The Time of the End

Daniel 12:1–4
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This passage reveals Four promises about Israel’s future (vv. 1-3).

1. There will be a time of trouble (v. 1). This is the same time of trouble described already in detail in Daniel 11:36-45. It will be a time of great trouble and tribulation, especially for the Jewish people and for the land of Israel. Jesus quoted this passage in Matthew 24:21 when he said, “For there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.” Zechariah 13:8 tells us that during this time of trouble 2/3^rds of the people will be cut off and perish and 1/3^rd will be left alive. This first prediction is pretty grim, but…

2. There will be deliverance (v. 1). God will send Michael, the general of his heavenly armies, who is personally in charge of standing up for God’s chosen people. God’s promise to his people is that everyone whose name is found written in the book will be delivered. 

3. There will be a resurrection (v. 2). This is a resurrection of two parts: some will live forever with God in heaven, but most will be forever separated from God. We must remember that we are all eternal beings. Everyone you meet is destined to spend eternity in either heaven or hell. It’s important to be prepared for your eternity. 

4. There will be a part to play (v. 3). The wise will shine like the sun in the sky, and those who “turn many to righteousness” will shine like the stars. God wants us to be personally involved in his plan for the ages. 

In the verse 4, Daniel was told to carefully preserve this book. Shut up and seal does NOT mean hide it. It means make sure this gets carefully written down and copied so future generations can read it. In the end times many will be looking for truth, and knowledge about God’s purposes and plans will increase. 

Application

Do you often consider eternal life? What are you doing today to prevent those you know from spending eternity separated from God? What are you doing to “turn many to righteousness”?