Devotional Reading:Revelation 1:9-18
Background Scripture:Daniel 10, 11
Daniel 10:10-19
10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.
12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
14 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.
15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.
17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.
18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Key Verse
O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.—Daniel 10:19
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize Daniel’s encounter with the heavenly messenger.
2. Explain the difference that faith in the Lord makes when facing an uncertain future.
3. Quote one or more Scripture passages that provide a personal sense of God’s presence and assurance during times when the future looks uncertain.
Introduction
A. What Are the Odds?
The question above pops to mind when something unusual happens or when we consider taking a risk. For many situations, an actuary has already calculated the odds. For example, the odds of being hit by lightning in any given year is about 1 in 960,000. Those with a fear of flying may be relieved to know that the odds of a person dying in a plane crash are only 1 in 8,000. Nature lovers can be confident that the odds of dying from contact with a venomous plant or animal is about 1 in 42,000.
Some odds are comforting. But at other times circumstances of life cause us to feel as if the odds are stacked against us and we can’t go on. Daniel’s faith gave him strength in uncertain times for himself and for his nation.
B. Lesson Background
Last week’s study covered Daniel’s fervent prayer of repentance on behalf of himself, his captive people, and his homeland in Judah. The verses immediately following (Daniel 9:20-27) record a response to Daniel by the angel Gabriel while Daniel was praying. Gabriel said he had come to give Daniel understanding regarding what lay ahead for God’s people. The prophecy of the seventy weeks follows. It includes descriptions of some of the Messiah’s achievements, though persistent questions remain regarding how to interpret details of the prophecy.
Daniel 10:1 introduces a chronological note: “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel.” This was the year 537 or 536 BC, two or three years after the aforementioned prayer (see Daniel 9:1). The exact nature of the revelation to Daniel is not provided in the text, although verse 1 goes on to say that “the thing was true, but the time appointed was long.” In addition Daniel “had understanding of the vision.” Whatever this consisted of, Daniel records a period of “three full weeks” during which he mourned and suspended his daily routine of eating and grooming (Daniel 10:2, 3). We do not know the reason for Daniel’s mourning.
Daniel 10:4 then describes a vision that Daniel had “by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel.” (Hiddekel appears to be another designation of the Tigris River.) An unidentified but spectacular, powerful figure appeared to him. While the figure is not identified, some suggest he may be the angel Gabriel, in keeping with other visions (Daniel 8:16; 9:21). The men with Daniel on this occasion did not see the vision but fled in terror nonetheless (10:7; compare Acts 9:7; 22:9).
The bewildered Daniel eventually fell into a “deep sleep” as the unidentified individual spoke (Daniel 10:9). This is the point at which our printed text begins.
I. Faith Relieves Fear
(Daniel 10:10, 11)
A. Touched by an Angel (v. 10)
10. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
We do not know how long Daniel remains in his “deep sleep” with his “face toward the ground” as the verse before this one describes (Daniel 10:9). Listening to a voice had led to the sleep, and now the touch of a hand results in the opposite. He awakens to the point of being on all fours (compare Revelation 1:17). We can compare this with what happens to the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 2:2. He is a contemporary of Daniel; Ezekiel’s ministry is carried out among the captives in exile, whereas Daniel remains at the royal court in a more official capacity. We do not know whether the two men ever met.
How to Say It
BabylonianBab-ih-low-nee-un.
CyrusSigh-russ.
EphesiansEe-fee-zhunz.
EzekielEe-zeek-ee-ul or Ee-zeek-yul.
GabrielGay-bree-ul.
GideonGid-e-un (G as in get).
HiddekelHid-eh-kell.
JeremiahJair-uh-my-uh.
PersiaPer-zhuh.
B. Commanded to Listen (v. 11)
11. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.
When a heavenly messenger appears to someone, a word of commendation may be spoken first (examples: Judges 6:11, 12; Luke 1:26-28). That happens here as well, and this is not the first time a heavenly messenger has called Daniel a man greatly beloved (see Daniel 9:21-23).
In order for Daniel to be able to understand the words that will be spoken to him, he must be fully awake; that may be why he is directed to stand upright. In other cases, such a command from a heavenly messenger is accompanied by a hint of disapproval or impatience (see Joshua 7:10; Jeremiah 1:17; Acts 12:6, 7; 22:14-16). That is not the case here (compare Ezekiel 1:28-2:2).
Even without hearing any words or tone of admonishment, Daniel is able to stand only with trembling. He also had been in a “deep sleep” earlier before standing, but at that time Gabriel touched him and set him in an upright position (Daniel 8:16-18). After Gabriel spoke to him then, he had “fainted, and was sick certain days” (8:27). Will the words he is about to hear have a similar effect? One can understand why Daniel is trembling at this point!
Times of Trembling
A church group was traveling to a retreat. The driver, weary from the long hours, suddenly yelled, “Look, there is a refrigerator box breaking apart and flying in the air.” A passenger said, “No, there’s an accident ahead. It’s a van.”
The driver slammed on the brakes. Members of the church group were the first to reach the mangled van and a destroyed car, which had a family inside. The group quickly understood the situation, but felt inadequate to help due to lack of first-aid training. They didn’t even have a bandage. Fear began to take hold.
One of the group reminded the others that “perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). Immediately everyone prayed for the strength to serve and love those in need. Fears were put aside in order to do what was necessary. Each began to meet the needs of the injured. One of the group flagged down an 18-wheeler, which happened to be driven by a trained emergency medical technician. The Lord had provided.
As we encounter the unexpected situations of life, may our trust in the Lord help us put aside our fears so we can face our trials with courage. Daniel’s God is our God. As God responded and strengthened Daniel, so also God will strengthen us for His tasks.
—V. S.
What Do You Think?
What steps can you take to ensure that your memory of God’s love will be a source of strength during a difficult time?
Points for Your Discussion
In times of physical suffering
In times of spiritual suffering
Other
II. Faith Welcomes the Future
(Daniel 10:12-14)
A. God Reveals (v. 12)
12. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
Along with or in place of words of commendation, the words fear not are sometimes spoken by a heavenly messenger to the recipient (examples: Judges 6:23; Luke 1:13, 30). As this messenger speaks of the first day that Daniel set his heart to understand, perhaps the reference is to the series of dreams and visions Daniel has been given. These go back to the beginning of chapter 7, and each one recorded in chapters 7 and 8 have caused him great distress (Daniel 7:15, 28; 8:27).
It is also possible that the messenger’s words in the verse before us describe Daniel’s response to the angel Gabriel’s message in Daniel 9:21-27. Daniel’s act of chastening himself would then refer to his three-week period of mourning and his denying himself certain food and drink and portions of his daily care (10:2, 3). Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9 may be the words to which the messenger is now responding, or possibly the reference may be to prayers that Daniel offered during his three weeks of mourning.
Perhaps most important to note from this verse is the description of Daniel’s spiritual condition: he has set his heart to understand God’s ways. Seventy years of captivity in a foreign land have not affected the state of Daniel’s heart or made him bitter toward God. His heart is as firmly committed to the Lord as it had been when he and his friends had first set foot on Babylonian soil. The Hebrew behind the word chasten is also translated “humbled” in Psalm 35:13, and that is the sense here. What could be more important than humbling oneself before God as one works to understand His ways?
What Do You Think?
What are some ways we can help each other remain spiritually constant during hard times?
Points for Your Discussion
When plans are frustrated
When weariness threatens
When doubts arise
When escapism tempts
B. Powers Resist (vv. 13, 14)
13a. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days.
Since a heavenly messenger is speaking these words, one gets the impression that the prince of the kingdom of Persia is a spiritual being who stands opposed to the work to be carried out through the Lord’s messengers. Thus he may be seen as representing Satan as he attempts to thwart God’s holy purposes. The New Testament uses the phrases “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) and “prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) to describe Satan.
This half-verse may therefore be describing the kind of spiritual warfare that Paul outlines in Ephesians 6:10-18. It is noteworthy that the one and twenty days are equivalent to the three weeks of Daniel’s mourning (Daniel 10:2). The struggle pictured in the present verse is the reason for the delay in answering Daniel’s prayer.
13b. But, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me.
Gabriel and Michael are angelic beings designated by name in Scripture (see also Revelation 9:11). Michael is mentioned also in Daniel 10:21, where he is described as Daniel’s “prince,” and in 12:1 as the defender and deliverer of God’s people during a time of great trouble.
In the New Testament, Michael is called “the archangel” in Jude 9, where he is described as “contending with the devil . . . about the body of Moses.” Michael and his angels fight and win a war in Heaven against the dragon (Satan) and his angels (Revelation 12:7-9). It appears that whenever Michael is mentioned in Scripture by name, he is engaged in some kind of intense conflict. So it is in the present verse.
We further note that Jesus’ return will be announced “with the voice of the archangel” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). We presume this archangel to be Michael, although his name is not used.
13c. And I remained there with the kings of Persia.
We can only speculate as to what this detainment involved. Perhaps it reflects the struggles that the exiles who have returned home are confronting in their efforts to rebuild the temple and reestablish themselves in their homeland (Ezra 4:1-5). Are satanic elements (referring to Satan’s use of various individuals or circumstances) at work to counter God’s plan for His people? Is that why Michael has been dispatched to help the messenger speaking with Daniel? We cannot be certain.
What Do You Think?
In what ways can acknowledging spiritual warfare affect how we endure hard times?
Points for Your Discussion
Regarding our perspective on purpose
Regarding our perspectives on friend and foe
Regarding our perspective on resources
Other
14. 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.
It’s one thing to know what will happen; but it’s another thing to know the timing, the when of it. What is being revealed to Daniel will not be fulfilled for many days. This most likely alludes to what Daniel is about to be told in chapters 11 and 12 (not in today’s text).
III. Faith Receives Strength
(Daniel 10:15-19)
A. No Strength Within (vv. 15-17)
15. And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
Daniel’s reaction to such words is similar to that of the earlier vision in Daniel 10:9. One can understand his reaction. He has already been given an array of visions and dreams that have left him an emotional and physical wreck.
Daniel is an elderly man at this point; this may contribute to a lack of stamina for all of this. Yet here in chapter 10, a heavenly messenger has thus far said, in essence, “But wait—there’s more!” No wonder Daniel can only turn his face toward the ground as he becomes speechless (dumb).
16. And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.
Having been reduced to speechlessness, one like the similitude of the sons of men (apparently another angelic being) comes to the rescue. This is the fourth of five instances recorded of Daniel’s being touched by a heavenly being (compare Daniel 8:18; 9:21; 10:10, 18). The fact that this touch occurs on Daniel’s lips echoes Isaiah 6:6, 7 and Jeremiah 1:9). This enables Daniel to speak, whereupon he immediately confesses his extreme weakness. His use of the term my lord is not to be understood that he sees the one touching him as being deity. Rather, it is a polite term of respect for the being’s exalted status (compare Daniel 1:10).
What Do You Think?
Can Daniel 8:18; 9:21; and 10:10, 16, 18 speak to the usefulness of human touch in counseling situations today? Why, or why not?
Points for Your Discussion
Regarding potentially positive outcomes
Regarding potentially negative outcomes
17. For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.
We get the impression that Daniel speaks these words while literally gasping for air. He remains more than a little unnerved by what he has been privileged to see and hear! But he is still aware of his status: he is merely a servant to the being with whom he converses. In acknowledging his weakness, it is as if Daniel is pleading for a second touch in order to obtain additional strength. And that is indeed what he receives (next verse).
B. Strength from Above (vv. 18, 19)
18. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.
Once more Daniel receives a strengthening touch. The one like the appearance of a man may be the same being who touched him earlier. Various passages speak of the spiritual hand of the Lord strengthening individuals (examples: Ezra 7:28; Nehemiah 2:18). The verse before us, however, speaks of strength via physical touch from a heavenly being acting on God’s authority.
19. And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Interestingly, Daniel’s request for strength is not so that he might question the angelic being. Rather, Daniel has desired strength so that he might be able to listen, as evident in his request let my lord speak.
Part (most?) of the strength Daniel receives must be due to the reaffirmation that he is greatly beloved (compare Daniel 10:11, above). Sometimes we too find ourselves in a state of needing calm assurance from the Lord that we are not alone, that He is still in control, and that He will supply whatever we lack. At other times we may find ourselves in a position of being the channel or conduit of the Lord’s strength to someone who needs it. Such is the privilege of bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
What Do You Think?
What has to happen to keep communication lines open with God in hard times?
Points for Your Discussion
When we are tempted to quit (compare Jeremiah 20:9)
When God seems distant and prayers go unanswered (Lamentations 3:44)
When we are angry at God (compare Jonah 4)
Other
Encouraging Message
Eva, our church’s eldest senior at nearly 100 years of age, struggles with physical weakness. But what she lacks in physical strength she makes up for in strong Christian love. Her wisdom and ability to share her Christian message knits the community together in love (Colossians 2:2). She is particularly good at alleviating the fears of mothers whose sons and daughters in the military are deployed.
When Faith’s son Kevin was deployed to Iraq, Eva reminded her of when at age 2 he walked up to the choir, carrying a hymnal, to sing with them. “What a courageous toddler!” Eva exclaimed. They laughed and reminisced of the congregation’s waiting each week thereafter to see the little one run up to join the choir. “We wouldn’t have had it any other way,” Eva added.
“Faith,” Eva’s encouragement continued, “you are the courageous mom who raised Kevin. We know God hears our prayers. He answered the first time you ever mentioned Kevin’s courage in a prayer.”
We can be God’s hands and feet in imitating this message of Daniel 10. We can set others at ease, tell them what we appreciate about them, and give them assurance that their prayers are heard. Recipients of such a message can say, as Daniel did, that the Lord has strengthened them.
—V. S.
Conclusion
A. Bible Complacency
The availability of the Bible in the Western world today is mind-boggling. Just the sheer number of editions is impressive in an “embarrassment of riches” kind of way. For print editions, one can choose from various bindings, print size, color coding, etc. For electronic versions, Bibles are available for all the major software platforms in terms of “apps” (short for “applications”). These allow one to have the text ready to read within seconds on a smartphone or tablet. Anyone with such a device can have the Bible alongside them while they are walking, running, or working.
Such an availability of Scripture is indeed a blessing, but it can also produce some less-than-desirable attitudes. It is easy for us who live in Western democracies to become complacent and take for granted what we are privileged to possess. With that complacency can come a decline in the passion for spending time in the Bible. Technology, while providing ready access to the Bible, can result in less memorization of Scripture or of hiding the Word in one’s heart (Psalm 119:11). The heart then becomes more vulnerable to being filled with unholy content.
B. Bible Cost
The cure for complacency is to remember and appreciate the high price that has been paid in order for us to have the access to the Bible that we do. We can read in church history of individuals who paid with their lives so that the Scriptures might be available to everyone.
The struggle to communicate God’s Word traces back ultimately to individuals such as Daniel. His experience in today’s text tells us something else about the process and struggle by which our Bible has come into being. His reception of God’s Word through the visions and dreams that begin in chapter 7 left him, an elderly man, nearly unable to function. He was not a passive, unresponsive instrument who robotically received whatever God wanted him to record. Knowledge of God’s Word, which eventually became written Scripture, came at a price to Daniel.
Many of us who are reading this lesson material are doing so in comfortable surroundings—at home or in the room where our class or small group meets. If the weather outside is cold, our meeting place is probably well heated. We may be relaxing in a padded chair with a cup of coffee in front of us. We hardly think of “trembling” during our encounters with the Word of God—trembling that Daniel actually experienced.
Let us never forget the price that so many individuals, including the inspired authors of Scripture, paid so that we may have and read the Bible. May we, like Daniel, set our hearts to understand and humble ourselves before God so that His Word may accomplish all that He desires of us.
B. Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we take Your Word for granted! May we be Your instruments today to take the Word to those who lack it. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Ministry success is a matter of faith.
Kid’s Corner
Prayer in the Heavenly Battleground
January 28, 2018
Daniel 10:10-19
Daniel 10:10-19
(Daniel 10:10) Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.
The angel Gabriel (who also appears in Daniel 8:16; 9:21 & Luke 1:19; 1:26) appeared to Daniel once again in answer to Daniel’s fasting and prayers. After seventy years of exile and after some of the Jews had returned to Jerusalem, Gabriel appeared to Daniel once again in 537 BC (see Daniel 10:1); therefore, Daniel was quite elderly by this time. Daniel was so overwhelmed during Gabriel’s angelic visitation that he fell down before him, and Gabriel touched him three times during their visit to strengthen him, enable him to speak, and to do what he commanded.
(Daniel 10:11) He said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.
Gabriel told Daniel that he was “greatly beloved” or “highly esteemed” three times (Daniel 9:23; 10:11 & 10:19). “Greatly beloved” is used in the King James Version and the New Revised Standard Version. “Highly esteemed” is used in the English Standard Version, the New American Standard Version, and the New International Version. Our Heavenly Father said of Jesus: “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17). In several verses in the New Testament, Christians are called beloved; for example, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). To receive angelic visitations and be given the prophecies he received, Daniel was greatly beloved or highly esteemed by God, and Daniel’s life demonstrated why God was well-pleased with him. Imagine living a life of obedient faith in God so consistently that God considers you highly esteemed in His eyes! Gabriel enabled Daniel to stand up when he touched him, and then he commanded Daniel to stand up so he could tell Daniel what God had sent him to say. God graciously gives us the ability to do whatever He commands us to do.
(Daniel 10:12) Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.
Even though Daniel faithfully obeyed God and prayed, the appearance of Gabriel filled him with fear, so the angel gave him reasons not to be afraid. By his example, Daniel shows us how we need to begin our study of the Bible. As Bible teachers and students, we need to set our minds to gain understanding, we need to humble ourselves before God, and we need to pray; then, we have the assurance God will hear our words from the first moment we pray them, but we may not always receive the answer how or when we expect. Though Gabriel had appeared to him before, Daniel did not expect an angel visitation. Daniel’s experience in this instance does not mean that God will send an angel to answer our prayers (but God can), for this was a rare experience for Daniel. In Daniel’s situation, God needed to send an angel, so He did. Today, God has given us the Holy Spirit and teachers to help us understand the Bible: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come” (John 16:13). Note: previously when Gabriel spoke to Daniel, he was unopposed (see Daniel 9:2-23).
(Daniel 10:13) “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
We now learn at least one reason why God’s answers and our learning God’s answers to our prayers and can be delayed, but not stopped. Even though the LORD sent Gabriel to tell Daniel the future, Gabriel had to engage in spiritual warfare and defeat spiritual enemies before he could deliver the message of the LORD to Daniel. God’s angels face spiritual enemies and so do we. Spiritual enemies can interfere with our prayers and God’s answers for a time, but God can and will defeat His and our spiritual enemies. In this situation, God allowed the demon over Persia (the prince of the Persian Empire) to work with the king of Persia to resist Gabriel for twenty-one days; then, God sent the archangel Michael (one of the chief princes) to help Gabriel defeat God’s enemies. The demon was with the king of Persia, and in some mysterious way the demon and the king worked together to interfere with Gabriel’s divine mission. But Daniel’s continued fasting and praying made a difference, and along with Daniel’s prayers, God’s angels defeated this pagan king and his demonic spirit guides. God’s enemies did not want Daniel and his subsequent readers to learn that God is the Lord over all time and history, including the king of Persia, and God will answer the prayers of believers.
(Daniel 10:14) “Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”
After giving Daniel a glimpse into spiritual realities and warfare, the angel explained to Daniel, in ways Daniel could understand and all he needed to know, God’s plans for the future of Israel and the Judah. God gave Daniel the vision, and then after much prayer and fasting, God sent Gabriel to explain the vision to Daniel. God has given us the Bible, and from much study, prayer, and sometimes fasting, God will sometimes use Bible teachers in addition to the Holy Spirit to give us the understanding we need and all we need to know.
(Daniel 10:15) When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless.
Daniel was so overwhelmed by the angel and his words that he could not speak, and he bowed his face toward the ground. Because Gabriel had been opposed and delayed for twenty-one days and needed Michael’s help, Daniel was speechless. He recognized that the vision from God, that he had previously received, and Gabriel’s message and vision interpretation were of immense significance for God’s people and their future. Today, Bible students know how God fulfilled the vision and the interpretation God gave Daniel, and they have conclusive evidence that no matter what happens in the future God will accomplish His purposes no matter how much opposition God faces.
(Daniel 10:16) And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “O my lord, as a result of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength.
Gabriel touched Daniel’s lips again to give him the power to stand up and speak to him. Daniel’s vision overwhelmed him because it concerned war and the future of his people; he saw how much they would suffer in wars involving Persia and Greece (see Daniel 10:20) and later the Roman Empire (see Daniel 2). Yet, after years of suffering and despite all opposition, God, the Creator and Lord over all, would send the Messiah according to His predictions and perfect timing to fulfill His purposes in history.
(Daniel 10:17) “For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.”
Not just from old age, Daniel was so overwhelmed with Gabriel’s appearance that he explained to him why he could not talk and could hardly breathe.
(Daniel 10:18) Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me.
By touching him again, the angel gave Daniel all the strength he needed to obey him.
(Daniel 10:19) He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
Once again, the angel commanded Daniel to be strong, and Daniel said that he could now be strong because God through the angel had strengthened him. Once again, the angel reassured Daniel that he was highly esteemed or greatly beloved. Daniel had nothing to fear from God or Gabriel, for God was at peace with him. The angel proclaimed “Peace”: Gabriel and Daniel were at peace between themselves, and Daniel received peace in mind and spirit from God. The vision God gave Daniel and Gabriel’s interpretation meant war and hardship for God’s people from invading armies, but despite wars and hardship, God’s people can find peace with God and enjoy peace within themselves. Eventually, God will achieve all His purposes through His Messiah and bring everlasting peace to the world that Jesus came to save. When the angels appeared to the shepherds the night of Jesus’ birth, they also proclaimed peace: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). Gabriel assured Daniel that God’s favor rested on him; therefore, he had good reasons to be at peace and have no fear of God or Gabriel. By grace through faith in Jesus Christ, God’s favor rests on God’s people today. Before His crucifixion, Jesus said to His followers: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). After Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His followers, “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’” (John 20:21). We, too, can receive the peace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and just as Jesus gave His disciples the ability to obey Him through the Holy Spirit, God will also give us the ability and power to do whatever He has commanded us to do in the Bible; as the Apostle Paul wrote: “I can do all this through him [Christ] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer in the Heavenly Battleground
January 28, 2018
Daniel 10:10-19
“Then the angel continued, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them’” (Daniel 10:12).
When the angel, probably Gabriel, appeared to Daniel, he explained why it had taken so long for Daniel to receive an answer to his prayers. The problem was not Daniel’s lack of faith or commitment to obeying God, because the angel told Daniel that he was “highly esteemed” (NIV) or “greatly beloved” (KJV). While serving as a counselor to the king of Persia, Daniel had refused to seek the esteem or the love of the world, no wonder God esteemed his way of life. While remaining humble before his God, Daniel had persisted in prayer for twenty-one days, no wonder God loved and respected Daniel. Daniel was not at fault. Having set his mind to gain understanding from God, Daniel had prayed rightly; therefore, from the first day that he had begun to pray God had heard his prayers. From Daniel’s meeting with the angel, we discover why answers to some of our prayers take so long to learn. Gabriel explained that while he was on his way to give God’s message to Daniel a demon had resisted him. Only after God sent the archangel Michael to help him was Gabriel able to come to Daniel. The Book of Daniel gives us a glimpse into the spiritual battles all believers face. Like Daniel, we can take our place in the battle when for good reasons we set our hearts and minds to pray to God, and then persist in prayer no matter how long it takes to receive our answer.
Thinking Further
Prayer in the Heavenly Battleground
January 28, 2018
Daniel 10:10-19
Name ____________________________
1. What did Gabriel say about Daniel’s character before God?
2. During his visitation, what did Gabriel do to help Daniel?
3. When did God hear and answer Daniel’s prayer?
4. From Daniel’s example, what can we learn about prayer and Bible study?
5. Give one reason you may not receive an answer to prayer when you expect?
Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further
1. What did Gabriel say about Daniel’s character before God?
Depending on the translation, Gabriel told Daniel that he was “greatly beloved” or “highly esteemed” three times (Daniel 9:23; 10:11 & 10:19).
2. During his visitation, what did Gabriel do to help Daniel?
He touched him and told him what to do when he was weak or unable to speak.
3. When did God hear and answer Daniel’s prayer?
The moment Daniel began to pray.
4. From Daniel’s example, what can we learn about prayer and Bible study?
We need to pray and set our minds to gain understanding and humble ourselves before our God.
5. Give one reason you may not receive an answer to prayer when you expect?
God is sovereign and we are involved in spiritual warfare along with God’s angels, and that spiritual warfare can delay God’s answers to our prayers.
Word Search
Prayer in the Heavenly Battleground
January 28, 2018
Daniel 10:10-19
Name ____________________________
V G N I L B M E R T U O Z G P
I C U A G T V E S T E E M E D
D V F O N I S Q P E V C N H V
Q L D B S G E U R D R Q M O W
L A E I W N U U S Z L T Z B A
J E O I C R T I B E X M Y E G
T N A X N U C P S N J O N L M
S U P H F A G R X H Z A U O R
E D N L C R D I E S T W Z V H
R Y H A T I U N Z U I R J E Q
V J I U I G M C I G O U M D C
A Z W O M S S E L H C E E P S
N Q E Q X B R P F P R O Z D W
T R T V T I L E M I N D I C T
E C A E P R H E P E L U W X Y
Daniel
Esteemed
Beloved
Trembling
Future
Mind
Humble
Prince
Persian
Michael
Speechless
Vision
Anguish
Servant
Peace
True and False Test
Prayer in the Heavenly Battleground
January 28, 2018
Daniel 10:10-19
Name ____________________________
Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.
1. Depending on the Bible translation, the angel told Daniel that he was “highly esteemed” or “greatly beloved.” True or False
2. Some seek to be “highly esteemed” and “greatly beloved” by the world. True or False
3. The angel told Daniel that God had heard him after twenty days of fasting, so he rushed to find him and give him the message. True or False
4. The prince of the Persian kingdom was most probably a fallen angel or demon, because he opposed the angel God sent to Daniel. True or False
5. Michael, one of the chief princes, helped the angel, most probably Gabriel, come to Daniel so he could give him God’s message. True or False
6. When the angel appeared to him, Daniel became speechless. True or False
7. The one who looked like a man refused to touch Daniel because he was really a holy angel. True or False
8. The angel’s message concerned the future of Daniel’s people. True or False
9. The angel gave Daniel the message after he gave him strength. True or False
10. The Holy Spirit and teachers help believers understand the Bible. True or False
True and False Test Answers
Daniel 10:10-19
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. True
9. True
10. True
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we take Your Word for granted! May we be Your instruments today to take the Word to those who lack it. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.