In the first part of this deep dive into Daniel 12, we explored the various prophesied resurrections. Now we will be introduced to two angelic witnesses and Daniel will at last get his rest.
Two Angelic Witnesses
Daniel 12:5 introduces two individuals. Now, Daniel sees two other angels on the other side of the river. They are witnesses to what is being said. As the book of Deuteronomy states, for a testimony to be true, it requires two witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:15).
In verse six, one of the angels asks a question. How long? How long will the length of time be? How long will the persecution against Daniel’s people last? Verse seven provides the answer to that question. We’re told the angel, “raised his right hand and his left toward Heaven and made an oath.” Typically, when an oath is taken, only one hand is raised (Genesis 14:22; Deuteronomy 32:40). The angel raising both hands shows the seriousness of this oath.
The answer to the question of how long this terrible time will last for the Jewish people, the answer is “a time, times, and half a time,” which is three and one-half years, or the second half of the Tribulation.
The angel then mentions the purpose of the Tribulation. Psalm 2:9 speaks of the “breaking in pieces” which refers to the Messiah. That prophecy reveals that the Messiah will break Gentile rule into pieces. That fits in with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the ten toes and the rock smashing the toes. There is a time coming when Jerusalem and the rest of Israel will be overwhelmed and shattered by the forces of the Antichrist. The Jewish people will then turn to God and seek His righteousness through the Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). The post-exile prophet Zechariah said this is the point where Israel will be regenerated (Zechariah 14:1-21).
Daniel Does Not Understand
Once again, as in the previous two chapters, verse eight records that Daniel hears but does not understand. Daniel, not understanding the angel’s words, asks a question, “What shall be the outcome of these things?” This time, he did not ask, “When?” or “How long?” He wanted to know, “What event will bring this final period to a close?” Daniel was not given a direct response to his question. However, the answer was already given in 7:13: the answer is the Second Coming of Christ! To put that response in perspective, remember Daniel is writing over five hundred years before Jesus’ First Coming.
In verse 9, Daniel was instructed not to ask any more questions; he was told to “go your way.” Again, it was reemphasized that these words would be sealed until the end of time. To offer Daniel some reassurance, the angel tells him in verse ten, “None of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.” This is the heart of why it is important to study and teach Bible Prophecy. The time has come for people to have an understanding of the end times. The reason for their knowledge will be Daniel’s book!
No one knows the day or the hour at which Jesus will return. However, once the Tribulation begins, people can know how much time is left. Verse 11 explains the Tribulation will last seven years, a period divided into two halves of 1,260 days each. This means from the time the Antichrist commits the Abomination of Desolation until the end of the Tribulation will be exactly 1,260 days.
An Interval Between the Tribulation and the Millennium
Daniel 12:11 also adds thirty days as an interval between the end of the Tribulation and the start of the Millennium. Then verse 12 adds an additional forty-five days, “Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days.”
What will happen in these 75 days?
- The Abomination of Desolation will be removed (Daniel 12:11).
- The Antichrist will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 19:20).
- The False Prophet will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 19:20).
- Satan will be cast into the Abyss (Revelation 20:1-3).
- Gentiles will be gathered for judgment. i.e., the Sheep and Goat Judgment (Joel 3:1-3; Matthew 25:1-46).
- Old Testament and Tribulation Saints will be resurrected (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2).
Daniel’s Rest
It is hard to imagine what Daniel would have thought and felt as this vision ended. However, God did not leave his servant with hope as verse 13 confirms that no more information would be given to him. But, Daniel is told he will enter “rest,” meaning he would die before all that had been revealed to him will come to pass. However, he is given the promise that he will receive his reward, be resurrected, and have eternal life. To use New Testament terminology, Daniel is told, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Thanks to God’s direction and Daniel’s faithfulness, we have something extraordinary to look forward to. Until then, we all can say is —Maranatha, Lord Jesus!
