How Should I View Spiritual Warfare? (Daniel 10-12)
Does the whole idea of “spiritual warfare” seem unbelievable to you? While fringe Christian groups sometimes hijack this term, it is a very Christian concept, especially emphasized in Daniel 10.
Daniel 10-12
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Does the whole idea of “spiritual warfare” seem unbelievable to you?
While fringe Christian groups sometimes hijack this term, it is a very Christian concept, especially emphasized in Daniel 10. Chapters 10-12 are a package deal, and they provide a detailed prophetic vision of future conflicts and the ultimate triumph of God's people. Chapters 11 and 12 outline the rise and fall of empires, focusing on the conflicts between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties. This culminates in the persecution by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, often seen as a foreshadowing of the antichrist.
However, in Daniel 10, we see this casual narrative that is deeply profound. Verse 1 provides us a summary of chapters 10-12 and starts with, “In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The message was true and was about a great conflict. He understood the message and had understanding of the vision.” The reference to Belteshazzar is a reminder that Daniel is still a captive. Only he sees this vision, and when he does, something dramatic happens. Verses 10-14 state:
10 Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me shaking on my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me, I stood trembling.
12 “Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the last days, for the vision refers to those days.”
“Regardless of the exact meaning of this last clause, the point of the verse is clear,” writes Stephen Miller. “Gabriel had been on his way from heaven with a message for Daniel but had been prevented by the prince of Persia. Michael had helped him to have victory over this foe, and Gabriel was then able to continue his journey.”[1] “Like other ancient Near Eastern writings, the OT assumes that the results of battles on earth reflect the involvement of heaven.”[2] Everything isn’t just about the physical. There is a spiritual component to life that impacts everything we do. As Gleason Archer writes,
While God can, of course, override the united resistance of all the forces of hell if he chooses to do so, he accords to demons certain limited powers of obstruction and rebellion somewhat like those he allows humans. In both cases the exercise of free will in opposition to the Lord of heaven is permitted by him when he sees fit. But as Job 1:12 and 2:6 indicate, the malignity of Satan is never allowed to go beyond the due limit set by God.[3]
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Lord, I praise you for your constant presence and your words of encouragement. Just as you spoke to Daniel and revealed the spiritual forces at work, you speak to us with love and assurance, reminding us of your strength and our value in your eyes.
Release | I release my fears and doubts to you, Lord, especially when I feel overwhelmed and weak. I let go of any feelings of inadequacy, trusting that your words will strengthen and uplift me, just as they did for Daniel amidst the spiritual battles.
Ask | Lord, I ask for the clarity and understanding that Daniel received. Help me to comprehend the spiritual forces at work around me and the plans you have for me. Grant me the courage to face these challenges and the wisdom to discern your will in my life.
Yield | I yield my heart and mind to your guidance, Lord, committing to trust in your timing and purpose. I surrender my own desires and plans, allowing you to lead me through the spiritual forces working according to your divine will. Use me as an instrument of your peace and truth.
