Daniel chapter 12 is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic chapters in the entire Bible. This chapter is often overlooked, but it holds the key to understanding the end times and the ultimate destiny of humanity. As we delve into the mysteries of this chapter, we will uncover the secrets of the future and gain a deeper understanding of God’s plan for the world.
The chapter begins with a question posed by the angel Gabriel to Daniel: “At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1). This verse sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the end times. The angel is telling Daniel that a time of great tribulation is coming, but God will deliver His people who are written in the book of life.
The concept of the book of life is a recurring theme in the Bible. It is a record of those who have been chosen by God to be saved and to inherit eternal life. The book is often referred to as the Lamb’s book of life, and it is said to contain the names of all those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ (Revelation 13:8, 21:27). The fact that Daniel’s people will be delivered because their names are written in the book is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to protect His people in times of trouble.
The angel continues to explain that the time of trouble will be so severe that it will be unlike anything that has ever been seen before. The phrase “such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time” is a strong indication of the magnitude of the events that are to come. The world will be plunged into chaos and darkness, and many will be deceived by false prophets and false messiahs. But God will not abandon His people; He will deliver them and bring them through the tribulation to the other side.
One of the most interesting aspects of Daniel chapter 12 is the mention of the resurrection of the dead. The angel tells Daniel that “many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). This verse is a clear reference to the resurrection of the dead, which is a central doctrine of the Christian faith. The Bible teaches that all people will be raised from the dead, either to eternal life or to eternal punishment (John 5:28-29, Revelation 20:12-15).
The resurrection of the dead is a mystery that has puzzled people for centuries. How can the dead be raised? What will happen to our bodies when we die? The Bible does not provide a detailed explanation of the resurrection process, but it does give us some clues. The Bible teaches that our bodies will be raised in a glorified state, free from the corruption and decay of sin (Philippians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44). This means that our bodies will be transformed into a new creation, one that is capable of living in the presence of God.
The angel continues to explain that the resurrection will take place at the end of the tribulation, when Jesus Christ returns to the earth. This event is often referred to as the second coming of Christ, and it is a time of great joy and celebration for believers. The Bible teaches that Jesus will return in power and glory, and that He will bring with Him the saints who have been raptured from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 19:11-16).
The chapter also mentions the role of the wise in the end times. The angel tells Daniel that “they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). This verse is a reference to the wise who will be preserved during the tribulation and will be given the opportunity to shine as lights in a dark world. The wise will be those who have been faithful to God and have turned many people to righteousness.
The chapter concludes with a warning to those who would seek to change the times and the law. The angel tells Daniel that “they shall be given into thy hand, and thou shalt know what to do with them” (Daniel 12:7). This verse is a reference to the fact that God will give His people the power and wisdom they need to overcome their enemies and to fulfill His purposes. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign and that He is in control of all things, including the affairs of nations and governments.
In conclusion, Daniel chapter 12 is a rich and complex chapter that holds many secrets and mysteries. It is a chapter that speaks of the end times and the ultimate destiny of humanity. The chapter teaches us about the time of trouble that is coming, the resurrection of the dead, and the role of the wise in the end times. It also reminds us of God’s sovereignty and His ability to protect His people in times of trouble. As we study this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of being faithful to God and of turning many people to righteousness.
