"Do not be afraid, Daniel," he said, "for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. Sermons
I. ANGELS ARE EMPLOYED TO BRING TO MEN ASSURANCE OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE WITH GOD. This angel, who was probably Gabriel, was commissioned to assure Daniel that he was "greatly beloved." Every doubt upon that head was completely removed. The angel knew what were God's dispositions of mind towards Daniel, and he was empowered to convey the intelligence. There is nothing unreasonable in this; no improbability that beings of refined nature exist in nearer relation to God than do men; no improbability that they perform acts of service for men. That which is naturally probable is made certain by the written revelation. It is often the case that we cannot account for our moods of feeling, our hopefulness and our despondency, by any known events. Who shall say that these states of mind are not the result of angelic visitation? That we are not conscious of the presence of angels is no proof that they do not visit us. Their ethereal natures may be impervious to human sight, except by miraculous interposition. Elisha's servant did not perceive the angelic host sent for their protection until God had specially opened his eyes. Once and again this angel assured Daniel of his interest in God's love, charged him to dismiss his fears, and brought to him heavenly peace. II. ANGELS ARE EMPLOYED TO INFORM THE HUMAN UNDERSTANDING. One main object of Gabriel's visit to Daniel was to shed light upon passing events, and to enlarge Daniel's comprehension of God's government. So high was God's esteem for Daniel, that Gabriel was despatched on purpose to dislodge ignorance and doubt from his mind. He assures him that the want of visible answer to prayer is no proof that God has not heard, nor that he is unwilling to reply. On the contrary, Daniel's prayer had taken effect from the very beginning, and measures were at once set in motion in accordance therewith. The prayers and lastings of good men are links (ordained by God) in the chain of causes and effects. As soon as man interceded for Israel, Gabriel was despatched on business of high importance to the kingdom of Persia. And Gabriel was further charged to unfold to Daniel what was in the volume of God's purposes - the series of vicissitudes through which Israel would be destined to pass. God's thoughts were loftier than Daniel's; his designs had a wider scope and range than his servant's. Nothing short of the establishment of permanent righteousness will satisfy God. III. ANGELS ARE EMPLOYED TO INCREASE OUR STRENGTH. It is noteworthy that as Daniel's needs arose one after the other, the angel was prepared to meet each one. Daniel was prostrate; the angel set him upright. Daniel was so stunned with the intelligence, that he was dumb; the angel opened his mouth, and gave him speech. Daniel fainted under a sense of awe and wonder; the angel imparted new strength with his touch. We are impressed with the considerateness, the tenderness, the thoughtful sympathy, of this angelic visitor. There was strength imparted to his physical nature by a touch; there was strength imparted to his soul by the angel's words. According to the constitution of man's nature is the agency employed by God. The angel who strengthened Christ Jesus in the garden of suffering can also strengthen us. IV. ANGELS ARE ENGAGED TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE CHURCH IN PALACES AND IN COUNCILS OF STATE. There are times when they can best serve us, not at our side, but at a distance from us. Probably Daniel was agitated in soul, because for three weeks no sign of answer came from heaven. Yet, all the while, answer had come, though he was unconscious of it. Daniel was concerned, not for himself, but for the well-being and fortunes of Israel. But he might rest assured that God had more at heart these interests - than man, however zealous, ever can. This report of Gabriel opens to our minds a new view of angelic ministration. It is evident that they do perform their service on earth, for the most part, unseen by human eyes. Gabriel had been with the kings and statesmen of Persia. So important to Israel's well-being was his presence in that court, that for three weeks he had remained there. His power was limited; he could not be in two places at once, nor could he accomplish his mission without the assistance of Michael. For the time being, it was better that Daniel should remain in ignorance of the fact. His continued fasting and prayer were essential to complete success. In what fashion Gabriel rendered service we are not told. Most probably he had power to influence the views, the motives, the ambitious of men. A thousand subtle agencies were at his command, by which he could direct the counsels of men and bring about the purposes of God. Angelic influence, then, is a factor in state concerns which we do well not to ignore. V. ANGELS HAVE OFTEN TO CONTEND WITH EVIL SPIRITS IN FULFILLING THE BEHESTS OF GOD. There can be little doubt that the language here employed by Gabriel, viz. "the prince of the kingdom of Persia," refers to one of the leading spirits of darkness, one of the fallen angels. There are principalities and powers in hell. Satan is termed the "prince of this world," "the prince of the power of the air." An antagonist of Gabriel would be fittingly an evil spirit. Gabriel speaks of fighting with him. There was hot warfare. So we read in the Epistle of Jude that Michael disputed with the devil about the body of Moses. That some bold and crafty spirit, in the confederate host of hell, should be told off to do some particular evil work is probable enough; and that such, having subordinates under him, should be styled leader or prince of a particular earthly empire is equally probable. This earth, then, is the scene of mighty conflicts. Angels here have their combats as well as men. Here, perhaps, is being fought out the crucial conflict between the Creator and his rebellious creatures - the conflict between righteousness and wickedness. Gabriel, though "excelling in power," is not omnipotent. Some things even an angel alone cannot do. They learn that in union is strength. Michael is sent to help him - Michael, who is set apart as the prince or protector of Israel. Gabriel cannot be long spared from the particular scene of conflict. During a temporary truce he visits Daniel This accomplished, he returns to the troublous scene in the court of Persia. - D.
And to chasten thyself before thy God. Homilist. I. Its action on SELF. It is concentration of soul. "Set thy heart" is setting the whole soul to the work.1. Concentration to spiritual study. "Set thy heart to understand." To understand what ? Thyself, thy capabilities, thy moral obligations, thy spiritual condition. 2. Concentration to correction. "To chasten thyself." Quench corrupt lusts, conquer wrong prejudices, expel pernicious errors, etc. 3. Concentrated to devotion. "Before thy God," doing the whole as under the eye of God. Truthful, earnest, solemn. II. Its action on GOD. God observes all this soul work. He is interested in it and He is represented as being influenced by it. God here says to Daniel, "Thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words." The idea is, because thou hast been disciplining thy soul, I am come to answer thy prayers. True soul discipline is essential to successful prayer. "If thou prepare thine heart and stretch out thine hands towards him; if iniquity be in thine hand, put it away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles, for there shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear. Because thou shalt forget thy misery and remember it as waters that pass away; and thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning." (Homilist.) Thy words were heard Our text is part of the angel's address to DanielI. THE OCCASION WAS ONE OF DISAPPOINTMENT AND PERPLEXITY. High were the expectations raised by the decree of Cyrus. But year after year passed and no deliverance came.. Then Darnel spent three weeks in retirement, self-denial, and prayer. Mysterious dispensations of providence are permitted to thwart our fair expectations. Adverse changes take place which disappoint our hopes. Wise ends are answered by these trials of our faith and patience. Whenever God tries us, and by whatsoever means, he gives an opportunity for the exercise of graces and virtues, which are thus not only proved but also improved. II. THE COURSE DANIEL PURSUED UNDER THE TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES. Three things are specified in our text. 1. Inquiry. He did set his heart to understand, that he might find out the path of duty; what to do and what to recommend. If in similar circumstances we search, we shall probably find some errors to be corrected, some negligences and sins to be repented of, some feelings to be humbled for, or some attainments to be pursued, which might have been overlooked or forgotten had not the Almighty arrested us in our career. 2. Humiliation. He chastened himself before his God. His fasting was an outward sign of inward humiliation, and also calculated to promote it. A voluntary devotedness to extraordinary exercises of piety in his judgment was called for by the extraordinary circumstances of the times. And God was pleased to honour his servant by a gracious regard to his offerings. 3. Prayer. "Thy words are heard." No doubt, words of prayer. In the day of trouble there is a peculiar need and call for prayer. In such reasons we feel most dependent upon God; and then there is often a more than ordinary disposition to pray. III. THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT. This is described in our text. 1. He is bidden not to fear. No doubt his fears had been strong concerning the execution of the monarch's decree. In this present world, so full of uncertainty, it is not to be expected that we shall be altogether without our fears as to what may befal us. The best way of soothing the mind is to do as Daniel did, refer the case to God, with humility, prayer, and holy trust. 2. Daniel was assured that his prayers were heard. And this is the privilege of all the devout. His promise to hear their prayers not only denotes attention to them, but acceptance of them. 3. Daniel received divine manifestations in answer to his prayers. He was honoured by the heavenly visitant. Reviewing the whole we find in this subject an instructive comment on the gracious assurance that they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Daniel's strength was renewed, his courage was revived, his hopes were brightened, when he had waited upon his God. (W. Chaplin.) People Belteshazzar, Cyrus, Daniel, Javan, MichaelPlaces Greece, Persia, Tigris River, UphazTopics Afraid, Chasten, Daniel, Ears, Fear, Gain, Getting, Heart, Humble, Humbled, Humbling, Making, Mind, Poor, Response, Sake, Spirit, Thyself, Understand, Understanding, WisdomOutline 1. Daniel, having humbled himself, sees a vision.10. Being troubled with fear, he is comforted by the angel. Dictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 10:12 4112 angels, messengers 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 Elucidations. Youthful Confessors The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The Blessing it is to the Soul. The Effects of It. How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away. A Sight of the Crowned Christ Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth. The Doctrine of Satan. Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. Of a Private Fast. A Treatise of the Fear of God; Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee. Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him. Links Daniel 10:12 NIVDaniel 10:12 NLT Daniel 10:12 ESV Daniel 10:12 NASB Daniel 10:12 KJV Daniel 10:12 Bible Apps Daniel 10:12 Parallel Daniel 10:12 Biblia Paralela Daniel 10:12 Chinese Bible Daniel 10:12 French Bible Daniel 10:12 German Bible Daniel 10:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |