12/17/24

Daniel 11:1 NASB1995 “In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him.

Most theologians believe it is the angel who had been speaking to Daniel in chapter 10 who is speaking here.

He is saying I was sent to be an encouragement and protection to Darius the Mede in the first year of his reign. In doing so this can and should be an encouragement to us. God has His angels at work in the heavenly places to fight for us (protect) and encourage us, for His own glory.

Not only are they working in the lives of Christians to bring about God's desire but they are also working in the lives of heathens as well.

In times when we don't understand, we must rely on faith to accept the Lord's plan to seek and to save the lost. He is not wanting any to perish. In the reign of Darius, we see the Jews have an opportunity to continue work on the temple. He researched and agreed to the decree of Cyrus and the work resumed. God has sent his angels to encourage and protect. If we look at chapter 10 we see that they are determined to keep their responsibilities. For 21 days the angel kept fighting on behalf of Daniel. This is a reminder to us that we need to be patient. God's desire to guide us in Him is at work. As we are patient we can prepare ourselves to drink the cup the Lord has for us. It might taste bitter in the short term, but it is the most nourishing drink we can have, and it becomes sweet in our mouths when the war in heavenly places comes to an end.

The angel says I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him.

One day, we will realize the angel's efforts at the behest of our Lord. However, we can praise Him now for the encouragement and protection we read about in His word.

Love Bro. Scott