1. Daniel’s Battle! (Dan 10:12-13) – “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. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.”

Daniel is fasting and praying. Remember he is taken to Babylon during the captivity (70 years). His message is to the nation of Israel and the holy city – Jerusalem (Dan 9:24-27).

2. The Prince of Persia withstands! (Dan 10:14) – “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days:”

Whoever this “Prince of Persia” is there is no doubt he represents an evil entity that withstands believers. The words “understand” and “chasten” have to do with Daniel’s humility and discernment.

The word “understand” is בִּין: (bene), which means to discern. The word “withstand” is עָמַד: (aw-mad’). It means to take one’s stand.

Bottom line: This satanic personality “stood against” Daniel and his God. However, the preceding verses reveal that God overruled these forces. Micheal was dispatched to help. “Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days” (Dan 10:14). After conflict comes confirmation.