The answer is: He felt ill and weak

Daniel 10:8

When Daniel beheld the stunning vision by the river Hiddekel, his reaction wasn't one of excitement or triumph but deep physical and emotional distress. Picture it: Daniel, a faithful servant in exile, confronted with a divine message that was overwhelmingly intense. It’s possible that he felt the weight of all the challenges facing his people – the oppression they endured, their yearning for freedom, and the hope for restoration. Daniel’s reaction to feeling "ill and weak" serves as a powerful reminder that encounters with the divine are not just thrilling, but can also be deeply humbling.

Interestingly, can you imagine how significant this river must have been? Hiddekel is contemporary Tigris, a river dividing modern Iraq's landscape and historically rich in providing for the Babylonian civilization. Biblical Annie trivia time: the Hiddekel is often mentioned alongside the Euphrates, notably in Genesis 2 as one of the four rivers of Eden. This geographic picture not only roots Daniel in history but showcases the themes of human suffering, persistence, and ultimate hope found throughout biblical narratives.

Also, Daniel's visions often echo the prophecies of other scriptures, especially in revealing deep truths about conflict, divine sovereignty, and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness. Perhaps they challenge us to reflect on how we respond in our lives when faced with difficult truths, urging us to seek clarity while acknowledging our frailty in the face of monumental challenges.