SPIRIT WAR

DANIEL 10:1-21


      As Daniel prayed for the restoration of Jerusalem, the prophet encountered “war in the kingdom of supernatural spirits.” Endnote The encounter showed the reality of “demons between heaven and earth.” Endnote

•          Existence of demonic spirits. John D. Robb wrote, “The battle for the final frontier of world evangelization will at its heart be a spiritual contest. . . .” Endnote

•          Resistance by demonic spirits. Richard A. Webster said, “Without realizing it, Daniel’s praying had set in motion a tremendous unseen battle.” Endnote

•          Persistence against demonic spirits. Swindoll commented, “Wrestling in prayer is exhausting work. Overcoming demonic forces is not a once-for-all matter.” Endnote Webster wrote, “If his resistance can outlast my persistence, he has won.” Endnote


      Tony Evans said, “Everything visible and physical is the result of something invisible and spiritual. Therefore, only by addressing the invisible, spiritual cause can we fix what is wrong with our visible, physical lives.” Endnote


      The battle is against a host of fallen angels (Mt. 16:18; Rev. 12:4). Paul described this fallen host as a hierarchy of evil (Eph. 6:12).

•          Principalities (Eph. 1:21, 2:2, 3:10; Mt. 9:34, 12:24; Jn. 12:31, 14:30, 16:11)

•          Authorities (Eph. 1:21, 2:2, 3:10: Lk. 4:6; Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13; Rev. 13:2)

•          Territorial powers (2 Cor. 4:4) of darkness (Lk. 22:53; Col. 1:13)

•          Spiritual (Eph. 1:3, 5:19) wickedness (Eph. 5:16, 6:13-16; Mt. 6:13, 13:19; Jn. 17:15; Acts 19:12-13-15-16; 1 Jn. 2:13-14, 3:12, 5:19)


      Demonic spirits exist behind the evil in this present age. A great unseen struggle takes place between the kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of Light. The accuser walks like a lion to devour the righteous.


      Satan opposes each advance in the spiritual arena against unrighteousness. The battle takes place in the heavenly sphere.


      Satan does not yield territory easily. Christian soldiers must put on the spiritual disciplines to win in the daily battle. Days of disobedience take time to restore the territory lost.


      Jesus defeated the devil at the cross. The attention of the believer must be upon Christ the Victor. The strength of the Lord Himself wins the daily battle in as believers look to Him in faith and obedience.


      The closer a Christian moves toward holiness the greater the evil one devises temptations and attacks. Those trapped in the enemy’s strongholds do not sense the subtle presence of evil.


      The battle is the Lord’s, but the Christian must pick up the armor. The weapon of offense is the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit. Truth defeats the lies of the devil. God’s Word is essential to Christian victory against the enemy.


      A chief tactic of the enemy is to strike fear and discouragement in a Christian. Satan began in the Garden of Eden by questioning the goodness of God and causing doubt. The devil seeks to picture God as the one who accuses and condemns instead of the One who loves and delivers.


      Spiritual warfare takes place in the heavenlies. The prince of the power of the air gains power over territories when given any foothold. The devil is a strong man who takes hold of any area yielded up by direct disobedience to the Word of God.


      Spiritual victories result from wrestling with spiritual weapons like prayer. The angels came and ministered to Jesus when He prayed with great agony in the garden of Gethsemane.


      Satan tries to hinder the entrance of Scripture. Satan particular hates Bible prophecy that foretells the devil’s defeat and eternal punishment.


      The Bible does not expose the wicked activity of the evil one to strike fear in a Christian of such a defeated foe. Instead, knowledge of the enemy ought to drive Christians to be strengthened by putting on the armor of God.


      God is for the believer. The Spirit of the Lord will empower a Christian who each day asks deliverance from evil and walks in obedience to God’s truth.


      A Christian soldier never can lay down arms. The devil will not observe any “cease fire” until God removes a believer from the presence of sin at the second coming. Each new victory over evil precedes the next battle that may adopt another strategy.


      Jesus overcame the temptations of the devil by quoting the Scripture He hid in the heart through memorization. In the spiritual battle Christian soldiers must know where to find the truth in the Scripture to contradict the temptation of the enemy.


  I. Warfare (10:1-10)


2 Kg. 6:17 [HCSB]. Then Elisha prayed, "LORD, please open his eyes and let him see." So the LORD opened the servant's eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.


Job 2:1 [GW]. One day when the sons of God came to stand in front of the LORD, Satan the Accuser came along with them.


Eph. 6:12 [GW]. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.


      A. Truth (1; Dan. 10:1-21, 11:2)


Amos 3:7 [GNB]. The Sovereign LORD never does anything without revealing his plan to his servants, the prophets.


      B. Trial (2-3)


Ezra 10:6 [HCSB]. Ezra then went from the house of God, walked to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib, where he spent the night. He did not eat food or drink water, because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.


      C. Theophany (4-7)


Rev. 1:14-16 [ESV]. The hairs of his head were white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,

 15. his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.

 16. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.


      The vision of this angel is like the vision John received of Jesus. Jesus spoiled the authority of Satan over believers (Mt. 28:18; Mk. 6:7; Lk. 10:19; Rom. 8:38-39; 1 Cor. 15:24; Col. 2:10-15; Heb. 2:14; 1 Pet. 3:22; 1 Jn. 3:8). Satan limps today as a defeated enemy (Mt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10). Now, believers must appropriate Christ’s victory by faith.


      D. Terror (8-10)


Rev. 1:17 [ESV]. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last,


          1. Hear


Acts 9:4 [ESV]. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"


          2. Humble


Ezra 9:5 [ESV]. And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and my cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God,


 II. Wrestling (10:11-14)


      Martin Luther said, “If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day. “ Endnote


2 Cor. 10:4-5. (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

 5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;


      Warren Wiersbe wrote, “If the believer cultivates in his life any known sin, he is giving Satan an opportunity to get a foothold, a beachhead in his life. Satan will then use this opportunity to invade and take over other areas.” Endnote


      Satan can gain a stronghold in a particular region anytime a Christian yields to the evil nature instead of obeying God (Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 4:22-32). Examples of strongholds would include:

•          sexual promiscuity

•          evil desires

•          filthy thoughts

•          indecent actions

•          lustfulness

•          greed for possessions

•          idol-worship

•          jealousy

•          anger

•          factions

•          divisions

•          selfishness

•          arguments

•          dissension

•          fighting

•          drug use

•          hatred

•          outbursts of temper

•          conflict

•          marital difficulty

•          disobedience to parents

•          envy

•          drinking

•          addictions

•          over-eating

•          lying

•          stealing

•          laziness

•          unprofitable speech

•          bitterness

•          unforgiveness

•          unkindness

•          dirty talk

•          cursing

•          dishonesty

•          hurt feelings

•          touchiness

•          criticism

•          worry

•          pessimism

•          doubt

•          wastefulness

•          fear

•          procrastination


      Satan not only wants to take territory in nations (Hindu gods) but authority over individuals, families (rebellion, marital difficulties), church (unfaithfulness, disobedience, division, compromise), and the culture (church acts powerless to shape and penetrate; politics, entertainment, crime).


      A. Wrestling with the words of prayer (11)


Jn. 12:27 [ESV]. "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.


      B. Wrestling with the when of prayer (12)


Acts 12:16 [GW]. But Peter kept knocking. When they opened the door, they were shocked to see him.


      Daniel prayed three weeks without an apparent answer. God’s delays do not mean denial.


      C. Wrestling with the weapon of prayer (13)


Rev. 12:7 [ESV]. Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back,


Jude 1:9 [ESV]. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you."


      D. Wrestling with the what of prayer (14)


1 Sam. 3:1 [GNB]. In those days, when the boy Samuel was serving the LORD under the direction of Eli, there were very few messages from the LORD, and visions from him were quite rare.


Prov. 29:18 [MSG]. If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.


III. Winning (10:15-21)


Ex. 14:14 [GNB]. The LORD will fight for you, and all you have to do is keep still."


Dt. 20:4 [ESV]. for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.'


2 Chr. 20:17 [ESV]. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.


      God equipped believers with authority (Lk. 10:19; Eph. 6:10) and armor (Eph. 6:10-18).

•          Truth (Jn. 8:44)

•          Righteousness (Rom. 8:33-34)

•          Gospel (Rev. 12:11)

•          Faith (1 Jn. 5:4)

•          Salvation (2 Cor. 10:4-5)

•          Word (Mt. 4:4; 2 Pet. 1:4)

•          Prayer (Mt. 6:13)


Rev. 12:11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.


Jas. 4:7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.


      A. Weakness in self (15-17)


Is. 6:7 [MSG]. He touched my mouth with the coal and said, "Look. This coal has touched your lips. Gone your guilt, your sins wiped out."


      B. Worry or strength (18-19)


Dt. 31:6 [ESV]. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."


Jos. 10:25 [ESV]. And Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight."


Neh. 6:9 [GNB]. They were trying to frighten us into stopping work. I prayed, "But now, God, make me strong!"


      Wiersbe said, “When the Spirit of God convicts you, He uses the Word of God in love and seeks to bring you back into fellowship with your Father. When Satan accuses you, he uses your own sins in a hateful way, and he seeks to make you feel helpless and hopeless.” Endnote


      C. Words of Scripture (20-21)


Jn. 17:17 [ESV]. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.


Eph. 6:14 [HCSB]. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest,


      Because Satan is a liar (Jn. 8:44), believers must arm themselves with the truth (Jn. 8:32, 17:17-19; 2 Tim. 2:15; Jas. 1:18) of Scripture.


“And tho this world, with devils filled,

   Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed

   His truth to triumph thro’ us:

The Prince of Darkness grim,

   We tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure,

   For lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.” Endnote


      In this prayer Daniel discovered that the struggle for souls took place in the unseen realm. Believers must win the battle for the salvation of the lost with spiritual weapons.


2 Cor. 4:3-4. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.


KJV

 1. In the third year of Cyrus (<03566> Dan. 1:21; 2 Chr. 36:22; Is. 44:28, 45:1; Young--“now an old man, and God had yet a further revelation to give him.” Endnote ) king (<04428> Dan. 8:1-20-21-23-27, 9:6-8, 10:1-13, 11:2-3-5-6-7-8-9-11-13-14-15-25-27-36-40) of Persia (<06539> Dan. 10:1-13-20) a thing (<01697> Dan. 10:1-6-9-11-12-15) was revealed (<01540> 1 Sam. 3:7; Amos 3:7; uncover, remove) unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar (<01095> Dan. 1:7, 10:1; protect his life [god Saturn?]); and the thing <01697> [was] true (<0571> Dan. 8:12-26, 9:13, 10:1-21, 11:2; Ps. 51:6, 85:10; Is. 59:14; firmness, faithfulness, truth, sureness Endnote ), but the time appointed (<06635> Dan. 8:11, 10:1; Jos. 5:14; 1 Kg. 22:19; Ps. 24:10, 103:21; army, hard service; Young--“Luther, ‘a great struggle.’”) [was] long: and he understood (<0995> Dan. 1:17, 8:16, 9:2-22, 10:1-11-12-14, 12:8-10; 1 Kg. 3:9; Job 42:3; Ps. 119:130; discern, perceive) the thing <01697>, and had understanding (<0998> Dan. 1:20, 8:15, 9:22, 10:1; Prov. 3:5, 9:10; Is. 11:2) of the vision (<04758> Dan. 8:15-26, 9:23, 10:1-6-18).

 2. In those days I Daniel was mourning (<056> 1 Sam. 16:1; 2 Sam. 13:37; Ezra 10:6; Neh. 1:4) three (<07969> Dan. 10:2-3) full weeks (Dan. 9:24-25-26-27, 10:2-3; Young--“may have been occasioned by reflection upon the sins of his people.” Endnote ).

 3. I ate no pleasant (<02532> Dan. 9:23, 10:3-11-19, 11:8-37-38-43; 1 Sam. 9:20; Hag. 2:7; desire; delicacies) (<02532>) bread, neither came flesh nor wine (<03196> Dan. 1:5-8-16, 10:3) in my mouth, neither did I anoint (<05480> Ruth 3:3; 2 Sam. 12:20; anoint oneself after washing; Keil--“sign of joy” Endnote ) myself at all, till three (<07969> Dan. 10:2-3 ) whole weeks (Dan. 9:24-25-26-27, 10:2-3) were fulfilled.

 4. And in the four and twentieth day of the first month (Keil--“month in the middle of which the paschal feast was kept;” Endnote Nisan), as I was by the side of the great river, which [is] Hiddekel (<02313> Gen. 2:14);

 5. Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked (<07200> Dan. 8:1-2-3-4-6-7-15-20, 9:18-21, 10:5-7-8, 12:5), and behold a certain (<0259> Dan. 10:5-13-21) man (<0376> Dan. 10:5-11-19; Keil--“manifestation of Jehovah, i.e. the Logos;” Endnote “Angel of the Lord;” Endnote Ezek. 1; Dan. 7:13; Rev. 1:13, 19:12 ) clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz (Young--“poetical;” Endnote <0210> Jer. 10:9):

 6. His body also [was] like the beryl (Young--“transparent stone brought from Tarshish;” Endnote <08658> Ex. 28:20; Ezek. 1:16, 10:9, 28:13; Rev. 21:20), and his face (Dan. 10:6-9-15) as the appearance (<04758> Dan. 8:15-26, 9:23, 10:1-6-18) of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice (<06963> Dan. 10:6-9) of his words (<01697> Dan. 10:1-6-9-11-12-15) like the voice <06963> of a multitude.

 7. And I Daniel alone saw (<07200> Dan. 8:1-2-3-4-6-7-15-20, 9:18-21, 10:5-7-8, 12:5) the vision (<04759> Dan. 10:7-8-16): for the men that were with me saw (<07200> Dan. 10:5-7-8) not the vision (<04759> Dan. 10:7-8-16); but (Dan. 10:7-21) a great quaking (trembling, fear, anxiety; <02731>) fell (Dan. 8:10-17, 9:18-20, 10:7, 11:12-19-26) upon them, so that they fled (<01272> Ps. 139:7; Jon. 1:10) to hide (<02244> Gen. 3:8; Amos 9:3) themselves.

 8. Therefore I was left alone (<07604> Dan. 10:8-17; Young--“companions having fled;” Endnote Acts 9:3), and saw (<07200> Dan. 8:1-2-3-4-6-7-15-20, 9:18-21, 10:5-7-8, 12:5) this great vision (<04759> Dan. 10:7-8-16), and there remained <07604> no strength (<03581> Dan. 8:6-7-22-24, 10:8-16-17, 11:6-15-25) in me: for my comeliness (<01935> Dan. 10:8, 11:2; Num. 27:20; 1 Chr. 29:25; splendor, majesty) was turned (Dan. 10:8-16) in me into corruption (ruin, destruction; <04889>), and I retained (shut up, restrain; <06113> Dan. 10:8-16) no strength <03581>.

 9. Yet heard (<08085> Dan. 10:9-12) I the voice (<06963> Dan. 10:6-9) of his words <01697>: and when I heard <08085> the voice <06963> of his words (<01697> Dan. 10:1-6-9-11-12-15), then was I in a deep sleep (<07290> Dan. 8:18, 10:9; Jon. 1:5; fall into heavy sleep) on my face (Dan. 10:6-9-15), and my face toward the ground (Dan. 10:9-15).

 10. And, behold, an hand touched (<05060> Dan. 8:5-7-18, 9:21, 10:10-16-18, 12:12; Jud. 6:21; Jer. 1:9) me, which set me upon my knees (<01290> 1 Kg. 8:54; Ezra 9:5) and [upon] the palms (<03709> 1 Sam. 5:4; 2 Kg. 9:35) of my hands.

 11. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man (<0376> Dan. 10:5-11-19) greatly beloved (<02532> Dan. 9:23, 10:3-11-19, 11:8-37-38-43; 1 Sam. 9:20; Hag. 2:7; desire; delicacies), understand (<0995> Dan. 1:17, 8:16, 9:2-22, 10:1-11-12-14, 12:8-10; 1 Kg. 3:9; Job 42:3; Ps. 119:130; discern, perceive) the words (<01697> Dan. 10:1-6-9-11-12-15) that I speak <01696> unto thee, and stand (<05975> Dan. 8:18-25, 10:11) upright <05977>: for unto thee am I now sent <07971>. And when he had spoken <01696> this word <01697> unto me, I stood <05975> trembling (<07460> Ezra 10:9; Ps. 104:32; quiver, shake ).

 12. Then said he unto me, Fear (<03372> Dan. 10:12-19 ) not, Daniel: for from the first (<07223> Dan. 10:12-13 ) day that thou didst set thine heart (<03820> Dan. 1:8, 10:12) to understand (<0995> Dan. 1:17, 8:16, 9:2-22, 10:1-11-12-14, 12:8-10; 1 Kg. 3:9; Job 42:3; Ps. 119:130; discern, perceive), and to chasten (hiph.; <06031> Lev. 23:27; Ps. 119:71; Is. 53:4-7; afflict, bow down, humble) thyself before thy God, thy words <01697> were heard (<08085> Dan. 10:9-12), and I am come for thy words (Keil--“angel was immediately sent forth by God . . . . angel does not come to Daniel immediately, but only after having gained a victory over the prince of the kingdom;” Endnote <01697> Dan. 10:1-6-9-11-12-15).

 13. But the prince (<08269> Dan. 8:11-25, 9:6-8, 10:13-20-21, 11:5, 12:1; Est. 1:14-18; Eph. 6:12; Rev. 12:7) of the kingdom (<04428> Dan. 8:1-20-21-23-27, 9:6-8, 10:1-13, 11:2-3-5-6-7-8-9-11-13-14-15-25-27-36-40) of Persia (<06539> Dan. 10:1-13-20, 11:2; 2 Chr. 36:20; Ezra 1:1, 7:1) withstood <05975> me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael (<04317> Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7), one (<0259> Dan. 10:5-13-21) of the chief (Keil--“arrangement of orders and degrees among the angels;” Endnote <07223> Dan. 10:12-13) princes <08269>, came to help (<05826> 1 Sam. 7:12; 2 Chr. 32:8; Is. 41:10; Keil--“Michael came to the help of the Angel of the Lord;” Endnote “Michael was the prince of Israel” Endnote ) me; and I remained (Keil--“maintain the position gained;” Endnote <03498>) there with the kings <04428> of Persia (<06539> Dan. 8:20, 10:13).

 14. Now I am come to make thee understand (Dan. 1:17, 8:16, 9:2-22, 10:1-11-12-14, 12:8-10; 1 Kg. 3:9; Job 42:3; Ps. 119:130; discern, perceive;; <0995>) what shall befall (<07136> Gen. 24:12, 42:29; Ruth 2:3; Est. 4:7; Ecc. 9:11; encounter, meet) thy people <05971> in the latter <0319> days (<03117> Dan. 8:19-23, 10:14, 11:4, 12:8; Gen. 49:1; Is. 2:2; Ezek. 38:8-16; Mic. 4:1; Young--“Messianic days” Endnote ): for yet the vision (<02377> Dan. 8:1-2-13-15-26, 9:21-23-24, 10:14, 11:14; 1 Sam. 3:1; Prov. 29:18; Hab. 2:3; vision in prophecy) [is] for [many] days (Dan. 10:14, 12:1).

 15. And when he had spoken such words (<01697> Dan. 10:1-6-9-11-12-15) unto me, I set my face (Dan. 10:6-9-15) toward the ground (<0776> Dan. 10:9-15), and I became dumb (<0481> Is. 53:7; bind).

 16. And, behold, [one] like the similitude (<01823> Gen. 1:26; Is. 40:18; Ezek. 1:5; likeness, external appearance) of the sons <01121> of men (<0120> Dan. 10:16-18; Ps. 8:4; Is. 52:14) touched (<05060> Dan. 8:5-7-18, 9:21, 10:10-16-18, 12:12; Jud. 6:21; Jer. 1:9) my lips (Is. 6:7): then I opened my mouth, and spake <01696>, and said unto him that stood <05975> before me, O my lord <0113>, by the vision (<04759> Dan. 10:7-8-16) my sorrows (<06735> 1 Sam. 4:19; pains of childbirth; Keil--“violent terror” Endnote ) are turned (<02015> Dan. 10:8-16) upon me, and I have retained (<06113> Dan. 10:8-16) no strength (<03581> Dan. 8:6-7-22-24, 10:8-16-17, 11:6-15-25).

 17. For how can the servant (<05650> Dan. 9:17, 10:17) of this my lord (<0113> Dan. 10:17-19, 12:8) talk <01696> with this my lord <0113>? for as for me, straightway there remained <05975> no strength (<03581> Dan. 8:6-7-22-24, 10:8-16-17, 11:6-15-25) in me, neither is there breath (<05397> 1 Kg. 17:17 ) left (<07604> Dan. 10:8-17) in me.

 18. Then there came again <03254> and touched (<05060> Dan. 8:5-7-18, 9:21, 10:10-16-18, 12:12; Jud. 6:21; Jer. 1:9) me [one] like the appearance (<04758> Dan. 8:15-26, 9:23, 10:1-6-18) of a man (<0120> Dan. 10:16-18; Ps. 8:4; Is. 52:14) , and he strengthened (grow firm, strong; <02388> Dan. 10:18-19-21, 11:5-21) me,

 19. And said, O man (<0376> Dan. 10:5-11-19) greatly beloved (<02532> Dan. 9:23, 10:3-11-19, 11:8-37-38-43; 1 Sam. 9:20; Hag. 2:7; desire; delicacies), fear (<03372> Dan. 10:12-19) not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong (<02388> Dan. 10:18-19-21, 11:5-21), yea, be strong (<02388> Dan. 10:18-19-21, 11:5-21). And when he had spoken <01696> unto me, I was strengthened (<02388> Dan. 10:18-19-21, 11:5-21), and said, Let my lord (<0113> Dan. 10:17-19, 12:8) speak <01696>; for thou hast strengthened (<02388> Dan. 10:18-19-21, 11:5-21).

 20. Then said he, Knowest (<03045> Dan. 2:3, 8:19, 9:25, 10:20, 11:32-38) thou wherefore I come <0935> unto thee? and now will I return (<07725> Dan. 9:13-16-25, 10:20, 11:9-10-13-18-19-28-29-30) to fight (<03898> Ex. 14:14, 17:10; Dt. 20:4; Jos. 23:3; 2 Chr. 20:17, 32:8; Neh. 4:20; do battle) with the prince (<08269> Dan. 8:11-25, 9:6-8, 10:13-20-21, 11:5, 12:1; Est. 1:14-18; Eph. 6:12; Rev. 12:7) of Persia (Keil--“new conflict;” Endnote <06539> Dan. 10:1-13-20, 11:2; 2 Chr. 36:20; Ezra 1:1, 7:1): and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince <08269> of Grecia (<03120> Dan. 8:21, 10:20, 11:2; Gen. 10:2; Is. 66:19; Zech. 9:13) shall come <0935>.

 21. But <061> I will shew (<05046> Dan. 9:23, 10:21, 11:2) thee that which is noted (inscribed in writing; <07559>) in the scripture (<03791> 1 Chr. 28:19; Ezek. 13:9) of truth (<0571> Dan. 8:12-26, 9:13, 10:1-21, 11:2; Ps. 51:6, 85:10; Is. 59:14; firmness, faithfulness, truth, sureness Endnote ): and [there is] none that holdeth (<02388> Dan. 10:18-19-21, 11:5-21) with me in these things, but Michael <04317> your prince (<08269> Dan. 8:11-25, 9:6-8, 10:13-20-21, 11:5, 12:1; Est. 1:14-18; Eph. 6:12; Rev. 12:7).