The Prince of the Kingdom of Persia • Deshen Daily

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, KJV)

When Daniel prayed for Israel’s freedom from Babylonian captivity, God dispatched an angel with an answer. Yet, the angel brought startling news: the “prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days”. Who was this Persian prince? What crucial insights does it offer about the kingdom of darkness and the angelic realm?

In this context, the term “prince” doesn’t refer to a king’s son. In the Old Testament, it often meant the leader of a group or region. In Daniel 10:13, this prince governs the empire of Persia and its many rulers(kings of Persia), making him a paramount figure.

Was he the human ruler of Persia, then? The context clarifies this prince was an evil angel overseeing the Persian empire. It’s a profound revelation that Satan positions demonic leaders over nations and regions. The passage even portrays Michael, the archangel, as one of these chief princes and the protector of Israel (Daniel 10:13, 21).

Nations’ activities and influences shift as these demonic leaders change hands. After the Persian prince’s defeat, Greece’s demonic prince emerged. Consequently, Greece, led by Alexander the Great, overpowered Persia (Daniel 10:20).

In the New Testament, Paul provides deeper insights into the hierarchy of these malevolent entities:

“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, KJV)

Yet, there’s such good news in Christ. Although Daniel lacked authority over these entities, Jesus’ arrival altered the narrative. For the first time, God granted humans the power to govern angelic entities:

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19, KJV)

Many people are unaware of the intense spiritual warfare raging over nations, cultures, or even families and individuals. Natural circumstances will remain unchanged until this unseen battle swings in our favor.

Meditate

Reflect on this: a demonic force likely governs your nation and neighborhood, influencing the prevailing wickedness and sin. Are you aware?

Apply the Word

Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13). This doesn’t solely mean prayer but also embracing truth, faith, God’s spoken word, righteousness, and more.