דניאל, פרק י׳, פסוק כ״א

Behind the scenes of human history, an intense spiritual battle rages over the fate of nations and the ultimate redemption of Israel. Peeling back the curtain on the heavenly realm, an angel reveals profound secrets, beginning with a promise to share a divine, unchangeable decree. This absolute heavenly document records the eventual downfall of the oppressive empires and guarantees the future redemption of Israel [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

However, the angel faces a massive obstacle in his mission. He stands entirely alone in his struggle against the angelic princes who represent the other nations, such as the spiritual prince of Greece. Not a single heavenly being steps forward to assist him or to plead for mercy on behalf of Israel [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This isolation is not accidental; the rest of the heavenly host actively opposes his efforts. They argue that the dominance of the nations is fixed by the natural order of the stars and constellations, and that Israel is naturally destined for a harsh fate of poverty and humiliation. When Israel sins, God leaves them to this natural destiny, which in turn grants the angelic princes of the nations divine backing for their power [מלבי״ם, יוסף אבן יחיא].

The only beacon of hope in this heavenly conflict is Michael, the great angel who serves as Israel's dedicated representative and defender. He is the sole figure who stands alongside the speaking angel to offer help [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While the speaking angel is unable to cancel the harsh decrees or naturally change the minds of earthly kings, Michael operates outside these limits. His specific role is to guarantee that Israel is never completely wiped out, bringing them salvation through pure miracles. Rather than working within the natural order, Michael’s actions completely bypass the laws of nature and the influence of the stars. Through divine providence, his miraculous intervention is triggered precisely when Israel finds itself in the deepest distress and on the brink of destruction [מלבי״ם, יוסף אבן יחיא].