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HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY
www.godcannotlie.org
Welcome to our web site
We here at His Servants'
Ministry, teach the whole Truth of God's Holy Word. We teach God's
goodness and mercy and Heaven; but we also teach God's righteous wrath
and judgment to come and an eternal Hell, a Lake of Fire.
It deeply saddens me the way that the world is turning away from the goodness of Almighty God. The vast majoriy of people in the world today never, ever, think of eternity. They just keep on keeping on in their sin, and they really must think they will go to Heaven. My dear friend, there really IS a Hell, and there really IS a Judgment Day when ALL people will be held accountable for their sins. BEWARE!!!
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http://www.hisservants.org
Poems . http://www.hisservantsministry.org . Poems
http://www.judgmentcoming.org
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org
http://www.worllychaos.org
Many of our articles are linked to other Christian web sites. We do not always agree 100% with everything these sites say, but as a rule, they have the same basic beliefs that we do.
This is our 'godcannotlie' web site.
Book of Daniel
Chapter 12
INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL 12
We must keep in mind that this chapter continues the same vision that started in Daniel Chapter 10, but it will help to consider that each chapter focuses on a separate issue. Daniel 10 was upon Christ and the heavenly activities. Much of Daniel 11 focused on the prophetic events in the near future of Israel and the impact of the little horn in Daniel 8. The latter part of Daniel 11 was a prophetic view of the far future of Israel and the impact that the Antichrist will have on Israel. It is necessary that we realize that the writings here concern Israel, NOT the church.
The Promise to the church is the coming Rapture (1 Thes.4:13-18; 1 Cor.15:51-58; Jn.14:1-3).
At the Rapture of the church, those who believe God (1 Jn.5:10-13) and called upon the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ will resurrected and given new bodies (Phil.3:21).
On the other hand, it seems that the Old Testament saints resurrection will occur AFTER the Great Tribulation period and join with those saints who survive through the seven years of Tribulation. They will be present to see their Messiah, Christ Jesus, establish His reign on the throne of David and see Israel become the primary nation in the world that exceeds anything that the world has ever seen (Isa.60:1-5, 15-22).
Daniel 12 can be sub-divided into three major sections.
- The time of trouble and Michael standing up for the children of Israel.
- The resurrections.
- The final words and sealing up the book.
THEME: The Great Tribulation; the resurrections of Old Testament saints and sinners; sealing of prophecy till the time of the end; the abomination of desolation
Chapter 12 now concludes the vision which began back in chapter 10. Daniel chapters 10, 11 & 12 are all one vision, and everything about it must fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. We should not take certain verses and make them apply as we think they should be because this is all one vision, and we were told concerning it: Daniel 10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. (KJV)
There are three important things that we must consider about this verse:
1. Thy people means that it concerns the nation Israel after the church is removed from the Earth.
2. It is in the latter days. The latter days of the Old Testament are identified with the last days of the New Testament which the Lord Jesus called the Great Tribulation period and which correspond to the 70th week of Daniel (Dan.9:27).
3. Yet the vision is for many days . . . meaning there will be a long time before you come to the latter days.
It has been a long time since Daniel had these visions; at least twenty-five hundred years have gone by. The church will have to be removed first . . . that is the next event on God’s program. There is no set date for that (Mat.24:36, 42). There is no set sign for it, although we are given some things that shall take place before it takes place (Mat.24). Anyone who tries to set a date for the Rapture is a fool. There is NO date given anywhere in the Word of God.
The Great Tribulation (12:1)
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (KJV)
At that time . . . this identifies the time frame as the time of the end (Dan.11:35, 40; 12:4), and the latter days (Dan.10:14). This is now the end of the vision given to Daniel, and it ends with the Great Tribulation period. Michael . . . the guardian angel of Israel (thy people Dan.10:13). The transactions on Earth affecting God's people have their correspondences in Heaven, in the conflict between good and bad angels; so at the last great fight on Earth which shall decide the domination of Christianity (Rev.12:7-10).
Michael is an archangel, he is NOT the Lord Jesus; for he is distinguished from the Lord in (Jude 1:9). There shall be . . . rather, it shall be . . . a time of trouble, such as never was . . . (Mat.24:21) . . . which partially applies to the time of Antiochus, who was the first to undermine the religion of the Jews . . . and fully applies to the last times of Antichrist, and his persecutions of Israel, who shall be restored to Palestine. Satan shall be allowed to exercise an unhindered, unparalleled power at that time (Isa.26:20-21; Jer.30:7; Mat.24:21; Dan.8:24-25; 11:36).
Thy people shall be delivered . . . (Rom.11:26), with the same deliverance of Israel as in (Zec.13:8-9), the third part... brought through the fire... refined as silver. The remnant in Israel is spared, as not having joined in the Anti-Christian blasphemy (Rev.13:9-10); not to be confused with those who have confessed Christ before His coming, the remnant according to the election of grace (Rom.11:5), part of the Church of the first-born who will share His millennial reign (Rev.20:1-6) in glorified bodies; the spared remnant (Isa.10:21) will only know the Lord Jesus when they see Him, and when the spirit of grace and supplication is poured out on them. Written in the book . . . namely, of God's secret purpose, as destined for deliverance (Ps.56:8; 69:28; Lk.10:20; Rev.20:15; 21:27).
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_millennial_kingdom.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_1000_years.htm
By what authority do we call this period of time the Great Tribulation? By the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ! WHY? Because He is God and He used the same language in speaking of the Great Tribulation that Daniel uses.
Matthew 24:15-22 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (KJV) . . . Jesus said that this would be a brief period, a time of trouble, and that there would never be a time like it before or afterward. This is the time the Lord Jesus called the Great Tribulation period. He certainly knew what He was talking about, and if we are wise, we will accept and believe what He says.
Michael is identified for us here. He is the only angel given the title of archangel (Jude 1:9) in the KJV of the Bible. His name means who is like unto God? Michael is the one who is going to cast Satan out of Heaven (Rev.12:7-9). Michael is the one who protects the nation Israel and stands in her behalf, as Daniel makes clear quite here. Michael’s strategy is clearly outlined by the apostle John (Rev.12:14-16).
For the children of thy people . . . this is without any doubt the nation Israel, it is NOT the church, or else the language has no meaning whatsoever. http://www.hisservants.org/israel_h_s.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_israel_god%27s_chosen_people.htm
And there shall be a time of trouble . . . this indicates the Great Tribulation period as our Lord Jesus so labeled above in verse 21. The believing remnant of Israel will be preserved (Mat.24:22; Rom.11:26; Rev.7:4). Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (KJV)
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_bible_100_facts_about_jesus.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_bible_is_it_true.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_is_jesus_really_god.htm
Time and Length of the Tribulation Period
The Tribulation Period will begin to affect Israel, even before the 70th week begins . . . how long before is not certain, but when Antichrist rises at the beginning of the week, Israel will be enduring persecution from the 10 kings of Revised Roman Empire, dominated by Mystery Babylon. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians
Revelation 17:1-5 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (KJV)
SO . . . WHAT or WHO is Mystery Babylon?
Mystery Babylon is a CHURCH: In the Bible a WOMAN symbolizes a CHURCH. This is a very important point that must NOT be overlooked because it proves beyond all doubt that this woman with mystery Babylon written upon HER head and riding a Beast (Kingdom, Rome) has to be a Church. There are several Scriptures that prove this. The only question that remains is which Church? And I think the above Passage gives us the answer.
Consider: And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls . . . WHAT church is known for these colors? The Catholic Church! What church is the richest organization in the entire world? The Catholic Church!
Spiritual adultery: (Judges 3:7; 1 Ki.16:31-33; Isa.1:21; 54:5; Jer.3:20; 9:2; 19:5; Eze.6:9; 16:15-19,30,32; Hos.2:2-5; 3:1-5; 9:1; Mat.6:24; John 12:31; Rom.8:7-8; Eph.2:2; Col.3:2; 2 Tim.4:10; Jam.4:4-5; 1 Pet.14-16; 1 John 2:15-17; 5:19; Rev.3:15-16).
When Antichrist comes he will make a 7-year covenant with Israel (Dan.9:27), promising them protection and peace. Because the Jews will NOT submit to Mystery Babylon, there will be a widespread persecution and they shall be hated of all nations (Deut.28:37, 45-46; Ps.44:13-14; Isa.41:11; Zec.12:2-3; Mat.24:9), during the time of the beginning of sorrows (Mat. 24:8) when Antichrist will be making every effort to conquer all these nations. The Antichrist must have Jewish moral and financial support in his effort to rise over these nations, so he will make an alliance with them for 7 years. The time period of the Tribulation will be a total of seven years, the whole of Daniel's 70th week (Dan.9:27). It starts out with Antichrist supposedly being a ‘nice guy’ (Rev.6:2), but it does NOT last long! He soon shows his true colors (Rev.6:4-8). The Tribulation will end at the Second Coming of Christ (Zec.14:1-5; Mat.24:29-31; Rev.19:11-21).
The Divisions of the Tribulation:
#1. The first part is the first 3 ½ years of the 70th week and could be called the ‘lesser Tribulation’. It will not be near as severe as the last 3 ½ years because of the protection of Israel by the Antichrist during that time. Israel's persecution then will be from a source entirely different from that of the last division. In these first 3 ½ years she will be persecuted by Mystery Babylon and the 10 kings. This part will fulfill Rev.6:1 through Rev.9:21 (the seal and trumpet judgments).
#2. The last part is the last 3 ½ years of the 70th week and is called the Great Tribulation because it will be much more severe in the persecution of Israel than the first 3 ½ years. The Antichrist will protect Israel the first 3 ½ years, but will show his true colors, and will break his peace treaty with her in the middle of the week and become her worst ever enemy. He will try to destroy her, which will call down the judgments of the 7 vials (bowls) in the last 3 ½ years. This part of the Tribulation includes the fulfillment of Rev.10:1 through Rev.19:21. Daniel, Jeremiah, Jesus and others speak of this time of Israel's trouble as being worse than any other time that has ever been on Earth or ever will be (Dan.9:26; 12:1; Isa.65:15; 66:15-16; Jer.30:4-11; Joel 1:2; 2:2; Zec.14:2-3; Mat.24:21-22; Lk.19:43-44; Rev.11:1-2; 12:14-17; 13:5-7).
WHAT will happen in the Tribulation Period? http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_tribulation_what.htm
WHY . . . the TRIBULATION??
For each and everything God does, He has an ultimate purpose. So, too, with the horrendous Great Tribulation period. Just what will it accomplish? He has more than one reason in mind!
#1. Time (now on Earth) as we know it, will come to an end. Daniel introduces the events that climax the consummation of time. Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. [KJV]
From Adam to the Rapture, God’s grace has and will flow freely. He has given ALL people the opportunity to believe Him, accept His Son, and worship Him willingly. Our time on Earth is a testing period; will we turn to Him? OR will we reject Him and His marvelous grace? He gives us every opportunity!
#2. It will fulfill Israel’s prophecies. Many prophecies about Israel are not yet fulfilled. Some have returned to their land, and they have been recognized as a nation in 1948 (see Ezekiel ch. 36 & 37). But rebuilding the Temple and restarting to offer sacrifices will be completed during the Great Tribulation.
#3. To shake man’s false sense of security. A steadfast and prospering world makes people think they can ‘do it themselves.’ They don’t need God, is their attitude! So it will take earthquakes, plagues, famine and death, to shake their confidence in their own powers, so that when they hear the Gospel, preached by the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, they may be more receptive to the Message.
#4. To force people to a decision: Christ? OR Antichrist? One main and very important reason for the Great Tribulation, is to give billions the one last chance to make up their mind: will it be Jesus? Will they accept Him? Or will they continue to reject Him and run to the horrendous impostor . . . the Antichrist? Those who do accept Christ during these most traumatic judgments by God, will receive the mark of God on their forehead (Rev.7:3). But, when they do, they will be headed for martyrdom. Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Harlot (Mystery Babylon, false religious system) all hate Christ intensely! There will be MANY Tribulation saints killed during this awful time period. But, eternity in Heaven is much to be desired, rather than a very short-lived traumatic life on Earth during the Tribulation. Better still, if you have not accepted Christ as your Saviour and Lord, do it NOW! In doing so, you will NOT have to be concerned about the Tribulation. You will NOT go through it! For when Jesus comes at the Rapture (1 Thes. 4: 13-18), you will go with Him to Heaven then!
Characteristics of the Tribulation
God's wrath will be poured out upon mankind for their wickedness and corruption which will exceed the days of Noah and Lot (Gen.6:5-7; 7:19-23; 18:32; 19:28; 2 Tim.3:1-12). Words cannot describe the utter rebellion and wickedness of men during this period of final struggle between God and the devil over possession of the Earth (Rev.11:15; 12:7-12; 19:11-21; 20:1-3). People will reject the TRUTH until God turns them over to the strong delusion of the Antichrist who will cause them to believe a lie and be doomed to Hell (2 Thes.2:8-12; 2 Pet.3:1-9). Even after God pours out His judgments upon men, and they know it is He that is doing it, they will still disobey Him (Rev.9:20-21; 17:1-18; 18:1-24).
The Resurrections of Old Testament Saints and Sinners (12:2-3)
Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (KJV)
Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life . . . the remnant of Israel living in the Great Tribulation period will be preserved, and that great company of Gentiles who shall be saved during that time also will be preserved. Remnant of Israel: (Eze.34:13-14; Zep.2:7, 9; 3:13; Zec.8:11-12; Rom.9:27; 11:5).
Those of the Old Testament who died belonging to the remnant and the Gentiles saved during the Old Testament will be raised to everlasting life at the end of the Great Tribulation.
The Old Testament saints are not raised at the Rapture of the church. Scripture clearly states that at the Rapture: 1 Thes.4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (KJV) . . . No mention of Old Testament saints, only those who believe God (1 Jn.5:10-13), and have Faith in Jesus to save them. We are in Christ by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor.12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) . . . This baptism began on the Day of Pentecost and will end at the Rapture. Christ told His disciples who were members of the nation Israel that they would be baptized by the Holy Spirit and put into the body of believers, the church (Acts 1:5).
When the church is raptured out of the world, the Old Testament saints will not be raised with born again believers. Why? Because the time to enter the Kingdom is at the end of the Great Tribulation period when Christ comes to establish His Kingdom on the Earth. It will be then that the Old Testament saints will be raised. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob . . . all will be raised to enter the Kingdom on this Earth at that time. Scripture makes it very clear that they will be raised at the end of the Great Tribulation.
Some to shame and everlasting contempt . . . refers to the lost souls of the Old Testament who are raised for the Great White Throne judgment at the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:11-15).
Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (KJV)
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament . . . wise . . . Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (KJV)
This answers to and agrees with they that understand (Dan.11:33, 35). All those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. God's servants in the darkness of the Great Tribulation will shine as lights. Believers in Christ should shine in the darkness of the world today as well. They are to be blameless and harmless the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Phil.2:15). The remnant in the Tribulation will be God's witness in the world (Rev.7), and they turn many to righteousness. That righteousness is Christ (1 Cor.1:30), and it is the ONLY righteousness which is acceptable to God (Jn.14:6; Acts 4:12). Our righteousnesses is as filthy rags (Isa.64:6) in His sight. God does NOT accept our works, ever . . . He accepts ONLY the righteousness of Christ (1 Cor.1:30) and that is provided only by our faith in Christ Jesus (Rom.5:1-10).
Sealing of Prophecy until the Time of the End (12:4-9)
Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (KJV)
Daniel was to seal the book, until the time of the end. This does NOT mean the end of time but refers to that specific period of time which the Book of Daniel calls the 70th Week, which is the Tribulation Period (Dan.9:25-27). What many people do not understand is, that we are in the time period which immediately precedes the Tribulation. The next event on God’s calendar is the Rapture (1 Thes.4:13-18; 1 Cor.15:51-58). When the Rapture takes place, the Tribulation begins immediately. http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_thes_ch4.htm
http://worldlychaos.org/w_c_earthquakes_matthew_24.1.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_1.pre-trib_rapture_why_I_believe.html
http://hisservants.org/rapture,_second_coming_h_s.htm
http://hisservants.org/end_times_events_h_s.htm
It is hard to know how much people really understand about this coming period of time, because so many differ today on the interpretation of prophecy. All of this will be opened up when we reach this particular period, so for that reason we need to keep our mind on one thing: Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (KJV)
Many shall run to and fro . . . I think that this may refer to running to and fro in the Bible to study prophecy. Many shall seriously search it through and through. Knowledge shall be increased . . . I think this means knowledge of prophecy shall be increased, specifically of God's purposes as revealed in prophecy. This is probably being now fulfilled, but also, I think it is true that knowledge has increased in EVERY possible field today. http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_bible_signs_increase_of_knowledge.html
Daniel 12:5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. (KJV)
Two angels, waiting and ministering to Christ, observing His commands, are by the banks of the river Tigris or Hiddekel, where this new vision was. This implies that on all sides, angels are there to carry out God's commands. This verse introduces what was said in Daniel's final vision.
Bank of the river . . . Daniel has now returned to a conscious state, standing by the river where this vision began (Dan.10:4). Two angels are with him, one on each side of the river.
Daniel 12:6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? (KJV)
One . . . one of the two (vs 5). The angel speaking to Daniel had been over the river . . . on the other side. The man clothed in linen . . . who had spoken up to this point. God prompted the angel to ask in order to waken us out of our sluggishness, seeing that the very angels desire to look into the things affecting man's redemption (1 Pet.1:12), as setting forth the glory of their Lord and ours (Eph.3:10-12).
Which was upon the waters of the river . . . this has to be Christ Jesus, who seems to stand between the banks . . . in the air above the waters (1 Thes.4:17), or upon the waters (Mat.14:25; Rev.10:2).
How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? . . . the angel’s question refers to the final dealings of God as a whole, of the Antichrist's overthrow and the resurrection. The angels themselves ask about many things, for they do NOT know everything. No angel is omniscient (all-knowing). Only Almighty God is all-knowing! Angels are ignorant of many things (Mat.24:36). Daniel's question (vs 8) refers to the more immediate future of his nation, Israel.
And one said to the man clothed with linen . . . one of the angels, on one side of the bank of the river spoke to Christ, who appeared in a human form, as a indication of His future incarnation; and clothed in linen (Ex.28:5-8, 15, 39-42), expressing His priestly office and His purity and holiness . . . which qualified Him for it. Which of the two angels it was that spoke is not stated, or on which side of the river he stood. It is really not at all important. Possibly each of them spoke in turn, and joined in the same question to Christ . . . which was upon the waters of the river . . . or above them, symbolizing His power and dominion over men, kingdoms and nations . . . which is sometimes shown by waters. Waters = people Jer.47:2; Isa.17:12; Rev.17:15.
How long shall it be to the end of these wonders . . . the wonderful things before predicted, concerning the state and condition of the people of Israel, their troubles and afflictions, the fall and ruin of the Antichrist, and the glorious things that shall follow. Daniel, who was present, did not have the courage and composure as the angels (Dan.10:8-11, 15-17), nor did he use the freedom with Christ as they did. I believe Daniel was terrified and fell on his face just as the apostle John did (Rev.1:12-20), and as Ezekiel did (Eze.1:28; 3:23; 43:3). I think anyone would fall on his face in fear if the Lord Jesus or His ministering angels bringing a message from the Lord Himself would appear.
Daniel 12:7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. (KJV)
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river . . . Christ Jesus, as He appeared in a human form, and as the High Priest our profession and faith, and as the Mediator that has power over all flesh . . . He spoke clear words with a human voice, loud, clear and distinct, and Daniel could hear every word He said, and for whose sake it was said.
When he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven . . . lifting up of the right hand is a gesture used in swearing an oath or confirming, and the lifting up of both hands is either for the greater seriousness . . . or with respect to the two angels that stood one on one side of Him, and the other on the other side, that both might be eyewitnesses of this solemn affair. The lifting up both hands is often a prayer gesture, and there may be a mixture of both in this action, of both praying and swearing an oath. Christ, as the High Priest, intercedes for His people and His church, that their faith not fail until the end of their troubles comes. Jesus, our High Priest: (Heb.2:17; 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:1,5, 10; 6:20; 7:26; 8:1,3; 9:11,25; 10:21).
And sware by him that liveth for ever . . . by the living God, the Immortal One, who only is eternal (Gen.1:1; Ps.90:2; 93:2; Isa.57:15; Jn.1:1; Heb.13:8). Some interpret it: by God, who is the Life of the world that gives life and being to all creatures.
Christ, as Man, swears by His divine Father, who, as Man, was greater than Himself . . . but, if we understand it of God . . . Father, Son and Spirit, the one, the only, the true and living God, it is Christ's swearing by Himself, the Living God, which is a character He sometimes bears (Heb.3:12; 6:13). http://www.hisservants.org/books_our_awesome_triune_god.html
What He here swears to is, that it shall be for a time, times, and an half . . . (Dan.7:25; Rev.12:14) that it would be some time until the end . . . or that the troubles of the church would last just so long, and at the end of that time, a glorious scene would open, and amazing things appear, to the great joy and comfort of the saints. Time means a prophetic year, or 360 days; and times mean two prophetic years, or 720 days; and half a time means half a prophetic year, or 180 days, in all 1260 days; which is the exact date and duration of the reign of the Antichrist, of the church's being in the wilderness, and of the witnesses prophesying in sackcloth, and of the treading under foot the holy city, expressed both by 1260 days, and by forty two months, which are the same (Rev.11:2-3; 12:6, 13; 13:5).
When he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished . . . which reaches to the calling of the Jews upon the destruction of the Antichrist, for until he be put down, Isreal will suffer and will not be up, which will fall out upon the pouring out the sixth vial and after (Rev.16:12), and the seventh vial, then all is finished (Rev.16:17; 2 Thes.2:1-17; 3:1-18). The judgment of Christ (Rev.20:11-15) will NOT happen until the man of sin completes his evil and falls (Rev.19:20; 20:10).
Daniel 12:8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? (KJV)
Even though Daniel was a witness to this scene, he did not really understand what he saw and heard. Daniel was puzzled and wanted to know how all of these things he had just witnessed would work out. I think Daniel understood the main features of the vision as to Antiochus (Dan.10:1, 14), but NOT as to the times. The following refers mainly to Daniel: for it is he who foretells the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow; it is he who prophesies not unto himself, but unto us; it is he who searched what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in him did signify. 1 Peter 1:10-12 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. (KJV)
Daniel heard what he said, but he did not understand it. So he asked, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? What is the meaning of all this . . . the time, times, and half, when they begin and end; and when the enemies of Israel and the churches, and the sufferings of the church, shall have their end?
Daniel 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. (KJV)
Daniel is reminded again that these things would take place in the time of the end and are temporarily sealed (vs 4).
Daniel's desire to know more is thus put off till the time of the end. John's Revelation in part reveals what here is veiled (Dan.12:4; 8:26). Nothing shall not be clearly understood until the event make them good. God is excellent in keeping the keys of time in His own personal plans (Acts 1:7).
The Abomination of Desolation (12:10-13)
Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. (KJV)
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried . . . of this purging and purifying, we have heard before (Dan.11:35) . . . meaning that the great afflictions of Israel and the church shall prepare them, by taking away their filth, so that they may be presentable to the Bridegroom (2 Cor.11:2; Eph.5:26-27; Rev.19:7-9). Just as gold and silver are tried and refined, so too God’s people (Jews and the church) shall be tried to burn off the filthy dross (Pro.17:3; 25:4; Isa.1:25-27; Mal.3:3).
None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand . . . the wicked (unbelievers) shall be blinded, for they know not what they do (Lk.23:34) . . . they shall not be bettered by the Word of God or the rod (correction, Pro.10:13) or any warnings of God . . . the wicked will simply be hardened to their utter ruin (Jn.3:15-18, 36; Rev.20:15) . . . BUT the godly shall be taught of God to understand the ways of God's providence which is foretold by the prophets.
When the predictions given so far shall have come to pass, the godly shall be purified by the foretold trials and shall understand that the end is at hand; but the wicked shall not understand, they just rush on to their own ruin (Dan.11:33-35). The end is mainly . . . at that time, of Antiochus' persuading, and in the future, the end of Antichrist's. The fulfilment of God's decree is NOT just a mere mathematical problem which the profane and vile wicked may understand by numerical calculations, but a holy mystery to stimulate the godly to a faithful observance of God's ways, and to a diligent study of the history of God's people, Israel. Christ Jesus does refer to this: Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (KJV). . . Whose readeth, let him understand!
These great principles of God are victorious from Daniel's day to the time of the end, regardless of dispensations: . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://worldlychaos.org/w_c_what_is_dispensationalism.htm
#1. Many shall be purified refers to those who have come to Christ, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy... (Tit.3:5).
#2. None of the wicked shall understand refers to the natural man (Eph.2:1-9). 1 Cor.2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV)
#3. But the wise shall understand. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (KJV)
Clearness of Prophecy?
Some argue that the men who wrote Scripture often did not understand what they wrote. My friend, Daniel plainly states, I heard, but I did not understand, is used to prove that prophets often spoke better than they knew. (Dan.12:8). Understood not: (Job 42:3; Ps.106:7; Lk.2:50; 9:45; Jn.8:27; 10:6; 12:16; Acts 7:25)
But this assumption is too one-dimensional. It fails to ask the question, WHAT was it that Daniel did not understand? Was it the meaning of his scriptural writings? NO! The perplexing words were not his own, but those of the angel who had been speaking to him (Dan.12:7). And, what's more, the angel's words were never clarified. They were to be closed up and sealed until the time of the end. This expression echoes (Isa.8:16), Bind up the testimony and seal up the law. In BOTH these texts, the sealing of the testimonies referred to the certainty of their predictions, NOT that they were mysterious to the prophet to whom they had been disclosed or unveiled (as the word revelation means).
Daniel's question was a temporal one, what shall be the end of these things? What will the outcome of all this be? Daniel wanted to know the state of affairs at the close of the time, times and half a time (Dan.12:7). But to this question, as with most chronological questions arising from prophecy, God gives NO further explanation or revelation. Even the Son of Man did not know the time of His own Coming at the Rapture (Mat.24:36; Mk.13:32).
Failure to know the time line details of prophecy is not a basis for saying that the prophets wrote better than they knew. Unfortunately this dubious principle has gained widespread popularity. The clear response is: Better than what? What could be meant by the term better? Since our Lord Jesus has disclosed all that can be classified as Scripture, how then could He know less than He recorded? Do you actually think that the writers sometimes wrote things down but had little or no knowledge of what they had said or meant? Because the sealing up of the prophecy indicated its certainty, NOT its hiddenness, Daniel was at times overcome by the meaning of his prophecies. On one occasion he lay sick for days (Dan.8:27).
It is my opinion that Daniel knew all but two aspects of the prophecies revealed to him: (1) the temporal or chronological aspects (an exclusion we share even today 1 Pet.1:10-12), and (2) additional information beyond that which was revealed to him. Not one prophet ever claimed omniscience, they claimed only an adequate, God-given knowledge of a limited topic of importance.
We should consider that we often are much better able than the prophets themselves to understand the implications of prophecies, because we can now see history and prophecy coming together. This is similar to a person accurately describing a country he or she has never visited contrasted with another person not only reading this author's account but visiting that country as well. Our historical advantages simply cannot lessen the value of the original contributions by God's earthly spokesmen.
Daniel 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. (KJV)
The importance of this verse cannot be overemphasized as the Lord Jesus referred to it in: Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (KJV)
This is the signal to the remnant of Israel that the Great Tribulation has begun. For 1,290 days the idol of the Beast remains in the Jewish Temple. In reality, this is 30 days beyond the 3 ½ years. The last half of the Great Tribulation is 1,260 days, and for some unexplained reason the image of Antichrist will be permitted to remain 30 days after Antichrist himself has been cast into the lake of fire (Rev.19:20; 20:10). YES! There absolutely IS a literal Hell! BEWARE!!!
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_books_death_then_what.html
Daniel 12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. (KJV)
Blessed are those who remain faithful until the end of the 1,335 days! Here is yet another series of days given to us with no other explanation, EXCEPT blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the 1,335 days. I do not think anyone has the interpretation of this . . . for it is sealed until the time of the end. I think sometimes we try to be know-it-alls, and THINK that we know more than is actually given to us. Our awesome God will always give us enough information, so that we can live in this evil world. To strive for more knowledge than is given to us can be confusing . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.hisservants.org/books_our_awesome_triune_god.html
Daniel 12:13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. (KJV)
Daniel is told (as the Lord Jesus told Simon Peter) that He would die. Peter would not live to see the Return of Christ, but he would be raised from the dead to enter the Millennium. http://godcannotlie.org/rev_ch20.htm http://www.godcannotlie.org/booklet_unfilled_prophecies.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/noah_millennium_after_tribulation.html
In thy lot . . . means that Daniel will be raised with the Old Testament saints at the beginning of the Millennium. Peter will be raised at the Rapture (1 Thes.4:16).
At the end of the days brings us to the abundant entrance into Christ's Kingdom. My friend, that is the future that is before us right now, a future that says Jesus is coming to this Earth to establish His Kingdom. Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (KJV) . . . Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven . . . one day, there will be NO more wickedness, NO more immorality, NO more abortion, NO more same sex marriage, NO more living together without the benefit of marriage, NO more murder, NO more abuse of the elderly and mentally retarded, NO more sex slaves, etc., etc.
Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (KJV)
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (KJV) . . . This is the HOPE we should keep before us in these perilous times (2 Tim.3:1).
Special Comments for Daniel Chapter 12
Divisions of the Tribulation:
#1. The first part is the first 3 ½ years of the 70th week and could be called the ‘lesser Tribulation’. It will not be near as severe as the last 3 ½ years because of the protection of Israel by the Antichrist during that time. Israel's persecution then will be from a source entirely different from that of the last division. In these first 3 ½ years she will be persecuted by Mystery Babylon and the 10 kings. This part will fulfill Rev.6:1 through Rev.9:21 (the seal and trumpet judgments).
#2. The last part is the last 3 ½ years of the 70th week and is called the Great Tribulation because it will be much more severe in the persecution of Israel than the first 3 ½ years. The Antichrist will protect Israel the first 3 ½ years, but will show his true colors, and will break his peace treaty with her in the middle of the week and become her worst ever enemy. He will try to destroy her, which will call down the judgments of the 7 vials in the last 3 ½ years. This part of the Tribulation includes the fulfillment of Rev.10:1 through Rev.19:21. Daniel, Jeremiah, Jesus and others speak of this time of Israel's trouble as being worse than any other time that has ever been on Earth or ever will be (Dan.9:26; 12:1; Isa.65:15; 66:15-16; Jer.30:4-11; Joel 1:2; 2:2; Zec.14:2-3; Mat.24:21-22; Lk.19:43-44; Rev.11:1-2; 12:14-17; 13:5-7).
WHAT will happen in the Tribulation Period? http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_tribulation_what.htm
WHY . . . the TRIBULATION??
For each and everything God does, He has an ultimate purpose. So, too, with the horrendous Great Tribulation period. Just what will it accomplish? He has more than one reason in mind!
#1. Time (now on Earth) as we know it, will come to an end. Daniel introduces the events that climax the consummation of time. Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. [KJV]
From Adam to the Rapture, God’s grace has and will flow freely. He has given ALL people the opportunity to believe Him, accept His Son, and worship Him willingly. Our time on Earth is a testing period; will we turn to Him? or will we reject Him and His marvelous grace? He gives us every opportunity!
#2. It will fulfill Israel’s prophecies. Many prophecies about Israel are not yet fulfilled. They have returned to their land, and have been recognized as a nation in 1948 (see Ezekiel ch.36 & 37). But rebuilding the temple and restarting to offer sacrifices will be completed during the Great Tribulation.
#3. To shake man’s false sense of security. A steadfast and prospering world makes people think they can "do it themselves." They don’t need God, is their attitude! So it will take earthquakes, plagues, famine, and death, to shake their confidence in their own powers, so that when they hear the Gospel, preached by the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, they may be more receptive to the Message.
#4. To force people to a decision: Christ? or Antichrist? One main and very important reason for the Great Tribulation, is to give billions the one last chance to make up their mind: will it be Jesus? Will they accept Him? Or will they continue to reject Him and run to the horrendous impostor . . . the Antichrist? Those who do accept Christ during these most traumatic judgments by God, will receive the mark of God on their forehead (Rev.7:3). But, when they do, they will be headed for martyrdom. Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Harlot (Mystery Babylon, false religious system) all hate Christ intensely! There will be MANY Tribulation saints killed during this awful time period. But, eternity in Heaven is much to be desired, rather than a very short-lived traumatic life on Earth during the Tribulation. Better still, if you have not accepted Christ as your Saviour and Lord, do it NOW! In doing so, you will NOT have to be concerned about the Tribulation. You will NOT go through it! For when Jesus comes at the Rapture (1 Thes. 4: 13-18), you will go with Him to Heaven then!
Characteristics of the Tribulation
God's wrath will be poured out upon mankind for their wickedness and corruption which will exceed the days of Noah and Lot (Gen.6:5-7; 7:19-23; 18:32; 19:28; 2 Tim.3:1-12). Words cannot describe the utter rebellion and wickedness of men during this period of final struggle between God and the devil over possession of the Earth (Rev.11:15; 12:7-12; 19:11-21; 20:1-3). People will reject the TRUTH until God turns them over to the strong delusion of the Antichrist who will cause them to believe a lie and be doomed to Hell (2 Thes.2:8-12; 2 Pet.3:1-9). Even after God pours out His judgments upon men, and they know it is He that is doing it, they will still disobey Him (Rev.9:20-21; 17:1-18; 18:1-24).
Why do Daniel and Revelation give different numbers of
1,260, 1,290 and 1,335 days for the Tribulation Period?
Books of Daniel and Revelation are often studied together, because their prophecies concerning the end times weave together well. Both Books mention a certain number of days during the Tribulation Period. Daniel mentions 1,290 days and 1,335 days; Revelation mentions 1,260 days, for a total difference of 75 days (1,335 – 1,260 = 75).
Daniel 12:11-12 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. (KJV)
Revelation 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. (KJV)
Both of these prophecies deal with precise time periods associated with the seven-year Tribulation.
Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (KJV)
The Tribulation Period begins with the signing of a peace treaty between the Antichrist and Israel, intended to be for one “seven,” meaning a set of seven years. But the “seven” is divided into half . . . and midway through the seven years (3 ½ years), the Antichrist breaks the peace treaty and sets up in the temple a sacrilegious object (the abomination that causes desolation Dan.11:31; 12:11; Mat.24:15; Mk.13:14; 2 Thes.2:4; Rev.13:14-15). The phrase in the midst of the week indicates that the first half of the tribulation lasts for 3½ years (1,260 days, using a “prophetic year” of 360 days). Likewise, the second half of the tribulation lasts another 1,260 days (another 3½ years), for a total of seven years.
Revelation 11:3 precisely mentions 1,260 days, which corresponds exactly with Daniel’s prophecy of the abomination of desolation. In Revelation, there is an added detail: my two witnesses will preach and perform miracles for half of the Tribulation Period . . . which is the first half, according to the timetable of Revelation. These two witnesses are killed in the midst of the week. Their bodies will lie in the streets for three and a half days as the world celebrates their demise; then they will be resurrected and taken up to Heaven (Rev.11:7-13).
http://www.godcannotlie.org/rev_ch11.htm
The 1,260 days of the second half of the Great Tribulation begins when the Antichrist breaks the treaty, occupies the third Jewish temple, and sets up a profane and irreverent object of worship in the Temple of God. This 1,260 day period ends when the Antichrist is defeated at the battle of Armageddon upon Jesus’ Return to Earth (Zec.14:1-5; Rev.19:11-21). At that time, the Great Tribulation will end.
Daniel 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. (KJV)
This mentions 1,290 days, which is 30 days more than the second half of the Tribulation. Many different comments try to explain what happens in those 30 extra days. I do not know the answer to this. One possible idea is that the nation of Israel will be rebuilt in that month after the utter devastation it endured during the Great Tribulation.
Daniel 12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. (KJV)
This mentions 1335 days, there will be an extra 45 days, on top of the extra 30 days, after which something else will happen. Daniel does not clearly say what will happen, but he does say those who remain until the end of that segment (1,335 days after the breaking of the treaty and 75 days after the end of the Tribulation) will be blessed. The blessing here is entry into the 1000 year Millennium Kingdom (Rev.20). What will take place during those 45 days? I think it is very possible that this may be when the judgment of the Gentile nations, described in Matthew 25:31-46) will take place, possibly when the Gentiles are judged for their treatment of Israel during the Great Tribulation. Did they help Jesus’ brethren (Mat.25:40), or did they turn a blind eye to the Jews’ troubles or worse, assist in their persecution?
So, those who survive the Great Tribulation and survive the sheep and goat judgment will enter the Millennium. This is a blessing, indeed.
Consider the following:
• After the rapture of the church, the Antichrist enters a treaty with Israel which begins the seven-year Tribulation Period.
• In the midst of the week (1,260 days later), the Antichrist breaks the treaty, defiles the Temple of God, and launches an outright persecution of the Jews.
• At the end of the Tribulation (1,260 days after the desecration of the Temple), Christ Jesus returns to Earth and defeats the forces of the Antichrist.
• During the next 30 days (leading up to 1,290 days after the desecration of the Temple), Israel is rebuilt and the Earth is restored.
• During the next 45 days (leading up to 1,335 days after the desecration of the Temple), the Gentile nations are judged for their treatment of Israel.
• The 1000 year Millennium begins (Rev.20:3-5).
SO . . . WHAT or WHO is Mystery Babylon?
Revelation 17:1-5 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (KJV)
Mystery Babylon is a CHURCH: In the Bible a WOMAN symbolizes a CHURCH. This is a very important point that must NOT be overlooked because it proves beyond all doubt that this woman with mystery Babylon written upon HER head and riding a Beast (Kingdom, Rome) has to be a Church. There are several Scriptures that prove this. The only question that remains is which Church? And I think the above Passage gives us the answer.
Consider: And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls . . . WHAT church is known for these colors? The Catholic Church! What church is the richest organization in the entire world? The Catholic Church!
Spiritual adultery: (Judges 3:7; 1 Ki.16:31-33; Isa.1:21; 54:5; Jer.3:20; 9:2; 19:5; Eze.6:9; 16:15-19,30,32; Hos.2:2-5; 3:1-5; 9:1; Mat.6:24; John 12:31; Rom.8:7-8; Eph.2:2; Col.3:2; 2 Tim.4:10; Jam.4:4-5; 1 Pet.14-16; 1 John 2:15-17; 5:19; Rev.3:15-16).
When Antichrist comes he will make a 7-year covenant with Israel (Dan.9:27), promising them protection. Because the Jews will NOT submit to Mystery Babylon, there will be a widespread persecution and they shall be hated of all nations (Mat.24:9), during the time of the beginning of sorrows (Mat. 24:8) when Antichrist will be making every effort to conquer all these nations. The Antichrist must have Jewish moral and financial support in his effort to rise over these nations, so he will make an alliance with them for 7 years. The time period of the Tribulation will be a total of seven years, the whole of Daniel's 70th week (Dan.9:27). It starts out with Antichrist being a ‘nice guy’ (Rev.6:2), but it does NOT last long! He soon shows his true colors (Rev.6:4-8). The Tribulation will end at the Second Coming of Christ (Zec.14:1-5; Mat.24:29-31; Rev.19:11-21).
Clearness of Prophecy?
Some argue that the men who wrote Scripture often did not understand what they wrote. Daniel plainly states, I heard, but I did not understand, is used to prove that prophets often spoke better than they knew. (Dan.12:8). Understood not: (Job 42:3; Ps.106:7; Lk.2:50; 9:45; Jn.8:27; 10:6; 12:16; Acts 7:25)
But this assumption is too one-dimensional. It fails to ask the question, WHAT was it that Daniel did not understand? Was it the meaning of his scriptural writings? NO! The perplexing words were not his own, but those of the angel who had been speaking to him (Dan.12:7). And, what's more, the angel's words were never clarified. They were to be closed up and sealed until the time of the end. This expression echoes (Isa.8:16), Bind up the testimony and seal up the law. In BOTH these texts, the sealing of the testimonies referred to the certainty of their predictions, NOT that they were mysterious to the prophet to whom they had been disclosed or unveiled (as the word revelation means).
Daniel's question was a temporal one, what shall be the end of these things? What will the outcome of all this be? Daniel wanted to know the state of affairs at the close of the time, times and half a time (Dan.12:7). But to this question, as with most chronological questions arising from prophecy, God gives NO further explanation or revelation. Even the Son of Man did not know the time of His own Coming at the Rapture (Mat.24:36; Mk.13:32).
Failure to know the time line details of prophecy is not a basis for saying that the prophets wrote better than they knew. Unfortunately this dubious principle has gained widespread popularity. The clear response is: Better than what? What could be meant by the term better? Since our Lord Jesus has disclosed all that can be classified as Scripture, how then could He know less than He recorded? Do you actually think that the writers sometimes wrote things down but had little or no knowledge of what they had said or meant? Because the sealing up of the prophecy indicated its certainty, NOT its hiddenness, Daniel was at times overcome by the meaning of his prophecies. On one occasion he lay sick for days (Dan.8:27).
It is my opinion that Daniel knew all but two aspects of the prophecies revealed to him: (1) the temporal or chronological aspects (an exclusion we share even today 1 Pet.1:10-12), and (2) additional information beyond that which was revealed to him. Not one prophet ever claimed omniscience, they claimed only an adequate, God-given knowledge of a limited topic of importance.
We should consider that we often are much better able than the prophets themselves to understand the implications of prophecies, because we can now see history and prophecy coming together. This is similar to a person accurately describing a country he or she has never visited contrasted with another person not only reading this author's account but visiting that country as well. Our historical advantages simply cannot lessen the value of the original contributions by God's earthly spokesmen.
Book of Daniel
Ch.1 . Ch.2 . Ch.3. Ch.4. Ch.5 . Ch.6 . Ch.7 . Ch.8 . Ch.9 . Ch.10 . Ch. 11. Ch.12 . Special Comments
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