21. noted in the scripture of truth—in the secret book of God's decrees (Psalms 139:16; Revelation 5:1), which are truth, that is, the things which shall most surely come to pass, being determined by God (compare John 17:17). none . . . but Michael—To him alone of the angels the office of protecting Israel, in concert with the angelic speaker, was delegated; all the world powers were against Israel. read more
The "writing of truth" seems to refer to all that God has recorded as truth. This includes Scripture, but it also includes all that is true that God has not revealed. The angel would make part of what God had established as "truth" known to Daniel. The angel intended this revelation to encourage Daniel, in view of his having to leave the prophet to return to spiritual warfare. Likewise, the fact that Michael stood with this angel in his warfare, would have encouraged Daniel-even though Michael... read more
The Final VisionThese chs, form a connected whole, with three sub-divisions. Dan 10:1 to Dan 11:1 are introductory; Dan 11:2 to Dan 12:4 contain a detailed account of future events down to the 'time of the end.' This time is further defined in the concluding section, Daniel 12:5-13.(a) Introduction (Dan 10:1 to Dan 11:1)In the third year of Cyrus, after three weeks of mourning and fasting, Daniel has a vision by the river Hiddekel of a glorious angelic being (Dan 10:1-10), who addresses him in... read more
(21) But.—A further contrast is introduced by the adversative. This may be brought out by paraphrasing the verse as follows: “It is true that the prince of Javan will attack you, but do not despair at the thought of one persecuting empire succeeding another. It is all written in the Scripture of truth:” that is, in the revelations which God had already conveyed, or shortly would convey, to Daniel, and in the book of Providence (Psalms 139:16). We have here a striking parallel to our Saviour’s... read more
Divine Appointments Daniel 10:1 All things are appointed. Yet it pleases our little vanity to imagine that we appoint some things ourselves. Oh the fuss of the world, and the noise, and the fruitlessness! We have deposed God from being husbandman, and have taken to growing crops of our own kind. They always fail. The appointing God is on the throne; the Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice. It is interesting to me as a student of the Book to see in how many aspects Divine appointment is... read more
CHAPTER 10 The Preparation for the Final Prophecy This chapter contains the preface to the final great prophecies as found in the last two chapters of this book. The certain man who appeared unto Daniel at the banks of the river Hiddekel (Tigris) was the Lord. Compare with Revelation 1:1-20 , where John, the beloved disciple, beheld Him in a vision of glory. Daniel’s vision is a pre-incarnation vision of the same One whom John beheld after His resurrection and in His glorified humanity. The... read more
10:21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: {q} and [there is] none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.(q) For this angel was appointed for the defence of the Church under Christ, who is the head of it. read more
“A GREAT WARFARE ” Note the late date of this prophecy (Daniel 10:1 ), and the different rendering of a phrase in the Revised Version, where “even a great warfare” is substituted for “the time appointed was long.” As the unveiling of the lesson will show, this phrase is an appropriate title for it. Note the physical and spiritual preparation of the prophet for the revelation that follows (Daniel 10:2-4 ), a condition into which he had doubtless brought himself by prayer. Had he been seeking... read more
The True Majority Dan 10:21 Michael was known amongst the ancient Jews as the angel or prince who had special charge of the nation of Israel. The very best Jewish writers concur in teaching that the name "Michael" is the same as the title "Messiah." It is held by them that the few passages in which he is referred to can be most satisfactorily explained on this supposition. The man speaking in the text was "a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz. His... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Daniel 10:21
Daniel 10:21. Michael your prince— This shews in what sense the word prince is to be understood in the preceding parts of this chapter, and to what order of beings it is to be applied. Michael and Gabriel were probably the tutelary angels of the Jews. These names do not occur in any books of the Old Testament that were written before the captivity. Castell mentions the names of four that were said to stand around the throne of God, Michael, Uriel, Gabriel, and Raphael; two only of which seem to... read more