Year 2, Week 24, Day 3 Bible Reading Observations

Year 2, Week 24, Day 3

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Daniel 10-11.

Today’s reading continues in the Book of Daniel. Daniel and many others were among the first wave who were taken into Babylonian captivity. These deportations occurred somewhere around 605 BC. Daniel’s prophetic ministry continued for about seventy years as his last known prophecy was given in about 536 BC. The episodes of Daniel and his friends fill Daniel 1-6. Daniel 7-12 are primarily visions that the LORD granted to Daniel in exile, visions that had both imminent and distant fulfillments. Daniel 10-11 occurs around 536 BC, the third year of the reign of the Persian king, Darius. By 538 BC, the first group of captives were allowed to return to Jerusalem. Daniel 10 records another vision that Daniel received as he was approached by a mysterious man—a heavenly figure: “I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude” (Daniel 10:5-6). The heavenly figure said to him: “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come…to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come” (Daniel 10:12,14). Daniel 11 continues with words from the heavenly figure, who summarizes the duration of the Persian kingdom till it is overtaken by the kingdom of Greece: “And now I will show you the truth. Behold, three more kings shall arise in Persia, and a fourth shall be far richer than all of them. And when he has become strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the kingdom of Greece. Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion and do as he wills” (Daniel 11:2-3). The prophetic history lesson continues as the Greek empire is summarized and its relations with Israel noted.

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading was the brief glimpse of heavenly forces and unseen spiritual battles: “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia” (Daniel 10:13). The heavenly figure who had been speaking with Daniel explained that he was delayed for three weeks by “the prince of the kingdom of Persia.” This designation is most likely an angelic demon, who may have been operating with some control and sway over Persia. This demon had sought to prevent an answer to Daniel’s fasting and praying: “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks” (Daniel 10:2-3). While the heavenly figure was making his way to answer Daniel, Michael, who is named an Archangel in Jude 9, dealt with the demon spirit attempting to thwart what was unfolding. While Daniel was still in Babylon, Ezra had led a group of returnees back to Jerusalem where they began rebuilding the Temple. The reconstruction of the Temple faced many challenges—many physical, visible, tangible challenges; but perhaps associated with those level of challenges were the spiritual conflicts unfolding: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

But Michael engages in the conflict with “the prince of the kingdom of Persia,” and unseen things continue to unfold: “Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince” (Daniel 10:20-21). Michael shows himself a warrior in an unseen battle that also entails a “prince of Greece,” presumably another demonic angel; but also the angel Michael, who is noted as a prince—a heavenly angel—who seems to have a special role of presiding over Israel.

There is more to this world than meets the eye. Today’s reading gives a short look at spiritual princes who are angels warring in the heavenly places. Such a warfare with earthly consequences. Daniel’s struggle was against more than flesh and blood. At first glance, this section in the Book of Daniel seems to validate the popular notion of “territorial spirits,” for an evil “prince” presiding over Persia and another over Greece. How widespread are such spirits today? The Bible does not explicitly state that every territory or nation on earth has an evil spirit that dominates it. Therefore, we should be hesitant to develop an entire scheme from what was told in Daniel 10. We should also keep in mind that the Devil and his demons were decisively dealt with by Christ from the Cross: “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15). And though the Devil may presently prowl around like a roaring lion, seeking to devour God’s image-bearers (see 1 Peter 5:8), the “God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (see Romans 16:20). Our chief engagement in regards to things we cannot see is prayer: “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). We do not see behind the spiritual veil in our daily lives. But the opportunity we do have every day, however, is to pray for God’s strength, mercy, and compassion, because our great high priest in the heavens, the Lord Jesus Christ who came to defeat the Devil: “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:15); and He gives grace in our time of need (see Hebrews 4:16).

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe