Just a few weeks ago, I wrote an article entitled, “Michael-Who is He?” I showed the reasons for the belief that Michael is an allegory for the pre-incarnated Jesus. A reader who attends our Tuesday night verse-by-verse Zoom study of Danieal and Revelation asked the following question. Below is my response. I thought it might be useful to share it with everyone. I encourage your thoughts and comments.

Blessings!

Eddie

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Question:

From Sherree:

Thank you for sharing this article!

Question for clarification:

In this passage 

“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.: Daniel 10:13

How do we explain that it says “Michael,  One of the chief princes“

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Answer:

Thank you Sherree for the tough question and for reading the article!  The passage you cite certainly seems to point away from the assertion that Michael (mîḵā’ēl=One like God) is the pre-incarnate Jesus.  It seems to contradict the many other passages that point to Jesus as the Archangel. (Chief of the angels) as discussed in my article. The phrase “one of the chief princes” would diminish Michaels’ role as archangelos the “Chief of the angels” and make Him just one of the chief leaders.

As I mentioned in the article, whether Michael is Jesus or not, our interpretation should not take away from the divinity of Christ as some people have attempted to do. Because the divinity of Christ is Biblical. It is critical in understanding the awesome sacrifice of our Creator (John 1).   (Note: I plan to write an article on the divinity of Christ next.)

In my opinion and mentioned in my article, the focus should be more on the actions of Michael who “stands up for his people”  (Daniel 12:1), contends with the devil (Jude 1:9), and whose voice is the sound heard at our resurrection when Jesus returns (1 Thess 4: 16-18).  These actions are most important to understanding God and His character.  Less important (my opinion) is the identity or name of Michael, whether it be a powerful angel or Christ Himself. 

As you know, the word “Jesus” is not in the Old Testament.  He appears with other names e.g.. “one like the Son of God“, “Messiah” etc., or in this case, I believe “Michael” (One like God).   But I do not want to minimize the importance of words or your question.  So I began a word study within the context of the chapter, and other passages regarding Michael the Archangel.  I always try to keep an open mind.

CONTEXT OF PHRASE
I looked a little deeper at the passage of Daniel 10:13, keeping it in its context. The most immediate context is that Michael appears again in this chapter (verse 21).  

 “But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me (Garbriel) against these, except Michael your prince) Daniel 10:21

This passage insinuates more exclusivity (No one) and differentiation from other princes (your prince). This is “noted in the Scripture of Truth”).  Gabriel seems to point Daniel to the Scriptures for clarity.  This is always the best thing to do…look at other related scripture

Continuing with context, Micahel is referred to later in Daniel 12:1

At that time Michael shall stand up,

The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;

As we have found in our study of Daniel’s prophecies, it is rich in symbols as in Revelation.  So it is highly logical, as Charlie has pointed out that these Princes that are fighting against each other are in the spiritual realm (Eph 6:12).  The Characters are in the spiritual struggle include angels (both good and bad), Christ (Michael?), and Satan (the Dragon of Revelation) 

 “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought”

Revelation 12:7

So context is king.  It helps us with other difficult passages in the Bible (Note: you might want to read my other articles on “Context“-Shameful promotion, I know! 

WORD and PHRASE STUDY
But since words are important, I examined the phrase “one of the chief princes” in Hebrew to help me understand better Daniel’s description of the events in Chapter 10.

 It seems that the phrase “one of” is the rub.  If Jesus is Michael, this phrase “one of the chief Princes”  makes Him like just one of the other “chief princes” (i.e. more than one chief).  So I hope I am not straining at a gnat here  🙂  Here is the word study on the phrase you cited,  please feel free to make your own conclusions.

One  (‘eḥāḏ)- Translated most often as  “one” (687 times), but it is often translated as “first” (36 times).  It could have been translated as “First” instead of “One of”.  Young’s Literal Translation agrees.  It translates this passage as 

 “Michael, first of the chief heads, hath come in to help me, 

Chief (ri’šôn)-This word appears 185 times in the Old Testament alone It has been translated “first” 129 times. The next most times it is translated elsewhere as “former” (32 times).  I was expecting something related to how I understand the word chief (i.e. leader, captain, the main guy) as used elsewhere in the Bible.  The main word used in Hebrew as “chief” is used 421 times in the KJV.  This word in Hebrew is śar (It literally means what I was expecting (chieftain, leader).  So why wouldn’t Daniel use this word?)

Princes śar-The word means what I was expecting for chief!  (See above).

So with this in mind including the context.  It could be interpreted as The First of the Chief Princes. This would line up with the second designation of Michael (Archangel) who is THE “chief” or leader of the angels.   All other angel rankings fall below him as the leader. 

Sorry to have gotten too far in the weeds.  I hope this helps and does not confuse the subject further!  

Blessings as you study!

Eddie