1. A time of reflection, vv. 1-3. Daniel spent three weeks fasting, praying and mediating upon the word of God.
2. A time of revelation, vv. 4-9. The Son of God appeared to him in pre-incarnate form. His appearance was so extraordinary that when Daniel saw Him, he fell on his face, prostrate before the Lord of glory.
3. A time of reassurance, vv. 10-21. Christ sent a messenger to Daniel to encourage and strengthen His faithful servant. The angel promised that the prophet would be shown and made to understand "the scripture of truth," that is, the eternal purpose of God toward His chosen people.