Enough!
Chapter 11 ended as the world collapsed into a religious miasma, whereas chapter 12 opens with Michael, Christ standing up as if to say–”Enough!” Another time we see Christ standing is ironically in the year AD 34, at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:55, 56), the end of the time period allotted to the ancient Jewish nation as discussed in Daniel 9. Chapter 12 is the final chapter of Daniel and opens as a climax to the scene, which started in chapter 9. It comes to a close in two different ways, depending on one’s viewpoint and purpose for reading the book.
If one reads the book of Daniel as a mere historical composite, then chapter 12 poses a cliffhanger, for it leaves one in suspense and shrouded with many unanswered questions. If one reads it as yes, a historical tome, but with a spiritual eye, then one recognizes it is book one of a two-book biopic, if you would. Daniel up to this point has been granted privy to the closing scenes of earth’s history–at least to a point. It gave him a bird’s-eye view, as well as a closer inspection. For whatever reason, this insight is now being abruptly removed, and it leaves him to wonder.
Bible Prophecy
The book closes with three time prophecies (1260 days, 1290 days, and 1335 days). Again, the greater details are beyond this devotional. It is important to recognize that these are not arbitrary or isolated periods. They are part and parcel of the original 2300-day prophecy, as presented in Daniel 8:14. Thus, when studying them, it is important to keep them in this proper context. Again, each day represents a year in Bible prophecy, as discussed earlier (Daniel 9). We set the beginning date of 457 BC. Thus, by calculation, the ending date of the 2300-day (year) prophecy is 1844. One can then calculate each timeline based on these dates.
Enough!
The chapter ends and Gabriel graciously ushers Daniel off of the scene in verse 4. Daniel protests and Gabriel retorts in verse 9 with “Enough!”. This leaves Daniel’s visions and timelines to unfold just as foretold centuries before they took place. Spoiler alert! Another prophet, 500+ years later and also in captivity, opens the so-called closed book (Daniel 12:4, 9). The apostle John continues the saga in the New Testament book of Revelation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your loving care by showing us the future in Your Word. Help us study it and align ourselves with Your purpose for us. In the wonderful name of Your Son, Jesus, Michael, the great Prince of Peace.
I pray this post has blessed you. Please like, comment, and share!
Not Your Typical Chapter 11
The instruction of Daniel, as begun in chapter 10, continues in chapter 11. One can assume, based on previous chapters, that the angel Gabriel is the teacher. Danial takes notes as dramatic scenes are unfolding and being explained to him. The book of Daniel is such a fascinating tome, which appeals to biblical scholars and history buffs as well. He literally describes ancient history before it occurs. The sagas and stories foretold are the ones that we look at in retrospect in class. The accuracy is uncanny! We see this situation described, though it is not your typical chapter 11.
This passage alludes to so-called famous people in history, such as Cleopatra. It outlines Alexander the Great’s rise and division of power in vivid detail, as well as the subsequent whereabouts of his four generals. The spiritual symbolisms are most important and beyond this devotional, yet parallel to the previous chapters in Daniel. Most notably is the rise of world powers that seek not only to dominate the secular world, but Christendom and Christ Himself!
The chapter is replete with direct reference to a religious power that seeks to set itself in the stead of Jesus Chist with the power to rule, make, and change laws. Daniel can see this gradual transition from secular dominions to church/state homogeneity. Of course, this causes a state, pun intended, of confusion, as verse 37 directly references a period of atheism. Chapter 11 is a play on words, as in the corporate sphere, it represents bankruptcy. However, this is not your typical chapter 11, as it does not lend to reorganization.
How fitting, then as chapter 11 closes, that one gets the sense of spiritual bankruptcy as we approach the end of time. However, there is good news as we come to the end of the book!
Prayer
God, You are indeed a faithful God. We know that as the world falls short of staying committed to You, You have loved us with an everlasting love. Help us recognize the times in which we live and make a full surrender to You. We ask this is the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, Who is worthy to be praised.
I pray this post has blessed you and invite you to like, share, and subscribe!
Daniel’s Third Vision
Daniel takes a brief respite in chapter 10, from the heavy use of symbolism and prophetic utterances seen in (Daniel Chapter 9). He imposes upon himself a 21-day fast, now known and practiced by many as the Daniel Fast. Daniel uses this fast not just to facilitate his prayer, but to experience an encounter with God. Indeed, Daniel experiences encounters with heavenly messengers as he goes in and out of apparent unconsciousness. Like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others, he recognizes his inadequacies in conversing at such an ethereal level. It is such an overwhelming experience that he loses all strength and the angel Gabriel revives him to fully and appropriately participate. Unquestionably, this sets the stage for Daniel’s Third Vision.
Daniel’s Third Vision: Michael
This chapter is a prelude to another prophetic interpretation, but his and our introduction to Michael the Prince, the Archangel, the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ Himself. This is the first of a handful of references throughout the Bible to Michael–”one Who is like God”.
Daniel’s tenure spans three kings, including the overthrow of the most powerful nation on earth. It is interesting to think about what is going through his mind. He not only predicts the change in government, but experiences it. He then predicts the overthrow of the conqueror, and the next. His experiences, fascinating as they might be, are not the most meaningful in the grand scheme of things, however.
Daniel’s Third Vision: The Final Battle
Indeed, Daniel provides one of the first direct references to what many do not understand or choose to believe. There is a “behind-the-scenes” supernatural battle that is at play in each of our lives. Angels on both sides of the spiritual conflict attempt to gain the mastery of each of our lives through our minds. The choices we make each day have eternal consequences. There are many conflicts as components to war and our personal decisions are part-and-parcel of the final throes.
“It is Finished!”
This war interests heaven and God Himself is involved, as Daniel clearly describes. Jesus Christ won the war at Calvary (John 19:30). This is good news! Our God is not just omnipotent (all-powerful), He is omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent. The last term has a dual meaning in that He is everywhere at once, but He can also move along the timeline of earth’s history in any direction He pleases. Daniel’s third vision shows that God can take the broken past of an individual and create abundant blessings in the future. God is true to His word. Thus, we can rely on God not just in the events of the past, but to manage our affairs in the present and for the future. This is the God we trust and serve (2 Timothy 1:12)!
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, what an awesome God You are! You have proven time and time again that Your word is true. Undeniably, You let us know that You have our best interest at heart and we can trust You. Because of this we simply say, thank You. In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.
I pray this post has blessed you. If so, please like, comment, and share.
For more information on this supernatural conflict, I refer you to a remarkable resource which discusses (The Great Controversy).