10:13 the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me. This “prince” is an evil but powerful spiritual being (cf. Is. 24:21; Luke 11:14–26) affecting Persian rule.

Michael. “Michael” is elsewhere in Scripture depicted as a commander of the holy angels (Jude 9; Rev. 12:7; cf. 2 Kin. 6:15–17). Here is a glimpse of spiritual battles waged in heavenly places and affecting events on earth (cf. Eph. 6:12; Rev. 12:7–9). The power of fallen angels is limited by God, as is made clear here and elsewhere in Scripture (Job 1:12; 2:6).