דניאל, פרק י״ב, פסוק ה׳

Daniel experiences a new heavenly vision unfolding on the banks of a river. The primary approach among commentators is that two additional angels appear in the scene, distinct from the angel who had been speaking with Daniel up to this point. These two heavenly beings position themselves on opposite sides of the Tigris River [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Beyond the literal appearance of these angels, their presence carries a deeper meaning. Some explain that these figures represent the heavenly forces given authority over that specific historical period. They position themselves by the river to ask when the hidden, wondrous events of the future will finally arrive. Because their time in power is strictly limited, they seek to understand exactly when their rule will come to an end [מלבי״ם].

An alternative, allegorical approach views this vision as a reflection of the inner workings of the human mind. In this light, the two figures represent a person's intellect and imagination. They are viewed as distinct and foreign to one another because they act as opposing forces, as the intellect is purely spiritual while the imagination is tied to the physical body. Their stance on the edge of the river illustrates a state of readiness to receive God's abundance, which is compared to the continuous flowing waters [יוסף אבן יחיא].