Last chapter.
This is a continuation of the prophesy from Chapter 11. We have concluded the portion of the prophesy that details the rise of the antichrist (and near fulfillment of Antiochus IV.
Here's Daniel's transition to a new phase in the prophesy:
Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Daniel 12:1
Whoowh... there's a lot going on for one verse.
- Michael, the archangel, Israel's assigned guardian is now officially on the scene in the end times prophesy.
- This is most probably the Tribulation.
- Consider this horror: "time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time". Keep in mind we've seen millennia of horrors imposed on Israel, including the Holocaust and more recently Oct 7, 2023. Not to mention the constant bombing and targeting of them in the modern era. Whatever is coming in the end times will be worse than those atrocities. Unimaginable.
- On the other hand we get this nugget, "your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued". Who is "your"?
- If it's still the angel (Gabriel?) speaking to Daniel, then "your" in Israel. Which is a beautiful promise.
- If Daniel is speaking to Darius, "your" is proof of God's promise to save the gentiles and pagans. (meaning most of us.)
- Either way it is good news amid a very horrific prophesy.
Verses 2–3 brings further important prophesies:
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:2–3
- It's resurrection time, baby!!! Rejoice and rejoice! The dead will rise in Christ. Death is defeated.
- Sadly, those not in Christ will not be a part of the celebration. Instead, disgrace and everlasting contempt.
- Special rewards for those with insights and who have led others to the light.
But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” Daniel 12:4
The Ryrie footnote interprets this as sealing up the book, as in protecting it so it can be read by future generations. That makes sense, because that is what has happened. It survived for us to read and be inspired. However, that doesn't account for the word conceal. The Strong's common interpretation elsewhere in Scripture is "stop up", as in stop up a running stream or a well. Block from flowing. Which is the opposite of Ryrie's interpretation. Like John having to write down and then eat his visions, I believe there is more here that will become known in the end time, but Daniel was able to see it in advance and let us know that there's more to come. Knowing he was correct about what he was able to share, tells me I can trust God with the rest. One final reminder about this issue of concealing the vision. God did allow some visions to be known in Darius' time; but none to Belshazzar until it was too late. We can trust that he has his reasons.
In verse 5, Daniel looks up and now there are two others. Previously, there was the Man in linen (probably Jesus preincarnate) and an angel (probably Gabriel). So I don't know if a second Person of the Trinity is here incarnate or if it's a second angel, or just the original two, on different banks of the river. Unclear.
And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. Daniel 12: 6–7
- This makes it seem like there was a second angel, if "one said the the Man in linen over the water", so not on either bank.
- The Man in linen had an answer, which is comforting...He has a plan and knows exactly how it will work.
- We also get another hint that this was preincarnate Jesus because He swears by "Him who lives forever". God tells us not to do that because only God can swear on His own name.
- Ryrie describes "a time, times, and half a time" as the last half of the seven year Tribulation, know as the Great Tribulation.
- "shattering the power of the holy people" does not sound good for Israel.
As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. Daniel 12:8–9
- Even Daniel became overwhelmed, confused, or lost at this time. That's actually comforting. If he is confused than I don't need to feel bad if I'm confused.
- Those who need to know and understand will be able to use God's word for His will. But the enemy will be as blind and lost as he was last time Jesus came with a mission.
Wow, the next verse seems to say exactly what I just typed above:
Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. Daniel 12:10
Verse 11 warns us that there will be 1290 from the time when regular sacrifice is abolished (which means the Temple has to be rebuild so the sacrifices can start) and the abomination of desolation occurs (which is supposed to be the midpoint of the 7 years of Tribulation). Wheewh. That's a lot to process.
Verse 12 promises a blessing for those who survive and keep waiting through the last three and a half years, plus the extar 30 days for Christ's Millennial Kingdom.
Finally, in verse 13 Daniel is told that he will die before all of this happens (probably near fulfillment and as well because of his late age by the time of Darius.) But a big promise that in death he will find rest and will rise again in resurrection in the end time and will receive his allotment then.
What a tremendous promise: rest, resurrection, and inheritance. We don't deserve it. We can't earn it. But we can receive it with gratitude.
Amen.
(So much for my quick pass through Daniel. 🙂 )