Be Resolved - There is hope!
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Understanding
Understanding
Daniel a man of resolve. Resolved faith, resolved prayer, resolved to serve, resolved to display his God, even when he didn not understand everything. Daniel was a man of vision, a man of hope and even when we draw to the end, he is a man comforted even without full understanding.
Vision of the time of the end (a journey) (Dan10:14, 12:9)
Depicting how it will impact Daniel’s people (Dan10:14)
Describing events of “latter days” (Dan10:14)
Instructions to seal it up for the future (Dan12:9)
For these reasons this last vision has been name vision of the time of the end, or end times. Wait I should give those scriptures
14 “Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”
and then
9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time.
Vision includes angelic participants (Dan10:13, 20-21, 11:1)
Gabriel sent to give understanding (Dan10:13), help for Gabriel (Michael) is dispatched too
The understanding given concerned the impact of nations of Persia and Greece.
Conflicts were coming (Dan11:2-4; Dan11:5-35)
Conflicts between Persians and the Greeks
Conflicts between North (Syria) and South (Egypt)
Conflicts that put Israel in the middle
(Transition) This now brings us to our final installment of our study of the book of Daniel. And there have been and I’m confident there still are many a discussions and diversity regarding this section about who is the king described (Dan11:36-45) and what is the time in which it will be fulfilled (Dan11:36-12:13)
So as we look, study, and hopefully discuss the portion of scripture may we remember that at the time and to the people written it was prophesy and let’s go and look together to see what we can find together as to the identity and the timing of fulfillment, all the while not being dogmatic about it.
36 “Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done.
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 honor a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honor 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 honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.
40 “At the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them and pass through.
41 “He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall; but these will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, Moab and the foremost of the sons of Ammon.
42 “Then he will stretch out his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. 43 “But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels.
44 “But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many.
1 “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. 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.
What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?
I see:
This king will do whatever he wants and will magnify himself (v.36) and exalt himself (v.37)
He will worship creation instead of the Creator (v.38)
The battles will carry on into Jerusalem (v.40-41, 45)
He will come to an end with no help (v.45)
And then at that time Michael will stand up (v.12:1)
So, who is this king?
So, who is this king?
There are several views on who this king is. And we will quickly explore the plausible. Here are some things to consider.
Antiochus Epiphanes IV (Dan11:21-35)
King represents the Roman Caesars
“The” Anti-Christ
So now let us look at each one of these
Antiochus Epiphanies IV of Syria
Vile and blasphemous ruler in Syria (Dan11:21-35)
His time of persecution and havoc was (169-167 BC)
This is time of Maccabean revolt (1Mac1)
The Roman Caesars
These are the ones who persecuted the early church
The time of persecution was from 60-313 AD
Let me touch on the ones that are in the biblical times here.
Tiberius (14AD-37) - Jesus time
Caligula (37-41) -early church, peace time
Nero (54-68) - start of persecutions
Galba, Otho, Vitallus (58-79) - each usurped and taken out quickly
Titus (79-81) - time of great persecution
Domitian (81-96) the most evil of the emperors
The Anti-Christ
Future ruler still to come
Restoration of Roman Empire and world domination
Another time of deceptive peace then great persecution that happens just prior to Christ’s return.
This final one is the view of the pre-millennialists and some amillennialists too.
(Transition) So there are some things, people, times to consider, but may we continue to look more now?
Antiochus Epiphanies critics choice \
Strong allusion in previous section that it is Antiochus (Dan11:21ff)
No scriptural indication of any change from Antiochus (Dan11:36, 40, 12:1)
(v.36) then the king shall do. . .
(v.40) at the time of the end the king of the south
(v.12:1) - at that time Michael . . .
No scriptural proof that Antichrist was ever addressed as “King.” (1Jn2:18 22, 4:3, 2Jn7)
in fact scripture says there are many Anti-Christs and Anti-Christ spirits
18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.
22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.
3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
and one more
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Again, please be reminded let us not be dogmatic on this, this is a possible, plausible answer to who the king is. It would seem there are fewer difficulties in this then in the other two scenarios offered.
(Transition) So we mentioned possibilities on who, and the time frame of the fulfilling, now we will go on and look at the events.
Events “the time of the end”
Events “the time of the end”
There are things we can know according to the scripture about the “time of the end” so may we stop, look, read, and discuss what we can know.
We have already read 11:36-12:1, but now let’s read the rest of it and then will go back and discuss the events.
1 “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. 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.
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.
4 “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”
5 Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. 6 And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?”
7 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.
8 As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time.
10 “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.
11 “From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 “How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!
13 “But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”
What did you see, what did you notice, what sticks out to you?
Here is what I see
A time of great trouble like non other, but also a time of deliver of YOUR people (v.1)
There is some type of resurrection noted (v.2-3)
Daniel, shut this up it is for the future (v.4)
Daniel sees others and describes them (vv.5-7)
Daniel does not understand and is given comfort and assurance (vv.8-10, 13)
There is something that seems significant the numbers (1290, and 1330) in (vv.11-12)
(Transition) Now, having said that, looking at the remainder of the passage may we now look at the entire section on what we can tell about the events at “the time of the end”
The blasphemy of this king (Dan11:35-39; Isa10:5-12)
We have already looked at the blasphemies against God
The time of judgment against Israel until God was done with His wrath, you can see Isa10:5-12 for another example with Assyria and Israel.
He honors or regards no god’s except the god of fortresses.
(Transition) I think we could qualify this king to be Antiochus from the scripture. Or at least he could fit the bill.
The conquests and end of this king (Dan11:40-45, Dan10:14)
The king of South (Egypt) shall attack North (Syria)
This is noted as “time of the end” so this can help us pin point the definition of “time of the end” historically as to when that happen.
But wait there is more, king of North ( Antiochus) will respond and overwhelm the countries (Dan11:40-43) and will enter the glorious land (Israel) Some countries would be left alone (Edom, Moab and Ammon) but others will submit, Libyans, and Ethiopians.
His time will come to an end and there will be no help (Dan11:44-45) that is in 163BC
(Transition) So, again there is plausible reason to consider this king to be Antiochus.
Victory and deliverance of Daniel’s people (Dan12:1-3; Dan10:13, 21, 11:40; 1Jn2:18, 22, 4:3, 2Jn7)
The message of this lesson was there is hope, look again at (v.1)
1 “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. 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.
We have the great guard of the people, Michael who had come to the aid of Gabriel earlier (Dan10:13, 21) in a great time of trouble, as not seen before (v.1) had to do with the time of the conflict involving Antiochus for we have not seen a name of any other king when look at things in context back to chapter 10 and here in chapter 12.
Just a couple of more points to bring up (v.2)
Some who are dead (asleep) will awake
Some to everlasting life
Others to everlasting contempt and shame. Interesting it is that it says “some” so this is unlikely the total resurrection of “all” at the end of all time, that passage is (Jn5:28-29) if you want to note that down.
So, do you wonder who will shine at this time (v.3)?
How is it that they will shine? (brightness, like stars)
Why will they shine? turn many to righteousness!
Does that make you think about Mt5:14-16? Maybe take a minute and look at that.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
This can be the time of the Maccabean revolt where the Jews came out of the caves and the mountains to resist Antiohus (Dan11:33-35; 1Mac1-3)
Instructions and answers given to Daniel (Dan12:4-13 10:5-6, 7:2, 11:31-35; Rev1:2-3 22:10,
(Transition) who does not wants words of hope given to them? Daniel had just been given hope (v.1) now come some instruction and in it we are now able to maybe draw a conclusion or two too.
Shut up these words (v.4) but how long is that to be? Look at (v.4)
Interesting tie this back to other times he is told to seal up, in Dan8, Dan10-12 they were to be sealed up. This was not going to be fulfilled for some of it 170 years in the future to Daniel, other parts as far out as 300 years, so we have the answer as to when “end of time” was. It was defined by the fulfillment.
If you contrast this with what was said to John in (Rev1:2-3), and then look at (Rev22:10)
2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
What is the instruction to John from the angel in Revelation? - The time is near so read and heed!
Then look at
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.
Read, heed, do not seal up the words for the time is near.
Two more questions addressed
How long until fulfillment (vv.5-7)?
We have an answer of time, times, and half a time. (v.7)? - when the power of the holy people is completely shattered!
What we have a definitive time of judgment, to completely shatter the power of the holy people.
3 1/2 years, 42 months, 1260 days) you can see other examples of this in Daniel, Dan7:2, or in Revelation 11:2-3, 12:6-13-14)
when the persecution, judgment has completed its purpose, or accomplished it according to God’s plan then the things described will take place (the victory noted in v.1)
(Transition) Daniel still has question, for still seeks understanding.
What shall be the end of these things (v.8-13)?
Not really answered is it, he is given instructions
what is he told to do (v.8) shut up the vision
What will be the results?
Many purified, refined
But the wicked will still be wicked and do wicked.
Look at (v.11) keep in mind we have already tried to come to some understanding on who the king is, and the timing, look at (v.11) timing 1290 days for what?
No sacrifices, the abomination of desolation is going on
Now look at the promise and details (v.12)
those who wait will be blessed
but you have to wait 1335 days.
It took time after the descreation of the temple to purify it and prepare if for sacrifices again. could be the answer for 1290 days to 1335 days
Literal or figurative it is a period of time that seems to line up with the time of the Antioch (168bc)
More instructions and promise in (v.13), what do you see?
Go your way til the end
You will have your rest and you will get your inheritance!
Be Resolved! - Book of Daniel
Be Resolved! - Book of Daniel
What a great journey it has been, informative, historical, prophetic, perplexing, challenging, but what we can now are a few things as we close this out.
The final vision noted had intended people and would affect those people- Daniels people (Jews)
End of times seems to point to the end of the Jewish age and the old covenant nation
We have seen the inter-testamental period between Malachi and Matthew, in those 400 years that God was not talking but still working.
We have see the end times had many great battles, conflicts.
We have seen the resolved faith of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego that should be a great example and a great hope for us too to have faithful prayerful service regardless of situation or circumstance.
We have also seen, learned that God is God and is still in control even when it does not seem like it and he will accomplish His will.
May we also walk away with what Paul says, promises that the scripture is for.
4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
(Prayer slide) prayer (exit slides)