Daniel 10:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.

NIV: but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.

NASB: However, I will tell you what is recorded in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.

CSB: However, I will tell you what is recorded in the book of truth. (No one has the courage to support me against those princes except Michael, your prince.

NLT: Meanwhile, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one helps me against these spirit princes except Michael, your spirit prince.

KJV: But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

NKJV: But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.

Daniel's earlier vision was troubling (Daniel 10:1) and apparently caused him to mourn (Daniel 10:2–3). Comfort came in the form of an angelic messenger (Daniel 10:10–14), probably Gabriel. The response was delayed for three weeks because of an entity called "the prince of the kingdom of Persia" (Daniel 10:13–14, 20). The angel is to explain the last vision in greater detail (Daniel 11:2). Only when Michael—the "archangel" (Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7)—came to help was this angel able to come and minister to Daniel. Michael seems to have special responsibilities regarding Israel (Daniel 12:1).

The angelic speaker promises that what he says comes from "the book of truth." This is not necessarily a literal collection of pages. However, it does evoke the idea of God's ability to remember every detail and decision. For example, Jeremiah 30:11 indicates that the Lord recalls and remembers all His acts of discipline towards Israel. Revelation 5:1–5 mentions a seven-sealed scroll which only Jesus can open; this contains a series of judgments. Other symbolic "books" contains records of individuals' struggles (Psalm 56:8) and beginnings (Psalm 139:16).

God's words are always truth (2 Samuel 7:28; Numbers 23:19). Because of this supernatural encounter, Daniel would learn at least some of what the Lord God has in store for the nation of Israel. That description begins in chapter 11, after a comment (Daniel 11:1) that seems to fit better with the end of this chapter.

Daniel sees a vision of great conflict, which apparently sends him into mourning. Three weeks later, he is stunned by the appearance of a celestial being, most likely the angel Gabriel. Daniel had prayed earlier, and an angel was sent in response. But he was delayed due to a spiritual conflict, which the archangel Michael helped him overcome. Though Daniel is deeply shaken, his visitor provides strength and encouragement so that Daniel can endure the explanations which are about to be given.

The event recorded here occurred in the third year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, around 536 BC. The chapter supplies background to the prophecies detailed in chapters 11 and 12. Daniel received a heavenly visitor, sent to make Daniel understand what Israel will experience in the latter days. Along with chapter 12, this covers the final prophetic vision of Daniel's book.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.