Daniel 10:21

21. R.V. reads, “But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me against these, but Michael your prince.” Kautzsch’s free reading probably gives the true thought, “But yet will I let thee know what has been noted down in the book of truth, though no one assists me against those except your guardian angel Michael.” A page from this “book” in which is written the divine decrees concerning the future (compare Psalms 139:16) is now to be opened to the prophet. The angel has already intimated that two of the coming enemies of Israel are to be Persia and Greece, and he now states that against these (as doubtless against all the enemies which are to follow) himself and Michael are the only opponents. (See note Daniel 10:13.) But surely, with the mighty angel Gabriel on Israel’s side (seeverses 5 and 6) victory is certain. Take heart, Daniel!

This picture prophecy is most vivid. All language in the beginning is a language of pictures, and unlike all others it retains its freshness and interest to all time. This chapter has given us the seeds of thought out of which a Milton’s “Paradise Lost” could spring forth. The great spiritual lesson taught here is needed in every age. Heavenly forces are operating in the affairs of nations. The fall and rise of empires are determined not alone by the weapons of earth but by invisible conflicts between spiritual forces. The destinies of mankind are settled in heaven. Daniel is assured by this picture lesson, as previously by the warfare between the symbolic “beasts,” that Israel, small and weak as she is, has heavenly protectors.