Prophecies Concerning Israel (Daniel 12)

I. Video.

A. Video Title. How is God’s prophetic plan for the end times laid out in the Book of Daniel, Chapters 6-12.

B. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Drs. John Ankerberg (M. Div., D. Min.) Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).

II. Introduction. The Time Of The End. Dr. John F. Walvoord (A.B., M.A., Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., D.D., Litt. D., 1910-2002). 

A. Added to the previous revelation are the important disclosures (1) that the time of the end has a special relationship to “the children of thy people,” that is, Israel, (2) that Israel will experience at that time a special deliverance to be realized by those in Israel who worship God, and (3) that the doctrine of resurrection, which climaxes the time of the end, is the special hope of those who are martyred.

B. The entire section from Daniel 11:36 to 12:3 constitutes a revelation of the major factors of the time of the end which may be summarized as follows: (1) a world ruler, (2) a world religion, (3) a world war, (4) a time of great tribulation for Israel, (5) deliverance for the people of God at the end of the tribulation, (6) resurrection and judgment, and (7) reward of the righteous. All of these factors are introduced in this section. Added elsewhere in the Scriptures are the additional facts that this time of the end begins with the breaking of the covenant by “the prince that shall come” (Dan 9:26-27); that the “time of the end” will last for three and one-half years (Dan 7:25; 12:7; Rev 13:5); that the time of the end is the same as the time of Jacob’s trouble and the great tribulation (Jer 30:7; Mt 24:21). Many additional details are supplied in Revelation 6-19.

C. The fact that the opening section of chapter 12 is obviously eschatologically future, constitutes a major embarrassment to liberals who attempt to find Antiochus Epiphanes in 11:36-45. Chapter 12, which is naturally connected to the preceding section, clearly does not refer to Antiochus Epiphanes but to the consummation of the ages and the resurrection and reward of the saints. Nowhere does the attempt to make Daniel entirely history fail more miserably than here, as the detailed exegesis of these verses demonstrates.

III. Verse examination (Daniel 12). Ryrie Study Bible, 1986, Dr. Charles C. Ryrie, Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., Litt. D., 1925-2016).

Daniel 12:1-13, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+12%3A1-13&version=NASB1995

A. 12:1. “at that time.” The time of the events 11:36-45, the Great Tribulation. “such as never occurred.” Re Matt 24:21, “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.”

B. 12:2. The verse predicts the resurrection of the righteous dead of the OT times as well as the righteous martyrs of the Tribulation  at the second coming of Christ (Rev 20:4-6). Believers of the church age will already have been changed and raised at the Rapture. (The resurrection of the wicked does not occur at the same time, but after the Millennium; Rev 20:5.)

C. 12:3. Those “who have insight” will see through Antichrist’s deception. They will also lead others to the truth during the tribulation period.

D. 12:4. “seal up the book.” Not that its meaning was to be left unexplained but that the book was to be left intact so as to help those living in the future tribulation days. “many will go back and forth.” As the end approaches, people will travel about seeking to discover what the future holds.

E. 12:5. Likely “two angels.”

F. 12:7. The events of the Tribulation will be consummated when the “time, times, and half a time” (the last 3 1/2 years  of that seven-year period) come to a close. These last 3 1/2 years  constitute the Great Tribulation (cf. Matt 24:21).

G. 12:8. Even Daniel did not understand all these prophecies.

H. 12:11. “the abomination of desolation.” At the midpoint of the tribulation “week” Antichrist will abolish the Jewish sacrifices (9:27; Matt 24:15 ; 2  Thes 2:4). From that time to the end of the 1,290 days. Normally 3 1/2 years (of 360 days per year) would include only 1,260 days. The extra 30 days mentioned here allow for the judgments that will take place after the second coming of Christ. See at Ezek 20:33-44; Joel 3:2-3; Matt 24:32).

I. 12:12. Because the one who lives 75 days after the second advent  (1335 days from the midpoint of the Tribulation) is called blessed, this must mark the beginning of the actually functioning of Christ’s millennial kingdom.

J. 12:13. “you will enter into rest.” I.e., Daniel would die but is promised that he will rise (be resurrected) and receive his inheritance (portion) in our Lord’s millennial kingdom.

IV. Summary. Holman Christian Standard Bible. Michael Rydelnik (Th. M., D. Miss).

A. Daniel wrote his book with two purposes in mind. First, he wanted to assert that the God of Israel was sovereign, even over the powerful nations that surrounded His people. God’s chosen nation had been conquered and dispersed by a mighty empire that did not acknowledge God. What would happen now? Would Babylon’s yoke remain forever on Israel’s shoulders? Would God’s people never see their homeland again? Had God forgotten His promises? Daniel’s answer was that Babylon would fall to another empire, which in turn would fall to yet another great kingdom. History would continue in this pattern until God judged all Gentile nations and established His everlasting rule. Daniel’s message was obviously meant to uplift and encourage the weary hearts of the exiled Jews.

B. Yet Daniel also looked forward to the day when God would restore and reward Israel. Israel was suffering punishment for its disobedience; but when would the punishment end? Daniel’s message was both discouraging and encouraging. He predicted trouble ahead; Israel would suffer under Gentile powers for many years. But the encouraging news was that the time of trials would also pass away. The time was coming when God would gather His children to Him again. He would establish His messianic kingdom which would last forever. The God who directs the forces of history has not deserted His people. They must continue to trust Him. His promises of preservation and ultimate restoration are sure.

V.  My Bucket List shows the references that I consult, of theologians and printed resources, whenever I write an article that will be posted. Please go to the Pages of my site to find my Bucket List.

VI . My Websites To Follow.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

https://untotheleastofthese.home.blog/ Book Prep

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