06/01/2026
“Heavenly Fighting, Part 2” (Dan. 10:10–21)
A lot of Christians have various views on spiritual warfare, but we can't deny that it's real. Join us as we consider what we need for spiritual battle!
-Notes: https://pastormarksbury.blogspot.com/2026/06/sermon-heavenly-fighting-part-2-dan.html
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MANUSCRIPT:
Series: “Daniel: God’s Sovereign Plans” #27
Text: Daniel 10:10–21
By: Shaun Marksbury
Date: May 31, 2026
Venue: Living Water Baptist Church
Occasion: PM Service
Introduction
There always seems to be evil opposing key moments in history. When Jesus walked the earth, demonic activity peaked in Israel. Our Lord faced temptation, seemingly supernatural weather, and even demoniacs as He proclaimed the gospel.
This can also be true, to a lesser degree, of certain moments in life and ministry. More recently, there’s an account of a missionary in Pakistan who experienced demonic opposition through a rattling door accompanied by strange noises at 3:00 a.m.; this was precisely when his ministry was seeing significant spiritual fruit. After prayer and Scripture quoting, the attack ceased. Similarly, a church planter in New Jersey was physically attacked — unable to breathe as if being choked — until his roommate rebuked Satan and the assault ended.[1]
I’ve likewise had a strange experience or two in seminary. Once, while in bed alone, I felt a pressure like a hand placed on my pillow, and then a rushing sensation move up my body and a pressure on my chest that didn’t subside until I prayed. I’ve also experience sudden attacks of doubt and even depressive thoughts during pivotal moments of ministry, moments I was only able to overcome through prayer and the Word of God. Our family has also faced attacks that we could only describe as demonic opposition — encounters which were sometimes seemingly mundane from everyone else’s perspective, but which cut to the core of our household.
Now, Christians have a lot of ideas about spiritual warfare. Some of it is admittedly a bit sensational, perhaps taking moments like these and dramatizing them. But others are more biblical. Spiritual warfare may not look like a comic book fight between angels and demons clashing swords. Yet, it does exist, and it might be more terrifying than we would dare to witness. And some of you have experienced it.
In fact, believers often face greater danger from minor skirmishes than major spiritual battles. That’s because one of the greatest sources of evil for each person lies within their own hearts — and they have no hope to defeat the darkness until they have the light of Christ shining inside of them. Indeed, if Satan can immobilize someone with a simple temptation, then there’s no need for him to waste effort on that person. These smaller fights are much more common, keeping Christians distracted from any larger combat.
Yet, when a person begins overcome temptation and sin and even take the light of truth into other dark areas, then there will be serious opposition.
There is territory that is clearly under the control of demonic influence. From this part of the chapter, we see in Daniel five ways to engage in spiritual battle. First, spiritual battle requires the esteem of the Lord (vv. 10–11). Second, spiritual battle requires patient faithfulness in the Lord (vv. 12–13). Third, spiritual battle requires a humble understanding in the Lord (vv. 14–15). Fourth, spiritual battle requires a purity of speech before the Lord (vv. 16–17). Fifth, spiritual battle requires the strength of the Lord (vv. 18–21). Let’s get into the fight with the first of these:
First, Spiritual Battle Requires the Esteem of the Lord (vv. 10–11)
Then behold, a hand touched me and set me shaking on my hands and knees. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to speak to you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.
The scene follows the overwhelming vision in vv. 4–9. It leaves Daniel prostrate and trembling. And this isn’t the only time Daniel experiences a severe reaction to divine revelation. As one commentary notes, this should leave us in gratitude:
True, we seldom if ever think of it — of the horror and pain the Lord’s servants endured in order to be the vehicles through whom his word is passed on to us in the Scriptures. We sit comfortably at our desks or tables with a companionable mug of coffee, read the prophets, and scarcely think of how Daniel was physically and emotionally wiped out or Ezekiel plunged into a mental morass of anguish and anger (Ezek. 3:14–15) — in short, of how much the word of God cost them. If we did, we would more highly prize and tenderly reverence what we have received at their hands.”[2]
Now, God doesn’t leave Daniel in this state, and Daniel receives a gentle yet powerful touch from an unnamed figure. We might wonder who, for the “man” of verses 5–6 — most likely the pre-incarnate Christ — had appeared with such glory that Daniel collapsed. We might think, then, that Christ reaches down here like he did later in a similar situation with John (Rev. 1:17). However, our Lord doesn’t always operate in the same way twice, and there’s no indication He moves.
Instead, it appears He sends His angel to comfort His prophet. This is likely the angel Gabriel, who previously interpreted revelations for Daniel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21). Now Gabriel, in more approachable form “like the appearance of a man” (v. 18), ministers to him. Since Gabriel operates in the power of God, tough, we shouldn’t see this as any less than the power of God, which is able to give us strength.[3]
Yet, still, Daniel is literally set on “knees and the palms of my hands.”[4] Strength and comfort often come gradually to those long cast down, and as Matthew Henry notes, we “must not despise the day of small things, but be thankful for the beginnings of mercy.”[5] God gives strength as it is needed for the battle.
Part of that strength can come in the form of encouraging words. The Hebrew term conveys “desirability” or “preciousness.”[6] This is such a comforting word that Daniel will hear it again in v. 19. As one study explains, “God loves everyone (see John 3:16); yet some, because of their special relationship to God, are objects of unusual divine love (see 1 Sam. 13:14; John 13:23; 14:21, 23; Acts 13:22).”[7] Nothing revives drooping spirits like assurance of God’s love,[8] and in the midst of spiritual conflict, we must remember this.
It’s with the strengthening of the Lord that we are ever able to hear and receive divine commands. It’s here in v. 11 that the angel commands understanding and strength — “understand the words… and stand upright.” Remember that this is just introduction for the next chapter. Daniel must listen carefully to the dense, detailed prophecy of chapter 11. Modern believers should note that fulfilled prophecies in chapter 11 came literally and exactly, assuring us that unfulfilled ones will too.[9]
Daniel was still on the ground on his hands and knees, like Ezekiel was (Ezek. 2:1). The command infuses the prophet with courage, though, for this mighty messenger of God brings the answer to Daniel’s prayer.[10] So, when the angel speaks, Daniel rises — even if still trembling. True encounters with divine glory produce holy awe within us.
In spiritual battle, begin with the esteem of the Lord, knowing your own sinfulness and need for His grace. Rest in your identity as His beloved. As Satan accuses, remember that God affirms you. When opposition comes, remember you are precious to the King of heaven. Let that truth steady you, for you need both patience and steadfastness, bringing us to our next point.
Second, Spiritual Battle Requires Patient Faithfulness in the Lord (vv. 12–13)
Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you gave your heart to understand this and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing against me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. Now I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel is still trembling, so the angel speaks those familiar words, “Do not be afraid” (cf. v. 19). It is the Lord’s will that we stand before Him in a reverential awe, but He also comforts us and calls us away from fear. The joy of the Lord becomes our strength.[11]
We then see a fascinating reality: Our prayers apparently affect the spiritual realm, both among angels and demons. This angel is dispatched in response to Daniel’s prayer. However, we should note that angels were fighting the demonic delay, not Daniel.
The angel explains the delay. From the first day of Daniel’s humbling himself, meaning engaging in prayer and fasting,[12] his words were heard. God was attentive to Daniel from the first day, even if Daniel had to wait twenty-one days for a response (cf. vv. 2–3).
Daniel’s patient faithfulness mattered. As one commentator notes, “Of what use was his prayer? Baldwin is spot on when she says, ‘I have come because of your words [v. 12b] implies that this visitation would not have occurred apart from Daniel’s specific prayer’. Then the speaker’s continued explanation in verse 13 (more on this verse later) implies that Daniel’s prayer sustained a behind-the-scenes triumph over the malicious designs of the invisible powers in charge of Persia.”[13] Prayer influences the spiritual realm!
Now, who is the “prince of the kingdom of Persia” of the next verse? He is not likely a human ruler (a human could not withstand an angel) but a powerful demonic spirit. Angels are sometimes “watchers,” one who is awake or alert (Dan. 4:13). Angels need no sleep (Ps. 17:8), and they watch the affairs of men with a sleepless eye, and they are ranked according to a hierarchy of rule and authority and power and dominion, which satanic powers imitate.[14] So, this high-ranking evil being, discovering God’s messenger in Persia, decided to delay him from his mission.
Scripture reveals Satan assigns high-ranking demons over nations to influence policies against God’s people (cf. Eph. 6:12). Since Persia was the world power at the time, this could have been one of Satan’s chief princes or Satan himself, explaining why this was such a difficult spiritual stronghold. All of the “religious, social, and political structures” of the empire were being shaped for evil,[15] perhaps whispering temptation or even possessing people for wicked purposes.[16] And now, Persia’s prince sought to hinder God’s purposes for Israel.
Incidentally, this has massive implications for world history. At any moment, behind the scenes, there is real warfare waged concerning the fate of nations. We sometimes wonder what happen to people who seem to be good, who then get into politics and suddenly become very bad; we theorize that some cabal ensnared them, which is possible but also ignores a further spiritual explanation. As our own nation approaches 250 years of age, we should be reminded to pray for protection and revival.
Now, we must remember that God is sovereign over the nations, as well as their evil counterparts in the spiritual realm. The prince of Persia only delays Gabriel because God allowed it for His purposes,[17] and at the right time, He dispatched Michael, “one of the chief princes.” As one commentary explains, “Michael has been assigned by God as Israel’s prince (cf. 10:21); he is ‘great’ in power and protects the Jewish people (cf. 12:1). The implications of these statements are clear. Israel has a mighty angelic supporter in the heavenly realm. Therefore, regardless of Israel’s political, military, and economic weaknesses, its existence is assured because no earthly power can resist their great prince.”[18] This reveals heavenly warfare is also affecting earthly events.
The final clause mentions “kings of Persia” (plural). This is likely referring to several demonic rulers influencing Persian leadership. They probably weren’t fighting Gabriel simply to prevent the delivery of this message, because the conflict resumes after Daniel receives the message.[19] Rather, this is fighting to prevent any possible good and the continued progress of evil.
Patient faithfulness counts. We’re not praying to angels, but persistent prayer may unleash angelic activity you never see.[20] So, do not grow weary. God hears from day one, and the battle belongs Him, and we have no idea how our prayer factors into these matters. So, keep humbling yourself before Him, seeking to do things His way, as we see next:
Third, Spiritual Battle Requires a Humble Understanding in the Lord (vv. 14–15)
“Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the last days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.” Now when he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless.
The angel’s purpose is clear: to deliver understanding for Daniel’s people “in the last days” (or “end of the days”). This phrase points to future events culminating in God’s kingdom (Dan. 2:28; Isa. 2:2). The revelation in chapter 11 surveys history from Persia through Greece, focusing on Antiochus IV — but it also ultimately points to the Antichrist and climaxes with the coming kingdom of God.[21] So, this does pertain also to the end.
Yet, these words spark a quiet response from Daniel. He turns his face to the ground and becomes speechless. He is struck dumb with awe. This is also a response we sometimes have with genuine encounters with the divine. Incidentally, this is why “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” is an excellent if not also unique Christmas hymn to consider the advent of our Lord. We do well to approach God’s Word with similar humility.
We know this is humility based on what Daniel says in vv. 16–17. Before we get there, though, note how important it is to approach spiritual battle with humble understanding of God’s word and will. We do not fight in our wisdom but in submission to God’s revealed will. When we approach prophecy, let’s take God at His word. Similarly, when we approach any other matter of Christian living, let’s not “spiritualize” away the meaning of the text. Seek understanding of His plans, even when they involve conflict.
All of this is for naught if we live in a way unbecoming the saints. Indeed, we all fall short, even the Daniels among us! Yet, the Lord has cleansing for us, as we see next.
Fourth, Spiritual Battle Requires a Purity of Speech Before the Lord (vv. 16–17)
And behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “O my lord, as a result of the vision that appeared, pains have come upon me, and I have retained no might. Now how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, right now no might stands within me, nor does any breath remain within me.”
Again, a figure “in the likeness of the sons of men” touches Daniel’s lips. This echoes Isaiah 6:7 and Jeremiah 1:9, indicating both cleansing and calling. The angelic touch here similarly enables Daniel’s speech.
Daniel addresses the being with humble respect (“my lord”). As one theologian notes, “Man, who has lost his integrity, has reason to blush, and be ashamed of himself, when he sees or considers the glory of the blessed angels that keep their integrity.”[22] Daniel is confessing human weakness, the anguish which grips him, which causes his strength and breath fail. Daniel is a sinner, though we don’t know his particular failings, and he needed the forgiveness and sanctification of the Lord.
His words also model purity. He makes honest confession without pretense as he is concerned about Israel’s coming suffering. [23] This kind of humble, dependent speech is essential in spiritual battle.
Speak purely before the Lord and one another. Remember that God strengthens the humble for battle, so lay aside any pride. Our words in prayer and testimony should reflect dependence on Him.
And that brings us back to one of the first things we saw:
Fifth, Spiritual Battle Requires the Strength of the Lord (vv. 18–21)
Then this one with the appearance of a man touched me again and strengthened me. And he said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; gather strength and be strong!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” Then he said, “Do you know why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Now there is no one who exerts strength with me against these forces except Michael your prince.
The third touch strengthens Daniel for conversation. Talk about being “touched by an angel”! As one study notes, “The first touch enabled him to arise from the ground, the second to speak, and the third to carry on a conversation.”[24] The Lord desires to strengthen His people (cf. Isa. 35:3–4), and He will do so sometimes through an angel, a word from a saint, a passage of Scripture, or through some other means He designates. It is through this communication of divine strength that we are able to stand in the evil day.
The angel repeats his encouragement from before. He says “Do not be afraid… Peace be with you; gather strength and be strong!” (LSB). Joshua heard similar words (Josh. 1:6, 7, 9), and so do all with an anxious heart. Immediately, as a result of both the touch and the word, Daniel feels empowered.
In v. 20, the angel rhetorically takes an accounting of where Daniel is (asking, “Do you understand…?”), perhaps because of Daniel’s intense reactions in this chapter. [25] The angel also tells Daniel he must leave him soon to return to battle the prince of Persia, then face the prince of Greece. If you thought 21 days was a long time for battle, these conflicts literally span centuries. Yet, God’s purposes will prevail!
Finally, the angel says this message comes from “the writing of truth.” This isn’t Scripture, but God’s eternal, hidden, unalterable decree from before the ages. Daniel will have to pay attention to what comes next in ch. 11, but he can be assured that Michael stands with the messenger to ensure God’s sovereign plans.
Rely on the Lord’s strength, for your weakness is the platform for His power. Fight not in your might but His. Pray for leaders, knowing heavenly battles rage. God’s plan, written in truth, will stand.
Conclusion
Again, this is just the introduction. In fact, the chapter break might be in the wrong place, with Daniel 11:1 being a natural place for us to end. Even so, we’ll save that for next time.
Second Corinthians 10:4–5 says that “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the tearing down of strongholds, as we tear down speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” One commentator notes, “One reason why God commands His people to pray for those in authority is so that God’s will, not Satan’s plans, might be fulfilled in their lives (1 Tim. 2:1–3). The destiny of more than one nation has been changed because God’s people have fervently prayed.”[26]
Spiritual battle is real. Yet we fight from victory in Christ. Esteem the Lord. Remain patiently faithful. Cultivate humble understanding. Speak purely. Draw strength from Him. Stand firm—your Prince fights for you.
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[1] Samuel Naaman, “Winning in Spiritual Warfare,” in One Volume Seminary: A Complete Ministry Education from the Faculty of Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary, ed. Michael J. Boyle, Laurie L. Norris, and Kerwin A. Rodriguez (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2022), 243–244.
[2] Dale Ralph Davis, The Message of Daniel: His Kingdom Cannot Fail, eds. Alec Motyer and Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today, (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2013), 145.
[3] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume, (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 1456.
[4] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update, (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995).
[5] Henry, 1455.
[6] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update.
[7] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version, (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1997), Da 10:11.
[8] Henry, 1456.
[9] Stephen R. Miller, Daniel, The New American Commentary, (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 18:283.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Henry.
[12] Miller, 18:284.
[13] Davis, 141.
[14] J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 1985, 1, 1366.
[15] Radmacher, et. al., Da 10:13.
[16] Sam Emadi, Lexham Survey of Theology, 2018.
[17] Ted Cabal, Chad Owen Brand, E. Ray Clendenen, Paul Copan, J. P. Moreland, and Doug Powell, The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith, (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2007), 1288.
[18] Miller, 18:285.
[19] Ibid., 18:284–285.
[20] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Resolute, “Be” Commentary Series, (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2000), 125.
[21] Miller, 18:286–287.
[22] Henry, 1455.
[23] Pentecost.
[24] Radmacher, et. al., Da 10:18.
[25] Miller, 18:288.
[26] Wiersbe, 126–127.
