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Daniel 10-12
The Antichrist
and Eternal Life
Psalm 105:1-15 Seeking Hearts Rejoice
1.“Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name! Make his doings known among the peoples.2.Sing to him, sing praises to him! Tell of all his marvelous works.3.Glory/Boast in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.4.Seek Yahweh and his strength. Seek his face forever more.5.Remember his marvelous works that he has done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,6.you seed of Abraham, his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.7.He is Yahweh, our God. His judgments are in all the earth.8.He has remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,9.the covenant which he made with Abraham, his oath to Isaac,10.and confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute; to Israel for an everlasting covenant,11.saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance";12.when they were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners in it.13.They went about from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people.14.He allowed no one to do them wrong. Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes,15."Don’t touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm!"
Observations
105:1-7.God's people should not only sing His praises and tell of His deeds in answering their prayers, but seek Him. Those who seek Him, find Him, and have reason to rejoice even more.
105:8-15.
God should also be praised for His gracious promises and protection. The rest of the Psalm (which we'll visit in the future) recalls His care for His people in Egypt and the wilderness.
Application
God protects those who seek and serve Him.
Prayer
God, thanks for answering when I call, and giving me reasons to rejoice in You; may I seek You even when I'm not in trouble, and be even more delighted with Your person. Amen.
Proverbs 24:10-12 Using Spiritual Muscle
10.“If you falter in the time of trouble, your strength is small.11.Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!12.If you say, "Behold, we didn’t know this"; doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? Shall he not render to every man according to his work?Observations
24:10.Those who have built up some spiritual muscle by regularly trusting God will not falter when the going gets tough. The spiritual wimps will prove to be as faithful as worms.
24:11.
Some of that spiritual strength should be used in rescuing those headed to destruction.
24:12.
Pretending we don't see needs doesn't fool God. He sees exactly what's going on both around us and within us. And, He pays back accordingly.
Application
We should develop the spiritual fortitude and discernment to be able to help those who can't help themselves, knowing God knows and pays back.
Prayer
Lord, help me develop my ability to draw on Your wisdom and strength so I can better serve You by serving those You've put into my life. Amen.
Daniel 10-12 The Antichrist and Eternal Life
The final chapters of Daniel, written after the first group of exiles returned to rebuild Jerusalem, describe the near and distant future history of world rulers who will persecute Israel. The Antichrist and his foreshadow receive a fair amount of ink, as do the world political powers after the Jews returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. Daniel gives some unparalleled insight into the workings of the angelic and demonic realms, and the clearest OT verses on the resurrection, and the first mention of eternal life. The structure of these chapters (written in Hebrew) is very similar to that of the first half of the book (written in Aramaic).Ch 1 Prologue – Daniel's righteousness and results
Ch 2 A Prophecy of four world empires (God's superior wisdom)
Ch 3 B God's superior power delivers His servants (fiery furnace)
Ch 4 C God's judgment on a proud ruler accepted (King Nebuchadnezzar)
Ch 5 c' God's judgment on a proud ruler rejected (King Belshazzar)
Ch 6 b' God's superior power delivers His servant (lion's den)
Ch 7 a' Prophecy of four world empires
Ch 8 A Prophecy of two kingdoms/empires and the Antichrist
Ch 9a B Daniel mourns the past sin of God's People
Ch 9:25 C King rebuilds Jerusalem
Ch 9:26 D Messiah
Ch 9:27 c' King destroys Jerusalem
Ch 10 b' Daniel mourns the future judgment of God's People
Ch 11 a' Prophecy of two kings/empires and the Antichrist
Ch 12 Epilogue – Daniel's righteousness and results
Daniel 10 Angelic Battles and Mourning Israel
1.In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.2.In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.3.I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.4.In the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,5.I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were adorned with pure gold of Uphaz:6.his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.7.I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men who were with me didn’t see the vision; but a great quaking fell on them, and they fled to hide themselves.8.So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.9.Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.10.Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.11.He said to me, Daniel, you man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright; for am I now sent to you. When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.12.Then he said to me, Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard: and I have come for your words’ sake.13.But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia.14.Now I have come to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days:15.and when he had spoken to me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute.16.Behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned on me, and I retain no strength.17.For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me.18.Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.19.He said, "Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid: peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, "Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me."20.Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go forth, behold, the prince of Greece shall come."21."But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none who holds with me against these, but Michael your prince."Observation
10:1-21.In the first verse, “a thing” concerning a great warfare is revealed to Daniel, which he understands, and which causes him to mourn for three weeks. God dispatches Gabriel to strengthen Daniel (the “greatly beloved”) and give him insight into what will happen to Israel in the latter days (10:14) but Satan doesn't want him to know. So the demonic power (fallen angel) of the Prince of Persia, fights against Gabriel, and prevents him from reaching Daniel, until Michael the archangel comes to help out. This is prima facie evidence for the demonic powers behind earthly thrones. The angel spends a fair amount of time strengthening Daniel from the effects of the vision he received in this chapter, and preparing him for the next. Even though the first group of exiles had returned to rebuild the Temple, permanent peace was not in the picture for Israel, but rather unprecedented persecution (upcoming chapters elaborate).
Application
Sometimes God's “greatly beloved” are stressed as they have to wait for God to answer their prayers because there are purposes and powers greater than ourselves sorting things out, but when God does answer, He will provide strength to do His will.
Prayer
God, I trust that You will reveal to me all I need to know, when I need to know it, and will provide all the strength I need to do what You want me to do. Thanks. Amen.
Daniel 11 Earthly Battles and the Antichrist
1.As for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him.2.Now will I show you the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and when he has grown strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece.3.A mighty king shall stand up, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.4.When he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of the sky, but not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides these.5.The king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.6.At the end of years they shall join themselves together; and the daughter of the king of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the strength of her arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm; but she shall be given up, and those who brought her, and he who became the father of her, and he who strengthened her in those times.7.But out of a shoot from her roots shall one stand up in his place, who shall come to the army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail.8.Also their gods, with their molten images, and with their goodly vessels of silver and of gold, shall he carry captive into Egypt; and he shall refrain some years from the king of the north.9.He shall come into the realm of the king of the south, but he shall return into his own land.10.His sons shall war, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall come on, and overflow, and pass through; and they shall return and war, even to his fortress.11.The king of the south shall be moved with anger, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north; and he shall set forth a great multitude, and the multitude shall be given into his hand.12.The multitude shall be lifted up, and his heart shall be exalted; and he shall cast down tens of thousands, but he shall not prevail.13.The king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former; and he shall come on at the end of the times, even of years, with a great army and with much substance.14.In those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the children of the violent among your people shall lift themselves up to establish the vision; but they shall fall.15.So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city: and the forces of the south shall not stand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to stand.16.But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him; and he shall stand in the glorious land, and in his hand shall be destruction.17.He shall set his face to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and with him equitable conditions; and he shall perform them: and he shall give him the daughter of women, to corrupt her; but she shall not stand, neither be for him.18.After this shall he turn his face to the islands, and shall take many: but a prince shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; yes, moreover, he shall cause his reproach to turn on him.19.Then he shall turn his face toward the fortresses of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found.20.Then shall stand up in his place one who shall cause a tax collector to pass through the kingdom to maintain its glory; but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.21.In his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries.22.The overwhelming forces shall be overwhelmed from before him, and shall be broken; yes, also the prince of the covenant.23.After the treaty made with him he shall work deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong, with a small people.24.In time of security shall he come even on the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers; he shall scatter among them prey, and spoil, and substance: yes, he shall devise his devices against the strongholds, even for a time.25.He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall war in battle with an exceeding great and mighty army; but he shall not stand; for they shall devise devices against him.26.Yes, they who eat of his dainties shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow; and many shall fall down slain.27.As for both these kings, their hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table: but it shall not prosper; for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.28.Then shall he return into his land with great substance; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do his pleasure, and return to his own land.29.At the time appointed he shall return, and come into the south; but it shall not be in the latter time as it was in the former.30.For ships of Kittim shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and shall return, and have indignation against the holy covenant, and shall do his pleasure: he shall even return, and have regard to those who forsake the holy covenant.31.Forces shall stand on his part, and they shall profane the sanctuary, even the fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt offering, and they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.32.Such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he pervert by flatteries; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.33.Those who are wise among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by spoil, many days.34.Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help; but many shall join themselves to them with flatteries.35.Some of those who are wise shall fall, to refine them, and to purify, and to make them white, even to the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed.36.Then the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods; and he shall prosper until the indignation be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done.37.Neither shall he regard the gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall magnify himself above all.38.But in his place shall he honor the god of fortresses; and a god whom his fathers didn’t know shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.39.He shall deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god: whoever acknowledges him he will increase with glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for a price.40.At the time of the end shall the king of the south contend with him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass through.41.He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.42.He shall stretch forth his hand also on the countries; and the land of Egypt shall not escape.43.But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.44.But news out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him; and he shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to sweep away many.45.He shall plant the tents of his palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.Observations
11:1-20.Gabriel gives Daniel a very detailed account of the rivalry between the king of the north (Syria) and the king of the south (Egypt) which occurred after Alexander's empire, the third beast of chapter 8, was split. For Daniel's initial audience, these would be as incomprehensible as they are to modern readers. But, as the history unfolded, Israel would know that the promises of the God to preserve His people would come true, just as the prophecies of the changes in the Greek political landscape. Modern readers can draw similar comfort and assurance, when they understand the historical fulfillment. All that God says, will happen.
11:21-35.
A major portion of the prophecy concerns Antiochus IV (the madman), who foreshadows the Antichrist. By military prowess, and political deceptions he gains power, takes a bribe to install his own high priest, destroys many of God's people, institutes Zeus worship and defiles the temple by sacrificing a pig, the abomination of desolation. Those who know God will resist his evil yet suffer and be purified in the process. As Daniel's readers saw Antiochus' dirty deeds unfold, they would tremble, but have hope in the knowledge that God had permitted it, and would eventually end it.
11:36-45.
Using the end of verse 35, which mentions the end times, Daniel describes the self-willed Antichrist who Antiochus foreshadows. There is no one in history who fulfills the prophesied actions of the character Daniel now describes. He will exalt himself against every god, and the God of gods. He will honor the god of strength/fortresses, and a hitherto unknown god and a foreign god, probably a reference to world-class demonic powers who pull the strings of human rulers. He will be opposed by a king of the north (Magog?) and a king of the south, who appear to be different than those mentioned earlier in the chapter. He will eventually base his rule in Jerusalem, but be destroyed (by the Messiah - Rev 19:19-20).
Application
Evil may prosper, and the good and wise might suffer, but in the end, God fulfills His plan to punish evil, and will justly deal with the good.
Prayer
Lord of All, I know You allow evil to prosper to judge the unfaithful and disloyal; may I always be in a position to be protected and blessed by You, and may I help others enjoy Your blessings rather than experience Your cursings. Amen.
Daniel 12 Resurrection and Reward
1.At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your 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 your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book.2.Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.3.Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.4.But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased.5.Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on the river bank on this side, and the other on the river bank on that side.6.One said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?7.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 that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.8.I heard, but I didn’t understand: then I said, my lord, what shall be the end of these things?9.He said, Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.10.Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but those who are wise shall understand.11.From the time that the continual burnt offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred ninety days.12.Blessed is he who waits/perseveres, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days.13.But go you your way until the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance, at the end of the days.Observations
12:1-4.When things reach a state of unprecedented trouble for the Jews, Michael the archangel will arise to deliver them according to the Messiah's will. Some have equated the “book” mentioned with the “Lamb's book of life”, but others argue there is no connection. What is certain is that the dead are resurrected to judgment, some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting contempt. The wise and the disciple-makers (those who turn others to righteousness) will receive everlasting glory (1Cor 15). This is an obvious passage on Jewish belief in an afterlife, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal reward (and the first mention of eternal life in the OT). Some people in Jesus' day (and ours) will be ashamed that they didn't pay attention to these verses. See the last verse (12:13) and the list of Rewarding Verses to Consider on Truthbase.net. Daniel is instructed to seal or make secure the words, so that people can gain insight as the end times approach.
12:5-12.
One of the angels standing by asked about the timing of these events, Israel's persecution and deliverance (11:36-12:3) and the answer is the three and a half years mentioned in 7:25 (last half of the Tribulation). Daniel also asks about the end of these things, but is given answers that have engendered a host of more questions. There is an extra 30 day period, and an extra 45 day period, and no clear winners have emerged among the many proposed answers. Personally, I'm not planning on being here to have to deal with it (1Thess 4:13-18). However, many will draw comfort and strength from these verses when the time comes to purify themselves, persevere, and be blessed. Just like we have more insight than Daniel's initial audience, so in the future it will be clearer.
12:13.
The book ends on an up note: Daniel will die, rest, and be resurrected to receive his eternal reward for his faithful service (Rev 20:4-6).
Application
Those who purify themselves and persevere for the prize of God's reward, will be glad they did.
Prayer
God, may I have all the insight I need to do the things You want me to do; may I wisely lead others to righteousness, so they can be blessed by You. Amen.
Digging Deeper
God in a nutshell: God allows evil to prosper, and the good and wise to suffer, but in the end, God fulfills His plan to punish evil, and will justly deal with the good. He will raise up individuals to judge Israel for their unfaithfulness post-captivity, just as He did pre-exile. Although Israel's sin is not spelled out specifically, God's promises in Deuteronomy to bless or curse, are still in effect. God will vanquish evil after the Tribulaton, and deliver His people. He will resurrect and reward the faithful and punish those deserving of it.
Us in a nutshell: We will encounter difficulties during our time on earth. The major question is whether we will just experience pain from them, or figure out how to turn them to our profit. Those who purify themselves and seek to serve others, gaining wisdom and turning others to righteousness will be rewarded at the first resurrection (Rev 20:5-6)
John 5:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth --- those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.