Daniel 11:36-12:13
Q.1. What kind of person will rule the final kingdom? How will this affect the nations? What will be the outcome of his rule? – (Dan.11:36-45 c.f. 2 Thes.2:4)
This description given by the angel is an expanded version of what Paul taught in 2 Thes.2:1-12, where he described the rule of Antichrist. Though the Antichrist will have a strong religious heritage, he will show no regard for any god, and will usurp the place of God. He may well be a homosexual and will reign by absolute power (i.e. a god of fortresses) – 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. 38 But instead he will honour a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honour him with gold, silver, costly stones, and treasures. 39 He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honour to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many and will parcel out land for a price (Dan.11:37-39). His rule will be destructive to Israel and many nations – He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall … (Dan.11:41). Nevertheless, the Lord has prophesied His end – He will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him (Dan.11:45). Thus, the Antichrist will end in the same way as will other pretenders to world domination.
Q.2. How are we to understand what Daniel was revealing? How do we know that these EndTime events will involve Israel? (Dan.12:1-4)
Daniel was given the identity of the people who will suffer a fate that will eclipse all before it – it will involve his people, the nation of Israel. Jesus agreed that it will be the worst time in human history. John agreed with this prophecy in the book of Revelation – … And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued (Dan.12:1 c.f. Mt.24:15-22; c.f. Rev.13:8; 17:8). The New Testament writers agreed with Daniel’s prophecy that alluded to the resurrection of the righteous who have died – 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever (Dan.12:2-3, 13 c.f. Jn.5:24-29; 1 Thes.4:13-17; Rev.20:4-15). The prophecies were regarding the future. For that reason Daniel was told to seal the details in his book. His descriptions of extensive travel and homosexual acceptance suggest we are living in these days – … many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” (Dan.12:4 c.f. 11:37).
Q.3. When will these events take place? What hope does it give to the those who remain faithful? (Dan.12:5-13)
The Angelic Messengers posed the question of when these events will take place (Dan.12:6). A clear identification of the time and people was given. That description was repeated in the Great Tribulation events as described in the book of Revelation – I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed (Dan.12:7 c.f. Rev.7:4-8; 11:1-3; 12:6; 13:5; 14:1). The Book of Revelation takes up Daniel’s description here and leaves us in no doubt that this involves the tribes of Israel at the end of time. Not surprisingly, Daniel wanted to know how his people will fare under such terrible persecution (Dan.12:8). He was reminded that this related to the very end, and that Israel will survive – Many will be purged, purified, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand (Dan.12:10 c.f. Zech.12:10-13:1; Rom.11:25-32; Rev.14:12-13; 15:1-4).