10 Then behold , a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands e and knees . 11 He said to me, "O Daniel , man of high esteem , understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright e , for I have now been sent to you." And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling . 12 Then he said to me, " Do not be afraid , Daniel , for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God , your words were heard , and I have come in response to your words . 13 "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one e days ; then behold , Michael , one of the chief princes , came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia . 14 "Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days , for the vision pertains to the days yet future." 15 When he had spoken to me according to these words , I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless . 16 And behold , one who resembled a human being e 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 anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength . 17 "For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord ? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me." 18 Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. 19 He said , "O man of high esteem , do not be afraid . Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous !" Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said , "May my lord speak , for you have strengthened me." 20 Then he said , "Do you understand 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 . 21 "However , I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth . Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except e Michael your prince .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 10:10-21
Commentary on Daniel 10:10-21
(Read Daniel 10:10-21)
Whenever we enter into communion with God, it becomes us to have a due sense of the infinite distance between us and the holy God. How shall we, that are dust and ashes, speak to the Lord of glory? Nothing is more likely, nothing more effectual to revive the drooping spirits of the saints, than to be assured of God's love to them. From the very first day we begin to look toward God in a way of duty, he is ready to meet us in the way of mercy. Thus ready is God to hear prayer. When the angel had told the prophet of the things to come, he was to return, and oppose the decrees of the Persian kings against the Jews. The angels are employed as God's ministering servants, Hebrews 1:14. Though much was done against the Jews by the kings of Persia, God permitting it, much more mischief would have been done if God had not prevented it. He would now more fully show what were God's purposes, of which the prophecies form an outline; and we are concerned to study what is written in these Scriptures of truth, for they belong to our everlasting peace. While Satan and his angels, and evil counsellors, excite princes to mischief against the church, we may rejoice that Christ our Prince, and all his mighty angels, act against our enemies; but we ought not to expect many to favour us in this evil world. Yet the whole counsel of God shall be established; and let each one pray, Lord Jesus, be our righteousness now, and thou wilt be our everlasting confidence, through life, in death, at the day of judgment, and for evermore.