Welcome back to another episode of NachDaily with Doniel, chapter 10. The main theme in this chapter is the angel Gavriel approaching Doniel to tell him about the end of days.

[May this segment be a merit for the aliyas neshamos of Raizel bas

Moshe and Avraham Aharon ben Yisroel Yitzchok.]

This vision took place in the 3rd year of the reign of King Cyrus (Koresh). Doniel was plunged into a state of mourning and fasting for 3 weeks.

Rashi explains that this was because Cyrus had given the Jews permission to rebuild the second Beis Hamikdash, but then revoked it. We’ll be learning more about this when we begin Sefer Ezra next.

At the end of his fast, on the 24th of Nissan, an angel appeared to Doniel while he was on the Chidekel River, which the Living Nach refers to as the Tigres River.

Interestingly, some of the Meforshim point out that if Doniel was fasting during this time period he wouldn’t have been able to use matza and wine on Pesach. The Living Nach notes that this may have served as precedence for the Jews in Persia in the time of Mordechai and Esther, who fasted on the first night of Pesach.

When Doniel looked up, he saw a man dressed in white linen, covered in gold; his body had an aquamarine color, with bronze looking arms and legs. His face appeared like lightning, his eyes looking like fiery torches. This was none other than Gavriel.

Although Doniel was with other people, he was the only one to see the vision. The people he was with sensed something unusual, and all fled trembling, leaving Doniel alone.

The Gemarah Megila 3a brings that Doniel was with Chaggai, Zecharya and Malachi, who were all neviim. Doniel, who was not a prophet, was the only one able to see the vision. His greater gift of insight and clarity allowed him to see what they couldn’t.

Doniel describes that he was drained of all his energy, feeling extremely weak and frightened, falling to the ground. The angel’s hand lifted him to his feet. He told Doniel not to fear and stand up! The angel came to Doniel because he was an “Ish Chamudot, beloved man,” which is the nickname given to him by Chazal.

Gavriel told Doniel that the heavens have been watching him since he began fasting, and that he was sent in response to Doniel’s tefilah and fasting.

The angel continues telling Doniel that he would have come earlier, but that he had been fighting with the ministering angel of Persia, who wouldn’t let him go for 3 weeks. Now that he is free, he came straight to Doniel to explain what will happen at the end of days.

Then angel Gavriel changed his form to appear like a human. R’ Saadya Goan points out that he did this so as to not overwhelm Doniel. He touched Doniel’s lips. Doniel humbly began to speak, “How can I speak to an angel sent by my Master? I’ve been sapped of all my energy from this experience.”

Gavriel reiterated that he should not be afraid. Come to your senses and be strong!

The conversation is cut short. Gavriel said that he must return to fight against the ministering angel of Persia in the battle with the ministering angel of Greece in heaven. However, he said, I’ve come to tell you the truth. No one stands strong with me other than Michoel, but I will return and speak to you later.

That’s the end of this awesome perek. Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily, when we will learn what Gavriel began to tell Doniel about the end of days.

The next three perakim are all one vision, ending the sefer. We hope to move on to Ezra next.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.