America’s war against Iran, formerly known as Persia, is dominating the news lately. It’s a good time to be reminded what the Bible has to say about this Middle Eastern country.
Daniel 10:1-21 records a vision at a time of great conflict between Daniel’s people (Israel) and other nations, specifically Persia. It was Daniel’s final vision (536 B.C.), in which he was given insight to the spiritual battle between Israel and those who seek to destroy them. The vision spoke of soon-to-come, and end-time events, “to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days” (verse 14).
It seems the time of the vision (chapters 10-12) spans the Persian period through the rise of the Greek Empire, with a specific focus on Antiochus IV Epiphanes (Daniel 11:21-35), and telescopes to a final “time of the end” involving a future Antichrist (Daniel 11:36-12:13).
The vision was terrifying to Daniel. For three weeks he mourned, prayed, and fasted for understanding. Although God immediately sent a messenger to Daniel, the ‘prince of the kingdom of Persia’ (a demon) detained the heavenly messenger until Michael, an archangel, came to help. In verses 20-21, the angel in white linen says he will soon have to go again to fight the “prince of Persia.” At that time, another powerful demon, the “prince of Greece”, will join the fight. This suggests that demonic forces can be at work in godless political systems. It does not imply, as some speculate, that every city, region, or political system has its own demon!
Jumping to modern-day Iran, it seems “the prince of Persia” may still be working to defeat God’s plan for His people. Iran seems driven to destroy Israel, while other nations are also lining up against Israel. Satan is clearly determined to annihilate Israel so that the Messiah cannot return there, hence the rise of antisemitism worldwide.
Ephesians 6:12 acknowledges spiritual warfare: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
However, God promises to protect and defend Israel in the latter days (Zechariah 12:8-9), while Psalm 119:89 declares: “Forever, O Lord, thy Word is settled in heaven.”
Recall the angel in white linen reassuring Daniel (12:1), “Then said he unto me, Fear not…”.
It should be noted that Jesus, by His death on the cross, defeated Satan and “spoiled principalities and powers” (disarmed spiritual powers and authorities—Colossians 2:15). God is in control, and He will accomplish His plan and purpose.