"Do you know why I have come to you?" he said. "I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I have gone forth, behold, the prince of Greece will come. “Do you know why I have come to you?” he said.This phrase is spoken by a heavenly messenger, often identified as an angel, who appears to Daniel. The context is a vision Daniel receives during a time of mourning and fasting. The question emphasizes the importance of the message and the divine purpose behind the angel's visit. It reflects the biblical theme of divine revelation, where God communicates His plans and purposes to His prophets. This encounter is reminiscent of other angelic visitations in Scripture, such as those to Abraham, Mary, and Joseph, where the purpose of the visit is to deliver a significant message. “I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia,”
The "prince of Persia" is understood to be a spiritual being, possibly a demonic force, that influences the Persian Empire. This reflects the biblical worldview of spiritual warfare, where earthly events are influenced by spiritual entities. The angel's need to "fight" suggests ongoing spiritual battles that affect the course of human history. This concept is echoed in Ephesians 6:12, which speaks of struggles against spiritual forces. The mention of Persia ties into the historical context of the Jewish exile and the subsequent return under Persian rule, highlighting the interplay between divine sovereignty and human empires. “and when I have gone forth, behold, the prince of Greece will come.”
The "prince of Greece" refers to another spiritual entity associated with the Greek Empire, which historically succeeded the Persian Empire. This prophecy foreshadows the rise of Greece, particularly under Alexander the Great, and the subsequent Hellenistic influence on the Jewish people. The transition from Persia to Greece is a key element in the prophetic timeline of Daniel, aligning with the visions of the statue in Daniel 2 and the beasts in Daniel 7. This phrase underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations, as well as the spiritual dimensions behind geopolitical shifts. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Angelic MessengerThe speaker in this verse is an angelic being who has been sent to Daniel to deliver a message and provide insight into spiritual warfare. 2. DanielA prophet and a man of God who is receiving this vision and message. He is known for his faithfulness and his role in interpreting dreams and visions. 3. The Prince of PersiaA spiritual entity or demonic force representing the kingdom of Persia, indicating a spiritual battle behind earthly kingdoms. 4. The Prince of GreeceAnother spiritual entity or demonic force that will come after the prince of Persia, representing the future rise of the Greek Empire. 5. Spiritual WarfareThe ongoing battle between angelic and demonic forces that influence earthly events and kingdoms. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual WarfareRecognize that there is a spiritual dimension to the conflicts and events in our world. As believers, we are called to be aware of this and engage in spiritual warfare through prayer and faith. The Role of AngelsAngels are active participants in God's plan, often working behind the scenes to influence and protect. We should be encouraged by their presence and God's sovereignty over spiritual battles. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe rise and fall of earthly kingdoms are under God's control. Trust in His ultimate plan and purpose, even when worldly events seem chaotic. Perseverance in PrayerDaniel's experience shows the importance of persistent prayer. Despite delays or unseen battles, our prayers are heard and can influence spiritual outcomes. Preparation for Future ChallengesJust as the prince of Greece was foretold to come, we should be prepared for future spiritual challenges by grounding ourselves in Scripture and faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the concept of spiritual warfare change your perspective on current world events? 2. In what ways can you incorporate the knowledge of angelic assistance into your daily prayer life? 3. How does the sovereignty of God over nations provide comfort in times of political or social unrest? 4. What practical steps can you take to persevere in prayer, especially when answers seem delayed? 5. How can you prepare spiritually for future challenges, both personally and within your community? Connections to Other Scriptures Ephesians 6:12This verse speaks about the spiritual battle against rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world, which aligns with the spiritual warfare depicted in Daniel 10:20. Revelation 12:7-9Describes a war in heaven between Michael and his angels and the dragon, illustrating the cosmic battle between good and evil. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4Discusses the nature of spiritual warfare and the divine power to demolish strongholds, which is relevant to the angelic battle in Daniel. People Belteshazzar, Cyrus, Daniel, Javan, MichaelPlaces Greece, Persia, Tigris River, UphazTopics Angel, Behold, Cause, Fight, Forth, Grecia, Greece, Hast, Javan, Michael, Persia, Prince, Return, Turn, Understand, War, Wherefore, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 10:20 4116 angels, opposed to God Daniel 10:14-21 4112 angels, messengers Daniel 10:20-21 5459 prince 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 10:20 NIVDaniel 10:20 NLTDaniel 10:20 ESVDaniel 10:20 NASBDaniel 10:20 KJV
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