He speaks in terms of there being “leaders” in the heavens who represent each of the earthly nations. They are beings often referred to as “angels,” the equivalent of presidential aides who act as God’s agents implementing God’s intentions in the world. Conflicts can develop among a president’s staff, and so it is with God’s staff. Their job includes representing their individual nations’ interests, and they can get into conflict in this connection. Gabriel isn’t the leader who represents Judah—that’s