דניאל, פרק ט׳, פסוק כ״ב

A heavenly messenger approaches Daniel to deliver a divine message meant to enlighten him. The primary approach among commentators is that the angel's role is to explain this message clearly, ensuring Daniel fully grasps its meaning. However, a unique perspective suggests that the initial moment of realization actually belongs to the angel himself. As he flies on his mission, the angel does not seem to know Daniel's exact location. It is only upon touching him that the angel realizes Daniel is standing there, prompting him to pause and speak [מלבי״ם].

Addressing Daniel, the angel explains that he has departed from the heavenly sanctuary and the angelic realm, sent directly by God's command [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, יוסף אבן יחיא]. His specific purpose is to teach Daniel and provide him with precise insight regarding the time of redemption and the end of the current period of distress [מצודת דוד, יוסף אבן יחיא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This visit serves as a direct response to Daniel's earlier belief that he had already figured out the timeline of events by studying the holy books. The angel clarifies that Daniel's previous calculations were either incomplete or incorrect. He has come specifically to correct these assumptions and grant Daniel the true, accurate understanding of what lies ahead [מלבי״ם].