The angel here states the unexpressed question that must have been uppermost in Daniel’s mind. The prophet’s great burden was for the speedy and complete restoration of the Jews (see on Dan. 10:2). True, the decree of Cyrus had already been passed (Ezra 1:1; cf. Dan. 10:1), but much remained to be done. After the long, intricate recital of future events under which the people of God were to suffer, the prophet was naturally anxious to know how long “these wonders” would continue, and when the promise that “thy people shall be delivered” (Dan. 12:1), would be fulfilled. Daniel did not fully understand the relationship of what he had seen to the future. A portion of the prophecy was sealed and would be understood only at “the time of the end” (Dan. 12:4).

 Daniel had seen this heavenly Being at the beginning of his vision (see ch. 10:5, 6).

 The casualness with which Daniel refers to “the river” (v. 5) and “the man clothed in linen,” without making fuller identification, strongly suggests that ch. 10, where these both are introduced, is a part of this same vision.