The answer is: He felt ill and weak

Daniel 10:8

In Daniel chapter 10, we find the hero of our story having an intensely emotional and physical reaction to a vision by the river Hiddekel (the Tigris River). Imagine standing at the edge of a magnificent body of water, yet instead of being invigorated by nature, you are overtaken by an almost numbing spiritual sensation. That's precisely what happened to Daniel. He describes feeling weak and ill—a response that signals just how profound and astonishing his vision truly was.

This wasn’t just any casual experience; Daniel was receiving a communication from the divine, and it shows that engaging with the spiritual world can be overwhelming even for the most faithful. The depth of our thoughts and experiences can sometimes be too much to handle, highlighting our humanity. Think of how even some modern mystics and spiritual leaders often describe the transformative power of profound revelations.

Interestingly, Daniel's reaction echoes the experiences of many biblical figures who encountered divine messages. For instance, the great prophet Ezekiel often felt collapsed or heard the voice of God to be powerful enough to struggle against it. Revelatory experiences were a common thread. Daniel's vulnerability also serves as a reminder that feeling weak does not diminish one's spiritual strength; rather, it reveals the complex relationship we have with faith. Daniel’s courage to experience this vulnerability ultimately carried\n him through as he embraced uncertain futures with hope and conviction.