The answer is: He felt ill and weak

Daniel 10:8

In Daniel 10:8, we see a beautiful yet haunting glimpse into the spiritual struggle that often accompanies profound divine revelations. Daniel is famously connected to several visions and dreams throughout the Book of Daniel, and here, his reaction to the vision by the river Hiddekel (or Tigris) is emblematic of how one may feel overwhelmed in the presence of such profound truths.

Picture this: Daniel, having fasted for three weeks, is finally privy to a heavenly message, leading to feelings of both illumination and dread. He says he felt "ill and weak," showing the weight of the knowledge being bestowed upon him - a reflection of the notion that sometimes, knowledge can be just as burdensome as it is enlightening. This experience isn’t unique just to Daniel; many throughout scripture, upon receiving divine messages, experience trembling or fear. Consider manuscripts of the Old Testament where angels encourage individuals by saying, “Do not be afraid!”

Daniel’s reaction also serves as a compelling reminder that our spiritual journeys often lead us to confront difficult truths and pressing calls to action, and it’s okay to feel a bit overwhelmed. What’s fantastic is that this chronicling serves a deeper purpose; Daniel’s struggles showcase the significant transformation a person can undergo when choosing to embrace spiritual rigor and authenticity. It encourages readers to appreciate not only the message but also the emotional weight that comes with receiving divine insight. Ultimately, our emotional responses to spiritual truths reveal the depth of our engagement with those truths.