However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. But the prince of the kingdom of PersiaThis phrase introduces a spiritual being, often interpreted as a demonic entity or fallen angel, who holds influence over the earthly kingdom of Persia. The Hebrew word for "prince" is "śar," which can denote a leader or ruler, both in the physical and spiritual realms. In the context of Daniel, this suggests a cosmic battle between angelic forces, reflecting the belief in spiritual warfare that transcends earthly politics. Historically, Persia was a dominant empire during Daniel's time, and this spiritual "prince" symbolizes the opposition faced by God's people in a world ruled by pagan powers. withstood me
The Hebrew root "ʿāmad" means to stand or take a stand, indicating resistance or opposition. This highlights the reality of spiritual conflict, where even heavenly beings encounter resistance from opposing forces. The imagery of standing against suggests a battle of wills and power, emphasizing the perseverance required in spiritual warfare. This resistance is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, affecting the unfolding of God's plans on earth. twenty-one days
The specific mention of "twenty-one days" underscores the duration and intensity of the spiritual battle. In biblical numerology, the number three often signifies completeness or divine perfection, and seven represents spiritual perfection. Thus, three times seven (21) could symbolize a period of complete spiritual testing or trial. This duration also aligns with Daniel's three-week period of mourning and fasting (Daniel 10:2-3), suggesting that his prayers were part of the spiritual struggle occurring in the heavenly realms. Then Michael, one of the chief princes
Michael is introduced as a significant angelic figure, often associated with protection and warfare on behalf of God's people. The name "Michael" means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew, emphasizing his role as a defender of divine authority. As "one of the chief princes," Michael holds a high rank among the heavenly hosts, indicating a structured hierarchy in the spiritual realm. His intervention signifies the importance of divine assistance in overcoming spiritual opposition. came to help me
The phrase "came to help" reflects the collaborative nature of angelic beings in fulfilling God's purposes. The Hebrew root "bô'" (to come) and "ʿāzar" (to help) together convey the idea of timely intervention and support. This highlights the assurance that God provides aid through His messengers, reinforcing the belief that believers are not alone in their spiritual battles. Michael's assistance underscores the power of divine intervention in overcoming evil. for I had been left there with the kings of Persia
The phrase "left there" suggests a temporary stalemate or holding position in the spiritual conflict. The "kings of Persia" likely refer to other spiritual entities aligned with the prince of Persia, indicating a coalition of opposition forces. This highlights the organized resistance against God's plans, yet also the eventual triumph of divine forces. The mention of being "left" implies that the battle is ongoing, but with the assurance of eventual victory through divine intervention. This serves as a reminder of the persistent nature of spiritual warfare and the need for steadfast faith and prayer. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA prophet and a man of God who is receiving a vision and message from an angelic being. 2. The Prince of the Kingdom of PersiaA spiritual being, likely a demonic force, opposing God's messenger. 3. MichaelAn archangel, described as one of the chief princes, who comes to assist in the spiritual battle. 4. The Kings of PersiaLikely referring to spiritual entities or influences over the earthly kingdom of Persia. 5. The VisionDaniel is receiving a revelation concerning future events and spiritual realities. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual WarfareRecognize that there is a spiritual realm where battles are fought, influencing earthly events. The Role of AngelsAngels, like Michael, are active participants in God's plan, assisting and protecting believers. Perseverance in PrayerDaniel's experience shows the importance of persistent prayer, even when answers are delayed. God's SovereigntyDespite opposition, God's purposes will ultimately prevail, as seen in the assistance provided by Michael. Awareness of Spiritual OppositionBe aware of the spiritual forces that may oppose God's work in our lives and the world. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the spiritual battle described in Daniel 10:13 affect your understanding of prayer and its importance? 2. In what ways can you be more aware of the spiritual forces at work in your life and community? 3. How does the role of Michael in this passage encourage you about God's provision and protection? 4. What practical steps can you take to engage in spiritual warfare, as described in Ephesians 6:12? 5. How can the example of Daniel's perseverance in prayer inspire you in your own prayer life, especially when facing delays or opposition? Connections to Other Scriptures Ephesians 6:12This verse speaks about the spiritual warfare against rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world, which connects to the spiritual battle described in Daniel 10:13. Jude 1:9Michael the archangel is mentioned again, highlighting his role in spiritual warfare. Revelation 12:7Michael and his angels fight against the dragon, illustrating his continued role in spiritual battles. 2 Corinthians 10:4The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power, which relates to the spiritual nature of the conflict in Daniel 10:13. People Belteshazzar, Cyrus, Daniel, Javan, MichaelPlaces Greece, Persia, Tigris River, UphazTopics Angel, Angels, Behold, Beside, Chief, Detained, Heads, Kingdom, Kings, Michael, Over-against, Persia, Persian, Prince, Princes, Resisted, Standing, Twenty, Twenty-one, Withstanding, WithstoodDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 10:13 4111 angels, servants
4116 angels, opposed to God
4121 Satan, enemy of God
4125 Satan, agents of
5459 prince Daniel 10:10-13 4926 delay, human Daniel 10:12-13 4145 archangels Daniel 10:12-14 7217 exile, in Babylon Library November 15. "Oh, Man of Desires" (Margin) (Dan. x. 11).
"Oh, man of desires" (margin) (Dan. x. 11). This was the divine character given to Daniel of old. It is translated in our version, "O man, greatly beloved." But it literally means "O man of desires!" This is a necessary element in all spiritual forces. It is one of the secrets of effectual prayer, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them." The element of strong desire gives momentum to our purposes and prayers. Indifference is an unwholesome condition; indolence and …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Daniel's Band
"O Daniel, a man greatly beloved."--Daniel 10:11. It did not do Daniel any harm to know that he was greatly beloved of God; or else he would not have received that information from heaven. Some people are always afraid that, if Christian people obtain full assurance, and receive a sweet sense of divine love, they will grow proud, and be carried away with conceit. Do not you have any such fear for other people, and especially do not be afraid of it for yourselves. I know of no greater blessing that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 Elucidations.
I. (Greater licence, p. 104.) In this treatise, which is designed to justify the extremes of Montanistic fasts, Tertullian's genius often surprises us by his ingenuity. This is one of the instances where the forensic orator comes out, trying to outflank and turn the position of an antagonist who has gained an advantage. The fallacy is obvious. Kaye cites, in comparison, a passage [1125] from "The Apparel of Women," and another [1126] from "The Exhortation to Chastity." He remarks, "Were we required …
Tertullian—On Fasting. In Opposition to the Psychics Youthful Confessors
'But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink; for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The Blessing it is to the Soul. The Effects of It.
1. I wish I could explain, with the help of God, wherein union differs from rapture, or from transport, or from flight of the spirit, as they speak, or from a trance, which are all one. [1] I mean, that all these are only different names for that one and the same thing, which is also called ecstasy. [2] It is more excellent than union, the fruits of it are much greater, and its other operations more manifold; for union is uniform in the beginning, the middle, and the end, and is so also interiorly. …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away.
There is a time when the spirit of error is going abroad, and truth is questioned, and many are led away with delusions. For Satan can change himself into an angel of light, and make many great and fairlike pretensions to holiness, and under that pretext usher in untruths, and gain the consent of many unto them; so that in such a time of temptation many are stolen off their feet, and made to depart from the right ways of God, and to embrace error and delusions instead of truth. Now the question is, …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life A Sight of the Crowned Christ
(Revelation, Chapter i.) "Since mine eyes were fixed on Jesus, I've lost sight of all beside, So enchained my spirit's vision, Looking at the Crucified." "The Lord Christ passed my humble cot: I knew him, yet I knew him not; But as I oft had done before, I hurried through my narrow door To touch His garment's hem. "He drew me to a place apart From curious crowd and noisy mart; And as I sat there at His feet I caught the thrill of His heart-beat Beyond His garment's hem. "Rare was the bread He broke …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
"I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets." That the saints do not remain insensible, while their bodies are in the dull, but become angels, * see and serve God and bear his messages, and minister to the heirs of salvation, hath been argued from several considerations, in the preceding discourse; but we chiefly depend on revelation. The text and several other scriptures, we conceive to be our purpose, and sufficient to establish our theory, and that the same is illustrated and confirmed …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Doctrine of Satan.
I. HIS EXISTENCE AND PERSONALITY. 1. EXISTENCE. 2. PERSONALITY. II. HIS PLACE AND POWER. 1. A MIGHTY ANGEL. 2. PRINCE OF POWER OF THE AIR. 3. GOD OF THIS WORLD. 4. HEAD OF KINGDOM OF DARKNESS. 5. SOVEREIGN OVER DEATH. III. HIS CHARACTER. 1. ADVERSARY. 2. DIABOLOS. 3. WICKED ONE. 4. TEMPTER. IV. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS SATAN. 1. LIMITED POWER OF SATAN. 2. RESIST HIM. V. HIS DESTINY. 1. A CONQUERED ENEMY. 2. UNDER ETERNAL CURSE. VI. DEMONS. THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN. Throughout the Scriptures Satan is set …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke VII. 36-50. ^c 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. [We learn from verse 40 that the Pharisee's name was Simon. Because the feast at Bethany was given in the house of Simon the leper, and because Jesus was anointed there also, some have been led to think that Luke is here describing this supper. See Matt. xxvi. 6-13; Mark xiv. 3-9; John xii. 1-8. But Simon the leper was not Simon the Pharisee. The name Simon was one of the most common among the Jewish …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Links Daniel 10:13 NIVDaniel 10:13 NLTDaniel 10:13 ESVDaniel 10:13 NASBDaniel 10:13 KJV
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