Daniel 10:20-21
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The angel reveals that his mission isn't just about delivering a message, but also about actively engaging in spiritual warfare against the powers influencing earthly kingdoms. He must return to "fight" not just for Daniel's people, but against the spiritual forces governing Persia and then Greece, highlighting that world events are deeply tied to unseen spiritual battles.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel has just revealed himself to Daniel, emphasizing that his mission is a direct answer to Daniel's prayers and that he was delayed by spiritual opposition from the "prince of Persia." Now, he circles back to confirm Daniel's understanding of his purpose before revealing crucial future events. The angel explains that he must return to battle this spiritual foe in Persia and that once that conflict is resolved, a new spiritual adversary, the "prince of Greece," will emerge, signaling a shift in world powers.
Did you know that the world you see is only part of the story? This verse hints at a cosmic struggle happening behind the scenes.
Daniel 10:20 reveals that significant events in human history are influenced by spiritual forces locked in conflict.
Heavenly Conflict
The angel, sent to reveal God's future plans to Daniel, explains his delay wasn't due to God's inaction, but to a celestial battle.
This shows us that our struggles and the challenges faced by God’s people throughout history are not merely political or social, but deeply spiritual.
When major world empires shift, it's easy to feel lost. This verse reminds us that God is still in control, orchestrating events for His ultimate purposes.
The angel’s words highlight that even in the midst of spiritual warfare and the rise and fall of empires, God’s divine plan for His people remains secure.
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Divine Providence at Work
The angel’s mission to deliver a message to Daniel was crucial for his people's understanding of their future. His ongoing battle with the 'prince of Persia' and the anticipation of the 'prince of Greece' are not signs of God's weakness, but part of His sovereign strategy.
This reassures us that God is actively working, even when we can't see the full picture, guiding history towards His predetermined ends.
Understand the original words
śar · Hebrew Noun
A powerful demonic or angelic entity exercising influence over a specific geopolitical territory. This term reveals the existence of a spiritual realm that battles behind the scenes of human history.
kethabh 'emeth · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A metaphorical record containing God's sovereign decrees, purposes, and foreknowledge regarding history, human events, and the final state of affairs; it signifies the certainty and reliability of God's revealed truth.
chazaq · Hebrew Verb
To actively dispute, resist, or battle against an adversary; in a spiritual context, it refers to the ongoing warfare between God's angelic servants and the forces of darkness.
Mikha'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
A high-ranking angelic being, often identified as an archangel; he is depicted as a primary defender and guardian of the people of God, acting under divine commission.
sar · Hebrew Noun
One who holds a position of authority, preeminence, or leadership over a group or nation; here it denotes the high angelic protector assigned by God to act on behalf of Israel.
The angel's struggle with the 'prince of Persia' and the coming of the 'prince of Greece' points to a cosmic battle over world powers that directly impacts God's people, highlighting how political shifts like the rise of Alexander the Great were seen as divinely orchestrated events with profound spiritual implications.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
Cyrus, the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, conquers Babylon, initiating Persian rule over a vast territory that would include Judea.
c. 520-516 BC
Rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple
Under Persian decree, facilitated by figures like Zerubbabel and supported by prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the Second Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt. This process faced opposition.
c. 486-465 BC
Reign of Xerxes I (Ahasuerus)
Xerxes' reign saw the events described in the Book of Esther, where Esther and Mordecai intervened to protect the Jewish people from a plot orchestrated by Haman.
c. 465-424 BC
Reign of Artaxerxes I Longimanus
This period, particularly the 20th year, saw Nehemiah receive permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls, despite continued opposition from neighboring peoples.
334-323 BC— this verse
Alexander the Great's Conquests
Alexander the Great of Macedon (Greece) conquers the Persian Empire, initiating Hellenistic rule over the Near East. This marks a significant shift in geopolitical power.
This verse directly sets up Daniel 10:20, explaining the initial delay of the angelic messenger due to a conflict with the 'prince of Persia'.
Daniel 11:1-4These verses describe the rise of the 'prince of Greece' (Alexander the Great) and his conquest of the Persian empire, directly fulfilling the prediction made in Daniel 10:20.
Isaiah 44:28This prophetic passage speaks of Cyrus, the Persian king, as God's 'shepherd' and 'anointed,' highlighting the divine hand in the affairs of nations and rulers, which is relevant to the angelic conflict over Persia.
Ezekiel 28:12-19This passage describes the fall of the king of Tyre, referencing a 'prince' with underlying spiritual rebellion, providing a concept for the 'princes' of nations that may have spiritual counterparts.
1 Corinthians 10:4This New Testament passage speaks of spiritual 'weapons' and 'fortresses,' echoing the idea of spiritual warfare and conflict that underlies the angelic battles described in Daniel 10.
ellicottDaniel 10:20: "Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come."
(20) Then said he. —The meaning of this verse is obscure. Apparently the person who is speaking refers back to what he had said ( Daniel 10:12-14 ); and from the question “ Knowest thou?” &c., we are to infer that Daniel was perfectly aware of the reasons which caused him to come, viz., “to make thee under…
barnesDaniel 10:20: "Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come."
Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? - This was known by what the angel had said in Daniel 10:14 . He seems to have called his attention to it, and to have proposed the question, because Daniel had been so overcome by his fright that it might be doubtful whether he had understood him dist…
The angel reveals that his mission isn't just about delivering a message, but also about actively engaging in spiritual warfare against the powers influencing earthly kingdoms. He must return to "fight" not just for Daniel's people, but against the spiritual forces governing Persia and then Greece, highlighting that world events are deeply tied to unseen spiritual battles.
The angel has just revealed himself to Daniel, emphasizing that his mission is a direct answer to Daniel's prayers and that he was delayed by spiritual opposition from the "prince of Persia." Now, he circles back to confirm Daniel's understanding of his purpose before revealing crucial future events. The angel explains that he must return to battle this spiritual foe in Persia and that once that conflict is resolved, a new spiritual adversary, the "prince of Greece," will emerge, signaling a shift in world powers.
The angel has just revealed himself to Daniel, emphasizing that his mission is a direct answer to Daniel's prayers and that he was delayed by spiritual opposition from the "prince of Persia." Now, he circles back to confirm Daniel's understanding of his purpose before revealing crucial future events. The angel explains that he must return to battle this spiritual foe in Persia and that once that conflict is resolved, a new spiritual adversary, the "prince of Greece," will emerge, signaling a shift in world powers.
"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…" — The angel reveals that his mission isn't just about delivering a message, but also about actively engaging in spiritual warfare against the powers influencing earthly kingdoms. He must return to "fig…
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Last reviewed October 2026
