Contemplative Bible Reading

Daniel 10:12-14 (Common English Bible)

12 Then the man said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel, because from the day you first set your mind to understand things and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I’ve come because of your words! 13 For twenty-one days the leader of the Persian kingdom blocked my way. But then Michael, one of the highest leaders, came to help me. I left Michael there with the leader of the Persian kingdom. 14 But I’ve come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the future, because there is another vision concerning that time.”

The “man” of verse 12 is an angel. I believe that given verse 13. I also believe the “leader of the Persian kingdom” is a fallen angel or agent of Satan.

The thing I want to note about the angel is the relation of the angel to time and space. The angel took at least 21 days to come to Daniel. The angel was bound by time.

Notice in verse 14 how the angel “has come” to Daniel. He had to travel in some fashion. He, unlike God, is not omnipresent – everywhere and anywhere at the same time.

The angels are bound by time and space.