Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The delay was caused by the activity and opposition of evil spiritual agents empowering or associated with pagan kingdoms of the world. (These demonic agents continue to exist, as referenced much later by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:20.)

August 04 2022 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Al Mark Supporter

I recently led a study on Daniel 10 as part of a series on prayer, and this passage in particular dealt with prayer and spiritual conflict. We are told in Eph 6:12 that, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world, and against spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms.” The picture in Daniel 10 is that sometimes, there is a connection between what happens in the heavenly realms and what happens on our physical earth. The answer to Daniel's prayer was on its way to Daniel, but it was hindered by an agent of Satan. God allows this, and some of God's agents got involved in this struggle to make things happen.

What is more than the answer to Daniel's prayer was the way God dealt with him when he entered God's presence. He was touched three times: once to set him on his hands and knees, twice to let him speak, and the third time to fill him with strength. Daniel sees his glory and senses his power, yet experiences his tender touch. When we come into God’s presence, we experience this as well.

When the people of God set their hearts and minds on defeating the kingdom of this world, it sets off a conflict in heaven. The angel was telling Daniel that his prayers were leading to conflicts in heaven, to things bigger than what he was aware. When the saints pray, opposition is inevitable.

August 04 2022 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

I remember hearing about this for the first time in my young Christian life as a student at Arizona Bible College in Phoenix, Arizona. Sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s, Arizona Bible College changed its name to Arizona College of the Bible. Eventually, Arizona College of the Bible closed and was succeeded in some form by College del Rey. It continued some aspect of biblical education before ceasing operations altogether. Sad. Those 3 years were some of the best years of my life!

Daniel’s delay in receiving an answer to his prayer is explained in Daniel 10:12-13. Here’s the passage from the NET Bible:

Daniel 10:12-13 (NET)
12 Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel, for from the very first day you applied your mind to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words.
13 However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me, because I was left there with the kings of Persia.

The delay then was because of spiritual warfare, I believe. The angel tells Daniel that God heard his prayer immediately (Da 10:12), but the answer was delayed because a powerful demonic being, called the prince of Persia, resisted him for 21 days (Dan 10:13). This shows that spiritual battles in the unseen realm can hinder the delivery of God’s response.

March 11 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Leslie Coutinho Supporter

Daniel 10:12: Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

Daniel, among the children of Judah, brought to the land of Babylon, had wisdom and understanding in his heart, so as not to defile himself. He had dreams and visions given to him for a purpose, for he was willing to be circumcised. The Lord God circumcised him, and he loved the Lord God with his heart and soul. This led his heart and soul to live in favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. (Deut 30:6/Dan 1:9) Having the right spirit to chasten their heart they were led by the Spirit of the Lord God and His angels, willingly to be cast into a burning fiery furnace and the Lion's den. For they isolated and kept themselves apart from serving any other gods or ask a petition of a royal statute. (Dan 3:20/6:7) 

Daniel and the three young men, God gave them knowledge of the skill of learning and wisdom. For Daniel understood all visions and dreams, for the Word of the Lord was a Lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path. (Dan 1:17/Psalm 119:105) They chastened themselves before the Lord God, who were then given a new heart and a new spirit within them. For many are called, few are chosen, as Lord Jesus reveals unto us. (Mat 20:16/22:14) The angel of the Lord was then sent who laid live coals upon their mouth, touching their lips. They were then led to walk in the Lord’s statutes to keep His ordinance and to do them. (Isa 6:6-7/Eze 11:19-20) 

Daniel had set himself always in the right wisdom and to not to defile himself; as Lord Jesus reveals to us, always to pray and not to lose your heart. (Lk 18:1) One being given dreams and visions many a time as the scriptures reveal unto us one who does not defile himself and waits upon Lord to reveal unto him will be blessed. “Many a time the delay relates to the fallen angels who withstand you though having an Angel guarding you.” For then the “Lord will send the Archangels to set you free.” One having a contrite spirit within you like Daniel, who waits upon the Lord to reveal unto you, will come to pass for the Lord will send His Angels unto you. (Dan 10:13/Jude 9)

Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report