The Great Prince: Delivery of the Faithful Daniel 12

Daniel 12:1 “At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble…” Michael’s Proclamation

“…Such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1 Michael’s Proclamation

A Great Distress This is a continuation of the “messenger” Michael discussion with Daniel beginning in Chapter 10. He stands watch over the sons of Daniel’s people. Designated as the “time of the end” (11:40) Protector over God’s people.

The Great Protector of God’s people (faithful) from the beginning of the conflict Time of trouble—unlike any in the lifetime of the nation No nation has experienced such distress Only those found “written in the book” shall be delivered. Michael would intervene on behalf of God’s people. A Great Distress

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Great Awakening! Daniel 12:2

“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” Great Awakening! Daniel 12:3

A Great Awakening Is talking about the last resurrection ? Resurrection of the righteous only? Emphasis on those who have “died” during this terrible distress Given assurance God is not yet finished with them Tribulation, testing, and persecution will have a “determined end” designated by God.

Old Testament passages can also be used figuratively to speak of a “spiritual or moral awakening. ” In the days of Herod, the whole nation awoke out of “spiritual sleep” due to the preaching of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the NT apostles. Many slumbering in spiritual indifference would awake and answer the gospel call. A Great Awakening

The angel spoke of “teaching stars.” Teaching of the wise—causes others to be wise. Leading many to righteousness by obedience to God. (12:3; Matthew 13:43) Give godly instructions in times of conflict and persecution. A Great Awakening

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:4 Shut up the Words

Seal up the Book! The angel speaks and tells Daniel to “ seal up the book.” Fulfillments of the prophecies he was writing would come long after his death. Preserve and protect the revelation for the future. Includes the whole book of Daniel. Only in the future would these words be clearly understood.

“Until the time of the end.” Many run “to and fro” seeking knowledge. Knowledge shall increase. God’s final dealings with the nation of Israel! By the teaching of others, knowledge would increase—if it was sought after. Seal up the Book!

Preaching the gospel of Christ provides spiritual insight to Old Testament scriptures! –Matthew 24:3-44—vs.6,8,15,21 –Mark 13ff—vs,7,8,13,14,19,20 –Luke 17:20-37—vs.37 –Luke 21;5-36—vs.8,9,20,22,24,26,28 Seal up the Book!

“Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank.” Daniel 12:5 On the Riverbanks

“And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, ‘How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?’” Daniel 12:6 Question Asked

“Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever…” Daniel 12:7 Answer

“…that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.” Daniel 12:7 Answer

Question and Answer The oath of the heavenly messenger Same as the one in 10:5ff Witness to an oath Both sides of the Tigris River One was “above the water of the river” guiding Daniel through the vision. The angel on the other side asked the “superior” one a question…

Questions reference the “end” and the “distress period.” The question is not. “How long to the end,” but, “How long is the end.” How long would the terrible events described in 12:1, the tribulation, last? Answer comes in the form of a solemn oath. Question and Answer

The angel “raises both hands” toward heaven, signifying most solemn assurance. He swears by Him “who lives forever.” Duration of the period of great distress Results of the events taking place at the time of this great distress. The end —”the appointed time” Question and Answer

“ For a time, times, and half a time.” “ Power of the Holy People has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished. ” Time frame used in other places: – Daniel 7:25 – Parallel period in Revelation 12:4; 11:4; 12:6; 11:2; 13:5 Question and Answer

A set “appointed time” Period of intense suffering During Roman persecution, there was intense suffering. Yet, when the time came, Rome fell; but God’s kingdom continued. Scattered and persecute d, but not completely destroyed. Question and Answer

“Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, ‘My lord, what shall be the end of these things?’” Daniel 12:8 Daniel’s Question

“And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.’” Daniel 12:9 The Answer

Daniel’s Question and Answer Daniel did not comprehend what he had been hearing. His question— ”what shall be the issue of these things?” Who would win in the struggle and how would the participants fare? Answer— ”go your way; these words are sealed and concealed up until the time of the end.”

The vision did not directly concern Daniel. As time went on, these events would unravel themselves. Concerning “At the end of time,” there are two possible answers: – The end of God’s dealing with Israel (Matthew 24) – When Rome would be brought down – Consider Revelation 10:7 Daniel’s Question and Answer

“Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10 The Wise Understand

Predictions would not be understood by all—even in the day of their fulfillment! Many of the Jews would be “purged,” “purified,” and “refined.” How? – By the ordeal itself – Preaching of the gospel – Some who have insight recognize their Messiah. – They remember the teaching and words of Jesus. The Wicked and the Wise

The obstinately wicked, would continue in their wickedness—even as events were crashing down around them. Matthew 24 gives a discourse of Jerusalem’s impending destruction at the hands of Rome. Jesus gave his disciples “warning signs” and urged them to flee the city. Another reason for not discussing the “end of times” at Christ’s second coming The Wicked and the Wise

Christians who heeded the warning were not affected by Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70. Two pivotal events: – The ceasing of the daily sacrifices at the temple— morning and evening – Armies surrounding the holy city—another warning sign – The “abomination of desolation” standing in the holy place! The Wicked and the Wise

“And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.” Daniel 12:11 Abomination of Desolation

“Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.” Blessing on Those Who Wait Daniel 12:12

The two pivotal events: – Taking away daily sacrifice – Roman armies in the holy place The same events prophesied by Jesus during His teaching on earth: – Matthew 24:15 – Luke 21:20 The difference between what Epiphanes did and what took place at the destruction of Jerusalem Abomination of Desolation

Length of time between the two events— 1290 days. Days represent an indefinite time period, known to God, while things ran their course. Some theories : – 43 months “after” the abomination set up (surrounding the city), daily sacrifice ceased – History—Romans armies besiege the city ( Oct AD 66) – (July 14 AD 70) sacrifice suspended—Titus comes into Jerusalem. Abomination of Desolation

Thus, the 1290 days would represent the period of most intense suffering by the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Remember Jesus’ statement— ”except for the elect’s sakes, those days would not have been shortened.” (Matthew 24:22) 1335 days —blessings on those who keeps waiting— 45 days longer than 1290 days City was torched in September, AD 70. Abomination of Desolation

Remember what Rome was seeking to do—crush the church. She failed to do so, and God’s kingdom proved indestructible—later, Rome itself would fall. Could the additional days of “waiting” be for the achievement of God’s final judgment against Rome? Abomination of Desolation

“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:12 Final Instructions

Daniel will endure till the end of his life. His body shall rest in peace (grave). He shall stand—the faithful will be rewarded. Daniel confirmed as a true prophet of God He will arise to receive his inheritance in the eternal kingdom he foretold in his prophecy. Final Instructions

Duration of the Time of Trouble Daniel 12:4-12 AD The Abomination of Desolation stands in the Holy Place: Nov. AD 66 Roman Armies approach Jerusalem then withdraw Matthew 24:15 Luke 21:20 Feb AD 67: Roman Army Begins Siege of Jerusalem Aug.AD 70: Temple Sacrifice Ceases Sept.AD 70: Jerusalem Burned. Ordeal Over 1290 Days (Daniel 12:11) 1335 Days (Daniel 12:12) 45 Days “Time, Time, and Half Time” (Daniel 12:7) 3+ years

Significant Events With God’s People TEMPLE POLLUTED (Antiochus Epiphanes) JERUSALEM DESTROYED (By Romans) ROME FALLS (Armageddon) Daily Sacrifice— (1290 Days) Taken Away Jewish Economy Falls (45 days) God’s Kingdom Stands “Abomination That Makes Desolate” Daniel 8:11; 11:31 “Abomination of Desolation” Daniel 9:26,27; 12:11 Matthew 24:15 Luke 21:20-22 “Saints Possess the Kingdom” Daniel 7:18,22,27 Revelation 19:20—20: Days