THE REST OF THE STORY

Dan. 11:36-12:13

The Final Chapter.

In the midst of the uncertainty and confusion of the attack, God has already written the last chapter to the story: the good guys (the faithful) win!

As the story begins, Daniel was worried and upset. He had reason to be.

His homeland was in ruins; the attacks against it were still going on.

There was no hope of relief anytime soon.

Israel had been sent into captivity in Babylon because of unfaithfulness to God.

Daniel was anxious for their deliverance and restoration.

The king who was responsible for protecting God’s people had no interest in God nor in godly living.

He was running around with a punch of women and living it up, while acting like everything was alright.

Daniel knew where the trends were heading:

    Soon the king was going to prohibit any form of public worship of the true God.

    In fact, he was going to force them to worship HIM!

    Anyone who taught their children to be faithful to the true God would be punished!

The entire nation was to be indoctrinated in the humanistic belief system prevalent in contemporary Greek culture.

When we have to go through hard times or suffer affliction because of our faith in Christ, it’s hard to concentrate on the implications of that suffering, the spiritual battle in which we’re participating, the importance of faithfulness, or the final victory.

It seems that all we can think about is the reality of the pain. 

Like a blow on our thumb with a hammer, it gets all our attention and we pay little attention to what’s going on around us. It hurts and we want to be free from the pain.

Like one of the prayers we have used in helping people in spiritual warfare, “Lord, sometimes you seem so far away while Satan and the affliction he is causing seems so much closer and so much more real.”

Throughout all their generations, God’s people have had to struggle against this internal conflict.

It was just as real for God’s people in Daniel’s day as it is for us today.

It’s never been easy, nor desirable, to suffer for God’s name.

Every generation needs to be reminded of the right perspective about God’s plan and our part in it.

It has always been true that those who stay faithful to the true God of the universe will triumph in the end with Him.

70TH WEEK 11:36-12:3 The Time of Affliction

Irresistable King described 11:36-39 

After describing the political movements that will affect God’s people during the first 69 weeks, which cover the time between the testaments of the Bible (10:20-11:35), Daniel moves on to talk about the final week, the 70th, that still hasn’t been fulfilled (11:36-12:3).

As a result of the resistence movement against Antiochus Epiphanes, there would be purification and repentance, but it would be temporary because the time for permanent restoration hadn’t come yet.

However, Antiochus’ purposes wouldn’t be fulfilled either because they were for the last times and the time for that hadn’t come yet either.

In the end God will save His people from this great affliction, but that wouldn’t be totally fulfilled until the time God established for it.

Daniel introduces a transition from Antiochus in 35b which leads into Antichrist in v. 36, since Antiochus is a type of Antichrist who will ultimately fulfill the prophecy in the future.

        Literally he says:   ". . . it is still to come at the appointed time.

                               "Then the king (of that time) will do as he pleases . . . ." 

In other words, another king who does as he pleases will come, and this one will in fact take them to the end of the time God has appointed.

Some scholars say that there isn't enough basis to change persons at this point-they think that it looks like the author is only referring to one person throughout this section. 

However, it is precisely because of the differences between these two sections and the two individuals represented in them that modern critics attack the authenticity of the book.

They insist that the difference between the two parts points to the time when Daniel lived.

According to them, Daniel was a better historian than a prophet, because it is at this point that he begins to make mistakes. 

The truth is that what Daniel says here didn’t come true in Antiochus’ case. 

Thus Daniel either suddenly begins to make a bunch of mistakes for the first time, or else this isn’t the same person.

There are plenty of reasons to believe that Daniel has changed persons for the following reasons: 

        1.     The transitional emphasis on the end of his days and of another time period yet to come seems to indicate a change 35b-36. 

        2.     The descriptions of this king's character go beyond those known to have been true of Antiochus and include some that were definitely not true of him: 

                 a.     v. 36-37        "He will exalt himself above every god."

                         Antiochus insisted that they worship the Greek gods.

By way of contrast, Antichrist won’t allow people to worship any other god 2 Thess. 2:4) 

                 b.     v. 37         He isn't interested in women.

Antiochus was known for his relations with women. 

                 c.     v. 38-39    He worships a god that his fathers didn't know-a god of fortresses.

Antiochus' gods were those of his fathers and of the Greeks. 

        3.     11:36-39 describes the king's policies. 

If this were still Antiochus, there would be no reason to describe his policies, because they have already been described. 

It would appear that he is starting from the beginning again because this is a new king. 

        4.     Numerous historical details are given in vv. 40-45.

These details don't fit what is known about the life of Antiochus. 

It seems strange that all of a sudden he makes so many mistakes when he was so accurate before.

The description given does fit what we know about the Antichrist. 

        5.     There is no reason to continue the discussion of Antiochus since his story already reached its climax in vv. 30-35. 

        6.     His presentation as "the king" suggests a change in the person described:

                 a)     Antiochus isn't called "king" in Ch. 11.

He is "a despicable person" on whom the honor of kingship is never conferred. 

                 b)     Earlier kings were always called "the king of the north." That title is not used here either. 

        7.     12:1-"Now at that time . . . ." indicates that this king rules during the time of the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21; Jer. 30:4-9)

The description of this king “who does as he pleases” again points to him as a proud king that no one can oppose 11:36-39. 

It corresponds to that of the little horn introduced in Dan. 7,

the Prince who was to come (Dan. 9)

the Man of sin (2 Thess. 2)

                     and the beast (Rev. 13) 

Thus the description fits what we know about the Antichrist in the last days.

 11:36 He loves to exalt and magnify himself (2 Thess. 2:3-4) 

Look at v. 36 again. Can you think of any description that is more in tune with the spirit of the age than that?!! This is a real 20th century contemporary person! 

The New Age movement, the contemporary religious expression of 20th century philosophy really just repeats what Satan proposed in the garden: “You shall be like gods!” 

That’s what this world leader proposes for himself. He wants to take God’s place. However, he wants it all to himself! 

He speaks against God => denies His right to rule over him, or over his kingdom. 

"Until the indignation is finished" ==> the end of the 70th week. 

It's the end of the period of divine indignation against Israel and unbelievers. 

11:37 He institutes his own religion—focused on himself. 

He doesn't accept any other previous god. 

He denies the god (gods => "Elohim") of his fathers. 

Therefore some say that he must be a Jew. 

But, the use of the plural here, in contrast to the singular uses in the context seems to indicate that he is talking about pagan gods. 

Therefore-

v. 36—He denies the true God

                 v. 37—He denies all other gods. 

He establishes himself as god (37b; cp. 2 Thess. 2:3-4) 

11:38-He honors a "god of fortresses" 

Although we don’t really know anything about this god, it could be a figurative reference to power personified. 

Everything we know about this proud king inclines us to believe that he is enamored of power, to such an extent that you could say that power is his god—it would appear that is the only god he is willing to worship except himself. 

His fundamental religious value: “Might makes right!” 

He spends vast sums of money in "sacrifices" for military activity in order to establish additional fortresses and to demonstrate his own great power.

        11:39 The strongest of fortresses will be conquered by this "strange god." 

The people of conquered towns that honor him will be repaid for their submission to his authority. 

He will distribute the land to those who "pay the price", i.e., who submit to him and worship before him. 

The “price” might refer to bribes, or to absolute submission to him. 

Whatever it is, the main point is that those who recognize his authority and satisfy him prosper and receive personal benefits from his hand.

What would the life of God’s people be like in a time like this?

How should they respond to such circumstances?

What would you do if you had to live through it?

Notice the contrast between the description of the proud king and that of those who ultimately triumph, particularly as depicted by Daniel’s attitudes and final victory.

    The spirit of the age vs. Daniel’s attitude

Irresistable King attacked 11:40-45 

The account of this proud king’s life ends with a great conflict. 

Daniel describes the military movement against him.

            Two possible interpretations:

                 1)     Two powers involved in the conflict-king of the south vs. king of the north.

                     Cp. the rest of chapter 11 

In this case the king of the south moves against the king of the north; and the king of the north against the king of the south. 

                 2)     Three powers involved in the conflict-king of the south and king of the north unite to fight against the king who does as he pleases described in verses 36-39.

                         This would then be the descendant of Rome mentioned in Chapter 9.

The two kings unite to oppose him because he is identified with Israel and helps them (Cp. Ez. 38-39) 

It's hard to be sure which of these alternatives is more likely.

            The two power view is more consistent with the rest of the chapter. 

However, no one quite fits that description in the North today with the same kind of power over the rest of the region as Seleucus had.

It could be that part of what makes this conflict so significant is that the situation is serious enough to unite these two who had been in conflict for so long. 

In order for the two-power view to come about, there would have to be a mighty restoration to power for Syria, or some nation descendant from Syria in the same region. 

Rome is consistently viewed in Scripture as a western power, not a northern power. 

The grammar used in the prophecy seems to correspond better to a situation in which north and south unite against this new proud king. 

Also, in modern history (except for the Iraq conflict), instead of a conflict between north and south, they have been allied together against Israel. It is easier to imagine a modern united effort of northern and southern powers to get Israel and the one supporting her. 

Although nothing quite fits the picture right now. We’ll have to wait and see how this works itself out. 

A guarantee of protection made by a western power, or alliance, to Israel could set up the context for the events Daniel and Ezekiel foresaw. 

The peace in Israel in Ezek.. 38-39 can be explained by their confidence in the king who makes a treaty to protect them. [Current negotiations for a treaty already reflect this spirit—Hussein’s jet flying over Israel; the wire being cut at the border; the mutual announcements of peace are already being celebrated.]

The description of the enemy of the north in Ezek. indicates that they come from the far off regions of the North, identified with Russia’s new offspring (38:6, 15; 39:2).

                              It’s still not sure how all those pieces will end up fitting together. 

Josephus indicates the the descendents of Magog (Gen. 10:2) are identified with the Scythians who lived to the north of the Black Sea (=> Russia). 

Also note the consonantal similarities:

This isn’t definitive but the similarities are interesting!

                                      “Chief prince (= Prince of Rosh) Rosh => Russia

                                      Meshech => Moscow

                                      Tubal =>   Tobols    k 

Also, the Table of Nations given in Gen. 10 supports the geographical identification of these names with areas to the north of the Black Sea.

                              Meshec = Lidia—Cappadocia

                              Tubal = Cilicia—Armenia

                              Togarmah = Armenia—Caucasus

                              Magog = the fortress of Gog 

It appears more natural to understand this from the perspective of three powers: north and south allied against the king who does what he pleases, who protects Israel because of his covenant with them. 

At the end of this period, due to the lack of opposition, the king would be able to establish his throne in Jerusalem as his international seat. 

Thus he is able to establish his palace between the Mediterranean and Dead seas and by the beautiful holy mountain which would have to refer to Mt. Zion

            In spite of his strength and firm position, in the end he won’t prevail; he will be destroyed. 

When God intervenes to destroy him in the end, no one will be able to save him.

    Israel delivered 12:1-3

The prophet describes the end of the final great political and spiritual conflict.

12;1a The Great Tribulation comes at that time, that is, after he establishes his palace in Jerusalem.

He breaks his treaty with them and sets himself up as dictator. He demands that everyone worship him. 11:36-39; 1 Thess. 2:3-4

        That's the way the Great Tribulation (last 3½ years of it) is launched.

            Cp. Matt. 24:21-22; Jer. 30:4-9

12:1b-3 Then comes the salvation of God's people at the end.

God sends Michael, His heavenly messenger and their “prince” to deliver them.

Revelation 7 indicates that 144,000 will be sealed to protect them from the judgments of the tribulation period.

Although they will suffer tremendously, they won't die.

God will protect them and in the end they will be saved.

12:2-3 The resurrection and the judgment

Now, at last, they see what the people in the midst of their suffering couldn't see: the final result, the climax of the great drama, the end of the times of the Gentiles.

Some will be resurrected to receive eternal life; others for future punishment.

In reality there will be a pause in between the two parts of the resurrection seen here (Rev. 20)

However, the author isn't nearly as interested in the chronology of the events as in the reality of their occurrence. He's interested in how the conflict ends.

Now the conclusion, that couldn't be seen before, is finally seen.

In Dan. 11 it wasn't time to receive the prize yet.

That victory wasn't final; it was partial and temporary.

They were still going to face additional affliction.

In 12:3, we come to the final victory.

Those who have insight (the wise ones) mentioned earlier finally understand the significance of the things they have gone through and respond appropriately; they receive the promised exaltation (Cp. 11:33 with 12:3).

In the end the faithful really do triumph. This victory is permanent.

God's people may have lost a lot of intermediate battles, but they eventually win the war that really counts.

How should we apply this victory message to ourselves today?

What difference should it make in our lives?

What will you do based on the truths presented in this passage?

CONCLUSION 12:4-13

    Sealing of book 12:4

The details of Daniel’s message weren’t understood by the people of his time 

Although they could see the protective hand of God and His control over history, the details would be witnessed by those of a later generation. 

Its promises were not intelligible to that generation. 

They would not be understood until the time of the end.

            The people who live through the time of its fulfillment will understand it.

Therefore, Daniel should close and seal the book.

        God will open it later.

Daniel describes the increase in the search for knowledge.

12:4b is parallel with Amos 8:12 

Today people are seeking more and more for knowledge.

            We learn a little bit more every day. 

However, human knowledge doesn’t satisfy.

            People just keep looking for more. 

They never find the true answers to life.

            They don’t know how to interpret the times. 

Those who live in the time described here will be able to find the real thing: true wisdom, and they will learn what God wants to tell them.

What should we learn from this prophecy?

How will it affect your life?

    Appendix: Length of days 12:5-13 

After all this revelation concerning the future, Daniel was still left with a couple of questions:

        He received yet another revelation to answer his questions: 

The duration of the tribulation period 

            5-6   First question: How long will it be until these things are fulfilled? 

            7      First answer: 

The answer gave him an exact basis to calculate the time.

                         It would be after the affliction goes on for . . . 

                     a. Time, times, and half a time => 3½ years

                         We saw before how that adds up:

                              times = 2

                              Time = 1

                              ½ time = ½

                                           _______

                                           3½ years 

                     b. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken

[NAS —”as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people.”] 

                         =>    When the dispersion (shattering) is over.

                                  Three possible events in mind here (they’re all simultaneous!)

                                  1. The end of the time of persecution

                                  2. The end of the times of the Gentiles.

                                  3. The end of the time of cursing and divine punishment. 

It will all end after 3½ years of suffering under this proud king (12:7) 

Daniel didn’t understand the implications of the answer, so he repeated it a different way: 

            8      Second question:  What will be the end of these things? 

            9-13 Second answer: 

                 9      The answer won’t be revealed until the time of the end 

Only those who live in those end times will understand the true significance of these prophecies. 

                 10        The end will be characterized by a great purification of the people of God (v. 10) 

Only those who have been purified will understand the meaning of these prophecies. 

                 11        From the day that the contuous sacrifice is cut off and the abomination that desolates established, will be 3½ years plus 30 days. 

Those two events indicate the beginning of their affliction and of the count (8:13-14) 

Rev. 12:6—the woman who represents Israel escapes to the desert for 3½ years during their affliction also. 

                 12        God promises blessing for those who endure 1335 days (45 days after the period of affliction ends.

                         Why the difference? 

Daniel doesn’t explain it. 

Dwight Pentecost suggests that perhaps it should be explained on the basis of the “sign of the Son of Man in the heavens.” Matt. 24:30. 

After the announcement of His coming, several days of preparation are necessary before the establishment of the promised kingdom. 

The time of blessing can’t begin until after His arrival and the establishment of His throne. 

            12:13   Personal promise for Daniel 

The book ends with a personal promise for Daniel that will be extended to all the faithful as well. 

They will see the end and the great climax to this struggle in which they have participated. 

But first he will have to die and be raised again

                         After being resurrected, he will receive his inheritance.

                         The faithful WILL triumph in the end! 

Although there will be rough and uncertain times ahead, their final destiny isn’t uncertain. 

God is in control of all of history, even in the midst of pagan lands.

Those who remain faithful to Him, will triumph together with him in the great climax of human history.

How does the conclusion fit our present circumstances?

What lessons do we learn when we consisder them?

How should they affect your life?

REVIEW

Daniel gives a message of encouragement to God’s people in the midst of suffering.

Although there are hard times ahead, He Who controls history will protect them.

No one can harm us, against His controling and protecting hand.

    The suffering we have to endure is intended to perfect and purify us.

    God will protect those who are faithful to Him.

In the midst of God’s program for Israel, which includes suffering, those who are faithful to God will triumph in the end.

Now the story is complete: 

    1-6       In the past, history confirms it:        The Faithful Triumph in the end! 

    7-12     In the future, prophecy confirms it:         The Faithful WILL Triumph in the end!

I have been impressed as we have been considering together Daniel’s experience and his prophecy with the parallels between his day and ours.

    He was forced to live in a pagan society that wasn’t interested in worshipping God.

    The people and their kids were being indoctrinated by the popular culture of their day.

        Most of the people were going along with it and didn’t really care.

They didn’t care that their kids value system was being influenced by the popular brainwashing of their day and by ongoing peer pressure.

In the midst of a secular, humanistic society, most people just kept their faith to themselves.

How did Daniel respond?

    Did he lead a demonstration?

    Did he stage a protest march?

    Did he overthrow the government?

Daniel’s response: 

    1. Remain faithful to obey the standards God had established for His own life. 

    2. Pray regularly (at least 3 times per day); fast out of the intensity of his concern, to concentrate on crying out to God to deliver His people. 

    3. Speak when spoken to—give Godly counsel as God opens the doors of opportunity to do so, without cramming his faith down the pagans’ throats or forcing them to try to live like God’s people when they weren’t. 

As the pagan politicians sought his counsel, he was faithful to exhort them on the basis of godly principles. 

    4. Teach God’s people to remain faithful to their God and to His Word. 

He desired them to stand out as a light in the midst of the darkness of pagan society. This isn’t a new concept intended only for the church in the N.T. This was God’s desire for His people in the O.T. also! Is. 42:6; 49:6. 

    5. Trust God to fulfill His promises and allow His people to participate in the triumph at the end of the conflict.

There is much that Daniel doesn’t know about the future. But he knows enough.

Like all Biblical prophecy, the primary goal of his message is that our primary task, while we wait for its fulfillment is to live now for God’s glory.

Peter asks the appropriate question: “. . . what kind of people ought you [then] to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God.”

Our response to God’s promises concerning the future should always be “Live for God now—recognize His reign in your life now—be obedient now—fulfill your present responsabilities now.

John says: “he who has this hope purifies himself.”

If this book tells us anything, it tells us that since the faithful will triumph with Him in the future, we are to be different NOW.

In conclusion, Daniel was given the encouragement of a beautiful personal promise: “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”

A pastor comforted an afflicted woman with these words: "I hold in my hand two stones. They are alike in color and are equally pure. Yet there's a marked contrast between them. One has a dazzling brilliance; the other is quite dull." "What makes the difference?" inquired the woman. "Any dealer in precious stones could give you the answer," said her pastor. "It's because one has received eighty cuts from the jeweler's chisel, and the other only eight! The stone that has 'suffered much' is radiant, but the one that has had little effort expended on it is dim and lusterless." He then reminded the lady that her light affliction, which was only temporary, was working for her an "eternal weight of glory." She could accept her trials with joy, because they were not worthy to be compared with the reward she would eventually receive when she stands before the Lord.

This is Daniel’s message.

Joachim Neander wrote these well known words in the 17th C.:

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,

    Shieldeth thee gently from harm,

        or, when fainting, sustaineth.

Hast thou not seen how thy heart’s wishes have been granted in what He ordaineth?