Daniel 10:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He celebrated the Passover, which occurs in the first month, and he observed a fast until the twenty-fourth day of that same month. His fasting commences on the fourteenth day and lasts from the fourteenth to the twenty-first, followed by two additional days. Observe how the mandates of the law have been set aside. Did not dread cause you to flee, Daniel? No, he replies. Take note of where he has the revelation: in the wilderness, similar to Moses, as the cities are filled with tumult and disorder. Likewise, Christ is transfigured upon the mountain.

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I found myself beside the mighty river, the Tigris. Ezekiel beheld a profound vision amidst the tumult of Hovar (Ezek. 1). As the Lord Savior and John the Baptist witnessed, the heavens were opened at the waters of the Jordan (Matt. 8). Thus, let us silence the clamor of those who, in their quest for shadows and symbols within the truth, strive to distort the very essence of truth. They mistakenly believe that rivers, trees, and paradise must be reshaped according to the principles of allegory.

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month during the third summer, I found myself beside the great river known as the Tigris. It is important to note the month and days of the fast, highlighting the transgressions of the Idaeans. The divine commandment stated that on the fourteenth day of the first month, the Passover should be observed by evening (Exodus 12:6); however, the esteemed Daniel refrained from eating until the twenty-fourth day. If the Jewish authorities claim that he did not partake of the bread due to eating unleavened bread, one must first point out their folly, as bread can indeed be referred to as both leavened and unleavened.