The answer is: A man clothed in linen

Daniel 10:5

In Daniel 10:5, when he sees "a man clothed in linen" by the river Hiddekel, there's so much layered meaning here that makes this moment significant both historically and spiritually. The river Hiddekel, known today as the Tigris, is central to the ancient Near East's culture. This location connects deeply with the theme of revelation and divine encounter that runs through Daniel's narrative.

Clothed in linen, the man Daniel saw symbolizes purity and priestly status. Linen was often used in the garments of both priests and angels—items woven with divine intent. This idea echoes throughout the scriptures, indicating the holiness and authority of the figure. In fact, we can see similar imagery buzz along the pages of Exodus, such as the High Priest's attire which included fine linen, set apart for service to God.

Daniel's encounter also serves as a glimpse into the otherworldly realm. It represents an essential aspect of prophetic literature: the interplay between divine revelation and human history. The fact that Daniel sees this figure while grieving for his people suggests the strong correlation between personal turbulence and profound celestial truths; God meets us often in our moments of turmoil.

Fascinatingly, this “man” shares traits with various angelic figures peppered throughout the Bible. Think Gabriel comforting Mary, or the angel at Jesus’ tomb—mysterious yet powerful. By peeling back these layers, we discover the sweeping depth of how God's plans stretch across time and the unwavering message they hold for humanity, calling us to seek understanding and flesh out the divine in our lives.