Lesson 25 – War in the Invisible World

“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” Daniel 10:13.

APPEARANCE OF A GLORIOUS, POWERFUL BEING

SUNDAY

1. What did the Jews experience after they received permission from King Cyrus to return to Jerusalem in B.C. 536 and began the restoration? What did the prophet Daniel think about this?

Ezra 3:8; 4:4, 5 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord. 4:4, 5 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Daniel 10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

“When the temple at Jerusalem was rebuilt in the days of Ezra, the Sa- maritans wished to join the Jews in its erection. This privilege was refused them, and a bitter animosity sprang up between the two peoples. The Samaritans built a rival temple on Mount Gerizim. Here they worshiped in accordance with the Mosaic ritual, though they did not wholly renounce idolatry.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 188.

“This verse [Daniel 10:1] introduces the last recorded vision of the prophet Daniel, the instruction imparted to him at this time being continued throu- gh Daniel 11 and 12.” –Uriah Smith, The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, p. 225.

MONDAY

2. What did the prophet experience? Where do we find a similar description? Who was this?

Daniel 10:4-6 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

Revelation1:13-15 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

“No less a personage than the Son of God appeared to Daniel. This description is similar to that given by John when Christ was revealed to him upon the Isle of Patmos. Our Lord now comes with another heavenly messenger to teach Daniel what would take place in the latter days. This knowledge was given to Daniel and recorded by Inspiration for us upon whom the ends of the world are come.” –(The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1173.

TUESDAY

3. What effect did this revelation have on Daniel? What else happened at this time, and who lifted him up?

Daniel 10:7-12 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, un- derstand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spo- ken this word unto me, I stood trem- bling.12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to under- stand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

“After Daniel had fallen at the majestic appearance of Christ, the angel Gabriel, obviously the speaker in verses 11-13, laid his hand upon him to give him assurance and confidence. He told Daniel that he was a man greatly beloved. Wonderful declaration! A member of the human family, one of the same race with us, loved, not merely in the general sense in which God loved the whole world when He gave His Son to die for man- kind, but loved as individual, and that greatly! Well might the prophet re- ceive confidence from such a declaration as that! He tells him, moreover, that he is come for the purpose of an interview with him, and he wishes him to bring his mind into a proper state to understand the words. Being thus assured, the holy and beloved prophet stood trembling, before the angel.” –Uriah Smith, The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, p. 227.

EVIL ANGELS HINDER THE WORK

WEDNESDAY

4. Why did Daniel not receive an answer during three weeks of earnest prayer and supplication? Who else spoke of such a Prince?

Daniel 10:13, first part But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days…

Ephesians 6:11, 12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against pow- ers, against the rulers of the dark- ness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

“While Satan was striving to influence the highest powers in the kingdom of Medo-Persia to show disfavor to God’s people, angels worked in behalf of the exiles. The controversy was one in which all heaven was interested. Through the prophet Daniel we are given a glimpse of this mighty struggle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. For three weeks Gabriel wrestled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract the influences at work on the mind of Cyrus;…” –Prophets and Kings, pp. 571, 572.

THURSDAY

5. Only when was the victory won in this battle between good and evil angels? What else was Daniel shown?

Daniel 10:13, last part, 14 …but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I am come to make thee un- derstand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

“… Before the contest closed, Christ Himself came to Gabriel’s aid…. All that heaven could do in behalf of the people of God was done. The victory was finally gained;…” –Prophets and Kings, p. 572.

“By this we see that heavenly agencies have to contend with hindrances before the purpose of God is fulfilled in its time. The king of Persia was controlled by the highest of all evil angels. He refused, as did Pharaoh, to obey the word of the Lord. Gabriel declared, He withstood me twen- ty-one days by his representations against the Jews. But Michael came to his help, and then he remained with the kings of Persia, holding the powers in check, giving right counsel against evil counsel. Good and evil angels are taking a part in the planning of God in His earthly kingdom. It is God’s purpose to carry forward His work in correct lines, in ways that will advance His glory. But Satan is ever trying to counterwork God’s purpose. Only by humbling themselves before God can God’s servants advance His work. Never are they to depend on their own efforts or on outward display for success.” –(Letter 201, 1899) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1173.

STRENGTH AND LIGHT IMPARTED

FRIDAY

6. What happened again? Did Satan and his angels finally give up?

Daniel 10:15-21 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.17 For

how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spo- ken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I re- turn to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

“The prophet is at length strengthened to hear in full the communica- tion which the angel has to make. Gabriel says, ‘Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?’ Do you understand my purpose so that you will no more fear? He then announced his intention to return, as soon as his communication was complete, to fight with the king of Persia.” –Uriah Smith, The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, p. 230.

SABBATH

7. Who else was shown the resistance of the evil one at that time? What work of evil powers is described as preceding Christ’s coming?

Zechariah 3:1-5 Me And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.2 And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy gar- ments, and stood before the angel.4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.5 And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mi- tre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by.

Revelation16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

“Then the Lord sent them messages of encouragement, declaring that He would deliver them from their captivity and restore them to His favor. It was this that Satan was determined prevent. A remnant of Israel had already returned to their land, and Satan was seeking to move upon the heathen nations, who were his agents, to utterly destroy them.

“As Joshua humbly pleads for the fulfillment of God’s promises, Satan stands up boldly to resist him. He points to the transgressions of Israel as a reason why that people should not be restored to the favor of God. He claims them as his prey and demands that they be given into his hands to be destroyed….

“If the veil which separates the visible from the invisible world could be lifted, and the people of God could behold the great controversy that is going on between Christ and holy angels and Satan and his evil hosts concerning the redemption of man; if they could understand the wonderful work of God for the rescue of souls from the bondage of sin, and the constant exercise of His power for their protection from the malice of the evil one, they would be better prepared to withstand the devices of Satan.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 467, 468.

FOR PERSONAL STUDY

“A most majestic being visited Daniel on this occasion. The description here given of him is almost parallel to the description of Christ in Revelation 1:14-16. Also, since the effect on Daniel was similar to that expe- rienced by Paul and his companions when the Lord appeared to them on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-7), we conclude that Christ Himself appeared to Daniel. We learn in verse 13 that Michael had come to assist Gabriel in influencing the Persian king. How natural then that He should show Himself to Daniel on this occasion.” –Uriah Smith, The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, p. 226.

“The light that Daniel received direct from God was given especially for these last days. The visions he saw by the banks of the Ulai and the Hiddekel, the great rivers of Shinar, are now in process of fulfillment, and all the events foretold will soon have come to pass.” –(Letter 57, 1896) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1166.