Daniel 10:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For my comfort, he spoke, "Do not fear." He reassured me, saying, "Do not be afraid, for I bring you hope." From the very first day when you devoted your heart to understanding, your prayers were acknowledged; indeed, your pleas were recognized from the initial day you began to fast, desiring to grasp the realization of your requests. Thus, you consistently remained before your God in supplication. However, I have come in response to your words. I, too, was guided by your prayers to assist in the deliverance of your people, as you requested.

He said to me, Do not be afraid, Daniel: for from the very first day you determined to seek understanding and humbled yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, known as Nisan, after three weeks—specifically twenty-one days—he has this vision and learns from the angel that from the moment he began to pray and humble himself before God, his prayers were acknowledged. One might wonder why an angel was not sent to him right away if he was heard so promptly. The delay served as an opportunity for him to engage in more fervent prayer, encouraging greater longing and effort on his part to be worthy of deeper revelation. The phrase, 'And I came according to thy words,' signifies that once you started to appeal to God's mercy through your good deeds, tears, and fasting, I was also enabled to approach God and intercede for you.

This illustrates the significant benefits that arise from intentional self-denial. Even the esteemed Daniel, by earnestly fasting and seeking the Lord, humbly submitted to His grace and received his heart's request. This truth is confirmed by the messenger who visited him, stating, “From the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.” Moreover, the messenger affirms, “I have come because of your words,” highlighting that his arrival is a direct response to Daniel's prayers and supplications.

I respond therefore. An angel is a servant of God, not yours; thus, do you truly wish for him to approach you as a servant, overlooked in his duty, rather than as a messenger who is rightfully received and welcomed? And how will you prepare to meet him who descends from heaven, if not through elevating your mind and heart to heaven in prayer? "I have come because of your words," declares the celestial messenger to the prophet Daniel (Dan. 10:12), undoubtedly in response to the prayers he offered: through his supplications, Daniel created the pathway, or staircase, that allowed the heavenly envoy to descend to him.