"THE BOOK OF DANIEL"
Chapter Twelve
"The Vision Of The Time Of The End" concludes with assurance of ultimate
victory for Daniel's people (Israel), in words suggestive of the final
resurrection (1-3). Daniel is given instructions to seal the book
because it pertain to things in the future. Asking when these things
will be accomplished, he is given cryptic answers, but is reassured that
he himself shall rest and rise to his inheritance at the end of the days
(4-13).
POINTS TO PONDER
* Identifying the "time of trouble" and "time of the end" in this
chapter
* The instructions for Daniel to "shut up the words, and seal the
book"
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The ultimate victory of Daniel's people - Dan 12:1-3
- Final instructions and answers given to Daniel - Dan 12:4-13
2) What events were to occur "at that time"? (1-3)
- Michael, the great prince who watches over Daniel's people, shall
stand up
- There shall be time of trouble, unlike any before
- Daniel's people (those whose name found written in the book) will be
delivered
- Many will who sleep in the dust shall awake, some to life and others
to shame
- The wise and those who turn many to righteousness will shine
3) What suggests that this "time" is not the Last Day or end of time as
we know it? (2)
- Only "many" are said to arise, not "all"; thus this text may be
figurative (cf. Jn 5:28-29)
4) What instructions was Daniel given, and why? (4,9)
- Shut up the words, and seal the book
- For the words are closed and sealed until "the time of the end"
5) What questions does Daniel ask of the man clothed in linen? (6,8)
- "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?"
- "What shall be the end of these things?"
6) What answers are given to Daniel? (7,11-12)
- "It shall be for a time, times, and half a time"
- "From the time the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the
abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be 1290 days."
- "Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the 1335 days."
7) What words of comfort and assurance are given to Daniel? (10,13)
- "Many will be purified, made white, and refined...the wise shall
understand."
- "...you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of
the days."