Deeper Reflection
Daniel 10 to 12 is about “a word” that was “revealed to Daniel” in a “vision” (v.1), which was about “what will happen to your people in the latter days” (v.14). The narrative of verses 10 to 21 begins and ends with two themes: Communication of the Word of God and conflict in the spiritual realm (vv.10-14, 20-21). Daniel “set” his “heart to understand” more fully the visions that he had received in Daniel 7 to 9 (v.12). God responded to Daniel by sending to him a heavenly messenger with one purpose: “I have come to give you an understanding…” (v.14) and “I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth” (v.21). But as the heavenly messenger was carrying out his mission, he and another heavenly being were caught in “fighting”, “withstanding” and “standing firmly” against some “prince of Persia” and “prince of Greece”, who were no mere human powers (vv.13, 20, 21). There is spiritual warfare in God communicating His Word – in this context, “God’s purpose for history”53 that affects His people (v.14).Evil spiritual forces seek to obstruct the revelation and realisation of God’s Word. The spiritual conflict is “over whether God’s purpose for history should be revealed and…over whether it should be thereby put into effect”⁵⁴ . God’s Word and His will can be opposed and delayed, but never frustrated (Psa 33:9-11; Isa 14:27). Even when the entire universe collapses, what remains standing is “My words will not pass away” (Matt 24:35). Do you have such confidence and assurance in God’s Word that you stake your life on it?

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⁵³ John E. Goldingay, 312 ⁵⁴ John E. Goldingay, 312