This verse is a unique look "behind the scenes" into the spiritual realm. It comes across like an obscure reference spoken by an expert to a layman. Occasionally, a medical doctor, lawyer, technician, or mechanic will use "working language" around those who don't know that subject intimately. When that happens, a non-expert might understand a portion of what's said; the rest goes over their head. The statement made in this verse has the same flavor: the angel is speaking about something which mortals, such as Daniel, can only vaguely grasp.

The basic message given is clear; what's obscure is the precise meaning of these phrases. The speaker, likely the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26), has come to Daniel three weeks after he saw another vision (Daniel 10:1–6). Here, this being explains why he is arriving now. Daniel's prayers were heard as soon as he began praying, twenty-one days before the angel appeared (Daniel 10:1–9). Yet the angelic response was delayed. The explanation given here is that the angel was obstructed somehow. Blame is assigned to "the prince of the kingdom of Persia." This stalemate lasted until the angel Michael came to assist.

Scholars have pored over the Hebrew words used here, attempting to make sense of each one. All agree on the most obvious aspects of the verse, as above. Questions about the exact identity of "the prince of the kingdom of Persia," "the kings of Persia," the precise implications of the term "princes," what sort of battle was occurring, and so forth are subject to debate. Most such discussions delve into fine points of ancient Hebrew or related topics. The verse conveys enough for Daniel—and later readers—to grasp the basic idea, and the rest is ultimately unimportant.

No explanation is given for why God allowed His messenger to be delayed.

Michael and Gabriel are the only angels named in the Bible. Michael typically appears in a military context (Revelation 12:7; Jude 1:9). He is mentioned again in this same passage in connection to the nation of Israel (Daniel 10:21).

The "prince of the kingdom of Persia" is very likely a demon of some sort, whose interests were primarily over that nation. This would coordinate with the idea of a demonic hierarchy working to influence human affairs (Ephesians 6:12; Matthew 4:8–9; 1 John 5:19). It's possible the term "prince" is used here of spiritual rank, and that it might apply to angels in the same sense as it does to demons.

The following verses will give more information on this angel's mission and the content of his new information (Daniel 10:14).

Daniel 10:10–14 explains why the angel appears three weeks after Daniel's initial vision (Daniel 10:1–9). This angel, probably Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16), had been sent as soon as Daniel prayed. Yet he was delayed and relates the circumstances surrounding his flight. The passage also introduces another angel, Michael, and reveals that the first message concerned what would happen to the Israelites in the latter days.

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.

Accessed 5/18/2024 6:34:17 PM

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