In the third year of Cyrus (536 BC) Daniel is standing by the banks of the Tigris, when suddenly he receives the revelation of a long period of suffering and persecution. He is so struck by the vision that he fasts and mourns for three weeks. The vision comes shortly after the celebration of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Daniel is so moved that the people around him are terrified by his appearance; they instantly flee, leaving Daniel alone.

Daniel is addressed by someone whom he describes in great detail (10:5–6). The angel has been trying to communi…