Daniel Chapter 12
Commentary by Ron Beckham
Verse 1. "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."
Chapter 12 is part of one vision, which
began in chapter 10, and this is not a new or separate vision.
The phrase "your people" especially refers to Israel - attempting
to include the Church in these verses, is to stretch the text to a point
not intended by the Author. This portion of the vision ties directly
with Matthew 24:15-26, where the Lord Himself referred to a unique
"Great Tribulation," the time of the end of the world (as we know it).
Daniel links this period to a great "rescue" or "deliverance" of God’s
people. I have become convinced that "trouble" (this will be the
greatest "trouble" of all time) for God’s people, is always
opportunity in disguise. The answer to the question "why is there so
much trouble in the world?", is that we may see the Mighty Hand of God,
Who Rescues us. Trouble brings fear, and the antidote is faith,
given by Jesus, in a dosage sufficient for all trouble in life.
He will produce His faith inside of those who receive Him. And with
faith, we are delivered, no matter what the outward situation may
seem to be.
Jude 9, defines the "Michael" of this
verse, as an "archangel, and his name translates as "Who is like unto
God?" This Michael is the one who will cast Satan out of heaven
(Revelation 12:7-9). Note there is a time within these future events
when Israel will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. The unlikely (Israel’s
faith in Christ) becomes a promise, because God will make it so. There
are, by the way, strong difficulties in OUR lives, and we often seem to
lack the faith to accept them. These difficulties we have, seemingly
NEVER resolved, are opportunities for faith: We SHALL be delivered,
from our unbelief and in every other way.
Verse 2. "And 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."
The question is, what point in history is
represented by "that time" in verse 1? It might have reference to the
first coming of Christ (after his death). For in Matthew 27, there
were startling events: such as an earthquake (verse 52 & context), the
18" thick veil of the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom, and
(it’s always a surprise to read this for the first time), many
"saints" were raised from the dead and walked around. However,
these verses in Daniel not only refer to those departed ones who love
the Lord, but also those who will receive "everlasting contempt." This
time in history is referenced in John 5:27-29, when ALL (a time in our
future) will come forth, the "good" and the "bad." The place in the
Book of Revelation where this is found, is toward the END of the book,
the end of time (Revelation 20:11-15).
This life is not the end. In a "National
Geographic" issue of some years ago, it was related a tomb was
discovered in China. The seals were broken, and the casket of a "young"
princess was opened. She was dressed in the royal clothing of her day.
Suddenly, as the air rushed in for the first time in centuries, she and
her finery turned to dust, before the startled eyes of the
archeologists. But she is not gone, for she still exists, and her body
is dust for just a time. If YOU return to dust, it will only be for a
time. Her body and ours, will awake to either "everlasting life" or
"everlasting contempt." The choice is ours, each one.
Verse 3. "And 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."
We are encouraged to "have insight" or be
"wise" (NKJV) in this verse, as opposed to acting in foolishness. An
excellent little description of this kind of wisdom, is found in
Ephesians 5:14-17, where Paul tells us to "wake up," rise from the death
of this life, and let Christ give "light" to your life. Not walking as
fools…but redeeming the time" because all around us is actually . . .
evil. Then, in verse 17, Paul goes further and gives us an inkling
of the OPPOSITE of unwise, which is to understand the will of God.
If you immerse yourself in His Word, and
give yourself to God in prayer, you will begin to understand the Will of
God - for YOU. Paul continues with specific examples of ways that His
will is revealed in our lives. Included is a discernible infilling of
His Holy Spirit, the giving of honest thanks to God (in all things), and
submitting to (loving) one another in the fear of God.
Then, just like Paul said in Ephesians
5:14 ("Christ will shine upon you"), and as Daniel expressed here, you
"shall shine like the brightness of the firmament".... "turn many to
righteousness" and be "like the stars forever and ever. Turn to God and
he will make you like Himself - a person of His light; a person of His
love.
Verse 4. "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."
There is a current teaching that the "to
and fro" (NKJV) reference in this verse, is in regard to the
Scriptures. That is, people will, at the time of the end, go to and fro
in the Word of God, in a manner not possible before. The feeling is
that archeological and other discoveries will make increased
understanding possible at the end, and knowledge will increase.
Expositors such as J. Vernon McGee, held that position (and it is
interesting). However, I believe we are witnessing a LESSENING in
understanding of the Word, at this time. Lots of interest, but for the
six billion people of earth, LESS understanding.
Another teaching, an older viewpoint, is
that "to and fro" relates to modes of travel at the time of the end.
That is, under such a teaching, you would expect the historically
unexpected, such as the automobile and airplane. As to the increase in
knowledge, computers would be an example of an unprecedented increase in
the available knowledge of mankind.
I lean toward the latter position. The
exciting side effect of that viewpoint is that our present conditions
become a sign post that we are literally at the time of the end. The
science textbook of 25-years ago, is today’s joke book, and people are
literally able to go hundreds and thousands of miles per hour -
traveling in every possible direction. As this is written, I am
traveling in an airplane, flying from Phoenix, to Long Beach,
California. A trip that once took weeks, is now accomplished in about an
hour.
We are literally going "to and fro" (the
very phrase denotes rapidity of move- ment), and when I get home, I will
check into the Internet, a place where in- credible knowledge is
available to all. Our Lord is near.
Verse 5. "Then I, Daniel, looked
and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river, and
the other on that bank of the river."
Genesis 18 begins with the statement "The
Lord appeared to him" (Abraham), and in front of him were three
men, at that time. Abraham utilizes the word "Lord" (verse 3 forward),
and after an interchange between them, "the men turned away from there
and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord" (verse
22). Abraham pleaded for the people of Sodom, and (in verse 33), "the
Lord went His way." Genesis chapter 19 starts with the interesting
statement, "TWO angels came to Sodom." Two of the three "men"
who met with Abraham, were angels, and One of them was the Lord.
We have discussed that the "certain man
clothed in linen" who met previously with Daniel (Daniel 10:5), was
possibly the Lord, and here He is again, with two others; one on each
side of the Hiddekel a.k.a. Tigris river. I would not be at all
surprised to learn that those who appeared to Daniel, were the same
three who met with Abraham. Matthew Henry held that position, and the
more I think about it, so do I.
Much like the apostles in Acts 1:6, one
of the angels here now asked a key question - How long (before all these
wonders happen)? Jesus replied in Acts 1:7, "It is not for you to know,"
but He went on to intimate that we will be
very, very busy (see Acts 1:8), until He returns.
Verse 6. "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?’"
This "Hiddekel" or "Tigris" river, was
mentioned as a river that watered the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:14).
However, the effect of the Genesis Flood was so utterly devastating
(even the locations of the poles of the earth were shifted), that place
names may not tie in with previous locations at all. Familiar names
(from before the Flood) may have been assigned by later people, to
completely different locations. However, it is fit (as Matthew Henry
notes) that Christ should stand upon (or above) a river of that name,
"For by Him the trees in the paradise of God are watered."
As previously discussed in relation to
Daniel 7:2, waters signify PEOPLE in Scripture. References include
Matthew 13:47, Revelation 13:1, and Isaiah 57:20. In Revelation 17:1,
15, the angel said" the waters which you (John) saw, where the harlot
sits are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues." His standing
on (or over) the waters signifies His dominion over the peoples of this
earth. In the days of His ministry on earth, He walked on the waters
(Matthew 14:25) to show that this was He. And Don Araiza relates this
to the wonderful river that flows out of heaven (Revelation 22:1), into
your life and mine.
Verse 7. "And 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."
Now, we are clearly discussing the end of
this age (the "Tribulation"), for the "time" is a year, "times" is two
years, and the "half" is one-half year. This is a total of 3½ years, or
as Matthew Henry put it, "one half a prophetical week" (of years). This
is seen in Revelation 12:6, described as "one thousand two hundred sixty
days" (3½ years), and in Revelation 13:5, as "forty-two months" (3½
years). Three and one-half years is a significant number in Scripture
and in history. Jesus’ public ministry was about that time, and
Josephus, in his book, "The Wars of the Jews", reported that Antiochus
Epiphanes surprised Jerusalem by force, and held the city for "three
years and six months" until he was expelled by the Maccabees.
Antiochus, you will recall, is considered a forerunner or "type" of the
antichrist, who is to come.
There is a time limit on the antichrist,
who is likely in the near future of this world, just as there is a limit
on every dictator who has ever lived. Note that the power of the holy
people will be completely shattered. This did happen in relation to
Antiochus Epiphanes, and it will happen in the future. But the darkest
moment in our lives is often the point right before God sets us free,
for His purpose is not only to deliver us from trouble, but even more to
give us true faith in Him. Our release from trouble is temporary in this
world, but our faith in the Son of God, will cause us to LAST -
forever.
Verse 8. "As for me, I heard but
could not understand; so I said, ‘My lord, what will be the outcome of
these events?’"
This is often our concern in life, about
people, in marriage, with our little ones, "I heard but could not
understand". There was a man on an airplane recently, who touched this
old ache in our conversation, and told me I could never understand
anything, really, unless I looked to a "chief apostle" in Salt Lake
City. I responded with a question. "There is another man in Rome,
Italy, who also claims to be our chief apostle; which one should I
choose? He did not respond, but jumped to another question of his own,
about "which Scriptures" do we choose? The book of Mormon, or the
Koran, or the Bible, or the Vedas, or what? This intense conversation
on the airplane, was a reminder of a struggle I had for many years, and
I did read at least large portions of all of the written works
mentioned, during that time.
Outward religion is comforting, and
although there are often physical benefits to society, religion by
itself does not give us understanding. The apostles in Scripture had
all kinds of questions, but when they received the Holy Spirit of God,
in Acts 2 (just as Jesus had promised), they were given ANSWERS to
questions, answers to their deepest need. Religion can be good, but the
gift of the Holy Spirit of God opens the door to understanding. HE will
give you the Godly contentment you need, even when the answer is not
immediately forthcoming. Questions WE often have, such as "What will be
the end" of this world; of MY life? All these questions breed gnawing
uncertainty that can never be satisfied, except in Him.
I answered the man on the airplane with
the simple truth, that the Holy Spirit of God has entered my mind,
heart, and life, through the Person of Jesus Christ. And He has
answered my deepest questions about the Scriptures, which we call
the Bible, given and written by the Holy Spirit of God, through men.
God the Holy Spirit will give you understanding, AND the SATISFACTION of
a Godly life, lived in Him.
Verse 9. "And he said, ‘Go your
way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end
time.’"
Not all is revealed to us – and not
knowing, can be an opportunity for faith.
God has a PURPOSE in precisely the manner
in which Scripture is presented. Much is revealed. However, for me, it
has been a lot like finding a treasure chest – for a long time, I
believed the "chest" held much of value, but I had no key and could not
understand what it contained. The Holy Spirit of God was the "Key" Who
is opening Scripture for me.
Not all is opened to us. A good example
is the "seven thunders" of Revelation 10:4, and context. John the
Apostle was told "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered
and do not write them." Sometimes, the path of faith is in NOT
knowing. We are so CURIOUS, as a race of beings. It was curiosity that
got us into trouble in the first place (Genesis 3:5 & context – we are
still tempted to KNOW all there is to know), and sometimes God sets a
limit on our understanding for HIS PURPOSES and for OUR SAFETY. He does
give us everything we need, abundantly, more than we ask or think ---
but it is FAITH in Him that will set us free.
Verse 10. "Many will be purged,
purified and refined; but he wicked will act wickedly, and none of the
wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand."
There are four important elements in this
verse. 1) People will be purified; 2) The "wicked" will get worse; 3)
The wicked shall not understand; 4) But the "wise" (NKJV) SHALL
understand. The difference is the Holy Spirit of God.
1) Purified.
What we often really long for, is to be PERFECT people, without
reproach. Or, put up a pretty good front, and anyway, to try and MARRY a
person we DO think is perfect, that will make up for our "secret"
shortcomings. (Unfortunately, both of you will find out about the other,
soon enough). David is presented, in Scripture, as a man loved by God,
but he made mistakes and he notably sinned. A careful reading
of Psalm 51, indicates David knew he was a sinner and he looked to
faith, operating through the grace of the Lord, for his standing with
God. Paul understood this, and commented He saves us "not by works of
righteousness but according to His mercy" (Titus 3:5). We are purified
by faith in God, through the grace of God.
2) Worsening
of the wicked. In 2 Timothy 3, we find that in the last
days, "perilous times will come, (for) men will be lovers of themselves,
lovers of money, boasters," and so on. 100 years ago, at the turn of
the last century, many were confidently stating the CHURCH would usher
in the millennium. Now we see the truth of this verse in Daniel, that
the wicked will continue, worse and worse, down the road to hell.
3) The wicked
shall not understand. It’s clear, in Joel 2:32, and in
Romans 10:13, that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be
saved." We observe that many are not saved, and the reason is because
they do not WANT to call on the name of the Lord. To call out to Him,
is to surrender, and humanity is a race of rebels to the core. The
wicked shall not see, because they do not WANT to understand.
4) The wise
shall understand. As J. Vernon McGee pointed out, REAL
wisdom only comes from the Holy Spirit of God. There are imitations in
the world – but here we are talking about TRUE wisdom, which comes from
Him. "When He, the Spirit of Truth is come, He will guide you into all
truth, for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatever He shall hear,
that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come" (John 16:13).
Verse 11-12. "And from the time
that the regular sacrifice is abolished, and the abomination of
desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. "How blessed is he who
keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!"
3½ years is 1,260 days (as in Revelation
11:3, the time of God’s two witnesses is clearly the time of the
Tribulation and the end of our age, but this "1,290 days" is 30 days
MORE that other related references to that time. A similar situation is
found in Genesis 15:13, where Abraham is informed that his descendents
will be oppressed as strangers in a land for 400 years. In Exodus
12:40, we learn the actual time was 430 years. I believe the difference
was MOSES. He simply was not ready to be the deliverer of the people
(nor were the people ready to be delivered), and God patiently waited
until he WAS (they were) ready.
This difference of 30 days, is probably
something like that. We catch a glimpse of a time difference but do not
yet know enough to determine the WHY of the 30 extra days. This verse
is very important, by the way, for when this prophesy is fulfilled, and
a remnant in Israel sees the "abomination of desolation, spoken of by
Daniel the prophet" (Matthew 24:15), they shall KNOW they are in the
great tribulation, and that the time (to the end) is very short.
Another time is given (1,335 days), which is not clear to us, but will
be very important to those at that time, and all will be revealed, as
these events unfold.
Verse 13. "But as for you, go
your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for
your allotted portion at the end of the age."
Daniel would die and then rise again. We
may seem to lose everything, but all will be restored to us, and more.
We’re going to meet Daniel, some day
(perhaps very soon). I cannot believe the Saducees of Jesus’ time,
could read this verse and not believe in the resurrection of the dead
(but they did not believe). It’s amazing that the resurrection of the
dead is so clearly taught in the New Testament, as in 1 Corinthians
15:22, where "in Christ all shall be made alive," and yet TODAY many
don’t believe. Another of many key Scriptures is John 5:28-29, and
context, where the Lord Himself said "the hour is coming in which all
who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who
have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done
evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."
I cannot stress enough the importance of
this verse – to you. Asaph, the author of Psalm 73, compared this whole
life to a "dream when one awakes" (73:20). I would not give up my whole
life, for a dream that would last one night. And I would not give up
eternity, for a mere hundred years or so, of some "pleasure" here on
earth. The rich are not content in their riches, and those who have
"health" can lose it in a minute.
Daniel had a sure inheritance, because he
trusted in God, and it’s interesting that he trusted with less
understanding than you have. We know that "Him who knows no sin"
(Christ) became "sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of
God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). He became our substitute. Our debt
is paid, even though knowing more than Daniel, we have greater
responsibility. Our release is provided, and we only need to say "yes"
to Him. I want to meet Daniel some day, and I want you to meet him with
me. We can do this – in Christ.
Ron Beckham, Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
www.fridaystudy.org
ron@fridaystudy.org
