Identifying Michael as Jesus Christ in Daniel 10

Daniel 10:13

13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, see, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

Michael, who is also known as the Archangel, is indeed Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the leader of the angelic hostJEO 33.1+2. While the phrasing "one of the chief princes" is used in Daniel 10:13 marginal readings and deeper scriptural comparisons clarify that He is the "first of the chief princes," signifying His supreme rank as the head over all angelsSITI January 27, 1887, page 59.3+1.

Michael is the Son of God

The identity of Michael as Christ is established by comparing the descriptions of His voice and authority across the ScripturesJEO 33.1.

• The Voice that Raises the Dead: Michael is identified as the Archangel in Jude 1:9 and Paul writes that the Lord Himself will descend with the "voice of the archangel" to raise the dead 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jesus Himself declared that it is His own voice—the voice of the Son of God—that the dead will hear when they come forth from their graves John 5:25-29. This confirms that Michael and Christ are the same Divine BeingSITI November 24, 1887, page 712.16+1.

• The Meaning of the Name: The name Michael signifies "He who is like God," a title that perfectly fits the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the express image of the Father’s person Hebrews 1:3JEO 33.1.

• Supreme Commander: Although the heavenly host has many leaders, there is only one head over all, and that is ChristSITI January 27, 1887, page 59.3. As the Archangel, He is not a created angel but is the "chief" or "prince" of the angels, existing above them and serving as their Creator Hebrews 1:4+1CHR 20.2.

His Role in the Struggle for Medo-Persia

Daniel 10:13 provides a glimpse into the intense spiritual warfare occurring behind the scenes of human historyPK 571.2.

• A Three-Week Struggle: For twenty-one days, the angel Gabriel wrestled with the "powers of darkness" that were influencing the mind of King Cyrus to show disfavor toward God's peoplePK 571.2+1.

• Christ Comes to Help: Gabriel was unable to gain the victory alone, so Michael—Christ Himself—came to his aid to counteract the satanic influences at work in the Persian courtRR 200.4+1.

• The Resulting Victory: Because of Michael’s intervention, the forces of the enemy were held in check throughout the reigns of Cyrus and his son Cambyses, allowing for the fulfillment of God’s purposes regarding the return of the exilesRH December 5, 1907, par. 3+1.

The Prince of His People

Throughout the book of Daniel, Michael is consistently identified as the special protector and ruler of God's childrenJEO 33.1.

• Your Prince: Gabriel refers to Michael as "your prince" when speaking to Daniel, indicating His personal leadership over the faithful Daniel 10:21DAR 220.3+1.

• Standing Up: Michael is "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people" Daniel 12:1. His "standing up" represents the beginning of His reign and the conclusion of His mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuaryJEO 33.1+2.

• Deliverance in Trouble: When Michael stands up, it signals a time of trouble such as the world has never seen, yet it is also the moment when every person whose name is found written in the book of life will be delivered Daniel 12:1CET 187.4+1.

Ultimately, Michael is the name Christ bears in His role as the commander of the angelic host and the great defender of His people in the controversy against SatanJEO 33.1+2.