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.
Daniel 10:13 NET
The tenth chapter of Daniel offers a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual realm. It starts with Daniel humbling himself before God and seeking understanding. After three weeks, he had a vision of a man that frightened him so badly that he passed out. Many understand this to be a theophany, a visible appearance of God.
Following this, what appears to be another being touched Daniel, raised him to his feet, and identified himself as a messenger sent from God to deliver a message to Daniel. This messenger is not identified by name, although, in the context, he is clearly an angelic messenger. He could well have been Gabriel, who had already come to Daniel earlier (Dan. 8:16; 9:21) and who later delivered messages to Zechariah (Lk. 1:19) and Mary (Lk. 1:26).
The Prince of Persia
Gabriel told Daniel that he had been sent to deliver his message when Daniel had first begun to pray, but he had been opposed by the prince of the kingdom of Persia until Michael, the prince of Israel (Dan. 12:1), had come to help him. Gabriel went on to tell Daniel that after he delivered his message, he would return to the battle alongside Michael against the prince of Persia (Dan. 10:20-11:1). He also referred to a coming prince of Greece.
While short on details, this account gives us a peak into conflict in the spiritual realm. There are spiritual powers at work, not just in the lives of individuals but also at the level of organizations and nations. Some of these, like Gabriel and Michael, support God’s people in our struggle with evil. While others, like the princes of Persia and Greece, fight against us.
Spiritual Forces of Evil
This passage adds clarity to Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:12 that “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.” These spiritual powers arrayed against us could easily overpower us. But by putting on the armor God provides, we can stand against them. And we can join Gabriel and Michael in the fight against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.
Why God allows evil to exist in the heavenly realm is a question that is unanswered here. But I believe it is safe to assume he has a reason for it. That he limits its impact on us (Job 1:12; 2:6). And that he enables us to be victorious in the struggle (1 John 5:4-5). So, don your armor and join in the battle!
