Behind the scenes of time and space a relentless battle rages between the forces of good and evil over control of the world.

2 Daniel 10 1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. 4 Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.

3 What did Daniel say which shows he was passing through great stress at the time? Daniel 10 DANIEL'S SORROW FOR ISRAEL (Daniel 10:1 ‑ 3) "I Daniel, was _________ three full weeks." (verse 2) mourning Daniel was likely mourning for his sins and the sins of his people. Remember he had expressed that two years before and had received a troubling vision about the future of Israel.

4 "I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold a certain ____ clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of ________, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in colour, and the sound of his words like the voice of a ________." (verses 5,6) Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:5,6) man How did Daniel describe the person who appeared to him above the waters? lightning multitude

5 "one like the ___ __ ____ " "girded... with a ______ band" (Revelation 1:13) "his ____ were like a flame of fire" (Revelation 1:14) "his feet were like fine _____ " "his voice as the sound of ____ ______ " (Revelation 1:15) Who was this “man” that Daniel saw? Do other scriptures help us discover his identity? John, in Revelation, experienced a similar vision. Here is what he saw: Daniel 10 Daniel 10:5-6, Revelation 1:13 ‑ 16 brass Son of man many waters eyes golden

6 Daniel 10 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

7 Daniel 10 (Revelation 1:17,18 ) How did the person identify himself to John? "He laid his right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid, I am the ___ and the ___. “(verse 17) "I am he who lives, and was ____, and behold I am _____ forevermore." (verse 18) firstlast alivedead Who does this describe?

8 Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:7,8) From these verses what was the effect the vision had upon Daniel and his companions? ANSWER:_____________________________________ His friends fled and Daniel had no strength.

9 Daniel Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.

10 As Daniel felt the touch of a hand upon him, what encouraging words did he hear? Daniel 10 ( Daniel 10:10 ‑ 12) "Oh Daniel, man greatly _______." (verse 11) "Your words were heard, and I have _____ because of your words." (verse 12) beloved come Who touched him? It was likely Gabriel (8:16 and 9:16). Note that Daniel does not have the same awe as he did with the first person he saw. Also, this being speaks of calling upon Michael for help.

11 Daniel But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come." 15 When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. 16 And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, "My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. 17 For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me."

12 Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:13) Daniel had been fasting and praying for three weeks. Why did it take so long for the angel to come to him? THE BATTLE BEHIND THE SCENES "But the prince of the kingdom of ______ withstood me twenty ‑ one days." (verse 13) Persia

13 Daniel 10 (Ephesians 6:10-12) "For we do not _______ against flesh and blood, but... against _______ hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." What did the apostle Paul say concerning the battle between good and evil? wrestle spiritual We and this world are in a constant raging battle. Satan and his hosts are trying to destroy each of us and are waging war over control of the earth. Satan wants to be the king of all creation and he will stop at nothing to get it. He is a liar and a murderer. He will not hesitate to kill or hurt anyone that gets in his way.

14 Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:13) "And behold, _______, one of the chief princes, came to help me." (verse 13) Who came to help Gabriel in his battle to win the mind of Cyrus? Michael In the same manner, Christ acts on our behalf. Although Satan desires to kill and destroy, he does not have full control to do as he wills. God only allows him a certain amount of leeway. God uses Satan to carry out His own plans.

15 Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:14) "Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the __________, for the vision refers to _____ ____ yet to come." (verse 14) Now that the angel was able to come to Daniel, what had he been instructed to tell the prophet? latter days DANIEL'S PEOPLE NOT FORGOTTEN many days

16 Daniel Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!" So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me."20 Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince. 11:1 Also in the first year of Darius the Mede, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him.)

17 Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:18 ‑ 19) After reading these verses, describe how Daniel was revived and given new strength. Answer:________________________________ When he spoke to me I was strengthened. We have a personal God Who will strengthen us in times of distress just as He did here for Daniel. Do not loose heart, ask Him to give you strength. He loves you and will care for you.

18 “Then he said,... And now I must _____ to ____ with the prince of Persia.” Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:20) Was the conflict with the "prince of Persia" over? CONFLICT TO COME returnfight Cambyses, the king of Persia, was unfriendly to Israel at this time.

19 "And when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of ______ will come." Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:20) What will happen after he battles with Persia? Greece Alexander the Great comes in next to conquer the world.

20 "But I will tell you what is noted in the _______ of ____." Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:14,21) Before returning to the Persian battlefront, what else did the angel say his purpose was in making this visit to Daniel? ScriptureTruth He is about to share a detailed prophesy concerning the future of the kingdoms of the worlds (Chapter 11).

21 ANSWER: _______ Daniel 10 (Daniel 10:21) Who is again mentioned as the angel’s chief supporter in the continuing conflict with evil powers? Michael

22 Daniel 10 Michael is the archangel (Jude 9) and his name means “Who is like God?” He is the protector of Israel (Dan 12:1) and will lead the battle against Satan (the dragon) before Armageddon (Rev 12:7).

23 Daniel 10 Angels are very prominent in the Scriptures. Can you think of any occurrences? They are waging a war against evil as we speak!!! Each of you also have one assigned to you to protect you and minister to you (Matt 18:10). Have you ever sensed their presence or protection? Angels may also appear to us as people and we do not even know it (Heb 13:2). Any of you believe you have ever encountered an angel? Joseph The shepherds At the tomb Elisha (2 Kings 6:15-17)

24 Daniel 10

25 Daniel 10 Who will win this spiritual battle for the nations? (Zephaniah 3:8) "Therefore wait for Me," says the Lord, "Until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination is to gather the nations To My assembly of kingdoms, To pour on them My indignation, All My fierce anger; All the earth shall be devoured With the fire of My jealousy.

26 Daniel 10 Who will win this spiritual battle for your soul? (John 5:24-25) "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

27 Daniel 10 We too can speak to the Lord and He will here our voice and answer! (Psalm 34:1-8): I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

God hears our every prayer and He protects us against the forces of evil. He only desires in return that we give Him our lives to serve Him as our Lord and Master.