They were the only three people recorded to have had an encounter with the angel Gabriel. Surprisingly, Daniel had 2 encounters. They all had a common response, fear. Only, Daniel gives a description, saying he had the appearance of a man; but there was something that caused all three to fear. In all of Gabriel’s appearances, he is prophesying. They all involve the Messiah. In fact, Gabriel’s prophecy to Daniel, gives a very exact prediction as to the timing of His first coming and relative events surrounding His second coming. Gabriel, in fact, is the only agent of God, to speak specifically about the 70 week prophecy.
Let’s look at what they were doing when Gabriel appeared.
Zechariah was praying and burning incense
Mary: we know little about circumstances; but we know she was betrothed to Joseph
Daniel: the first appearance was after receiving a vision and he was trying to understand it. Gabriel explained it; but Daniel still could not understand it. The second time, Daniel was studying the prophecy of Jeremiah, in prayer and fasting in sackcloth and ashes, and confessing his sin and the sin of his people Israel.
Let’s look at their response:
Zechariah’s response was one of doubt and disbelief.
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Luke 1:18
For this he was struck dumb!
And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” Luke 1:20
Mary’s response was a question as to the mechanics how this would come about, not one of doubt but “HOW”. Gabriel told her:
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33
Consider for a moment, Mary knew about her cousin, Elizabeth’s pregnancy. It was a normal conception, how be it, unique in that Zechariah and Elizabeth were old. Mary was a teenager, not married; but betrothed. The first thought might be, do we need to quickly get married and consummate the marriage. Note at this time, Gabriel had not yet told her that it was going to be a virgin birth. It is very unlikely that she would have instantly recalled Isaiah’s words to King Ahaz:
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
After her question, Gabriel gave her the details as to the “HOW”. No, she was not to have relations with Joseph. The Holy Spirit will conceive the child.
Now let’s look at Daniel’s response:
Daniel began a 3 week fast, praying and depriving himself of personal hygiene.
“At that time, I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” Daniel 10:2-3
During this time one of the greatest spiritual battles occurred.
Most Christians don’t even know about this battle, much less comprehend the significance of why Satan wanted to stop Daniel from receiving the answer or even worse care about this battle.
We don’t know for sure who the messenger angel was but many believe it to be Gabriel because he had delivered the 2 previous messages. Immediately, upon Daniel making his request, the messenger angel left the throne of God; but a demon, “the prince of the Persian kingdom, hindered him for 3 weeks. It was not until the Archangel, Michael, the only archangel mentioned in the Bible, assisted the messenger angel, that the message was delivered.
What was so important that Satan did not want Daniel to get his answer? I am not going to provide the answer at this time; but will later or better yet leave you to search it out!
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