CHAPTER 10 ANGELIC WARFARE. In this remarkable chapter the veil of the other world is partly lifted. Daniel had seen the rise and fall of empires, but now he was to learn a little of the supernatural activity that lay behind such historical events. He was to learn of battles in the spiritual realm o... [ Continue Reading ]
‘In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar, and the word was true. It was about a great warfare (literally ‘even a great warfare'). And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.” The change of method of dating sug... [ Continue Reading ]
‘In those days I Daniel was mourning three whole weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, nor did flesh or wine come in my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all until three whole weeks were fulfilled.' We are not told why Daniel was mourning. Perhaps news had reached him of the dire straits of the exiles wh... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And on the twenty fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great River Hiddekel (Tigris) I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz. His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightnin... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And I Daniel alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great quaking fell on them and they fled to hide themselves.' This does not necessarily mean that they saw nothing. The very approach of the glorious figure may well have terrified them before he appeared... [ Continue Reading ]
‘So I was left alone, and saw this grand vision, and there remained no strength in me, and my acceptable appearance was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.' The grandeur of the vision had a powerful effect on him. He lost all strength, and felt totally corrupt in the presence... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Yet I heard the voice of his words, and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face towards the ground.' The rolling thunder of the man's voice continued even as Daniel collapsed to the ground and hid himself from the glorious sight, and then f... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And behold a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.' ‘A hand touched me' probably means that he felt himself seized by a powerful hand, compare Daniel 8:18 where it lifted him onto his feet, also Daniel 9:21. Here it set him on his hands and knees. His awareness of... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And he said to me, “O Daniel, you man greatly beloved (valued, precious), understand the words that I speak to you and stand upright. For I am now sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood, trembling.' Notice that the standing upright and the understanding of God's words throug... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come for your words' sake. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty one days. But lo, Michael,... [ Continue Reading ]
“Now I am come to make you understand what will befall your people in the latter days. For the vision is as yet for many days.” The latter days are the days of the fourth empire, commencing from the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, who was outfaced by the power of Rome, and going on to the end of time.... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And when he had spoken to me in accordance with these words I set my face towards the ground and was dumb. And behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, as a result of the vision my pangs hav... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly beloved, do not be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong, yes, be strong.” And when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me”.' Again ‘... [ Continue Reading ]
.1 ‘Then he said to me, “Do you know why I have come to you? And now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia, and when I go, lo, the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth, and there is none who makes himself strong with me against these, b... [ Continue Reading ]