The answer is: He felt ill and weak

Daniel 10:8

In Daniel 10:8, we see Daniel having quite a dramatic reaction to his stunning vision by the river Hiddekel, which is more commonly known today as the Tigris River. One of the fascinating aspects here is the intensity of the experiences that Daniel goes through, adding layers to his already rich character. When he felt ill and weak, it was likely a physical manifestation of the emotional weight that had enveloped him—a shocking and supernatural encounter that left many, including him, shaken to their core.

His physical reaction might echo the experiences of others in Scripture. For example, when Isaiah received a vision of God’s glory in Isaiah 6, he cried out that he was “ruined” because he was a man of unclean lips. This sense of overwhelming awe and fear at God’s presence is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, creating a coherent string of believers who respond similarly when they witness something truly divine.

Just to put Daniel's reaction in context, visions in ancient times were often seen as profound experiences that could alter one’s perception of reality. Daniel, known for his spiritual insight and integrity, faced unfiltered raw power in those moments, reminding readers that even the most faithful can feel weak in the face of the divine. Interestingly, what Daniel experienced would have resonated with other biblical figures who found themselves in similar positions before the mighty—the crushing awe before transcendent truth would shape many a powerful story throughout Scripture!