DANIEL 10
Daniel chapters 10, 11, and 12 are one vision. This is the longest and
most detailed of all his visions. This chapter will help set the context
for chapters 11 and 12. It is 536 BC (over 2 years since
Persians conquered the Babylonians) (around the time the first group
of Jews went back to Jerusalem) (about 50,000 went back) They had
been in exile for 70 years. Everything seemed to be looking so good
for his people but it was not working out so well for them. God would
tell Daniel that even though there was trouble at that time that there
would be a very intense time of trouble coming (like they have never
seen before) but He also told him that the final victory of Israel and all
the redeemed was coming.
Verse 1 “one of great conflict” spiritual warfare going on
(principalities).
Daniel did not understand the other visions but he did understand this
one
Verses 2-3 Daniel had been praying and fasting (another time that
we see Daniel positioning himself before God) You would think that
Daniel would be so filled with joy, his people had returned from exile in
Babylon. (the start of the return happened about 2 to 3 years before
the vision). Why was he mourning, praying and fasting?
4 possible reasons:
1. Some had gone back but many stayed in Babylon. (millions
should have gone)
2. Those that did go back were excited and started rebuilding the
temple, but their enthusiasm decreased to the point that they
stopped building.
3. They began to have division among themselves.
4. Their enemies that were all around them were opposing them
(their building and restoring things)
Read Daniel 9:25. “but in times of trouble”. (that was two years before
this Vision)
Verses 4- 7 Daniel sees a high ranking angel in human form that
speaks to him
So Daniel sees and hears (those with Daniel run away)
Side note: some believe that this was Jesus, but I do not believe it
was
Verses 8 - 11 Daniel becomes physically weak and falls face down
(into a deep sleep)
The angel was sent to him to give him understanding.
Verses 12-14 Daniel’s prayers had been heard (he had been praying
for 21 days)
The mighty angel had been hindered (speaks of the power and ability
of demons)
“Prince of the kingdom of Persia” (Iran)
God sent Michael to help the angel
Side note: don’t miss the point that there are good Angels and bad
angels and a spiritual warfare between them
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms.
The angel had come in response to Daniel’s prayers. God wanted
Daniel to understand what He was about to tell him in chapters 11 and
12.
Side note: do not miss the emphasis of the importance of prayer (It
seems to me that the Lord is reminding us to be in the spirit of prayer)
(This seems to be so important to Him)
Verse 14: “come to give you an understanding” “of what will happen”.
“to your people” “in the latter days”. “the vision pertains to the days of
the future”
God is going to reveal to Daniel what is to come in the latter days!
Daniel speaks to angel verses 16-17
The angel touches Daniel and he receives strength. He reminds
Daniel that he is highly thought of by God. The angel asked him, "Do
you understand why I have come to you?”
He then reminds him that Michael (Prince of Israel) is the only one that
stands with him. Remember that chapter 10 is preparing Daniel for
chapters 11 and 12 - there will be information about a resurrection, a
judgment, and God’s people set free.
Read Daniel 12:1
“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people,
will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not
happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that
time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the
book—will be delivered.
Revelation 12:7
Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought
against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.
Michael will stand up in the last days to stand watch over Israel. He is
assigned to Israel. We see that during Daniel’s life and after they
return to the Land that there would continue to be trouble for Israel,
but there would also come a greater trouble in the latter days. (a
trouble that has never been seen before) Israel had significant
trouble for several years after returning to the Land. They even
stopped building the temple for 16 years. The angel would return to
continue to fight against the principalities and powers. In this case he
calls one by name, “prince of Persia” and then tells Daniel that later on
that the “prince of Greece” would be coming. (that would be about 200
years later).
The message: [Link] angel came to help Daniel, to give him
understanding of what will happen to his people in the latter days.
(verse 13)
2. Encouragement to Daniel and all intercessors: Don’t quit Daniel,
intercessors do not quit, even to the end of time. There will always be
warfare going on and our prayers are so important. Things will get
very difficult but we will win, His plans will stand firm forever.
Daniel is now ready to listen and see what is to come!
II Corinthians 1:18-22
18 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is
not “Yes” and “No.” 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ,
who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and
Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always
been “Yes.” 20 For no matter how many promises God has
made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the
“Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is
God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He
anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his
Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to
come.
Now we should be ready to listen and see what is to come!
