by Dr. Chuck Missler
In Daniel 10, we find Daniel fasting and mourning for three weeks while an angelic messenger fights to get past the “Prince of Persia” to deliver a critical piece of communication. We learn that Michael the archangel comes to the aid of the messenger, who is then able to reach Daniel. This whole description gives us insight into some facts about angels. For instance, it shows us they have actual locality. They are not all places at once, but must travel to get from here to there. It also gives us a peek into what I call the “dark side” — the invisible warfare taking place all around us.
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
— Daniel 10:1–6
This angel is not named. We know he’s not Gabriel, because Daniel had already met Gabriel in Chapter 8 during the reign of King Balshazzar before the Persians took over. This glowing individual was a new visitor. Some scholars believe this man was the Lord Jesus Christ, but there are parts of this story that don’t fit that interpretation. It seems more likely that Daniel was meeting a very senior angel.
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