support the human empires oppressing God’s people. God and his powerful angels—especially Michael, a powerful spiritual being (11:1)—will fight for God’s people and will bring about an eternal victory. Yet this will only be realized in the distant future, at the specific time(s) of deliverance. The overarching message is that judgment is certain for those who resist God and oppress his people. The equally certain truth is that God’s people, downtrodden in the present, will experience final deliverance