2. Daniel wrote:For three weeks I was in sorrow.
3. I ate no fine food or meat, I drank no wine, and I put no olive oil on my face or hair.
4. Then, on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was standing on the banks of the great River Tigris,
5. when I looked up and saw someone dressed in linen and wearing a solid gold belt.
6. His body was like a precious stone, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming fires, his arms and legs like polished bronze, and his voice like the roar of a crowd.
7. Although the people who were with me did not see the vision, they became so frightened that they scattered and hid.
8. Only I saw this great vision. I became weak and pale,
9. and at the sound of his voice, I fell face down in a deep sleep.
18-19. The angel touched me a second time and said, “Don't be frightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong.”At this, I regained my strength and replied, “Please speak! You have already made me feel much better.”
20. Then the angel said:Now do you understand why I have come? Soon I must leave to fight against the guardian angel of Persia. Then after I have defeated him, the guardian angel of Greece will attack me.
21. I will tell you what is written in The Book of Truth. But first, you must realize that no one except Michael, the guardian angel of Israel, is on my side.