But first
This phrase indicates a sequence of events or priorities. In the context of Daniel 10, the heavenly messenger is setting the stage for revealing significant truths to Daniel. The Hebrew word for "first" (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon) often denotes primacy or precedence, suggesting that what follows is of utmost importance. This prioritization underscores the divine order and the importance of the revelation about to be given.

I will tell you
The act of telling or revealing is central to the prophetic tradition. The Hebrew root for "tell" (נָגַד, nagad) implies making something known or declaring it openly. This emphasizes the role of the messenger as a conduit of divine knowledge, bridging the gap between the heavenly and earthly realms. It highlights the accessibility of divine wisdom to those who are faithful and attentive.

what is inscribed
The concept of something being inscribed suggests permanence and authority. The Hebrew word used here (כָּתוּב, kathub) conveys the idea of writing that is fixed and unchangeable. This implies that the truths being revealed are not transient or subject to human alteration but are established by God Himself. It reflects the enduring nature of divine decrees.

in the Book of Truth
The "Book of Truth" is a metaphorical expression that signifies the ultimate reality and divine plan. In the ancient Near Eastern context, books or scrolls were seen as repositories of knowledge and authority. The Hebrew term for "truth" (אֱמֶת, emet) conveys reliability, faithfulness, and certainty. This suggests that the revelations contained within are trustworthy and align with God's sovereign purposes.

Yet no one has the courage
This phrase highlights the rarity of true spiritual bravery. The Hebrew word for "courage" (חָזַק, chazaq) implies strength, fortitude, and resolve. It suggests that standing with the divine messenger requires a level of spiritual fortitude that is uncommon. This serves as a call to believers to cultivate such courage in their own spiritual journeys.

to support me
Support in this context implies standing alongside or assisting in a struggle. The Hebrew root (חָזַק, chazaq) can also mean to strengthen or uphold. This indicates that the heavenly messenger is engaged in a significant spiritual battle, and support is both necessary and valued. It underscores the communal aspect of spiritual warfare, where divine and human agents work together.

against these
The phrase "against these" refers to the spiritual adversaries or forces opposing God's purposes. The context of Daniel 10 reveals a cosmic struggle involving angelic beings. This highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the opposition that exists against God's plans. It serves as a reminder of the unseen battles that influence earthly events.

except Michael
Michael is identified as a key angelic figure in the biblical narrative. The name Michael (מִיכָאֵל, Mika'el) means "Who is like God?" and signifies his role as a defender of God's people. Michael's unique position as a protector and warrior underscores the divine provision for His people amidst spiritual conflict. It reassures believers of God's active involvement and protection.

your prince
The term "prince" (שַׂר, sar) denotes a leader or chief, often used in the context of angelic beings. Michael is described as "your prince," indicating his special role in relation to Israel. This personalizes the divine care and protection afforded to God's people, emphasizing that they are not alone in their struggles. It serves as an encouragement to trust in God's appointed guardianship.

(21) But.--A further contrast is introduced by the adversative. This may be brought out by paraphrasing the verse as follows: "It is true that the prince of Javan will attack you, but do not despair at the thought of one persecuting empire succeeding another. It is all written in the Scripture of truth:" that is, in the revelations which God had already conveyed, or shortly would convey, to Daniel, and in the book of Providence (Psalm 139:16). We have here a striking parallel to our Saviour's words, "Lo, I have told you before."

And there is none . . .--A still further ground of encouragement. Michael, who stood up as Israel's champion under the Persian troubles, will prove himself strong against the evil powers which lead Javan.

Verse 21. - But I will show 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. The LXX. rendering is, "And in very truth (μάλα) I will show thee the first things in the writing of truth: and there was no one helping with me against these, but Michael the angel." The Septuagint translator read הָרָאשִׁים (hara'sheem), "the heads," instead of הָרָשׁוּם (harashoom), written with a inserted as mater lectionis. Theodotion is in accordance with our English Version. The Peshitta renders, "Yet will I show thee something noted in the writing of truth; and there was none in all these who helped me but Michael your prince." The Vulgate agrees with the Massoretic and the English. But I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth. אָבֲל ('abal) is a strongly adversative conjunction. The use of it is explained by Kranichfeld and Zockler as due to the fears for the theocracy aroused by the thought that the Greek power was rising against Israel. If the idea had been that Gabriel was called to hurry back to his post because of the threatened approach of the Prince of Grecia, then it might be defended; only even then either the fact of the necessity for speedy return to the Persian court would have been emphasized, or the fact that he is delaying to make known the contents of the writing of truth. It is, perhaps, better rendered by "nevertheless," as it is in 2 Chronicles 19:3. We can see the force of this particle by turning to ver. 7, "I Daniel alone saw the vision, for the men that were with me saw not the vision, but (equivalent to 'nevertheless') a great quaking fell upon them." This clause, we see, then, has all the appearance of being intruded violently into the text; it interrupts the progress of thought, and does not suit the context. There is no indication that he, Gabriel, will have to hasten back to the court of Persia with such rapidity as would necessitate the introduction of אֲבָל (abal), "nevertheless." But even so, why revert in the next clause to the contents of ver. 20, without the slightest indication that the line of thought in the past clause was dropped as soon as taken up? The last clause of this verse reads much better in connection with ver. 20 than with ver. 21a. Behrmann transposes the clauses in this verse, so as to get over tiffs difficulty, and Professor M. Stuart puts the first clause in brackets. "The scripture of truth" is a phrase that might have been suggested by Psalm 139:16, "In thy book were all my members written." It is in line with a great number of phrases in apocalyptic literature; thus Enoch 93:1, "And after that Enoch began to recount from the books;" the Book of Jubilees, 1:24; 4:31; 5:15, etc., "the tablets of the heavens." The idea was that all the events that were to happen in the world's history were record, d beforehand in the books or tablets of the heavens. It is from failing to notice this that the late Professor Fuller was led to say "the scripture of truth "is the title for the ensuing section. Against this view is the preposition "in;" it is in the scripture of truth, among other matters, that these things are noted which form the succeeding section. At the same time, the form the representation of the heavenly books, which note beforehand what was to happen, assumes here is simpler than that in Enoch or the Book of Jubilees. And there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. As we have above said, this clause is closely connected with ver. 20. In these things. This is rendered in the Revised Version "against these," in accordance with the majority of recent commentators, Ewald, Hitzig, Fuller, Zockler, Bevan, Stuart, Kranlohfeld Keil, Kliefoth, Behrmann, etc., and, among older commentators, Jephet-ibn-Ali; but none of the older versions have it. The LXX. renders, ὑπὲρ τούτων; Theodotion, περὶ τούτων; the Peshitta has the preposition; the Vulgate renders, in his omnibus. With these Calvin agrees, though Luther renders, wider jene. Certainly, the most common meaning of עַל in such a connection is "against." So, notwithstanding the weight of the versions, we feel constrained to translate, "against these persons," and not "in regard to these things." In the first place, "in" is a far less frequent meaning of the preposition, and next, אֵלֵה (aylayh), "these," most naturally refers to the persons last named. Although "the Prince of Grecia" was to be the instrument of the overthrow of the power of Persia, it was to become oppressive afterwards, as had been revealed to Daniel in the vision of the ram and the he-goat. Gabriel, the angel of prophecy, the special guardian of God's great ideal kingdom of heaven, was assisted in his guardianship only by Michael, the angelic Prince of Israel. The fact that along the line of the development of Israel as a nation ran, so far at least, the Divine plan concerning the kingdom of heaven, made it natural that Michael should favour that which furthered the interests of the race that was more specially under his care. As we have already said, we cannot even guess at the nature of these angelic conflicts.

Parallel Commentaries ...

But first
אֲבָל֙ (’ă·ḇāl)
Adverb
Strong's 61: Verily, of a truth

I will tell
אַגִּ֣יד (’ag·gîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

you
לְךָ֔ (lə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

what is inscribed
הָרָשׁ֥וּם (hā·rā·šūm)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 7559: To inscribe, note

in the book
בִּכְתָ֖ב (biḵ·ṯāḇ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3791: Something written, a writing, record, book

of truth.
אֱמֶ֑ת (’ĕ·meṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Yet no
וְאֵ֨ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

one
אֶחָ֜ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

has the courage
מִתְחַזֵּ֤ק (miṯ·ḥaz·zêq)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

to support me
עִמִּי֙ (‘im·mî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

these,
אֵ֔לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

except
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Michael,
מִיכָאֵ֖ל (mî·ḵā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4317: Michael -- 'Who is like God?' an angel, also a number of Israelites

your prince.
שַׂרְכֶֽם׃ (śar·ḵem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince


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OT Prophets: Daniel 10:21 But I will tell you that which (Dan. Da Dn)