² In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. ³ I ate no ^[a]pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

Prophecies Concerning Persia and Greece

^10 (A)Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. ¹¹ And he said to me, “O Daniel, ^(B)man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.

¹² Then he said to me, ^(C)“Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, ^(D)your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. ^13 (E)But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, ^(F)Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.