In each blog, I often reference many different topics that I've already covered (or will soon cover), and maybe you've missed. Please review my blogs to read more...
CLICK HERE! for an index to previous blogs.
__________________________
In the first two verses of Daniel 12, the angel couldn't be much clearer as to the timeframe this vision is referring to.
Dan 12:1
"Now at that time Michael," - what time?
The time just described in Chapter 11.
What we find here at the beginning of Chapter 12 is actually a paraphrasing of Jeremiah:
Jer 30:7 Alas! For that day is great, for none is like it. And it is a time of Jacob's trouble, but he will be saved out of it.
Notice three similarities with Daniel 12:1
[1] time of distress
[2] specifically for the Jewish people
[3] they will be rescued from it
Dan 12:2
Isa 26:19 Your dead will live; their corpses will rise. You who lie in the dust, awake and shout for joy, For your dew is as the dew of the dawn, and the earth will give birth to the departed spirits.
Dan 12:3
Those who have insight [Dan 11:33-35] will shine [H2094 - zahar, to admonish, warn, teach, shine, send out light, be light, be shining] brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Dan 12:4
Not only physically seal (in a literal sense), but also prophetically seal - these words were meant for those in the end times to figure out.
Any interpretation prior to the end times can be thrown out - this prophecy has been sealed until the end times.
Many will search diligently ("to and fro") as knowledge will be increased. Certainly with the advent of the computer and internet age knowledge has vastly increased.
This prophecy will not be understood until the time of the end. Many will pour over this book, again and again, (just as I have/am) seeking out Spiritual insight. See Dan 12:8-10. Even Daniel didn't understand, but wanted to. The angel told him to "Go your way Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time."
There are two positions that scholars and commentators have been unable to agree on as to the meaning of this passage.
[1] Some claim that the prophecy is not "shut up" or "sealed", but only preserved or kept safe for everyone.
This is not the case. When Daniel asks for understanding, the angel says that this is not possible, because the revelation is hidden [H5640 - satham, to stop up, shut up, keep close, or secret] and sealed [H2856 - chatham].
[2] Others (including me) claim that in Daniel’s day, the book would be sealed, but understanding would gradually become more and more available to those believers who diligently and collectively study the book, though it would not ultimately be fully understood until the actual end-times.
Dan 12:6
"How long will it be until the end of these wonders?"
The end of the wonders found in the events of Daniel 10-11, the tribulation, and the resurrection of the dead here in chapter 12.
Dan 12:7
... for a time, times, and half a time [3.5 years]; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.
As we know from the Book of Revelation, this 3.5 year time period is just before the return of Jesus and will occur as soon as they finish shattering the power of the Holy people (Jewish people).
Dan 12:8
Even Daniel didn't understand... again, the understanding is sealed until the time of the end. See verse 9 below.
"What shall be the end of these things?" The NASB translates it as "What will be the outcome of these events?"
Dan 12:9
He says - don't worry about it Daniel - it's not for you to know. "The words are closed up and sealed until the end time."
Dan 12:10
Before the angel finished with Daniel he gave him a couple more critical clues:
[1] many will be purified, made white, and tested
[2] the wicked will continue in their ways and not one of them would understand
[3] the wise shall understand
The angel is restating:
Dan 11:33-35 Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.
Dan 12:11
See Dan 11:31 - this also relates not to history but to the future - the time of the end... resurrection of the dead, etc. Daniel 11:31 is the only place where the specific phrases "the ceasing of offerings" [H8548 - tamiyd] [H5493 - sur] and "the abomination that causes desolation" [H8251 - shiqquts] [H8074 - shamem] are used.
From Joel Richardson, Daniel-11 Abomination.pdf
Again, the problem, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article is that the overwhelming majority of conservative commentators interpret this verse as pertaining to Antiochus Epiphanes and not Antichrist. Again, most conservative commentators do not see Antichrist as being in view until verse 36. And this is how I always understood it. But according to the angel’s interpretation, the Antichrist is in view all the way back to Dan 11:31. Yet the individual who is the subject of verse 31 is obviously the same person that was began being described all the way back in 21. This would mean that rather than seeing the Antichrist introduced in verse 36, “the king will do as he pleases,” we may find a detailed description of the Antichrist beginning from verse 21. Now for clarity, I do believe that Antiochus is very strongly prefigured in verses 21-35, but as we now see, the Antichrist is the ultimate subject of this section of Daniel. If the angelic exposition of those texts means anything to us, we really have no other choice but to see it as such!
Jesus also spoke of this abomination in Mat 24:15 as being future and not referring to Antiochus Epiphanes (past tense). Also note, this abomination spoken of by Jesus, dealing with the end times contextually here in Daniel, also rules out the preterist view of Him speaking about the upcoming 70 AD destruction.
The angels made it abundantly clear that the abomination of desolation and the ceasing of offerings will take place in the context of:
[1] the final 3.5 years
[2] at the time when the Jewish people go through a time of unparalleled suffering
[3] to be followed by the resurrection of the dead, and
[4] it is also specifically referred to twice as “the end times.”
Not surprisingly then, the remainder of Jesus’ discourse in Matthew 24, as well as Mark 13 and Luke 21, involves events that would take place at the end of time just before his return, and not in 70 AD!
From Joel Richardson, Daniel-11 Abomination.pdf, Conclusion
In conclusion, for anyone who simply pays head to the angelic interpretation of Daniel 11, the obscuring fog of Preterism will be cleared away, and the future, end time context of the passage will become crystal clear. Beyond this, when we recognize the fact that the three angels do not identify the individual who sets up the abomination of desolation described in 11:21-45 as Antiochus Epihanes, but as the last days Antichrist, then we also recognize that the career of the Antichrist is described in far greater detail in this portion of Daniel than most commentators have commonly assumed. As I said at the beginning of this article, the implications of this interpretation, if true, are absolutely stunning.
Dan 12:12
How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!
Here we reach a curious passage that has baffled commentators for quite some time.
We know that Daniel's 70th Week is a period of 7 years.
The first half (3.5 years) is referred to as the beginning of birth pangs.
The second half (3.5 years) is referred to as the great tribulation.
Each 3.5 year period is referred to throughout Scripture as "time, times, and half a time", or "42 months", and also "1,260 days". We've covered these different time periods.
Well, what in the world does 1,335 days have to do with anything?
1,335 days - 1,260 days = 75 days difference.
75 days?! What is this time period for?
See my blog entitled "Jewish Feasts - Pattern of Seven - Part 3" and you will find the answer.
CLICK HERE! for an index to previous blogs.
__________________________
Daniel chapter 12 is the angelic description of the events described in chapters 10-11 so be sure to review those notes. Chapters 10-12 are all Daniel's final "great vision".
In the first two verses of Daniel 12, the angel couldn't be much clearer as to the timeframe this vision is referring to.
Dan 12:1
"Now at that time Michael," - what time?
The time just described in Chapter 11.
What we find here at the beginning of Chapter 12 is actually a paraphrasing of Jeremiah:
Jer 30:7 Alas! For that day is great, for none is like it. And it is a time of Jacob's trouble, but he will be saved out of it.
Notice three similarities with Daniel 12:1
[1] time of distress
[2] specifically for the Jewish people
[3] they will be rescued from it
Dan 12:2
Isa 26:19 Your dead will live; their corpses will rise. You who lie in the dust, awake and shout for joy, For your dew is as the dew of the dawn, and the earth will give birth to the departed spirits.
Dan 12:3
Those who have insight [Dan 11:33-35] will shine [H2094 - zahar, to admonish, warn, teach, shine, send out light, be light, be shining] brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Dan 12:4
Not only physically seal (in a literal sense), but also prophetically seal - these words were meant for those in the end times to figure out.
Any interpretation prior to the end times can be thrown out - this prophecy has been sealed until the end times.
Many will search diligently ("to and fro") as knowledge will be increased. Certainly with the advent of the computer and internet age knowledge has vastly increased.
This prophecy will not be understood until the time of the end. Many will pour over this book, again and again, (just as I have/am) seeking out Spiritual insight. See Dan 12:8-10. Even Daniel didn't understand, but wanted to. The angel told him to "Go your way Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time."
There are two positions that scholars and commentators have been unable to agree on as to the meaning of this passage.
[1] Some claim that the prophecy is not "shut up" or "sealed", but only preserved or kept safe for everyone.
This is not the case. When Daniel asks for understanding, the angel says that this is not possible, because the revelation is hidden [H5640 - satham, to stop up, shut up, keep close, or secret] and sealed [H2856 - chatham].
[2] Others (including me) claim that in Daniel’s day, the book would be sealed, but understanding would gradually become more and more available to those believers who diligently and collectively study the book, though it would not ultimately be fully understood until the actual end-times.
Dan 12:6
"How long will it be until the end of these wonders?"
The end of the wonders found in the events of Daniel 10-11, the tribulation, and the resurrection of the dead here in chapter 12.
Dan 12:7
... for a time, times, and half a time [3.5 years]; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.
As we know from the Book of Revelation, this 3.5 year time period is just before the return of Jesus and will occur as soon as they finish shattering the power of the Holy people (Jewish people).
Dan 12:8
Even Daniel didn't understand... again, the understanding is sealed until the time of the end. See verse 9 below.
"What shall be the end of these things?" The NASB translates it as "What will be the outcome of these events?"
Dan 12:9
He says - don't worry about it Daniel - it's not for you to know. "The words are closed up and sealed until the end time."
Dan 12:10
Before the angel finished with Daniel he gave him a couple more critical clues:
[1] many will be purified, made white, and tested
[2] the wicked will continue in their ways and not one of them would understand
[3] the wise shall understand
The angel is restating:
Dan 11:33-35 Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.
Dan 12:11
See Dan 11:31 - this also relates not to history but to the future - the time of the end... resurrection of the dead, etc. Daniel 11:31 is the only place where the specific phrases "the ceasing of offerings" [H8548 - tamiyd] [H5493 - sur] and "the abomination that causes desolation" [H8251 - shiqquts] [H8074 - shamem] are used.
From Joel Richardson, Daniel-11 Abomination.pdf
Again, the problem, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article is that the overwhelming majority of conservative commentators interpret this verse as pertaining to Antiochus Epiphanes and not Antichrist. Again, most conservative commentators do not see Antichrist as being in view until verse 36. And this is how I always understood it. But according to the angel’s interpretation, the Antichrist is in view all the way back to Dan 11:31. Yet the individual who is the subject of verse 31 is obviously the same person that was began being described all the way back in 21. This would mean that rather than seeing the Antichrist introduced in verse 36, “the king will do as he pleases,” we may find a detailed description of the Antichrist beginning from verse 21. Now for clarity, I do believe that Antiochus is very strongly prefigured in verses 21-35, but as we now see, the Antichrist is the ultimate subject of this section of Daniel. If the angelic exposition of those texts means anything to us, we really have no other choice but to see it as such!
Jesus also spoke of this abomination in Mat 24:15 as being future and not referring to Antiochus Epiphanes (past tense). Also note, this abomination spoken of by Jesus, dealing with the end times contextually here in Daniel, also rules out the preterist view of Him speaking about the upcoming 70 AD destruction.
The angels made it abundantly clear that the abomination of desolation and the ceasing of offerings will take place in the context of:
[1] the final 3.5 years
[2] at the time when the Jewish people go through a time of unparalleled suffering
[3] to be followed by the resurrection of the dead, and
[4] it is also specifically referred to twice as “the end times.”
Not surprisingly then, the remainder of Jesus’ discourse in Matthew 24, as well as Mark 13 and Luke 21, involves events that would take place at the end of time just before his return, and not in 70 AD!
From Joel Richardson, Daniel-11 Abomination.pdf, Conclusion
In conclusion, for anyone who simply pays head to the angelic interpretation of Daniel 11, the obscuring fog of Preterism will be cleared away, and the future, end time context of the passage will become crystal clear. Beyond this, when we recognize the fact that the three angels do not identify the individual who sets up the abomination of desolation described in 11:21-45 as Antiochus Epihanes, but as the last days Antichrist, then we also recognize that the career of the Antichrist is described in far greater detail in this portion of Daniel than most commentators have commonly assumed. As I said at the beginning of this article, the implications of this interpretation, if true, are absolutely stunning.
Dan 12:12
How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!
Here we reach a curious passage that has baffled commentators for quite some time.
We know that Daniel's 70th Week is a period of 7 years.
The first half (3.5 years) is referred to as the beginning of birth pangs.
The second half (3.5 years) is referred to as the great tribulation.
Each 3.5 year period is referred to throughout Scripture as "time, times, and half a time", or "42 months", and also "1,260 days". We've covered these different time periods.
Well, what in the world does 1,335 days have to do with anything?
1,335 days - 1,260 days = 75 days difference.
75 days?! What is this time period for?
See my blog entitled "Jewish Feasts - Pattern of Seven - Part 3" and you will find the answer.
Some of these excerpts are from my personal notes copied from 30+ years of studying... some of these notes are direct copies of various sources - I do not claim to have authored every word of this... it's just a mass collection I've tucked away over the years for my own personal studies... I didn't consider a bibliography at the time I directly copied small excerpts from various authors. Also, any emphasis (underlines, bold text, all CAPS, etc.) noted above was only meant to capture my personal attention as I studied...
No comments:
Post a Comment