דניאל, פרק י׳, פסוק ה׳

A nighttime prophetic vision reveals the appearance of a supreme and extraordinary figure. This revelation represents a level of prophecy far higher than those experienced by earlier biblical leaders such as Gideon and Manoah [אבן עזרא]. The being appears as a solitary man, perfect and entirely unique in form, which some interpret as a profound allegory for God Himself [יוסף אבן יחיא].

The appearance of this figure is defined by his distinct clothing, specifically garments of pure white linen [רש״י, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This attire goes beyond a simple physical description and carries deep symbolic meaning. The white linen represents an absolute purity, completely removed from physical matter, and serves as a reflection of divine kindness and mercy [מלבי״ם]. On an allegorical level, these garments symbolize God, who wraps Himself in light as though it were a piece of clothing [יוסף אבן יחיא].

Around the middle of the figure rests a striking belt. The primary approach among commentators is that this belt is forged from the finest, purest gold [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ], with some detailing that it is perfectly round in shape [אבן עזרא]. A differing perspective suggests that the belt is not simply gold, but a rich cluster of pearls and precious stones set within it [רש״י].

This golden belt serves a profound spiritual purpose, dividing the figure into two distinct halves. While the upper half of the figure embodies kindness, the golden lower half represents the attribute of strict justice directed toward creations in the earthly realms [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, the pure, unblemished nature of the golden belt points to the angelic realm. Just as a belt holds tight to the body, the angels, who are completely free of physical matter, cling to God and follow His command, acting as a divine belt wrapped securely around Him [יוסף אבן יחיא].