The Life and Death Realities of Spiritual Warfare

Daniel 10:1-21

Main Idea: God’s people can be assured of the reality of spiritual warfare around them and God’s guaranteed victory over all his enemies.

1. Spiritual Warfare Involves Divine Action (10:1).
   1. God reveals his word (divine sovereignty).
   2. Man seeks to understand (human responsibility).
2. Spiritual Warfare Requires Reinforcements Given through Prayer and Fasting (10:2-3, 12).
   1. God sees our mourning over our sin (10:2-3).
   2. God hears our prayers when they come from a humble heart (10:12).
3. Spiritual Warfare Can Be Overwhelming in Its Realities (10:4-17).
   1. The glory of God can drain us of strength (10:4-9).
   2. Spiritual conflict can take our breath away (10:10-17).
4. Spiritual Warfare Should Result in Spiritual Refreshment (10:18-21).
   1. We should receive peace, strength, and courage (10:18-19).
   2. We should receive insight of both earthly and heavenly truth (10:20-21).

Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920), the brilliant journalist, theologian, and prime minister of the Netherlands, once wrote,

If once the curtain were pulled back, and the spiritual world behind it came to view, it would expose to our spiritual vision a struggle so intense, so convulsive, sweeping everything within its range, that the fiercest battle ever fought on earth would seem, by comparison, a mere game. Not here, but up there—that is where the real conflict is waged. Our earthly struggle drones in its backlash. (Ferguson, Daniel, 199)

Such a bold and striking claim finds biblical warrant when we come to Daniel 10 and the beginning of the end of this marvelous book. Daniel 10–12 constitutes the finale of this prophetic gem. Chapter 10 is the prelude to the detailed vision of chapter 11. Chapter 12 provides the fitting conclusion to both the vision and the book. Chapter 10 pulls back the spiritual curtain and gives us a brief glimpse into a world of spiritual warfare that is very real, though it rages unseen to the physical eye.

I confess to being convicted, even haunted, by this chapter. If the words of this chapter are true, and I believe they are, why do I not pray more? Why do I not pray with more passion and earnestness? Our prayers provide spiritual reinforcement for the battles that take place “against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Eph 6:12). Our prayers are weapons of warfare that provide ammunition for angels as they engage the demonic forces of evil in spiritual combat. Our prayers matter. They make a difference in this unseen but certain world of the spiritual.

I will walk us through this text, making four major observations about certain truths concerning the realities of spiritual warfare. God does not reveal to us everything our curious minds would like to know. However, he does reveal to us everything we need to know.

Spiritual Warfare Involves Divine Action

Daniel 10:1

The year is approximately 536 BC, “the third year of King Cyrus of Persia” and the third year following his conquest and victory over Babylon and Belshazzar as recorded in Daniel 5. This places the events of Chapter 10 two years after the vision of chapter 9.

Darius the Mede (9:1) and King Cyrus of Persia (10:1) are likely the same person. The one man is simply acknowledged and recognized in different but complementary ways. Darius is probably a dynastic title while Cyrus was his proper name. Interestingly, Darius means “he possesses” or “rich and kingly.” This fits with the idea that it was a title (Miller, Daniel, 174–75). Daniel once more provides a clear and specific historical marker for what takes place.

God Reveals His Word (Divine Sovereignty)

The initiative for the vision of this chapter, as with all true visions, is divine; it is with the Lord. “A message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar.” And because the word came from God, it “was true.” Verse 1 then adds the interesting comment that it “was about a great conflict.” This refers to the content of the vision and the spiritual warfare that was involved in Daniel’s receiving an answer to his prayer. The New International Version actually translates it this way: “It concerned a great war.” It involves the stress and suffering Daniel will experience in receiving the vision. It also “includes the severe suffering for the people of God (e.g., 11:29-35; see also 12:1)” (Davis, Message of Daniel, 140). God takes the initiative to reveal himself and his Word to his “treasured” servant (10:11, 19). It is a painful but necessary word.

Man Seeks to Understand (Human Responsibility)

God took the initiative to give Daniel the vision. Still, Daniel had to respond to what he was given, and he did exactly that. The text tells us, “He understood the message and had understanding of the vision.” Verse 12 informs us that his understanding came in response to his steadfast, passionate, and humble prayers to God. He set his heart to understand, and God honored him with understanding. Jeremiah 29:13 wonderfully reminds us, “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Daniel sought the Lord, and the Lord answered. Our God is present, and he is not silent. We should be exceedingly thankful that we serve and worship a talking God!

Spiritual Warfare Requires Reinforcements Given through Prayer and Fasting

Daniel 10:2-3, 12

If we were asked to describe the prophet and statesman named Daniel, I think that would be easy. Daniel was a man of prayer. He prayed in chapter 2 that he might be able to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. We know he prayed three times a day in chapter 6 and was thrown into the lions’ den for it. He prayed for understanding of a vision. We have his awesome prayer of confession and intercession in chapter 9. Now we see him in fervent prayer once again in Chapter 10. Daniel knew we serve a God who listens to the prayers of his beloved children. Once more we find the man of God on his knees, pleading with the heavenly Father.

God Sees Our Mourning over Our Sin (10:2-3)

“In those days” is clarified by verse 4. It was around the time of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. However, Ezra 1:1-4 provides additional insight. Cyrus has issued a decree allowing the Jews to return home to Israel and Jerusalem. Unfortunately, the number who returned was small, and opposition arose almost immediately to the rebuilding programs. Daniel was not there, having remained in Babylon (perhaps because of old age or to assist through support, encouragement, and prayer); nevertheless, he had received reports from the homeland. His heart was heavy, so he went into mourning for three weeks (v. 2). He also chose not to anoint himself with body oils that would soothe and refresh his skin in that dry climate. Whether he did this publicly or privately we do not know. What we do know is that God heard his prayers and saw his humiliation.

God Hears Our Prayers When They Come from a Humble Heart (10:12)

Verse 12 is fascinating on a number of levels. First, God heard Daniel’s prayer the moment he prayed. He sent an answer immediately. Why? Because Daniel had humbled himself before his God. He knew God was in control. He also knew he had nowhere else to turn. He knew that God was sovereign, but he also knew prayer makes a difference. He might not be able to explain the mysterious dance of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, but he knew it was real.

Corrie ten Boom said,

We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answer. If we are true intercessors, we must be ready to take part in God’s work on behalf of the people for whom we pray. (Newell, Expect Great Things, 224)

And Dee Duke adds,

Almost everyone believes that prayer is important. But there is a difference between believing that prayer is important and believing it is essential. “Essential” means there are things that will not happen without prayer. (Newell, Expect Great Things, 225)

Daniel believed prayer was essential. He was convinced certain things would not happen if he was not on his knees in humble intercession before his God.

Spiritual Warfare Can Be Overwhelming in Its Realities

Daniel 10:4-17

Several years ago it was popular to talk about “territorial spirits,” demons assigned to particular regions, governments, and institutions. Peter Wagner of Fuller Seminary wrote a book titled Engaging the Enemy: How to Fight and Defeat Territorial Spirits(Regal, 1991). While some have run the risk of preoccupation and speculation about angels and demons, we play the fool if we make light of or ignore this spiritual reality. Daniel 10 makes clear that (1) angels and demons exist, (2) angels and demons engage one another in spiritual combat, (3) certain demons, and probably certain angels, are given particular geographical and governmental assignments, and (4) our prayers in some genuine measure enter into and affect the battles being fought. John Piper would agree with my theological assessment and summarizes it well:

I would conclude that there are high-ranking demonic powers over various regimes and dominions and governments and realms of the world; and that they work to create as much evil and corruption and spiritual darkness as they can. They strive to interrupt Christian missions and ministry as much as they can. (“Angels and Prayer”)

The Glory of God Can Drain Us of Strength (10:4-9)

It is ten days after Passover, the twenty-fourth day of the first month of the new year (Boice, Daniel, 104). Daniel is standing along the riverbank of the Tigris, approximately twenty miles from the capital city of Babylon (10:4). Suddenly, he looks up and sees a majestic figure who is described in detail in verses 5-6. He looks like a man, but he is clearly more than a man. Many students of Scripture believe he is an angel. This is understandable and the more popular opinion. However, the description of this person is similar to that of the exalted and glorified Lord Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16. I am convinced that this is a Christophany, a preincarnate appearance of the Son of God (cf. Dan 3:25). I also believe the person we see here is to be distinguished from the angel of verse 10. Bryan Chappell makes a similar assessment:

Who is being described? Clearly this is the Christ, the anointed Son of Man, who represents the glory and purposes of God. There are many intentional reflections between the chief figures in these chapters of Daniel and Revelation. The men described in both are clothed in white robes—priestly garb; both have a gold belt—kingly apparel. Both have blazing eyes, both have bronze skin, both have roaring voices—all supernatural traits. In Revelation, the one described holds seven stars in his hand and his face blazes like the sun. Perhaps that explains why the appearance of the man in linen to Daniel makes the prophet faint dead away and causes his friends to run away. The one who comes as a spokesman for God is most readily understood as the Son of God, the Second Person of the Godhead who made the heavens and earth. (Gospel According to Daniel, 171–72)

The vision of the glorified Christ in verses 5-6 is overwhelming to Daniel and those who were with him. It appears Daniel saw the vision, but his companions only heard it. Still, just hearing it was enough to scare them to death and cause them to run and hide (v. 7). Daniel was left alone, and he was undone by the vision (v. 8). He was wiped out and drained physically of all his strength. Hearing the words of the vision finished him off. It basically knocked him out cold as he “fell into a deep sleep, with [his] face to the ground” (v. 9; cf. 8:18). Like Isaiah (Isa 6), he could not handle the vision. He was overwhelmed. Undone. Wiped out. Comatose! Ligon Duncan is right: “In the Bible, intimacy with God always leaves its mark” (“The Vision of the Man”).

Spiritual Conflict Can Take Our Breath Away (10:10-17)

Daniel is awakened by the touch of a hand (v. 10). I believe this is an angel and a different person from the one described in verses 5-6, who is the Son of God. The angel raised him “trembling” (ESV) to his hands and knees, and Daniel next receives words of encouragement and insight. He is encouraged as he is told he is “a man treasured by God” (v. 11; also 19) and that he should stand up because the angel was sent to him. Of course, this causes him to start trembling again (v. 11). Poor guy! The angel encourages him not to be afraid because from the first day Daniel began to pray the angel was commissioned to come with an answer to Daniel’s prayer. God saw his humble heart, heard his words of mourning and intercession, and dispatched his servant angel with an answer (v. 12).

However, a problem arose that delayed the angel’s arrival with an answer. A demon, called “the prince of the kingdom of Persia” (v. 13), got in the way and delayed the answer’s arrival for twenty-one days. Only when “Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help” could the angel break free from “the kings of Persia” (note the plural). This angel, possibly Gabriel (cf. 8:15-16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26-27), had been ganged up on by a number of demons. He therefore needed the aid of the archangel Michael (Jude 9), Israel’s protector and prince (Dan 10:21), to continue on his way with an answer to Daniel’s prayer. Stephen Miller notes,

Michael is introduced in this verse and is also mentioned in Dan. 10:21; 12:1; Jude 9; and Rev. 12:7 in Scripture. In Jude 9 he is called the “archangel,” which means “first (chief) angel.” Michael has been assigned by God as Israel’s prince (cf. 10:21); he is “great” in power and protects the Jewish people (cf. 12:1). The implications of these statements are clear. Israel has a mighty angelic supporter in the heavenly realm. Therefore, regardless of Israel’s political, military, and economic weaknesses, its existence is assured because no earthly power can resist their great prince.” (Daniel, 285)

With the aid of Michael, and also the continued prayers of Daniel, the angel has arrived “to help [Daniel] understand what will happen to [his] people [Israel] in the last days”—events that precede and include the coming of God’s kingdom (v. 14). The angel’s message is clearly going to be eschatological; it is “for days yet to come” (ESV).

Once more Daniel gets more than he can handle, as verse 15 makes clear. The angel speaks, Daniel goes down, and now he is “speechless.” He can’t even respond to what he has heard. Then in verse 16, he is assisted by the angel who touches his lips to open his mouth and enables him to speak. Daniel can talk but nothing more. Pain has come over him, strength has left him, and he can barely breathe (vv. 16-17). He has said all he can. He has nothing left. Dale Davis says it well: “One might wonder if this helpless, sleeping, shaking, speechless, breathless man will ever be in shape to receive the angel’s vision” (Message of Daniel, 144).

Spiritual Warfare Should Result in Spiritual Refreshment

Daniel 10:18-21

When it comes to spiritual warfare and the discipline of prayer, Chuck Swindoll makes five insightful observations:

• Believers’ prayers are immediately heard by God.
• Demonic forces can delay answers to prayer.
• Wrestling in prayer is exhausting work.
• Following wearisome times in prayer, strength returns in extra measure.
• Overcoming demonic forces is not a once-and-for-all matter. (Daniel, 98–101)

Spiritual warfare is not for the weak of heart and the weak in faith. You will be out of your league and well below the cutoff line. Even spiritual giants like Daniel can be overcome and overwhelmed. They can literally be knocked off their feet and knocked unconscious. They can be drained of all strength and left without a breath. Their lives can feel like they are ebbing away because in their own strength, they are no match for this spiritual arena. Yet, because they are greatly loved of God, help is sent and their energy is renewed. God may knock them down for his sanctifying work, but he promises he will lift them back up (Jas 4:6, 10).

We Should Receive Peace, Strength, and Encouragement (10:18-19)

For the third time Daniel is touched by this heavenly visitor (10:10, 16, 18). The angel’s touch strengthens him, restoring his vitality (v. 18). He is told a second time that he is the object of God’s great love (vv. 11, 19; cf. 9:23). Then the angel delivers to Daniel a threefold message: (1) fear not, (2) peace be with you, and (3) be strong.

Daniel was strengthened (three times in 10:18-19), and he invites the angelic messenger to speak because he has received the spiritual energy necessary to receive and understand his message. Strong words of divine revelation (like ch. 11) require spiritual vitality to receive and embrace them. Daniel got what he needed. He is now ready to hear them. The question for you and me is, Are we ready to hear what God has to say to us no matter what the message might be?

We Should Receive Insight of Both Earthly and Heavenly Truth (10:20-21)

The angel asks Daniel a rhetorical question: “Do you know why I’ve come to you?” The answer had already been given, at least in part, in verses 12 and 14. Parenthetically, the angel informs Daniel that he has to return to fight against the prince of Persia. The Persian Empire lasted from 539 to 331 BC. After he battles the Persian demons, he will then engage the evil, spiritual forces of Greece. That empire would exist, in some form, from 331 to 63 BC. As with Persia, evil powers would be working for Greece in the unseen world, engaging the good forces (angels) of God in a battle for the kingdoms of this world and for the souls of men.

Before he leaves for a second deployment, the angel informs Daniel that he will tell him “what is recorded in the book of truth” (v. 21). What an apt description for God’s written revelation. Specifically, as chapter 11 makes clear, the revelation details God’s plan for Israel and the kingdoms of this world. Before he leaves, he provides one final word: as I go to fight on Israel’s behalf, only “Michael, your prince,” is with me. Why? Was it because no one else was courageous enough? The CSB would support this view. I prefer a different understanding. God has an untold number of angels to do his bidding. A lack of courage never appears to be a problem for them. No, the reason is because no one else was needed. Gabriel and Michael would be more than sufficient to carry out God’s plans and purposes.

Conclusion: How Does This Text Point to Christ?

John Piper, in commenting on Daniel 10, says,

Take the supernatural seriously and realize that we are in a warfare that cannot and should not be domesticated by reinterpreting everything in the biblical worldview so that it fits nicely with secular, naturalistic ways of thinking about the world. Be ready for the extraordinary as well as the ordinary ways that evil spirits work. Don’t be presumptuous, as though demons were weak; and don’t be anxious, as though they were stronger than Jesus. (“Angels and Prayer”)

John Piper is right. No follower of Jesus should be anxious about demons. A vision of the glorified Son of God is more than sufficient to sustain us no matter what we may encounter. A vision of the exalted Messiah will give us strength to endure the darkest night or trial.

The vision of Daniel 10:5-6 finds its New Testament counterpart in Revelation 1:12-16. Both are wonderful and faithful portraits of King Jesus. He is our faithful priest clothed in linen with a belt of gold around his waist (10:5). He is our glorious sovereign Lord shining brightly with omniscient eyes burning like flaming torches (v. 6). He is an omnipotent Savior with arms and legs like polished bronze. And because of his awesome power and might, his words, when spoken, are like the roar of thousands and thousands (v. 6).

This is the God who strips us of our strength that he may become our strength. This is the God who knocks us down that he may raise us up with renewed strength, peace, and courage (v. 19). Our God often knocks us down to show us who we are without him. And our God raises us up to show us what we can be in him. There is pain in the process. But joy comes in the morning.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How often do you think about the realities of spiritual warfare? What causes you to recognize these realities?
2. Is revelation always a result of divine initiative? Why or why not?
3. What does Daniel show us about the proper response to divine revelation? How do you respond when you read a difficult message in Scripture?
4. What is the relationship between prayer and spiritual warfare? How can you use your prayers to engage in spiritual battle?
5. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. What does that passage say about spiritual warfare? What does it say about prayer?
6. How can we make sure our prayers are humble? Why is this so important?
7. This passage teaches that angels and demons are engaged in combat with one another. Why do you think this is so difficult for many people to believe or understand in our day?
8. Have you ever been overcome by the weightiness of a message from God? If so, how has God also encouraged you in those times?
9. Daniel is encouraged because he is treasured by God. Reflect on God’s love for you as shown in Christ (Rom 5:8). How can this encourage you as you encounter spiritual opposition?
10. Read Daniel 10:5-6 and Revelation 1:12-16. What similarities do you see?