The answer is: He felt ill and weak

Daniel 10:8

When Daniel encountered the vision by the river Hiddekel (which is more commonly known as the Tigris River), his reaction reflects the intense emotional weight of the moments he experienced. Feeling ill and weak, Daniel illustrates the depth of fear and awe that can accompany profound spiritual revelations. It’s not uncommon in biblical narratives for visions to elicit a physical response – just think of Moses, whose encounters with the divine left him transformed and aglow, or Isaiah, who felt wretched upon glimpsing God's glory, exclaiming "Woe is me!"

Daniel's malaise also mounts a testimony to the power and significance of what he encountered. This wasn't just an ordinary dream – it was a divine aphorism requiring both his mind and body to recalibrate in the presence of a celestial message. In the wider tapestry of Daniel, which includes apocalyptic literature, the emphasis on visions portends crucial revelations about life, prophecy, and destiny.

Interestingly, the number of notable figures in scripture experiencing physical exhaustion or stresses during strong encounters could alert us to a universal truth: these experiences, while reverberating with passionate fervor, often leave the human spirit in need of recovery. So, when we explore these prophetic wonders, it's exciting to think about how they intertwine with our own lives, scorching paths toward purpose amid instances when we, too, may find ourselves quite overwhelmed. Daniel invites us to consider that it's okay to pause, rethink, and collect ourselves when grappling with profound truths.