Spiritual Armor for Spiritual War
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." -- (Ephesians 6:12)
Unfortunately, most of us don’t know the first thing about fighting the kind of war in this scripture. For, as Ephesians 6:10-12 says, it’s not a battle of flesh and blood, but of the spirit.
Most believers are so earthly minded (or carnally minded) that they never even realize the actual source of the enemy’s attacks. They blame circumstances and people. They waste their energy fighting natural conditions instead of supernatural causes.
We need to wake up to the warfare that’s going on in the heavenly realm!
We can get a glimpse of it in Daniel 10:12-20. There, we find that Daniel had been fasting and praying for 21 days, awaiting a word from the Lord. Then, an angel appeared to him 21 days later with the answer. What took him so long? He was fighting the enemy in the heavens.
That confuses some people. They say, "Devils fighting in heaven? I thought God reigned in heaven!" What they don’t understand is that the Bible teaches there are three different areas called heaven:
1. The heaven where God resides.
2. The stellar heavens (what we call "outer space").
3. The heavens around this earth (the atmosphere surrounding this planet).
This last heaven is where spiritual war takes place. (That’s why Ephesians 2:2 calls Satan the prince of the power of the air.) The air is where wicked spirits operate. From there, they attempt to rule the nations assigned to them.
And rule them they will unless the prayers of God’s people keep them from it.
God has an army marching in this land. If we band together, we can prevent the wickedness in high places from ruling our nation. The time has come for us to pray. So, put on your full armor and take your place in the ranks of the faithful in intercession for our country and the nations of the world!
Ephes. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephes. 6:12
a[wrestle] Greek: pale (GSN-3823), wrestle. Only here. It refers to warfare in general between saints and spirit rebels who are against God.
b[against flesh and blood] Galatians 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:50.
c[against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places]
Four Kinds of Spirit Rebels
1.Greek: archas (GSN-746), principalities, chief rulers or beings of the highest rank
and order in Satan’s kingdom (Ephes. 6:12; Ephes. 1:21; Col. 2:10)
2.Greek: exousias (GSN-1849), authorities, those who derive their power from and execute the will of the chief rulers (Ephes. 6:12; Ephes. 1:21; Col. 2:10)
3.Greek: kosmokratoras (GSN-2888), world-rulers of the darkness of this age, the spirit world-rulers (Daniel 10:13-21; Ephes. 1:21; Ephes. 6:12; Col. 1:16-18)
4.Greek: pneumatika (GSN-4152) tes (GSN-3588) ponerias (GSN-4189), spiritual wickedness, that of the wicked spirits of Satan in the heavenlies (Ephes. 6:12; Ephes. 1:21; Col. 1:16-18)
d[high places] Greek: epouranois (GSN-2032), heavenlies (note g, §Ephes. 1:3).
SCRIPTURE READING: Daniel 10:1-14
Daniel 10:1 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.
Daniel 10:1
a[third year] This was 5 years after the vision of the 70 weeks of Daniel 9 (cp. Daniel 10:1 with Daniel 9:1).
b[Cyrus king of Persian] This was not Darius the Mede of Daniel 5:31; Daniel 6:1; Daniel 9:1. He was a Persian prince and became king of the Medo-Persian Empire after Darius had reigned two years. There are no less than four traditions about the birth of Cyrus. Herodotus says that he was the son of Mandane, daughter of Astyages who sought to kill the child because of dreams he had of his own defeat at his hands. Xenophon says he was the son of Cambyses, king of Persia, that he was educated in Persia and was later sent for by Astyages who made him commander-in-chief of his armies. Nicolaus says that Cyrus was the son of Atradates, a Mardian bandit, and that he became the adopted son of Artembares, cupbearer to Astyages, later becoming prominent in the service of Astyages. The truth of the matter seems to be that Cyrus was the son of Astyages and Queen Esther of the book of Esther (see Kings of Persia). This being true, then many prophecies of Isaiah take on new interest and meaning. Cyrus was the subject of a number of prophecies of Isaiah concerning the restoration of Israel from Babylon and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Jewish temple after the captivities. See notes on §Isaiah 44:28-45:1. In the Bible his name was predicted 175 years before he was born, the prediction even foretelling his decree to liberate the Jews and rebuild Jerusalem (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-8; Ezra 3:7; Ezra 4:3-5; Ezra 5:13-17; Ezra 6:3,14; Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1).
c[thing was revealed] A term used 25 times in Daniel and 45 times in Revelation,
emphasizing the subject matter of both books.
d[revealed unto Daniel] Note the price Daniel paid for this revelation and the method
whereby he received it (Daniel 10:2-12:13). Divine revelations have always had an impressive effect upon their receivers (Daniel 2,4,5,7-12; Isaiah 6; Rev. 1; Genesis 15).
e[time appointed was long] The time for fulfillment was in the far distant future (Daniel 10:14,35). Even yet it has not been completed. At least all of Daniel 11:35-12:13 is yet to be fulfilled. The Hebrew: tsaba (HSN-6635) gadowl (HSN-1419) means long warfare. The true idea is that there will be many wars before all these things are fulfilled.
The Vision of Wars
1.The war between Gabriel and the satanic prince of Persia who resisted him and sought to keep him from giving this vision of wars to Daniel (Daniel 10:12-13,20)
2.That between the Persians and Greeks (Daniel 10:20-21,11:2-3; Daniel 8:20-21)
3.War of the Medes and Persians with the Babylonians (Daniel 11:1; Daniel 5:25-31)
4.That of the generals of Alexander the Great seizing control of his empire and dividing it into 4 parts (Daniel 11:4; Daniel 8:8,22). See pt. 7 of The Angelic Interpretation
5.The 1st war between Syria and Egypt, 2 of the 4 divisions of Alexander’s empire (Daniel 11:5)
6.The 2nd war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:7-9)
7.The 3rd war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:10-12)
8.The 4th war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:13-16)
9.The 5th war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:17)
10.The war between Syria and Greece and Rome (Daniel 11:18-19)
11.The 1st war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:20)
12.The 2nd war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:21-24)
13.The 6th war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:25-27)
14.The 3rd war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:28)
15.The 7th war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:29-31)
16.The 4th war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:32-34)
17.War between Syria and God (Daniel 11:36-39)
18.The 8th and last war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:40-42)
19.The 5th war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:41)
20.War between Syria and other nations (Daniel 11:41)
21.Syrian war with the Libyans and Ethiopians (Daniel 11:43)
22.War between Syria and the 10 kingdoms under her and Russia and the nations north and east of the old Roman Empire territory (Daniel 11:44)
23.The 6th and last war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:45; Zech. 14:1-5,14)
24.War between Syria and Christ at His second coming (Daniel 11:45; Daniel 7:21-22,25-27; Daniel 8:23-25; Daniel 9:27)
25.War in heaven between Michael and his angels and Satan and his angels (Daniel 12:1; Rev. 12:7-12)
f[understood the thing] If Daniel understood the vision before the now historical section (Daniel 11:2-34) was fulfilled, we today can surely understand the vision after the fulfillment of this section. The whole vision is very plain, as we shall see.
Daniel 10:2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
Daniel 10:2
a [three full weeks] This is a long time for a man to be in fasting, prayer, and constant emotional strain.
Daniel 10:3 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.
Daniel 10:3
a [no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth] This is the same as saying that he was on a total fast, not on a diet as some today call a Daniel’s fast.
Daniel 10:4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;
Daniel 10:4
a [four and twentieth day of the first month] The 24th day of our April.
b [Hiddekel] Only found twice in Scripture (Daniel 10:4; Genesis 14). It is better known as the Tigris, a more modern name not found in Scripture. Euphrates is mentioned 21 times, for along its winding course many Biblical events took place.
Daniel 10:5 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:
Daniel 10:5
a [certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz]
Eightfold Description of the Messiah
1. His clothing was fine linen (Daniel 10:5; Daniel 12:6-7; cp. Rev. 1:13; Rev. 19:8; Exodus 28:4-12).
2. His loins were girded with a golden girdle (Daniel 10:5; cp. Rev. 1:13).
3. His body was like a beryl (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 4:3). The beryl is a gem of bluegreen or other color combinations.
4. His face was as the appearance of lightning (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:16; Rev. 10:1).
5. His eyes were as lamps of fire (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; Rev. 19:12).
6. His arms like polished brass (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; Rev. 10:1).
7. His feet like polished brass (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; Rev. 10:1).
8. His voice was like a multitude (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; Rev. 8:5; Rev. 10:2-4; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 14:2; Rev. 16:17-18; Rev. 19:6; §Psalm 29, notes).
Daniel 10:6 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 10:7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
Daniel 10:7
a [alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision] This proves that one person can see a vision while others cannot even though they are present (cp. Acts 9:7; Acts 22:9).
b [great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves] Twofold effect upon Daniel’s comparisons:
1. A great quaking fell upon them.
2. They fled to hide themselves.
Daniel 10:8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.
Daniel 10:8
a[no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption]
Tenfold Effect Upon Daniel
1.Strength went from me (Daniel 10:8).
2.My comeliness (Hebrew: howd (HSN-1935), beauty) was turned to corruption (Hebrew: mashchiyth (HSN-4889), destruction; marred; made ugly, Daniel 10:8).
3.I fell into a deep sleep, face down (Daniel 10:9).
4.A hand touched me and set me upon my knees and hands (Daniel 10:10).
5.I then stood upright trembling (Daniel 10:11).
6.I had great fear (Daniel 10:12).
7.I fell again, face down (Daniel 10:15).
8.I became dumb (speechless, Daniel 10:15).
9.My lips were touched by the angel and I was able to speak again so I complained of being strengthless and unable to breathe properly (Daniel 10:16-17).
10.I was again strengthened and made capable of receiving the revelation (Daniel 10:18-12:13).
Daniel 10:9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
Daniel 10:10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
Daniel 10:11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.
Daniel 10:11
a [for unto thee am I now sent] It might appear that the person described in Daniel 10:5-6 is Gabriel, but no angel is thus described in Scripture. The vision is in almost every detail like that of the Son of man in Rev. 1:12-17. The two visions seem to refer to the same person. In Daniel 8:13-19 Gabriel is instructed by another person to make the vision known to Daniel. The same is no doubt true here. The person described in Daniel 10:5-6 directs Gabriel to make this revelation known to Daniel. The fact is clear in Daniel 10:11-12 that someone sent him.
b [I now sent] Note the divine and angelic appearances in the book (Daniel 3:25; Daniel 4:13,17,23; Daniel 6:22; Daniel 7:16; Daniel 8:13,14,16-26; Daniel 9:21; Daniel 10:4-12,16,18,20; Daniel 12:1,5-6).
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 10:12
a [from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand] Here is an example of prayer being delayed (Daniel 10:12-13). Such delays should never hinder faith or cause one to give up seeking an answer that is promised by God. They should only urge one to renew his efforts and to hold on in prayer and faith until the answer is realized (Luke 18:1-8).
b [for thy words] I have come to answer the prayer that you have prayed. This shows exactly what Daniel prayed for and demonstrates that the very words said in prayer are heard and can be answered (Matthew 7:7-11). Too many times religious teachers today argue that what we ask may not be granted, but that God will give to us what we need and what is best for us. In other words, God will substitute something in the place of whatever we have asked for. There is not a word in Scripture which teaches such a doctrine. God has promised to give all men what they ask for in prayer, believing—even the exact things that they say in words (Matthew 7:7-11; Matthew 17:20; Matthew 21:21-22; Mark 11:22-24; John 15:7).
Daniel 10:13 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 10:13
a[the prince of the kingdom of Persia] This is the satanic prince or ruler of the kingdom of Persia, one ruling the kingdom of Persia for Satan who is recognized in Scripture as being the god and ruler of this world, having usurped man’s dominion (Matthew 4:8-9; Matthew 12:24-30; John 8:44; John 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:4; Ephes. 2:2; Ephes. 6:10-18; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 12:7-12; Rev. 16:13-16; Rev. 20:1-10).
Over all the governments of this world Satan has his trusted angels who are responsible to him for carrying out his will in those governments. He seeks to hinder God’s plan in the fulfillment of prophecy regarding world kingdoms. God also has trusted angels and they carry out His will concerning what He has predicted to take place in the kingdoms of this world (Daniel 10:11-21; Daniel 11:1; Daniel 12:1). Hence, the wars between these two groups of angels in the heavenlies (Daniel 10:13,20-21; Daniel 11:1; Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7-12).
All wars lost or won on earth are results of wars lost or won by these heavenly armies.
Not only over every government of this world are there good and evil spirit beings seeking to influence and carry out the will of their masters, but over every individual life the same is true (Matthew 18:10; 2 Cor. 10:4-6; Ephes. 2:2; Ephes. 6:10-18; Hebrews 1:14; Jude 1:9). Satan himself is active along the line of seeking to defeat God’s purpose in the lives of His children (1 Chron. 21:1; Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Zech. 3:1; Matthew 4:1-11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Ephes. 2:2; Ephes. 6:10-18; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 12:12). Michael is the prince of Israel (Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1). The prince of Grecia is referred to in Daniel 10:20.
b[prince] The words prince and princes are from the Hebrew: sar (HSN-8269), which
means a chief ruler. It is generally rendered "prince" in this book (Daniel 1:7-11,18;
Daniel 8:11,25; Daniel 9:6,8; Daniel 10:13,20,21; Daniel 11:5; Daniel 12:1).
c[Michael]
Four Angels Named in Scripture
1.Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:11-17)
2.Michael (Daniel 10:13,21; Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7)
3.Gabriel (Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19,26)
4.Abaddon or Apollyon (Rev. 9:11)
d[one of the chief princes] This proves there are ranks among angels (1 Thes. 4:16;
Jude 1:9).
e[kings of Persia] This refers to the satanic princes of the kingdom of the Medes and Persians.
Daniel 10:14 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.
Daniel 10:14
a [Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days] The 16th prophecy in Daniel (Daniel 10:14, unfulfilled). Next, §Daniel 11:2.
b [thy people] Daniel’s people, the Jews (Daniel 9:24; Daniel 12:1).
c [latter days] The days just preceding the coming of the Messiah. See Fourteen End-Time Expressions.
d [is for many days] The main object of the vision is to show what shall befall Israel at the end time of their oppression by the Gentiles.
