"But first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth…" Daniel 10:21
A Frightening Experience
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
Daniel receives a vision of a "great war" (v.1). The vision troubled Daniel greatly (v. 2) Why? (It’s not clear what war this vision described)
An Old Testament Theophany
Daniel saw an obviously supernatural being (v. 7) Who was he? Was the man an OT manifestation of Christ? See Rev. 1:12-16 and Ezekiel 1:26-28
Notice Daniel’s reaction (v. 7-9). It is an awesome thing to be in the presence of God
A Great Struggle
Starting in v. 10, it may be that another angel enters the scene. It may be Gabriel.
This person is there to encourage and strengthen Daniel (v. 11, 12 see 9:20-21)
This person had been struggling with the prince of the Persian Kingdom for 3 weeks (see v. 2 and v. 4) Evidently Satan had assigned an evil personality, a demon, to influence the Persian kingdom. This evil influence was so strong, Michael the archangel had to come and help overcome his resistance (v.13)
Daniel is again overwhelmed by it all (v. 15-18) Again there is encouragement (v. 19)
According to Daniel’s previous vision, the Ram would give way to the Goat. This angel would then need to return to fight with the evil angel assigned to this new empire (v.20)
Can we assume that Satan has appointed evil emissaries to influence every major empire? Is there a demon assigned to the United States?
Notice that while Israel is small and powerless on earth at this time, they are watched over by the most powerful angel in heaven
The Book of Truth
The angel wants to reassure Daniel by sharing with him what is written in the Book of Truth. Chapters 11 and 12 are a continuation of this vision, and probably relate to the great war Daniel saw in v. 1
The Mystery of the Church
No OT prophet understood that there would be a gap between the 69 sevens and the 70th seven. Note what Peter has to say (I Peter 1:12 and II Peter 1:20-21)
God designed this "gap" from eternity past (Eph. 3:10-11) It is a mystery not made known to other generations (Eph. 3:5) Even the apostles at first did not understand it (see Acts 1:6)
2 Principles
#1) God intends the church to be salt and light in our dark world
#2)
As believers we have an eternal Presence who will never leave us
