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.

DANIEL 10:13KJV
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Daniel 10:13 (KJV)

What does Daniel 10:13 mean?

Daniel 10:13 describes how a heavenly messenger was delayed for twenty-one days by "the prince of the kingdom of Persia," until Michael, described as one of the chief princes, came to help him, allowing the messenger to remain with the kings of Persia. This verse shows that spiritual forces were at work behind the scenes of earthly events, affecting the timing and outcome of the messenger’s mission to Daniel.

In this passage, an angel is speaking to Daniel, explaining why his answer to prayer was delayed. The "prince of the kingdom of Persia" refers not to a human ruler but is often understood as a spiritual being opposing God's messenger. Michael, called "one of the chief princes," is presented as a powerful angelic helper who intervenes in this spiritual struggle, highlighting the unseen spiritual conflict connected to earthly kingdoms.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 10:13

  • "prince" (שַׂר, sar): This word means a leader or ruler, but here it points to a spiritual being rather than a human authority, emphasizing the idea of angelic or demonic influence over nations.
  • "withstood" (עָמַד, amad): This word means to stand against or oppose, showing that the resistance was active and prolonged, not just a brief encounter.
  • "Michael" (מִיכָאֵל, Mika'el): Michael is named as "one of the chief princes" (רִאשֹׁנִים שַׂרִים, rishonim sarim), highlighting his high rank among angels and his special role in helping God's people.
  • "help" (עָזַר, azar): The word means to assist or support, showing that Michael’s intervention was necessary for the messenger to overcome the opposition.

Why Daniel 10:13 matters

  • Daniel 10:13 clarifies that delays in spiritual matters are not always due to human reasons but can involve unseen spiritual opposition and conflict.
  • The verse emphasizes the reality of spiritual beings influencing earthly kingdoms, which shapes how readers understand the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds in the book of Daniel.
  • This verse sets the stage for the rest of Daniel’s vision, showing that what Daniel is about to hear comes with great spiritual significance and has been fiercely contested.

Where else these words appear

“Michael” Hebrew H4317 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:3 And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:2 And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.

“Persia” Hebrew H6539 · used in 24 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 36:20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:
  • Ezra 4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
  • Esther 1:19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

“with” Hebrew H681 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
  • 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
  • Proverbs 7:12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

“help” Hebrew H5826 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
  • Psalms 86:17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.