Prophecies Concerning Persia And Greece

Topic: Prophecies

Passage: Daniel 10:10–21

September 25, 2022

Commentary

Suddenly, a hand touched Daniel, which made him tremble (v. 10). God thought so highly of Daniel that He had sent a messenger who told him to stand up and pay close attention (v. 11). Daniel stood trembling as the angel told him not to be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the first day you humbly asked for understanding, and He has sent me here (v. 12). He goes on to say that the guardian angel of Persia opposed him for twenty-one days. Then Michael, who is one of the strongest guardian angels, came to rescue him from the kings of Persia (v. 13).

After this explanation the messenger indicated to Daniel that the prophesy about to be given related to Israel in the distant future (vv. 14-17). It was a revelation of the warfare between Israel and her neighbors until Israel is given peace by the coming Prince of peace. He was about to tell Daniel God’s plans for Israel under Persia and Greece. The angel touched Daniel a second time and said, “ Don’t be frightened (v. 18)! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong.”

At this, Daniel regained his strength and replied, “ Please speak! You have already made me feel much better (v. 19). Then the angel said: Now do you understand why I have come (v. 20)? Soon I must leave to fight against the guardian angel of Persia. Then after I have defeated him, the guardian angel of Greece will attack me. He also told Daniel how he was supported by Michael against the demonic powers of the world system (v. 21).

Application

What are you planning to do in your retirement years? Many people sit down and only live a short time. This can and should be some of the most fruitful years of my life for the Lord.

Daniel 10:10– 21 (NET)

¹⁰ Then a hand touched me and set me on my hands and knees. ¹¹ He said to me, “Daniel, you are of great value. Understand the words that I am about to speak to you. So stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up shaking. ¹² Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel, for from the very first day you applied your mind to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words. ¹³ However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me, because I was left there with the kings of Persia. ¹⁴ Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in future days, for the vision pertains to days to come.”

¹⁵ While he was saying this to me, I was flat on the ground and unable to speak. ¹⁶ Then one who appeared to be a human being was touching my lips. I opened my mouth and started to speak, saying to the one who was standing before me, “Sir, due to the vision, anxiety has gripped me and I have no strength. ¹⁷ How, sir, am I able to speak with you? My strength is gone, and I am breathless.” ¹⁸ Then the one who appeared to be a human being touched me again and strengthened me. ¹⁹ He said to me, “Don’t be afraid, you who are highly valued. Peace be to you! Be strong! Be really strong!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened. I said, “Sir, you may speak now, for you have given me strength.” ²⁰ He said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I am about to return to engage in battle with the prince of Persia. When I go, the prince of Greece is coming. ²¹ However, I will first tell you what is written in a dependable book. (There is no one who strengthens me against these princes, except Michael your prince.