Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Daniel 10:13. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that Daniel was being protected by a powerful ruler – Michael – for about twenty days. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia…” : This refers to King Darius I of Persia. He was a very powerful and influential ruler at the time. “…stood withstood me one and twenty days…” : "Stand withstood" means to protect or defend someone. Daniel was being shielded for 20 days. “…but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me” : This is where it gets a little more intriguing. “Michael” is a very important name in Jewish tradition – he's often considered the son of Jacob, who was also known as "the Son of Man." “Chief prince” means he was a significant leader. He did come to help Daniel. “…and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” : Daniel wasn’t alone. He stayed with Darius and his officials for a period, representing a position of authority and influence. What's the big takeaway? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is working in mysterious ways. It suggests: God’s Plan: Daniel was being held back by God, not because he was doing something wrong, but because God had a plan for him. Divine Protection: This demonstrates God's power and protection of those who trust Him. A Test/Waiting: The verse implies that Daniel was being tested or waiting for a greater purpose to unfold. Important Note: The meaning of this passage has been debated by theologians for centuries, and there’s no single definitive interpretation. It's a beautiful example of how scripture can be rich with symbolism and open to multiple levels of understanding. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: What the significance of "Michael" is? How this relates to other parts of the Bible?