“Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you?”
The full verse · Daniel 10:11 · KJV
And he unto me, O , a greatly , the that I unto thee, and : for unto thee am I . And when he had this unto me, I .
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionThe angel’s question serves to prepare Daniel mentally and spiritually for the profound revelations about future events. It is a genuine encouragement to listen carefully, affirming Daniel’s honored status before God and urging him to stand firm in readiness (Daniel 10:11). This highlights the seriousness of divine communication and fits the narrative of revealing God’s sovereign plans.
The Response
What Scripture recordsAn angelic being responded to Daniel, addressing him as ‘highly esteemed’ to prepare him for a significant revelation. The angel instructed Daniel to stand, indicating the importance and solemnity of the message (Daniel 10:11). Daniel, overwhelmed and trembling (Daniel 10:8-9), received this encouragement to focus and listen.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyWiersbe notes that the angel’s respectful address to Daniel confirms the prophet’s honored place before God and encourages him during a moment of overwhelming vision. Henry emphasizes Daniel’s trembling shows human frailty when faced with divine glory, yet the angel’s command to stand reminds us of God’s sustaining strength (Daniel 10:11). This interaction reveals the balance of awe and assurance in God’s revelation. The angel’s words serve as teaching, gently preparing Daniel to receive difficult truths. Like Daniel, believers should listen carefully and stand firm when God speaks, relying on His strength amid spiritual challenges. This passage invites us to approach God’s messages with reverence, courage, and readiness, confident that He honors and empowers His servants (Daniel 10:11; Hebrews 4:16).
Believers today can learn to stand firm and be attentive when God speaks through His Word or Spirit, just as Daniel was encouraged to do (Ephesians 6:13). God honors those who seek Him earnestly, calling them ‘highly esteemed’ (Psalm 138:6). We should not fear divine revelation but approach it with reverence and readiness, trusting God’s purpose for encouragement and instruction (Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 12:28).
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?”
“How can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord?”
“How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?”
“O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”