The Man of God in the Midst of Spiritual Warfare
Daniel, the man of God in Babylon, was highly esteemed by God. This man was used of Yahweh as an ambassador to foreign kings through a number of administration transitions during the sixth century B.C. The uncertainty of human government is set in contrast with God’s stable agent, who often showed his weakness — not in the face of men — but in the revelation of God. Daniel trembled at God’s message.
In Daniel 10, the man of God received a message that came with understanding. Future world events were shown to Daniel in a vision, and now he was located by the bank of the Tigris River (10:4).
Daniel prayed to Yahweh and fasted from typical, material comforts (10:2–3). For three weeks during the Jewish feast days of spring, Daniel denied himself in response to the revelation of the coming conflict between Persia and Greece.
To add to the message/vision, there was a “certain man” dressed in holy attire. A supernatural visitor had come to Daniel and those who were with him. They all fled in fear, even though they did not see the man dressed in linen girded with gold. Daniel did see him. This encounter for Daniel reminds us of Saul of Tarsus while on the road to Damascus in Acts 9. It also resembles what the Apostle John saw in Revelation 1. Both of those New Testament scenes had Christ as the agent of communication.
Daniel was physically weak from weeks of prayer and fasting, as was Jesus in the wilderness temptations recorded in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. Spiritual discipline and focus can also be emotionally emptying.
Added to his physical and spiritual weakness, Daniel was afforded a terrifying supernatural encounter, to the effect that he fainted (10:9). If physical warfare is demanding, so with spiritual warfare, there is also a struggle to maintain stamina.
Warfare can leave one so weak that only the touch of the supernatural can revive us. Add to this touch, the power of words. and the favor of God will cause one to marvel at their ability to strengthen.
If men are hindered by demonic forces, we learn that angels struggle against principalities and powers in heavenly places, too, led by the prince of the power of the air, who is identified here as the prince of the kingdom of Persia (10:13).
The effect of spiritual battles impacts people in different ways. When Satan makes much of himself in impoverished nations, the people are lured into endless superstition. When Satan hides himself in wealthy nations, he entices the people to sin against God through materialism and by forsaking the spiritual realm through endless distractions.
It is the spiritual, the supernatural that can leave one speechless (10:15); powerless (10:16); and breathless (10:17); as it did Daniel, the man of high esteem. Mortal man is no match for angels and demons; therefore, in our weakness, we must call upon the Lord in prayer.
The answer to our prayers in humility and weakness can be answered with great encouragement. This often occurs when certain words are spoken or read from God’s holy Word, the Bible. Daniel 10:19 has much to say to us in this matter.
First, this “certain man” reminded Daniel of God’s assessment of him. Daniel had the favor of God and the man repeated this assessment. In Christ, believers have the esteemed title of “children of God.” Taking time to compile a list of other titles ascribed to God’s elect is a helpful exercise when one has the spirit of depression troubling him.
Second, “do not be afraid” was a common address from Jesus to His disciples. Fear of man or demons is beneath the one indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:9, 11). Whatever is not of faith is unacceptable. We are pleasing to God when we walk by faith (Heb 11:6). This means we are walking by the Spirit who gives us faith as a gift (Gal 5:16; Eph 2:8–9). If you are afraid, you must pray-in-the-Spirit; and then open your Bible to remember Christ’s victory over His and your enemies. We remember His promises, which are “yes” and “amen” in Him, who has overcome the world and defeated death, the last enemy (1 Cor 15:26).
Third, another word of encouragement received by Daniel from this man was “peace be with you” (10:19c). The God of peace is the giver of peace that passes all understanding (Rom 15:33; 16:20; Phil 4:7). This is not the false peace promised by the world and its leaders. Jesus Christ Himself is our peace (Eph 2:14). His Spirit living in us produces peace as a fruit of this work (Gal 5:22). It is always wise to ask God for what is missing in one’s moment of need (Heb 4:14–16). By asking, we demonstrate we are people of faith.
Fourth, this certain man instructed Daniel to “take courage and be courageous” (10:19d). This reminds us of the encouragement Joshua received when he was tasked with the conquest of the Promised Land (Jos 1:8). Fear slows us down. Anxiety does, too. Courage takes action. It acts on God’s revealed Word in a manner of faith in action. Faith is not a passive state; rather, it does something with whatever knowledge and understanding gleaned from a situation, always in light of God’s Word and directed by God’s Spirit. If faith produces a work, then prayer is one’s first work (Jas 2:18, 20, 26).
Jesus promised His disciples that we would have trouble in the world during the days appointed for us (Jn 16:33). Very disturbing news presents trouble to us every day. Thus, one may be prone to escapism or addiction in order to cope with the fear that so easily grips us. Daniel 10 helps us to see a few truths. Let us summarize.
First, Daniel was a man like us living in a dangerous and uncertain world, as do we in this present darkness. He was susceptible to weakness and fear.
Second, Daniel did cope with his situation, not with the things of the world, but with the means of grace afforded to him as a child of God. He believed the message revealed to him; and he prayed as a result of that revelation. Christians are wise to tap into every grace granted to us, to strengthen our faith in God. When we are weak; He is strong (2 Cor 12:10).
Third, spiritual warfare is as real and possibly more prevalent than physical warfare. Every conflict carries a spiritual dimension to it. Demons inspire men to steal, kill, and destroy — following the example of their father the devil (Jn 8:44; 1 Jn 3:10). Putting on the whole armor of God is our daily discipline to resist the devil (Jas 4:7), flee immorality (1 Cor 6:18), and thwart the schemes of the devil’s temptations and attacks (Eph 6:10–20).
Fourth, we must recognize the relief that a certain person or persons may bring in a timely manner and in a divine way. When we are overwhelmed, we must remember Him who overcame (Jn 16:33); and the fact that in Him, we, too, will overcome by the faith granted to us by His grace (1 Jn 2:13–14; 5:4).
In conclusion, let us spur one another on to love and good works (Heb 10:24), by being like that “certain man” who came to strengthen Daniel in his weakness and humility. May God grant that we see how Jesus does this for us; and does it for others through us. In this, may we be all the more conformed to the image of the one who has the highest esteem of all.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
September 9, 2025
Daniel 10:1–21
