How did Daniel react to the vision by the river Hiddekel?

In the Book of Daniel, we find something that's almost cinematic in nature: a character faced with a supernatural vision that shakes him to his core. After his encounter by the Hiddekel River, Daniel is left not invigorated but rather feeling sick and weakened. There’s a powerful human element here—someone called a prophetic figure, often looked up to, still shows vulnerability.

Now, this adds a fascinating layer. It serves as a reminder that even the most revered figures in so-called holy texts experience fear, confusion, and a physical response to divine encounters. Daniel's illness isn’t just a personal reaction; it positions him in stark contrast to the grandeur of the vision. The Hiddekel itself—identified with the Tigris River—flows through what was once the heart of ancient empires, signifying a place where the earthly meets the divine.

Ever heard of apocalyptic literature? Daniel is often pegged as one of the front runners in this genre. His prophecies echo into the New Testament, attending to notions of divine timing and the struggles against seemingly insurmountable odds. Interestingly, visionary experiences in the Bible carry commonalities with stories in other cultures, often involving physical reactions like anguish or awe. This shared motif invites readers to reflect on how each vision ultimately pushes individuals toward understanding their own humanity and divine favours. It's all connected—striking concept, right?