MPV Commentary

The tenth through twelfth chapters of Daniel provide a more detailed explanation of the vision in chapter 8 by presenting another vision on the same subject. This second vision serves as an expansion of the first, offering minute details about the future and anticipative history.

The tenth chapter is the prologue, introducing the spiritual world as the backdrop for human history (Job 1:7; 2:1; Zechariah 3:1-2; Revelation 12:7). It also highlights angels as God's ministers in governing humanity. Just as there are struggles between opposing forces in nature (John 5:4; Revelation 7:1-3), so too do we see conflicts between angelic beings in the spiritual realm.

In this context, Michael, Israel's champion, and another angel resist the spirit of opposition that seeks to thwart God's will. These battles are not merely symbolic but have real-world consequences (1 Samuel 16:13-15; 1 Kings 22:22; Ephesians 6:12).

The vision takes place in the third year of Cyrus' reign, two years after his decree for the restoration of the Jews had been issued. This prophecy provides not only general outlines but also minute details about the future, making it an expansion of the vision in chapter 8.

Daniel's mourning and fasting (Da 10:2-3) were a sign of his sorrow over Israel's calamities, particularly the obstacles to rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. His fast lasted for three weeks, from the first month (Nisan), which was significant due to its association with the Passover feast and Israel's deliverance from Egypt.

The vision occurs on the twenty-fourth day after Daniel's mourning ended, as he stood by the Hiddekel River (Tigris). In this instance, God revealed Himself through an angelic being in a straightforward manner, rather than using symbolic images. The angel was clothed in linen, symbolizing sanctity and purity, and wore a girdle interwoven with gold.

The angel's presence caused Daniel to tremble, and he fell into a deep sleep. An angel, likely Gabriel (Da 8:16), touched him on the hand, setting him up on his knees. The angel then spoke to Daniel, saying that he was beloved and should not be afraid.

Daniel asked for understanding, and the angel told him not to fear but to set his heart to understand what would happen to Israel in the latter days. He also instructed Daniel to chasten himself, indicating that prayer is heard immediately in heaven, even if the response seems delayed on earth.

The reason for the delay was due to opposition from the prince of Persia, an angel representing the Persian world power. This angelic being had been hindering God's messenger, causing a delay of twenty-one days (three weeks) before Daniel received the vision.

Michael, Israel's champion, helped the good angel by influencing the Persian king to permit the Jews' return to Jerusalem. The prophecy extends far into the future, describing calamities that would befall Israel prior to their full restoration at Christ's coming.

Daniel was instructed to face the ground in humility and awe, as he was about to receive a revelation from God. He was touched on the lips by the angel, enabling him to speak with confidence (Isaiah 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:19). The angel then revealed that Daniel would experience great sorrows, likened to those of a woman in labor.

Daniel asked how he could respond to this revelation, given his feeble state. The angel touched him again, and Daniel regained his composure. He was then told that God was favorable to him and Israel (Judges 13:21-22).

The angel asked if Daniel understood the vision, and upon receiving a silent response, declared that he would return to fight against the evil angel, representing Greece. This new adversary would arise after the Persian world power had been conquered.

Finally, the angel noted that this revelation was recorded in the scripture of truth (Psalm 139:16; Revelation 5:1), which contains God's decrees and will be fulfilled as determined by Him.