Chapter Twelve

The Time of the End

Daniel 12:1

At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress, such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people – everyone whose name is found written in the book - will be delivered.

Chapter twelve relates specifically to the people of Israel. This prophecy assures that, in spite of satanic efforts to exterminate the people of Israel, a godly remnant will be ready to greet their Messiah when He returns.

See also Daniel 9:27

He will confirm a covenant with many for one “seven.” In the middle of the “seven” he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.

And Matthew 24:21

“For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now - and never to be equalled again.”

Let’s return to Daniel 12:2-3

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

Daniel revealed that there will be many who will awake from their sleep in the dust of the earth. This refers to the resurrection of the dead and makes it clear that there will be two resurrections with two different destinies. Following the resurrection of the righteous, their faithfulness in witness will be rewarded.

See also Daniel 7:9-10

As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of His head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before Him. Thousands upon thousands attended Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

And Revelation 20:6

Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

Let’s return to Daniel 12:4

But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.

Daniel was told that the prophecies were primarily for those living in “the time of the end”.

Daniel 12:5-13

“Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river, and one on the opposite bank. One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?” The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying “It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.” I heard, but I did not understand. So, I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand. From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days. As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”

Daniel was informed that the time of the end would have a two-fold result:

1. Purification of the saints.

2. Manifestation of the true character of the wickedness of the human heart.

Furthermore, Daniel was given some more details to help him understand the length of the time of the end. In the light of world conditions today, which would seem to anticipate the fulfillment of Daniel’s time of the end, it is possible to understand Daniel today as never before in history.

We truly live in a very unique time. This puts a responsibility on us to wait for the coming of the Lord on the one hand and, at the same time, to share the gospel with others while we are still able, for the day may come when we can no longer do so.