THE BOOK OF DANIEL
Part
4
Prophet
Daniel interpreted king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, at his request (4:18)—in like
manner, Pharaoh of Egypt in his time, did also ask of Joseph (see Gen.41:8, 15).
Daniel
had understanding of signs, dreams, times and seasons. He interceded for the
people, and Arch-angel Gabriel intervened to help Daniel understand the vision (8:16).
Here
is what Gabriel said to Daniel:
He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come
to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer
was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.
Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision
Dan 9:22-23 NIV
Arch-angel
Gabriel came in the likeness of man, to Daniel, who was highly esteemed (10:11,
18-19). Daniel was distinguished above the rulers, and governors, and
administrators of his time—for he had an “excellent Spirit” in him. At Nebuchadnezzar’s
command, he was made ruler over Babylon (2:48) according to God’s Will. In Belshazzar’s
time, he became “the third ruler in the kingdom” (5:29). And, when Darius the
Mede rose to power, he set Daniel over the entire kingdom. Daniel prospered
both in the time when Babylon was world power, and when Medo-Persia became
world-power, also.
Prophet
Daniel prayed faithfully (6:10).
Darius
the king, sealed the stone which was laid on the mouth of the lions’ den—with
his own signet ring, and with the signets rings of his lords, that the purpose
concerning Daniel might not be changed (6:17). This is significant with the
securing and sealing of the tomb where our Lord Jesus was buried (see
Matt.27:62-66) — as it was sealed by Pontus Pilate, the chief priests, and the
Pharisees.
But,
The Lord Of Hosts comes to vindicate His own, at “the neck of time.” God sent
His Angel (The Angel Of The Lord) and shut the lions’ mouths, so they could not
hurt Daniel (6:22).
Arch-angel
Gabriel came to Daniel; he ministered, comforted, encouraged and strengthened
him.
A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He
said, "Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I
am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you."
And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.
Then he 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. But
the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael,
one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with
the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your
people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come."
While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the
ground and was speechless. Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and
I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me,
"I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I am
helpless. How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone
and I can hardly breathe."
Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me
strength. "Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said.
"Peace! Be strong now; be strong."
When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak,
my lord, since you have given me strength."
So he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I
will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of
Greece will come; but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of
Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.
Dan 10:10-21 NIV
“The
Angel Of The Lord” is The LORD Himself.
The
Lord used this ‘Heavenly Messenger’ to appear to human beings, both in the Old
and New Testaments—who otherwise would not be able to see Him and live.
In
this passage, as in other chapters, we see that He is so much involved with the
ministry given to Prophet Daniel.
Arch-angel
Michael is the anointed prince of Heaven’s “war-angels” that fight The Lord’s
battle, while, Arch-angel Gabriel is the anointed prince of Heaven’s
“messenger-angels.”
“The
prince of Persia” (Dan.10:13)—the principality which seats over the kingdom of
Persia withstood Arch-angel Gabriel for 21 days, and Arch-angel Michael, one of
the heavenly chief princes, came to help him.
“The
prince of Greece” (v.20) is the satanic principality that controls Greece.
The
Bible also mentioned “the prince of Rosh”—the principality over Russia (see
Ezekiel 38:2).
Note
that, Persia today is Iran.
Daniel
was given vision of the time of the end (these very last days) he heard, but
did not understand (12:8). Then, he asked The Lord what the outcome of all this
will be. The Lord said to him:
"Go your way, Daniel, because the Words are closed up and
sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and
refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will
understand, but those who are wise will understand.
Verse 9-10 NIV
Also,
regarding this vision of the end time, which Daniel saw, God told him:
But you, Daniel, close up and seal the Words of the scroll until
the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."
Dan 12:4