Daniel 10:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the prince {H8269} of the kingdom {H4438} of Persia {H6539} withstood {H5975} me one {H259} and twenty {H6242} days {H3117}: but, lo, Michael {H4317}, one {H259} of the chief {H7223} princes {H8269}, came {H935} to help {H5826} me; and I remained {H3498} there with {H681} the kings {H4428} of Persia {H6539}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The prince of the kingdom of Persia prevented me from coming for twenty-one days; but Mikha'el, one of the chief princes, came to assist me; so that I was no longer needed there with the kings of Persia.

Berean Standard Bible

However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:13 offers a profound glimpse into the unseen spiritual realm, revealing a cosmic struggle that directly impacts earthly affairs and the delivery of divine revelation. It explains the twenty-one-day delay in the angelic messenger's arrival to Daniel, attributing it to a fierce spiritual opposition from a high-ranking demonic entity, the "prince of the kingdom of Persia," which necessitated the intervention of the archangel Michael. This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, the hierarchy of angelic beings, and God's sovereign deployment of His heavenly hosts to ensure His purposes and messages prevail.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Daniel's final and most extensive vision, spanning chapters 10-12. Chapter 10 serves as an introduction, setting the stage for the detailed prophecies concerning the future of Persia, Greece, and the end times. Daniel has been in a period of mourning and fasting for three weeks, seeking understanding of a previous, weighty vision. An angelic being, often identified as the pre-incarnate Christ or a high-ranking angel, appears to Daniel, but explains that his arrival was delayed. The explanation in [Daniel 10:13](/daniel/10-13 "Daniel 10:13 - Angelic Conflict and Michael's Aid") directly addresses this delay, revealing a spiritual battle that unfolded during Daniel's period of prayer. This revelation shifts the focus from Daniel's personal experience to the unseen cosmic forces influencing human history, preparing the reader for the intense prophetic disclosures that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is approximately 536 BC, the third year of Cyrus the Great's reign over the Persian Empire, which had recently overthrown Babylon. The Jewish exiles were still in Babylon, though some had returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel. Persia was the dominant world power, and its policies directly affected the Jewish people. The "prince of the kingdom of Persia" is not a human ruler but a spiritual entity, a demonic principality believed to exert influence over the earthly kingdom of Persia. This concept aligns with ancient Near Eastern beliefs in patron deities or spiritual forces associated with nations, which the biblical narrative reinterprets as fallen angelic beings. The intervention of Michael, Israel's angelic protector, highlights the ongoing spiritual conflict between God's purposes for His people and the forces of darkness seeking to thwart them, a conflict often manifested through the rise and fall of earthly empires.

* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 10:13](/daniel/10-13 "Daniel 10:13 - Angelic Conflict and Michael's Aid") is a cornerstone for understanding several profound themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, vividly portraying a cosmic struggle where angelic and demonic forces contend for influence over nations and the delivery of divine revelation. This passage provides one of the Bible's most explicit insights into the unseen battles that impact human history, echoing the New Testament's call to recognize that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare"). Another key theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Angelic Ministry**, demonstrating that even amidst intense spiritual opposition, God's will ultimately prevails through the deployment of His faithful angelic hosts, such as Michael, who is consistently depicted as a powerful defender of God's people (e.g., [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - Michael, Protector of Israel")). Finally, the passage implicitly emphasizes the power of **Persistent Prayer**, as Daniel's three weeks of fasting and mourning precede this revelation of cosmic conflict and divine intervention, suggesting that human prayer can indeed play a role in the unfolding of spiritual realities and the breaking through of divine answers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prince (Hebrew, _sar'_):** From H8269, meaning "a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward." In this context, "prince" clearly denotes a high-ranking spiritual entity, a demonic ruler or principality, rather than a human king. This spiritual "prince" is depicted as having authority and influence over the earthly kingdom of Persia, indicating a hierarchical structure within the forces of evil that parallel human governmental structures.
* **withstood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** From H5975, meaning "to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry." Here, "withstood" signifies an active, forceful opposition or resistance, implying a direct confrontation or blockade of the angelic messenger by the demonic prince. It suggests a spiritual struggle where one entity "stood against" another, preventing progress.
* **Michael (Hebrew, _Mîykâʼêl'_):** From H4317, meaning "who (is) like God?; Mikael, the name of an archangel and of nine Israelites; Michael." This name is a rhetorical question that powerfully asserts God's incomparable greatness. In this verse, Michael is identified as "one of the chief princes" (H7223, _riʼshôwn_ - first, in place, time or rank; and H8269, _sar_ - prince), confirming his high rank among angelic beings. His intervention signifies divine intervention and the deployment of a powerful, loyal angelic warrior to overcome the demonic resistance and ensure God's message reaches Daniel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days:"** This clause reveals the reason for the angelic messenger's delay. The "prince of the kingdom of Persia" is a powerful demonic entity, a spiritual ruler assigned to influence the Persian Empire. This entity actively resisted the angelic messenger, preventing him from reaching Daniel for three full weeks (21 days). This highlights the reality of spiritual opposition to God's divine purposes and communication.
* **"but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me;"** This marks a turning point in the spiritual conflict. The angelic messenger, unable to overcome the Persian prince alone, received aid from Michael. Michael is identified as an "archangel" or "chief prince," indicating his preeminent status and power among God's angelic host. His arrival signifies divine intervention and the deployment of superior heavenly forces to ensure the triumph of God's will.
* **"and I remained there with the kings of Persia."** This final phrase clarifies the angelic messenger's continued mission or presence in the spiritual battleground associated with Persia, even after Michael's intervention. It implies that while Michael's aid allowed the messenger to proceed to Daniel, the larger spiritual conflict over the Persian kingdom continued, requiring the messenger's ongoing engagement or presence alongside Michael, who is also referred to as "your prince" (referring to Israel) in [Daniel 10:21](/daniel/10-21 "Daniel 10:21 - Michael, Israel's Prince"). This suggests that spiritual battles are often prolonged and multi-faceted, not always resolved by a single intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 10:13 is rich in **Personification**, attributing human-like agency and conflict to spiritual beings. The "prince of the kingdom of Persia" is depicted as actively "withstood" (H5975, _ʻâmad_), implying a deliberate, forceful opposition akin to a physical struggle, even though it occurs in the spiritual realm. This personification makes the abstract concept of spiritual warfare tangible and dramatic. The verse also employs **Symbolism**, where the earthly "kingdom of Persia" becomes a symbol of human political power that is under the unseen influence of demonic forces. Conversely, Michael, "one of the chief princes," **Symbolizes** divine protection and the sovereign power of God's angelic army. The entire narrative functions as an **Allegory** for the spiritual realities behind human history, illustrating that earthly events are often shaped by unseen cosmic battles between good and evil, with God's ultimate triumph assured through His heavenly agents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 10:13 provides a unique and vital window into the biblical understanding of spiritual warfare, revealing that behind the visible machinations of human history lie unseen, powerful spiritual forces. It posits a hierarchical structure within both the angelic and demonic realms, with specific principalities assigned to influence nations. This verse affirms God's active involvement in human affairs, not merely through direct intervention but also through the deployment of His angelic armies to counter demonic opposition and ensure His divine messages and plans are carried out. The delay experienced by the angelic messenger, despite Daniel's fervent prayer, highlights that spiritual battles can be intense and prolonged, requiring divine assistance and persistent human intercession. This passage profoundly shapes our understanding of the cosmic struggle between light and darkness, emphasizing that God's sovereignty extends even over these unseen conflicts, ultimately guaranteeing the triumph of His purposes.

* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare Against Principalities")
* [Jude 1:9](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - Michael Contends with the Devil")
* [Revelation 12:7](/revelation/12-7 "Revelation 12:7 - War in Heaven: Michael and His Angels")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 10:13 profoundly impacts our understanding of prayer, divine timing, and the unseen spiritual realities that influence our world. It teaches us that when our prayers seem unanswered or when divine interventions appear delayed, it is not necessarily due to God's indifference or lack of power, but potentially to intense spiritual opposition in the heavenly realms. This should encourage us to persevere in prayer, understanding that our petitions are not merely whispers into the void but powerful forces that can engage and influence cosmic battles. The verse calls us to cultivate a spiritual awareness, recognizing that life's challenges, global events, and even personal struggles may have unseen spiritual dimensions. It reminds us that we are not alone in these battles; just as Michael came to the aid of the angelic messenger, God dispatches His heavenly resources to assist His people. Our reliance should always be on God's sovereign power and His provision of aid, trusting that He will ultimately overcome all opposition to accomplish His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the revelation of spiritual warfare in Daniel 10:13 change your perspective on delayed answers to prayer?**
* **In what ways might an awareness of unseen spiritual forces influence your daily walk and your approach to current events?**
* **How does Michael's intervention encourage you to trust in God's provision and protection amidst spiritual opposition?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" mentioned in Daniel 10:13?**

Answer: The "prince of the kingdom of Persia" is widely understood by biblical scholars to be a high-ranking demonic entity, a spiritual principality or fallen angel, rather than a human ruler. This interpretation is supported by the context of the angelic messenger's explanation of a spiritual battle, the nature of the opposition (withstanding a heavenly being), and the intervention of Michael, an archangel. This concept aligns with the biblical understanding that spiritual forces of evil can exert influence over earthly nations and their leaders, as further described in passages like [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare Against Principalities and Powers").

**What does this verse teach us about spiritual warfare?**

Answer: Daniel 10:13 offers a rare and explicit glimpse into the reality of spiritual warfare. It reveals that there are unseen battles occurring in the heavenly realms that directly impact earthly events, including the delivery of divine messages and the course of nations. It shows that demonic forces are organized hierarchically ("prince of Persia") and actively oppose God's purposes. Conversely, it also demonstrates that God's angelic forces, led by powerful beings like Michael, are deployed to counter these demonic forces and ensure God's will prevails. The 21-day delay underscores that these battles can be intense and prolonged, requiring divine intervention and persistent prayer from believers on earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 10:13 vividly portrays a battle between angelic and demonic forces, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The angelic messenger's struggle against the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over all spiritual principalities and powers. On the cross, Jesus disarmed "the principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them" as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities"). The intervention of Michael, "one of the chief princes," to secure the delivery of God's message points to Christ as the ultimate Deliverer and the Head of all spiritual authority. He is the one who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")), and through His resurrection and ascension, He has been seated "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named" ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Exaltation Above All Rule")). Thus, the cosmic conflict seen in Daniel finds its ultimate resolution and the assurance of victory for God's people in the finished work and ongoing reign of Jesus Christ, who has definitively conquered the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus Foretells His Glorification and Judgment of the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jude 1:9

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Daniel 12:1

¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Daniel 10:20

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

Daniel 10:21

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.

Revelation 12:7

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

Ezra 4:4

Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,

Ezra 4:6

¶ And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they [unto him] an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.