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The Truth About Angels
heard and answered. This mighty angel has been commissioned to
give him skill and understanding—to open before him the mysteries of
future ages. Thus, while earnestly seeking to know and understand the
truth, Daniel was brought into communion with Heaven’s delegated
messenger.—
The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881
.
Even before he [Daniel] had finished pleading with God, Gabriel
again appeared to him and called his attention to the vision he had
seen prior to the fall of Babylon at the death of Belshazzar. The angel
then outlined in detail the period of the seventy weeks.—
The Review
and Herald, March 21, 1907
.
[144]
The Struggle for Influence Over the Kings of Persia
Heavenly agencies have to contend with hindrances before the
purpose of God is fulfilled in its time. The king of Persia was controlled
by the highest of all evil angels. He refused, as did Pharaoh, to obey the
word of the Lord. Gabriel declared, He [Satan] withstood me twenty-
one days by his representations against the Jews. But Michael came
to his help, and then he remained with the kings of Persia, holding
the powers in check, giving right counsel against evil counsel.—
The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1173
.
[Cyrus] the [Persian] monarch had resisted the impressions of the
Spirit of God during the three weeks while Daniel was fasting and
praying, but Heaven’s Prince, the archangel, Michael, was sent to turn
the heart of the stubborn king to take some decided action to answer
the prayer of Daniel.—
The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881
.
No less a personage than the Son of God appeared to Daniel. This
description is similar to that given by John when Christ was revealed
to him upon the Isle of Patmos.
Our Lord now comes with another heavenly messenger to teach
Daniel what would take place in the latter days.—
The Review and
Herald, February 8, 1881
.
Daniel ... could not look upon the angel’s face, and he had no
strength; it was all gone. So the angel came to him and set him upon
his knees. He could not behold him then. And then the angel came
[145]
to him with the appearance of a man. Then he could bear the sight.—
Manuscript Releases 2:348
.