important to Daniel. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia…” – This tells us this is happening after Cyrus was King of Persia. He was a powerful ruler at the time. “…a thing was revealed unto Daniel…” - Daniel was being watched and examined. “…whose name was called Belteshazzar” – This is where it gets a little tricky. "Belteshazzar" is a Hebrew name that means "the one who makes the whole world." It’s a powerful, ancient name, suggesting a significant role. It's important to note this isn't a literal name of a king; it's more symbolic. “…and the thing [was] true…” - This is crucial. The thing revealed was true . It wasn’t just a random observation, but something significant and real. “…but the time appointed [was] long” – This means that this revelation took a very long time. It wasn't an immediate revelation; it unfolded over many years. “and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.” - Daniel was able to grasp the meaning of what was revealed. He had a profound understanding of it – it was complex and involved a lot of detail. So, putting it all together: God showed Daniel a very detailed, long-term vision about a future kingdom and a powerful ruler named Belteshazzar. Daniel understood this vision fully, and it gave him a deep sense of understanding about God’s plan for the world. What does this mean in a broader context? This passage is often interpreted as a sign that God is working through His chosen people, especially Daniel, to reveal His will and purpose. It suggests a period of significant divine intervention. It's also a reminder that God’s plans are sometimes complex and unfold over long periods. Important Note: This verse is incredibly symbolic and open to interpretation. There have been different interpretations throughout history. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind the name Belteshazzar? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme (like prophecy)?