Daniels 70 Weeks Chapter 10
Daniels 70 Weeks Chapter 10
The key to understanding these last three chapters is found in the explanation the angel gives to Daniel: “Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days” (v. 14).
The veil of the spiritual world is partially and momentarily pulled aside, and we get a look into the unseen world
Apparently angels exercise a free will since V 3, p 590 some of them by their own volition followed Satan in his rebellion against God
The angels are in different orders, ranks, positions and have various powers and abilities
We are told that He created thrones, which would be the archangels like Michael and Gabriel and other special envoys. There are dominions, which would be the cherubim and seraphim. There are principalities, which would be the generals, “the brass” of the angel hosts. And powers would be the privates such as serve as guardian angels (Heb. 1:4).
Some angels in the rank of principalities, that is, the generals, fell away to join with Satan
Satan also has his angels organized according to rank. Just as one army is set over against another army, there are generals on both sides. Satan’s “principalities,” or generals, seem to have the oversight of nations.
His “powers” are the privates of his army who are demons who seek to possess human beings
His “powers” are the privates of his army who are demons who seek to possess human beings
Then there is “spiritual wickedness” in the heavenlies, which are the demons who have charge of religion
You may not realize it, but Satan’s department of religion is the largest department of all. He is in the business of religion. Many folk think Satan is against religion. No indeed, he is promoting religion—not Christ, but religion.
These two groups move in the arena of this universe in which we live. They are engaged in ceaseless warfare to capture the souls of men.
3 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.
10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, 14 and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”
15 When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. 16 And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. 17 How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
18 Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20 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. 21 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.