Pastor Peter's Bible Insights
Daniel Chapter Twelve
Daniel is now in his late 80s or even early 90s. He has been at court since he was seventeen. He stands alone in Scripture as one with no blemish on his record. He truly has “fought the good fight” and finished the course. He is ready to hear those honoring words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” The grand old man now receives one last vision and single great challenge.
Vs. 1 Michael is the appointed archangel of Israel. It is Michael who singularly stands against Satan and his antichrist seeking to destroy Israel.
Vs. 4 When the prophet is told to conceal or seal up something, it does not mean to keep it a secret. In fact, the opposite is true--it means to make something known. How can this be? Daniel was told to write down what he has seen, that writing became holy and inspired Scripture. In writing his visions down, they became an eternal record. They will not be corrupted in the word-of-mouth tradition and, hence, lost. As the end time approaches, more and more of what Daniel wrote will become clearer, until finally it is as plain as the daily headlines. We have the record of Daniel because he obeyed his instructions.
Vs. 5 Daniel is joined by two angels.
Vs. 6 Who was the man dressed in linen above the river? I believe that Daniel saw Jesus in His simple seamless garment that He would wear during His earthly ministry, the same garment the soldiers would cast lots for. He saw the teacher of Israel who spoke with authority. While Daniel gazed that this splendid one, he heard the angels ask, “How long will it be…”
Vs. 7 Jesus raised both hands toward God the Father and said, “For time, times and half a time…” Jesus himself prophesied to Daniel about the second half of the 70th week known as the Great Tribulation. Jesus continued talking but it was all beyond Daniel’s understanding. The last three and half years of the tribulation are known as Jacob’s time of trouble or the Great Tribulation.
Vs. 8 Daniel asked for more and was given a final glorious glimpse of the future.
Vs. 10 The final glimpse. God’s purpose in the second half of tribulation is to prepare Jews to receive their Messiah.
Vs. 11 Daniel is now shown 1,290 days. 3 ˝ Jewish years is 1,260 days, so he has been shown an extra 30 days. The best speculation is that this extra thirty days is the time that it takes for Messiah to judge and sentence the enemies of Israel in the Valley of Jehoshophat (Kidron).
"I will also gather all the nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of my people and my inheritance Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up my land." Joel 3:2
Vs. 12 Daniel is finally shown 1335 days. This is another 45 days beyond the 30 day extension of verse 11, or 75 days beyond the end of the Great Tribulation (Vs. 7). What did Daniel see? I believe Daniel saw two events that occur after the completion of his 70th week (chapter nine). I believe he saw the fulfillment of a prophecy he was very familiar with. During the first 62 weeks of his prophecy he saw the first half of Isaiah’s words fulfilled… “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us,” Isaiah 9:6. The last vision that Daniel received was the fulfillment of the second half of this prophecy…
“And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6b-7).
What did Daniel see? I believe he saw past the end of the tribulation, past the conclusion of the war crime trials to the actual glorious day in Jerusalem when Jesus is crowned as the Son of David to rule and reign for 1000 years in the Kingdom of God.
Vs. 13 Daniel’s final challenge…”Go your way…” Daniel, keep your testimony strong. Don’t get so caught up in prophecy that you forget to point people to God. Daniel, you, too, will take your place in God’s final Kingdom!"
This site was written and produced by Rev. Peter McLewin 2001, all rights reserved.