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.
Ver. 13. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me.] By this prince of Persia some understand wicked Cambyses. Others, a an evil angel, that by his suggestions swayed Cambyses to oppose and retard the rebuilding of the temple. There is a principal devil, prince of this world; and there are, as some hold, princes or principal spirits in countries and nations under him. Eph 6:12
But, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes,] i.e., Christ the Lord of angels, head of the Church. Daniel 12:1,13 : 1Ki 12:7 By these chief princes may be understood the three persons in trinity, or the created angels. The Septuagint translate the word ευσθυμουντων, the cheerful ones, who serve the Lord readily, freely, and joyfully in his wars; making Zion as dreadful to all her enemies, Psa 68:17 as those angels once made Sinai, at the delivery of the law.
And I remained there with the kings of Persia.] With Cambyses and his counsellors, to repress their rage, and to blast their designs against the Church; which, when it is opposed, the holy angels interpose. Psa 34:7
a Melanchthon, Osiander, Pappus.