Daniel Study - Lesson 43

12:4  The Epilogue of the Revelation to Daniel. (Instructions to Daniel)

- "But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time;"

 

But this vision was to have its primary application in the far distant future!

 

The emphasis is to protect and preserve this inspired writing.

 

- "many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase."

 

 

 - the knowledge t[;D"h;  (specific, not  general) 

It is the knowledge of the divine purposes revealed in the prophesies of Daniel that will   increase, not knowledge in  general.

 

12:5-8  1st question - How long until the Time of the End?

Setting:

- We find Daniel here at the same location this revelation / vision began;  On the bank of the Tigris river.  (10:4)

 

 

The Question:

- "How long will it be until the end of these wonders?"

 

- the answer given in vs:7

Before he gives the answer he swears by "Him who lives forever."

 

 

The time is stated next.

-  "..that it would be for a time, times and half a time;"

 

For documentation:  Rev 12:13-14 cf it with 12:6 same events; also note 13:5 (42 months)  the time then = 3 1/2 years.

- "and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people,  all of these events will be completed."

 

 

- Point here is that these intense persecutions of Israel will last only as long as it takes to accomplish God's purpose for them. That is 3 1/2  years.

 

 

> 12:8 Daniel's observation.

 

> 12:9-13 Concluding Explanation of the closing stages of the prophecy.

 

This book will be an encouragement to and will instruct those who will see these terrible times.

 

12:10  Purpose of these end time events; God's wrath poured out!

#1 These events will result in the purification of the saints, the  redeemed of Israel specifically.

 

#2  Also will see the result of great negative volition to Truth, to the revelation of the Messiah that will be widely manifest in the extensive evangelism during this period.

 

- The negative Unbeliever is contrasted with the Believer in last phrase of vs:10.

 

- What's the Principle here?

The problem is one of spiritual blindness!

Not a lack of academic brilliance or ability.

1.  Natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them,   1 Cor 2:14)

 

2.  The result is Spiritual blindness  2 Cor 3:14-16 [veil lifted by convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit]

 

3.  Those with the veil, the UB, would fall into the category that Paul speaks of in 2 Tim 3:7 "always learning never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."  (also good for talk show hosts - TV)

 

> 12:11-12 Temporal Aspects - Details of the How long?   Apparent Problem!

What about the time difference? What's the focus here?

 

> Vs:11 is dealing with the desecration, the pollution of the temple by the placement of the idol of the A/C in it for worship;   and it is that desecration that it says is for 1290 days;

 

 

> With Vs:12 We have a blessing announced on all who reach this 1335 day  time.

 

 

 

> 12:13 Final encouragement to Daniel.

-  the "hope of bodily resurrection"  he  too shall "awake" as was noted in vs:2.

 

Go your way!! Live the rest of your life with confidence; assurance that God is in charge and that He will fulfill all that is promised.

 

 

Concluding observations

1. Daniel clearly demonstrates that God is sovereign over the realm of mankind and therefore of history.

2. We have seen numerous prophecies fulfilled with exact precision.

3. Gentile world dominion has run the exact course that God said it would.

4. Israel as a people has continued to be preserved but chastened for their rebellion and unbelief just as He promised.

5. The Messiah presented Himself as the Prince to Israel in the first advent, and was put to death after that presentation just as god foretold.

6. Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed by the Romans after the death of the Messiah.