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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The 'prince of Persia' likely indicates a powerful demon assigned to or influencing the Persian Empire. Ancient Near Eastern worldviews recognized spiritual forces behind nations (Deuteronomy 32:8 LXX, Psalm 82), but biblical revelation clarifies these aren't legitimate gods but fallen angels. The angel's battle with this demonic prince explains the 21-day delay in answering Daniel's prayer (10:12-13)—spiritual resistance delayed (but couldn't prevent) the answer. This theological framework explains geopolitical events: empires rise and fall not randomly but through providentially-ordered spiritual warfare. Persia would fall to Greece (332 BC), fulfilling both Daniel's visions and this angelic prophecy. For believers, this reveals that prayer engages real spiritual warfare, and persistence matters—Daniel's 21-day prayer commitment resulted in angelic victory and received revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does angelic warfare with territorial demonic princes teach about spiritual realities behind geopolitical events?
- How does the 21-day delay in answering prayer (due to spiritual warfare) encourage persistence in intercession?
- Why does God reveal spiritual warfare realities to some believers (like Daniel) but not all?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The angel explains the spiritual warfare context: '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.' This reveals the angelic conflict behind geopolitical events—earthly kingdoms have corresponding spiritual powers ('prince of Persia,' 'prince of Grecia'). The angel's need to return to spiritual battle indicates ongoing warfare. This teaches that human history's visible events reflect unseen spiritual realities. Reformed theology affirms both divine sovereignty and spiritual warfare: God rules absolutely, yet permits angelic/demonic activity within His determined purposes. The prince of Grecia's coming (after Persia) anticipates the historical transition from Persian to Greek dominance under Alexander (332 BC), showing God's foreknowledge and control of future geopolitics.