Prophetic revelation is often a deeply private and internal encounter, capable of unfolding even when a prophet is surrounded by companions who remain completely unaware of the event. Daniel experiences such a vision entirely alone, as it is not a physical sight perceived with human eyes, but rather a profound internal revelation [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].
The identity of the men standing beside him is a matter of discussion. The primary approach among commentators, drawing on Rabbinic tradition, identifies these companions as the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Another perspective suggests they were Daniel’s lifelong friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Regardless of their identity, their inability to see the vision stemmed from differences in spiritual readiness and standing. Daniel was fully prepared to receive the prophecy, whereas his companions were not ready at that specific moment [יוסף אבן יחיא], and the message was simply not directed toward them [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Moreover, even if his companions were indeed prophets themselves, Daniel possessed a higher prophetic capacity for experiencing face-to-face revelations [מלבי״ם].
Despite being blind to the vision, a sudden and overwhelming terror gripped the men. This raises the question of how a person can be terrified by something they cannot even see. The commentators explain that because these men possessed immense spiritual stature, they could vaguely sense the heavy dread filling the air around them [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This phenomenon is rooted in a deep spiritual principle. Even when a person's physical eyes fail to witness a terrifying presence, their higher spiritual self in heaven perceives the vision. This unseen awareness triggers a powerful reaction of panic and anxiety deep within the subconscious [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Overwhelmed by this sudden, unexplainable dread, the companions quickly fled, seeking refuge in a hidden place to conceal themselves from the unseen terror [מצודת דוד].