Angels of the Book of Daniel

Angels of the Book of Daniel
Okay, so this is not quite a "white" paper, since there is color involved.

Out of curiosity I have looked into the angels in the visions described in the book of Daniel. In order to piece them together in my mind, I have color coded identities, and a few certain actions. I am no artist, so please excuse the drawings, but I provide them to simply illustrate of the descriptive localions of each identity in relation to Daniel's active descriptions. For the sake of brevity and clarity, I left out unimportant information and performed some amount of paraphrasing of each passage. This is not to be interpreted as the manner in which the scriptures should have been translated, but as mere focus on the actions of the passage subjects.

*Daniel 7:1 Visions upon my head. *Daniel 7:9 Ancient of days sat on throne, which was a burning fire. His clothing white as wool. * Dan 7:10 1,000 1,000's ministering to him. 10,000 10,000's stand right before him. Court took seat, books opened. *Daniel 7:14 Son of man gains access close to Ancient of Days. *Daniel 7:16 I went close to one, request information from him, he made known very interpretation.
Here Daniel sees multiples of 1,000's and 10,000's of angels either serving the Ancient of days, or standing before him. He makes note of one who gains access to the Ancient of days, before which books and court were opened. Apparently this is known as a King's Bench Trial. The one coming in after court was commenced would make it appear that he has not only authorization to do so, but also some important aspect for the judge of the court to consider, not too different from when an earthly judge requests those with some important information to "approach the bench" or up close to them for important information to be discussed freely. And as with any person who is present but unfamiliar with court proceedings, Daniel moves closer to one of those who appears experienced, in this case one of the angels close by, to find out what it all means.

*Daniel 8:1 Vision appearing to me, after one who appeared to me at the start. *Daniel 8:2 I was by watercourse of Ulai. *Daniel 8:13 I got to hear a certain holy one speaking, and another holy one proceeded to say to the particular one who was speaking. *Daniel 8:15 Look! there was standing in front of me someone in appearance like an able-bodied man. *Daniel 8:16 I heard voice of an earthling man in the midst of the Ulai, and he proceeded to call out and say: "Gabriel, make that one there understand the thing seen." *Daniel 8:17 So he came beside where I was standing, but when he came I got terrified so that I fell upon my face. *Daniel 8:18 I had become fast asleep on my face on the earth. So he touched me and made me stand up where I had been standing. *Daniel 8:19 And he went on to say: "Here I am causing you to know what will occur in the final part of the denunciation, because it is for the appointed time of [the] end." *Daniel 8:27 I felt exhausted and was made sick for [some] days. Then I got up and did the work of the king; but I kept showing myself numbed on account of the thing seen, and there was nobody understanding [it].
In this vision Daniel finds himself near the river or canal of Ulai. But the vision did not appear until the angel who "appeared to him at the start" had appeared, likely it is the angel of Daniel 7:16, since that is the first angel with whom Daniel conversed regarding his recorded visions. [Daniel 10:12 seems to indicate that Daniel's "from the first day" was his observable seeking of truth in integrity {Compare 1Corinthians 4:9}, and so does not align with Daniel's use of the phrase "at the start," since the latter is more indicative of Daniels point of reference and not that of the angel's.] During this discourse, it seems that there are either two angels who look like men (compare Genesis 19:1 with 19:5), or two who look like angels, and two others who appear like men are a part of the vision. When one of the apparent men moved closer to Daniel, Daniel fell asleep on his face only to be lifted up again by the apparent men. The one who did this was named Gabriel, who was also causing Daniel to understand the vision, just as the angel had done in the heavenly vision of chapter 7. This last point would seem to tie Gabriel to the one whom Daniel had seen at the start, but it's not conclusive, as the wording here is sufficiently vague.

*Daniel 9:21 While I was yet speaking in prayer, why, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the start, having been made weary with tiredness, was arriving by me at the time of the evening gift offering. *Daniel 9:22 And he proceeded to impart understanding and speak with me and say: "O Daniel, now I have come forth to make you have insight with understanding.
Here we see that the angel Gabriel is identified with the one he saw at the start, which would mean in the vision of chapter 8 there were only two angels, who looked like men. This identity is also tied together with the repeated concept of the one personality who up to this point helps Daniel have insight, or understanding, interpretation. He also stated that Gabriel was the one who made him weary with tiredness from before, which further cinches the identity of one of the apparent men in Daniel 8 as the same as one of the angels. (Daniel 8:18) Here is a revised picture of Daniel's vision at Ulai based upon the new indentity information from Daniel chapter 9. (I have split the identities by supplying both colors of the previous identities.) According to the Insight on the Scriptures, under the entry of "Gabriel" (published 1988 by The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.), the angel Gabriel appeared for a certainty four times in Bible record. Twice Gabriel appeared to Daniel (Da 8:1, 15-26) and (Da 9:1, 20-27). Once to Zechariah the priest, (Lu 1:11-20). And once to Mary, the virgin girl betrothed to Joseph, (Lu 1:26-38).

*Daniel 10:4 Again Daniel finds himself by a river, this time the river Hiddekel. *Daniel 10:5 Daniel sees a man clothed in linen, hips girded with gold. Daniel 10:6 His body like chrysolite, face of lightning, eyes like fiery torches, arms and feet like burnished copper, words like sound of a crowd. *Daniel 10:8 My own dignity changed to ruination, I retained no power. *Daniel 10:9 Hearing the sound of his words; I myself also happened to be fast asleep upon my face, with my face to the earth. *Daniel 10:10 A hand touched me, stirred me up to [get] upon my knees and the palms of my hands. *Daniel 10:11 He said to me: "Have understanding in the words that I am speaking to you, and stand up where you were standing, for now I have been sent to you." I did stand up, shivering. *Daniel 10:12 He went on to say to me: "I myself have come because of your words." *Daniel 10:13 "The prince of Persia was standing in opposition to me for twenty-one days, and, look! Michael, one of the foremost princes, came to help me." *Daniel 10:14 "I have come to cause you to discern" *Daniel 10:15 When he spoke with me, I had set my face to the earth and had become speechless. *Daniel 10:16 One similar to the likeness of the sons of mankind was touching my lips, and I began to speak to the one who was standing in front of me: "I did not retain any power." *Daniel 10:17 "As for me, there kept standing in me no power, and no breath at all was left remaining in me." *Daniel 10:18 The one like the appearance of an earthling man proceeded to touch me again and strengthen me. *Daniel 10:19 Then he said: "Be strong, yes, be strong." And as soon as he spoke with me I exerted my strength and finally said: "Let my lord speak, because you have strengthened me." *Daniel 10:20 He said: "Now I shall fight the prince of Persia. Look! also the prince of Greece is coming." *Daniel 10:21 "I shall tell you the things noted, and there is no one holding strongly with me but Michael, the prince of YOU people."
In this instance the passage seems to start off with only one angel appearing to Daniel. Chapters eight and nine appeared to start off with Gabriel, however in this instance this angel is not mentioned as being "the one at the start." Also his voice resembles more of a commander, much like the one that instructed Gabriel in Chapter 8. (Note footnote on page 203, of the publication "Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!", 1999, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.) Daniel 10:10 is sufficiently vague as to who touched Daniel that it could be either this angel, or another, possibly Gabriel. (Note footnote on page 206 of the publication "Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!") Reasonings can be made that it was the same angel that Daniel was speaking with in this vision, as Daniel mentioned not specifically mentioned any other angel, and in Daniel 10:19 he apparently stated to the angel to whom he was speaking that he (the one speaking) had strengthened him. Alternatively, it could be reasoned that the angel Gabriel was the one who touched him, as Daniel 10:18 describes him in terms similar to Daniel 8:15 and 9:21. Daniel's statement of 10:19 in this vein could easily be resolved in that Gabriel was operating under the direction of the angel, who apparently held an authoritative position over Gabriel. Thus, whether there was two, or one angel present in this instance is left unresolved.
For an interesting discussion over the prince of Persia and Greece, note the box on pages 204 & 205 of the publication "Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!"
Note also that the 1988 reference under "Gabriel" of the publication "Insight on the Scriptures" and the 1999 footnote on page 203, of the publication "Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!" appears to be newer light than the header "Angel Gabriel resisted, aided by Michael" on page 1149 of the "New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures", revised 1984. In a minor sense this could still be accurate, in that if Gabriel is present in this part of Daniel's vision, then the Angel's reference in Daniel 10:13,21 that he remained "beside the kings of Persia," and that "no one was holding strongly with him but Michael" could be in reference to his role as being in command, much as a military General in war will send out a cry for reinforcements using a phrase such as, "I need help here!" And Michael was the only one with sufficient power by holy spirit to overcome the resisting kings. But this is assumptive, and the angel's words do not directly support this possibility, while still allowing for it. The connotation of this angel's words do, however, seem to be on a singular level, so it may well exclude supportive angelic forces being present, such as Gabriel.
Also, since the verbal discourse of the angel continues on through Daniel chapter 12, I peeked ahead to Daniel 12:6 to discover where to place the angel in the picture, which was over the waters.
Linen in reference to holy acts represents righteous acts of holy ones, and can also be indicative of righteous warfare. (Note page 256, reference "Linen", Insight to the Scriptures")
Chrysolite is a semi-precious stone that was used as a reference toward the wheels of Ezekiels vision. (Ezekiel 1:15-21; 10:9) And John saw one of the foundations of the city's walls to be made of this material. (Revelation 21:2,10,14,20) (Note page. 467, reference "Chrysolite", Insight on the Scriptures") It's sufficient to say that this angel gave off the appearance of holiness and righteous activity.

*Daniel 12:1 Michael stands up. *Daniel 12:5 Two others standing, one on the bank here, other on the bank there of the stream. *Daniel 12:6 One said to the man clothed with the linen, who was up above the waters of the stream: "How long to the end?" *Daniel 12:7 I heard the man clothed with the linen, who was up above the waters of the stream, as he proceeded to raise his hands to heaven and to swear : "It will be for an appointed time, appointed times and a half." *Daniel 12:8 I heard, but I could not understand; so that I said: "O my lord, what will be the final part?" *Daniel 12:9 He said: "The words are made secret and sealed up until the time of [the] end." *Daniel 12:13 "As for you yourself; and you will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days."
In this continued part of the Hiddekel vision, Daniel now saw two others besides the one speaking. I assumed one of them could be Gabriel, however there is nothing to indicate that this is so. Also, there is no indication of which one asked the "How long?" question of Daniel 12:6. At one time this angel was thought to have forshadowed Jesus Christ. (note The Watchtower 1951, pg. 406, ¶ 19) However this same angel stated already in Daniel 10:13 that he was assisted by Michael, so the identity of Michael, a.k.a. Jesus Christ in his heavenly form, is fixed outside of this angel. Which goes along with the footnote on page 203 of the publication "Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!" (For a full accounting on how Michael and Jesus are linked as the same personality can be found on pg. 393 under the reference to "Michael" in the "Insight on the Scriptures")
In this instance, Daniel is not made to understand what the events mean, unlike the previous visions. Also, he is told he will rest, unlike previous visions where he was made to sleep, then revitalized. It is highly probable this forshadowed his sleeping in death, as Daniel 12:13 indicates his resurrection "at the end of the days." Since the resurrection does not occur during the "time of the end", then the "end of the days" must be a reference to another set of "days." Which day will the resurrection occur in, but none other than that day of the great sabbath, that of the seventh 1,000 year day since Adam's Creation, of the seventh creative day? (The Watchtower, 1968, pg. 272-273; Luke 6:5; Hebrews 4:4-11; 2Peter 3:8) So in this sense, Daniel will be revitalized and "stand up for his lot" "at the end of [both] the [one thousand year and the creative] days."

At this point, I will take the scriptures, and reinstert the identities of each angel for easier traceability:

*Daniel 7:1 Visions upon my head. *Daniel 7:9 Jehovah sat on throne, which was a burning fire. His clothing white as wool. * Dan 7:10 1,000 1,000's ministering to him. 10,000 10,000's stand right before him. Court took seat, books opened. *Daniel 7:14 Michael (a.k.a. Jesus) gains access close to Jehovah. *Daniel 7:16 I went close to Gabriel, request information from him, he made known very interpretation.

*Daniel 8:1 Vision appearing to me, after Gabriel [who had] appeared to me at the start. *Daniel 8:2 I was by watercourse of Ulai. *Daniel 8:13 I got to hear Gabriel speaking, and AngelX proceeded to say to the Gabriel who was speaking. *Daniel 8:15 Look! there was standing in front of me Gabriel in appearance like an able-bodied man. *Daniel 8:16 I heard voice of AngleX in the midst of the Ulai, and he proceeded to call out and say: "Gabriel, make that one there understand the thing seen." *Daniel 8:17 So he came beside where I was standing, but when he came I got terrified so that I fell upon my face. *Daniel 8:18 I had become fast asleep on my face on the earth. So Gabriel touched me and made me stand up where I had been standing. *Daniel 8:19 And he went on to say: "Here I am causing you to know what will occur in the final part of the denunciation, because it is for the appointed time of [the] end." *Daniel 8:27 I felt exhausted and was made sick for [some] days. Then I got up and did the work of the king; but I kept showing myself numbed on account of the thing seen, and there was nobody understanding [it].

*Daniel 10:4 Again Daniel finds himself by a river, this time the river Hiddekel. *Daniel 10:5 Daniel sees AngelX clothed in linen, hips girded with gold. Daniel 10:6 His body like chrysolite, face of lightning, eyes like fiery torches, arms and feet like burnished copper, words like sound of a crowd. *Daniel 10:8 My own dignity changed to ruination, I retained no power. *Daniel 10:9 Hearing the sound of his words; I myself also happened to be fast asleep upon my face, with my face to the earth. *Daniel 10:10 [Someone's] hand touched me, stirred me up to [get] upon my knees and the palms of my hands. *Daniel 10:11 AngelX said to me: "Have understanding in the words that I am speaking to you, and stand up where you were standing, for now I have been sent to you." I did stand up, shivering. *Daniel 10:12 He went on to say to me: "I myself have come because of your words." *Daniel 10:13 "The prince of Persia was standing in opposition to me for twenty-one days, and, look! Michael, one of the foremost princes, came to help me." *Daniel 10:14 "I have come to cause you to discern" *Daniel 10:15 When AngelX spoke with me, I had set my face to the earth and had become speechless. *Daniel 10:16 [Possibly Gabriel] or AngelX similar to the likeness of the sons of mankind was touching my lips, and I began to speak to AngelX who was standing in front of me: "I did not retain any power." *Daniel 10:17 "As for me, there kept standing in me no power, and no breath at all was left remaining in me." *Daniel 10:18 Either [possibly Gabriel] or AngelX the having the appearance of an earthling man proceeded to touch me again and strengthen me. *Daniel 10:19 Then he said: "Be strong, yes, be strong." And as soon as AngelX spoke with me I exerted my strength and finally said: "Let my lord speak, because you have strengthened me." *Daniel 10:20 He said: "Now I shall fight the prince of Persia. Look! also the prince of Greece is coming." *Daniel 10:21 "I shall tell you the things noted, and there is no one holding strongly with me but Michael, the prince of YOU people."

*Daniel 12:1 Michael stands up. *Daniel 12:5 [Possibly Gabriel] and a new second other angel are seen standing, one on the bank here, other on the bank there of the stream. *Daniel 12:6 Either [possible Gabriel] or the new Angel2 said to AngelX clothed with the linen, who was up above the waters of the stream: "How long to the end?" *Daniel 12:7 I heard the man clothed with the linen, who was up above the waters of the stream, as he proceeded to raise his hands to heaven and to swear : "It will be for an appointed time, appointed times and a half." *Daniel 12:8 I heard, but I could not understand; so that I said: "O my lord, what will be the final part?" *Daniel 12:9 He said: "The words are made secret and sealed up until the time of [the] end." *Daniel 12:13 "As for you yourself; and you will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days."