1. Daniel Chapter 10

2. Daniel Chapter 10 is a prelude and introduction to the last two chapters: 11-12.
Chapter 10 gives us an interesting glimpse of the Invisible World. Humans are not aware of things taking place in spacial dimensions that we cannot observe.

3. This last revelation received by Daniel came to him just two years after King Cyrus had officially brought the Babylonian captivity to an end by allowing Jews to return to Israel. However, the Jews returned home without Daniel.
We don't know why Daniel remained behind, but we can surmise it was either because of his age -now near 84 years old - or because he still may have had essential work to do for the Persian leadership - perhaps as a senior advisor.

4. Daniel Introduction Deported as a teenager Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
Bow or Burn; The Furnace
Nebuchadnezzar's Pride Aramaic
The Fall of Babylon
The Lions Den
Four Beasts
The Ram and the He Goat
The Seventy Weeks
A Glimpse of the Other Side
The “Silent Years” (in advance)
The Consummation of All Things

5. These last three chapters should be treated as one vision
These last three chapters should be treated as one vision. The tenth through twelfth chapters more fully describe the vision in the eighth chapter by a second vision on the same subject, just as the vision in the seventh chapter explains more fully than in the second.
The tenth chapter is the prologue.
The eleventh, the prophecy itself.
The twelfth, the epilogue.

6. Historical Prophecies
Chronological Order
Historical Prophecies
Babylonian Captivity
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
Nebuchadnezzar’s Image
Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride
7. The Times of Gentiles
8. Ram and He-goat vision
Babylon falls to Persians
9. Vision of Seventy weeks
6. Lions Den
10 The “Other” Side
11-12 Conclusion

7. Everything in Daniel was prophetic when it was given, at the present time much has been fulfilled and belongs to history.
There are “some events” that are yet prophetic—to be fulfilled in the last days.
The line of demarcation between what has been fulfilled and what is yet to be fulfilled is not always clear.

8. We are going to get a glimpse into the “spiritual world” in chapter 10 of Daniel. There are several times in scripture that provides this glimpse into the world beyond our earthly world. Let me use one example…

9. The entire story of God’s protection of his servant Elisha is told in 2 Kings 6:8-23.
The king of Aram is seeking Elisha trying to kidnap him. He sends a great army to Dothan in an attempt to take Elisha. But God is protecting his servant. In this story we are provided with a glimpse into the usually invisible spiritual world.

10. A Glimpse of Spiritual Battles
2 Kings 6:13-18
A Glimpse of Spiritual Battles
As we read through the Bible we come across some of the battles that have been or are being fought in the “heavenly” places. A interesting example is found in 2 Kings Chapter 6.
A story of “other” dimensions,
The king was looking for Elisha.
The servant of Elisha woke up and saw they were surrounded.

11. 2 Kings 6:13-16
13 So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and take him.” And it was told him, saying, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” 14 He sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city.
15 Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

12. 2 Kings 6:17-18
17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Strike this people with blindness, I pray.” So He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

13. Ephesians 6:10-12
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

14. There are things happening in the spiritual realm that are unseen to human eyes.
Light versus Darkness
Good versus Evil
Right versus Wrong
Righteousness versus wickedness
Truth versus lies
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

15. God's Word of Truth the Bible renews our mind and determines how we think and believe and therefore how we act and behave.
Then as we obey the truth we are in fact standing firm, resisting the lies of the devil and the world (and our flesh) which says you can serve two masters and still be a disciple, and still be controlled by the Spirit.

16. The reason we read and study our Bibles is we are in a truth struggle NOT a power struggle. Jesus won the power struggle at the CROSS. When Jesus died, was buried and rose from the dead He defeated Satan!
So come to the foot of the cross every day, stay there, deny self, and obey the truth and the truth will set you free as you enter His victory over sin and Satan at the cross. It's no more complicated then that.

17. Daniel realized these spiritual truths:
Right is still right even if no one does it…wrong is still wrong even if everybody does it.
Truth is still truth even if no one believes it…lies are still lies even if everyone believes them.

18. A Glimpse of Spiritual Battles
Daniel Chapter 10
A Glimpse of
Spiritual Battles

19. Daniel 10:1
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.

20. [message was revealed] A term used 25 times in Daniel
[message was revealed] A term used 25 times in Daniel. The time for fulfillment was in the future (Daniel 10:14,35).
[understood the message] Daniel understood the vision, most likely because of an understanding he had from previous visions.

21. Daniel 10:2
In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks.
[three entire weeks] This is a long time for a man to be in fasting, prayer. This seems to be emphasized by Daniel by adding entire. By verse 4 it may be that this fast was during the time of Jewish Passover.

22. Daniel 10:3
 I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.
We know that Daniel was mourning and that he had set his heart to gain understanding. Daniel’s vision was a belated answer to his prayer

23. This fast was a general abstinence; living all the while on bland and unsavory food; drinking nothing but water; not taking a bath.
The cause of Daniel’s mourning is not told us, but we can speculate. It was the third year of Cyrus’ reign, and in his first year he had made the decree which permitted Israel to return to her land (see Ezra 1:1–4).

24. Two full years had passed and only a few Jews had returned to the land of Israel under Zerubbabel. This is before the group under Ezra and the group under Nehemiah had returned.
This was a rigorous time for Daniel. It brought grief to the heart of this aged prophet of God, now about 84, to see that his people did not want to return to their homeland.

25. Daniel 10:4
On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris,

26. [first month] Nisan (Abib, Ex 23:15)
[first month] Nisan (Abib, Ex 23:15). He completes his fasting on the 24th. He started on the 3rd of Nisan. The month of Nisan: 1-2, Feast of Rejoicing: New Year (1 Sam 20:18,19,34). 10, Presentation of lamb(s). 14, Passover , Feast of Unleavened Bread. Nisan, the month most suited for considering Israel's calamity, being that in which the feast of unleavened bread reminded them of their Egyptian bondage.

27. [Tigris] Only found twice in Scripture (Daniel 10:4; Genesis 14)
[Tigris] Only found twice in Scripture (Daniel 10:4; Genesis 14). It is better known as the Tigris river, a more modern name not found in Scripture. The Euphrates river is mentioned 21 times, because along its winding course many Biblical events took place.

28. Daniel 10:5-6
I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult.

29. This is a new method of revelation
This is a new method of revelation. No longer does Daniel see an image or visions of beasts or weeks. He sees a certain man. The man seen by Daniel was a heavenly being.
Some commentators believe that this was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, but most likely it was an angel (because he required Michael’s help— Daniel 10:13).
Daniel caught a glimpse of the battle between good and evil.

30. Daniel 10:7
Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves.

31. This is a parallel case with what occurred with Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus, Acts 9:7. There was a Divine influence which they all felt, and heard but only Paul saw the resurrected Jesus.

32. Acts 9:7-8
7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

33. Daniel 10:8
So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength.

34. Daniel 10:9
But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

35. The one thing the men with Daniel certainly observed was his response to the vision.
Daniel’s face lost all its color, and he fell to the ground without strength.
He fell into a deep sleep, which may have made him appear to be unconscious or in a coma. Those with him felt a deep sense of dread. Wanting no part of this, they ran, leaving Daniel alone to see the vision.

36. Daniel 10:10
Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.

37. Nothing was apparent but a hand
Nothing was apparent but a hand. Daniel was on his face and his face towards the ground.
Many commentators try to make a big deal about only being a hand and compare it to the hand that wrote on the wall.
However, it may be he only felt the hand and did not see the person that had touched him because of his position.

38. 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.

39. High esteem (greatly loved): God loves everyone (see John 3:16); yet some, because of their special relationship to God, are objects of greater esteem and divine love (see 1 Sam. 13:14; John 13:23; 14:21, 23; Acts 13:22). Daniel is obviously one of these people.

40. 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.

41. Here is an example of prayer being answered (Daniel 10:12-13)
Here is an example of prayer being answered (Daniel 10:12-13). Sometimes answers come immediately. Sometimes answers are delayed.
Delays should never hinder faith or cause one to give up seeking an answer that is promised by God. They should only urge one to renew his efforts and to hold on in prayer and faith until the answer is realized (Luke 18:1-8).
I have come to answer the prayer that you have prayed. This shows exactly what Daniel prayed for and demonstrates that the very words said in prayer are heard and can be answered (Matthew 7:7-11).

42. 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.

43. [the prince of the kingdom of Persia] This prince was an evil angelic being (demon?) of the kingdom of Persia, one ruling the kingdom of Persia for Satan who is recognized in Scripture as being the god and ruler of this world, having usurped man's dominion.
He seeks to hinder God's plan in the fulfillment of prophecy regarding world kingdoms. God also has trusted angels and they carry out His will concerning what He has predicted to take place in the kingdoms of this world. Hence, the battles between these two groups of angels in the heavenlies.

44. [one of the chief princes] This shows there are ranks among angels The conflict here is spiritual.
The “prince of the kingdom of Persia” refers to a evil spirit whose assigned purpose was to frustrate the purposes of God in the lives of the rulers. The powers of darkness work through the rulers of this world. Satan, the prince of this world, is the power behind the rebellion against God.
There's constant warfare in the spiritual world over the control of people's lives. Through prayer we're able to bind the works and power of the enemy and to battle for God's side

45. 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.”

46. [your people] Daniel's people, the Jews.
[latter days] The days just preceding the coming of the Messiah. There are many things which remain yet to be revealed, and the time of their accomplishment is very distant from the time of Daniel.

47. Daniel 10:15
When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless.
Found himself unable to speak. Daniel is completely overwhelmed.

48. 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.

49. [resembled] Hebrew: demuwth, likeness, referring to outward, physical form, for that is all he saw. Daniel could not see the moral and spiritual likeness of this person. It is the same word translated "likeness" in connection with God (Genesis 1:26) and with Adam (Genesis 5:1).
[Touching my lips]—Before this Daniel was unable to speak.
[Result of the vision]—The vision that I have already had, and of which I have not a proper knowledge has greatly afflicted me, because I see it brings grievous calamities to my people. (This is the vision Daniel saw in ch. 8)

50. 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.”

51. Daniel could not breathe freely; he was almost suffocated with sorrow
Daniel could not breathe freely; he was almost suffocated with sorrow. The presence of the angel, and his words spoken to Daniel, render Daniel so awe-struck he is speechless. Mortal man, marred by sin, is terror-stricken in the face of holiness.
This text certainly provides a commentary on reverence. You and I find ourselves all too comfortable with God, probably because of the way He is perceived by Christians today.

52. Daniel 10:18
Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me.

53. This is the third touch (Daniel 10:10,16,18).
Daniel was frightened by this vision, but the messenger reassured him.
Daniel lost his speech, but the messenger’s touch restored it.
Daniel felt weak and helpless, but the messenger’s words strengthened him.
God can bring us healing when we are hurt, peace when we are troubled, and strength when we are weak. Trust God to minister to you as he did to Daniel.

54. 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.”
Oh, that we should be called “called a person of high esteem” by God.

55. Daniel 10:20
Then he said, “Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come.
When I leave you I will have another fight with the prince of Persia (the demonic ruler of Persia). This is simply the continuation of the battle.

56. Daniel 10:21
However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.

57. Michael, the prince of Israel, is the only one who is standing by me in my war on the prince of Persia, that he might be overcome and the prince of Grecia be permitted to come (Daniel 10:20-21).
In other words, Daniel will not hear or see anything that is contradictory to the Word of God.
The Word of God and prayer is available to the child of God for effective use in our spiritual warfare.
The WORD is called the sword of the Spirit do you use your sword?

58. Angels Created beings Eph 1:20-21; Col 1:16
Saw world created Job 38:4-10
Have Bodies Cor 15:38-40, 44;
Luke 20:27-36
Jude 1:6
Entertained unawares Heb 13:2; Gen 18; Jud 13
Guardian Matt 18:10
Slay 185, Kgs 19:35; Isa 37:36
Desire to learn Pet 1:12

59. Ministry Assignments of angels concerning Christ
Birth Luke 2:8-14
Temptation Mt. 4:1-11
Transfiguration Mt 17:1-8
Resurrection Lk 22:39-46
Ascension Acts 1:10-11
Return Mt 13:39; 24:31

60. Demons Distinct from angels: desperately seek embodiment
Knowledgeable: they know their destiny
Matt8:29
OT: Lev 17:7; Deut 32:17; 2 Chr 11:15;
Ps 106: 36-37; Isa 13:21; 34:14
NT: Matt 12: 45, 43; Mark 1:23-27; Luke 4:33;
1 Tim 4:1; Rev 16:14; 1 Cor 10:20-21

61. Consider
Each of us has a choice to make in this life. We may choose to suffer now, in the light of the glory to come, or, we may pursue the pleasures of this world and face the dreaded reality of God’s eternal wrath.
Which is your choice?
If you have chosen to follow Christ, you will find great joy, even in the midst of the sorrow and tribulation which following Him brings.

62. End of Daniel Chapter 10