DANIEL 12 - TIME NO LONGER
Updated: Aug 13, 2022
Speculation is not Inspiration
There is much speculation that the prophetic time periods in Daniel and Revelation namely the 1260, 1290 and 1335 days are to be fulfilled some time in the future. The futurist proponents discard the year / day principle of interpreting the prophetic periods in favour of a LITERAL time fulfilment - that the 1260, 1290 and 1335 days do not represent years but literal days e.g. 1260 days are 3.5 literal years to be fulfilled at some future time.
1290 & 1335 PROPHECIES CONNECTED WITH "THE DAILY"
Two prophetic time periods in Daniel 12 are connected with the taking away of the "daily" of Daniel 11:31. The taking away of the "daily" has been fulfilled in the past and cannot be reapplied to any future event. The 1290 days & 1335 days, therefore, concern the prophecy of Daniel 11 and marks the very beginnings of Papal Rome. In fact the "Daily" of Daniel 11:31 had to be taken away in order for Papal Rome to appear.
Chapter 12
1 And 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.
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.
3 And 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.
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
6 And [one] said to the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, How long [shall it be to] the end of these wonders?
7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.
8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what [shall be] the end of these [things]?
9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and
none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
11 And from the time [that] the daily [sacri- fice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
12 Blessed [is] he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
13 But go thou thy way till the end [be]: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
OVERVIEW
Daniel 12:1-3 continues the prophecy of Daniel 11. During the final events of Daniel 11, Christ will deliver His people. Daniel 12:5-13 gives further detaIls of the prophecy of chapter 11, and additional prophetic periods are attached to the taking away of the “daily” mentioned in Daniel 11:31.
verse 1 Michael rises to deliver His people, every one found written in the book.
Verses 1-3 continue on from the end of chapter 11. When the king of the north rises to destroy the saints there will be a time of trouble such as never was (Matt 24:21). Michael will rise to deliver His people, all who are “found” written in the book of life at the end of the Investigative Judgment (cf. Dan 7:9-10; Exo 32:32; Php 4:3; Rev 13:8; 20:15; 21:27; 22:19).
Michael is another name for the uncreated eternal Son of God. See Appendix. See Appendix on the “Time of Trouble.”
verse 2 Many shall awake in a special resurrection This resurrection contains both saints and sinners. It cannot be the first resurrection
at the Second Coming because ALL who rise in the first resurrection are blessed & holy (Rev 20:6; John 5:28-29; 1Thess 4:16; Matt 24:30-31; 1Cor 15:22-23).
It cannot be the Second resurrection at the end of the 1000 years as ALL who rise in the second resurrection are damned (Rev 20:5).
Dan 12:2 therefore refers to a special resurrection. Those who died in the faith since the beginning of the third angelʼs message, along with those who crucified Christ, will be resurrected to see Christ return (Rev 14:13; Rev 1:7; Matt 26:64).
verse 3 They that be wise shall shine
The margin reads, “they that be TEACHERS shall shine...they that turn many to righteousness...” We should all be sharing the truth according to our abilities.
verse 4 Shut up till the time of the end
Not all of Danielʼs book was shut up. Several things had already been explained. (Dan 2:38; 8:20-21; Matt 24:15). However those parts of Danielʼs book relat- ing to the “time of the end,” such as the 2300 days (Dan 8:17), were closed up so that they could not to be understood until the time of the end.
verse 4 The Time of the end
Verse 4 refers to the “time of the end” mentioned in Dan 11:35. In Dan 11:30-35 the period of Papal supremacy is described as lasting “even to the time of the end.” As the Papal supremancy ended in 1798, the time of the end began in 1798.
Since 1798 the book of Daniel has been unsealed, and knowledge of the prophecies has increased. By the increase of knowledge a people will be prepared to stand in the latter days.
Knowledge Increased
In the time of the end not only has the knowledge of the prophecies increased but the late 1700s & early 1800s also saw a dramatic increase of knowledge in communications, technology and transport. These advances in the Industrial Revolution helped to spread the knowledge that resulted from Danielʼs book opening to menʼs understanding. Knowing that Danielʼs prophecies were to be opened in 1798 Satan redoubled His efforts to oppose the Scriptures. In the 1790s France was thrown into revolution as a result of apostate and corrupt Christianity crushing out reforms that could have averted the uprising. Rome had long misrepresented the character of God, and the people, thinking Romanism was Christianity, rejected both the Bible and its Author. In rejecting Roman Catholicism as a deception the French were led by Satan to regard all religion as a deception and atheism spread. The Bible was abolished for several years in France and the atheistic ideas which then arose paved the way for humanism and evolution which affect much of the world today and have turned many away from the Bible. See on Rev 11.
verses 6-8 How long till the end of these wonders...the end of these things?
These ”wonders” (Heb. pala) refers back tothe events described in Dan 11 such as the “marvellous (Heb. pala) things” spoken “against the God of gods.” Dan 11:36. “These things” also refers back to the
saints falling by the sword, flame and captivity many days. (Dan 11:33). This scattering of the holy people is the same as the persecution of the saints in Dan 7:25, which lasted for 3 1⁄2 “times.”
verses 7-8 Time, times, and an half
An angel said that the wonders would end after a period of 3 1/2 “times,” “AND” after an indefinite scattering period.
The fundamental principles that “scripture interprets scripture” and that Daniel is written using a “repeat and enlarge pattern,” indicates that these 3 1/2 “times” of Daniel 12:7 are the same 3 1/2 “times” of Daniel 7:25. As seen in Daniel 7:25 the 3 1/2 times = 1260 days symbolizing 1260 years. This period began in 538 and ended in 1798.
This pattern of a definite period followed by an indefinite period is seen in Daniel 8:13-14
PATTERN SHOWS THAT THE 3 1/2 times, 1290 and 1335 DAYS REFER TO THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL 11 TO DANIEL 12:4.
In Daniel, the prophetic time periods are given at the end of their related prophecies as a kind of appendix:
Daniel 7: The Prophecy is given in verses 2-14. The time period follows in verse 25 (3 1/2 times)
Daniel 8: The Prophecy is given in verses 2-12. The time period follows in verse 14. (2300 days)
Daniel 11: The Prophecy is given in Daniel 11:2 - Daniel 12:4 The time periods follow in Daniel 12:7, 11, 12. (3 1/2 times, 1290, 1335 days)
This pattern confirms that the 1260, 1290 and 1335 day periods are related to the prophecy of Daniel 11. Further proof showing that the 1290 days & 1335 days concern the prophecy of Daniel 11 is that the 1290 and 1335 days of Daniel 12:11 are said to begin with the taking away of the “daily”, an event described in Daniel 11:31 which resulted in the setting up and reign of Papal Rome. These time prophecies, therefore, cannot be moved from their fulfillments and thrust into the future. They belong to Daniel 11 and not to some future time.
There the question was asked “How long shall be the vision,” and the answer was “Unto 2300 days then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” A specific period, 2300 days, AND an indefinite cleansing period.
verses 9-10 Sealed up till the time of the end
Those parts of Danielʼs book that related to the time of the end could not be understood till then. Only when the 1260 year reign of the Papal power came to an end could men calculate back to find out when the "daily" had been taken away. In this way God used the fulfilment of one prophecy as a lock to understanding other prophecies.
verse 11 And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
A prophetic period of 1290 “days” is attached to the taking away of the “daily,” mentioned in Dan 8:11-12, Dan 11:31. As the “daily” was taken away BEFORE the time of the end (See Dan 11:31-35) the 1290 began BEFORE the time of the end.
As the daily was taken away BEFORE the setting up of the “abomination that maketh desolate” - the Papal power (Dan 11:31- 35), the 1290 began BEFORE 538 when the Papal power was set up.
verse 11 The 1290
The “daily” was taken away “TO SET UP” the abomination of desolation - the Papacy (Dan 12:11 margin). As the 1290 days began with events to SET UP the Papacy, the 1290 “days” would apparently end with the ABOLISHING of the Papacy which occurred in 1798.
In order to reach from before the Papacy was set up to its abolition in 1798 the 1290 “days” must represent years, as “days” do in many other prophetic periods in Daniel. See (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34; “Time periods” in this bookʼs Introduction).
Work backward 1290 years from 1798, when the reign of the Papacy ended, we see that the 1290 must have begun in 508. (AD508 + 1290 years = 1798).
In AD508 “arms” (armies) supporting the Papacy took away pagan and Arian anti-papal resistance and helped clear the way for the self-exalting power of the Papacy, here called the “abomination that maketh desolate.”
verse 12 The 1335 days
Another prophetic time period is given. The faithful would need to “wait” till the end of the 1335. “Waiteth” indicates that the 1335 extended beyond the end of the 1290.
Like the 1290 the “days” must symbolize years (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34). Beginning with the taking away of the daily in AD508, the 1335 extended to the year 1843/44. In that very year the proclamation was given that “the hour of Godʼs judgment is come.” See on Rev 14:7; Dan 8:14.
The fact that the 1290 and 1335 both reach significant events if begun in AD508 helps confirm that AD508 is the correct date for the taking away of the daily.
verse 12 The blessing at the end of the 1335The end of the 1335 would see a blessing. Jesus said to the early church, “blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” (Matt 13:16-17). As a revelation of a new truth was a blessing to the early church, so those who witnessed the end of the 1335 were also blessed with the revelation of a new truth. The message that the hour of Godʼs Judgment had come was first given in 1843-44 (Rev 14:7), and was a blessing to those who saw and proclaimed it (cf. Rev 14:13).
“Christ said, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them” [Matt. 13:16, 17]. BLESSED are the eyes which saw the things that were seen in 1843 and 1844.” E.G. White, Manuscript Release Vol. 21, p437.
The end of the prophetic periods.
In answer to the question, “How long,” (v 6) Jesus raised His hands, swore by Him that liveth forever and ever and gave three prophetic periods: 1260, 1290, 1335, and Daniel wrote them in his little book.
In Rev 10 John was permitted to behold the end of these periods. He saw Christ with the little book of Daniel open in one hand, raising the other hand, and swear- ing by Him that liveth forever and ever that there should be “time no longer.” The parallels clearly show that this refers to the end of the prophetic periods given to Daniel. See chart.
"The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment. This is especially true of the book of Daniel. But that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal “to the time of the end.” Not till we reach this time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed, based on the fulfillment of these prophecies. But at the time of the end, says the prophet, “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4." GC 355.3
Again and again have I been warned in regard to time setting. There will never again be a message for the people of God that will be based on time. We are not to know the definite time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or for the coming of Christ. 1SM 188.1
Then I saw in relation to the “daily” (Daniel 8:12) that the word “sacrifice” was supplied by man's wisdom, and does not belong to the text, and that the Lord gave the correct view of it to those who gave the judgment hour cry. When union existed, before 1844, nearly all were united on the correct view of the “daily”; but in the confusion since 1844, other views have been embraced, and darkness and confusion have followed. Time has not been a test since 1844, and it will never again be a test. EW 74.2
The longest time prophecy ended in 1844. There are still some prophetic periods to be fulfilled but none give definite dates (eg the 1000 years of Rev 20; the “one hour” and “one day” of Rev 16, 17, 18).
The day=year principle still exists. The “day” in which Babylon suffers a famine (Rev 18:8) is obviously symbolic. The people of God will not have another message which specifies a definite date.
verse 13 Rest and stand in thy lot
Daniel died and rests in the grave. Today, in his open book, he stands in his lot, bearing his testimony which was opened to our understanding at the end of the days. The days are ended. We live in "the time of the end."
WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
1. History Repeats
As the “arms” of the Franks (French), helped remove anti-papal resistance (the daily”) and brought the Papacy to power, so the “arms” of Apostate Protestant America are taking away anti-papal resistance (Communism, Islam etc.) and setting the stage for a second Papal supremacy.
2. The last scenes are upon us
We are living in the fulfillment of the final scenes of Dan 11. All the players are in place.
3. Prophetic escalation
As France, one of the ten horns, gave its power and strength to the Papacy before turning and abolishing it in 1798, so the 10 horns of Revelation 17 will give their power and strength to the Papacy for one prophetic hour, before all ten turn and destroy- ing it in one hour (See Rev 17:12; 18:10).
The Papacy counterfeits Christ
508 - 538 is THIRTY YEARS. Christ was born in the days of Herod the king but did not begin His ministry until He “began to be about THIRTY YEARS of age...” Luke 3:23.
The Papacy was ʻbornʼ in 508AD but did not begin itʼs ministry until it “began to be about THIRTY YEARS of age.”
"The repeated efforts to find new dates for the beginning and close of the prophetic periods, and the unsound reasoning necessary to sustain these positions, not only lead minds away from the present truth, but throw contempt upon all efforts to explain the prophecies. The more frequently a definite time is set for the second advent, and the more widely it is taught, the better it suits the purposes of Satan. After the time has passed, he excites ridicule and contempt of its advocates, and thus casts reproach upon the great Advent movement of 1843 and 1844. Those who persist in this error will at last fix upon a date too far in the future for the coming of Christ. Thus they will be led to rest in a false security, and many will not be undeceived until it is too late." GC88 456.2
Q: ARE THE TIME PERIODS IN DANIEL 12:5-13 TO OCCUR IN THE FUTURE?
A: NO, FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
1. Structure of the vision:
The vision introduced in Daniel 10 covers Daniel 11:1 to 12:4, and ends with a conclusion, Daniel 12:5-13. The introduction consists of a conversation between Daniel and two heavenly beings. The conclusion to the vision describes the same conversation between Daniel and two heavenly beings. The conclusion mentions many of the things described in the body of the vision (daily being taken away, the papal supremacy etc.). It is a single literary unit. The 1290 & 1335 day periods therefore refer to the content of the vision and begin specifically with the taking away of the daily mentioned in Daniel 11:31. Remember the chapter breaks were inserted by man and not through inspiration. Hence the time prophecies occur after the prophetic vision of Daniel 11 as in chapters 7 and 8.
2. Location of the time periods:
The time periods in Daniel's prophecies are located at the end of the visions:
Daniel 7
Vision mentioned in verses 1-14. Time period is given in verse 25.
Daniel 8
Vision mentioned in verses 8:1-12. Time period is given in verse 14.
Daniel 9
Vision mentioned in Daniel 8 (cf. Dan 9:23). Time period is given in Daniel 9:24
This pattern implies that the time periods in Daniel 12:5-13 are directly related to the vision in Daniel 11. As the 1290 & 1335 begin with the taking away of the daily in Daniel 11:31 which precedes the setting up of the Papal power in 538, the time periods are therefore ENDED.
3. Daniel 7 and the 1260 days:
The three and a half times/1260-day prophetic period is introduced for the first time in Daniel 7:25, in a context that is clearly symbolic. The Biblical principle of studying line upon line indicates that these two references refer to the same period. There is therefore no reason to interpret the same prophetic period literally in Daniel chapter 12:7. Such an approach invalidates the line upon line method of study because of the lack of consistency in its application. Besides, in Daniel 12:7 the time period during which God's enemy persecutes the "holy people" perfectly parallels Daniel 7.
4. Linguistic connections between Daniel 11 and 12: The phrase “ How long [shall it be to] the end of these wonders [Heb. pele from the root pala]?” (Dan. 12:6) refers back to Daniel 11:36, where the same Hebrew root, pala, is used to describe the words of the enemy spoken against God (cf. Daniel 8:24 “...he shall destroy wonderfully [pala], and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.”).
Both passages indicate that this evil power will be successful for a period of time. Daniel 11 deals with the specific time during which this phenomenon takes place and points out that it will come to an end after the enemy breaks the power of "the holy people" (Daniel. 12:7). This same event is described in Daniel 7:25 and 8:24, where the same terminology designates God's servants. Other connections include references to "the wicked" (Daniel 11:32; 12:10), the verbs "to understand" (Daniel 11:33; 12:10), "to refine," "to purify," and "to make spotless" (Daniel 11:35; 12:10).
In Daniel 11:31 and 12:11 the word "daily" is used together with the verb "to abolish/remove." They both use the phrase "the abomination that causes desolation" in conjunction with the verb "to set up." The Biblical principle of studying “line upon line” indicates that they are the same event. There is no ground to argue that these two passages are dealing with different events. By using the same terminology the writer is telling us that the reference is to the same event. Therefore, the time periods mentioned in Daniel 12:11,12 (1290 days and 1335 days) are to be applied to the events described in Daniel 11:31. Daniel 12:7 describes the time of persecution mentioned in chapter 11:32-35.
Defining the historical fulfillment of the 1290 days and the 1335 days is not difficult. First, the 1290 days are associated with the work of God's enemy, mentioned elsewhere. Daniel 7 and Revelation 13:3 indicate that the control exercised by that religious/political power (Papal Rome) over God's people came to an end when Papal Rome received its deadly wound in 1798. That date provides the end for the 1290 years; its starting point would then be A.D. 508, when the Franks defeated the Arian Visigoths. Second, the 1335 days are an extension of the 1290 days, thus indicating that they start at the same time. This means that the 1335 years ended in 1843 /1844.
5. Is a Jesuit futuristic counter-reformation interpretation.
The view that the 1,290 and 1,335 days are still future is a rejection of the Historical method and the year day principle of protestantism. It falls into the trap of the futurism of the counter reformation.
Protestants of 16th century saw the "little horn" as Papal Rome and the "abomination of desolation" of Daniel 11:31. In order to free the Papacy from this interpretation, Cardinal Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), taught that the 1,260 and 1,335 days were only literal days to be fulfilled near the end of the world. Hence Papal Rome could not be identified as the "little horn" or the "king of the North" and, therefore, was not the abomination of desolation. Many do not recognise the futurist literal interpretation of the 1,290 and 1,335 days as stemming from the Futurism of the Papal counter-reformation. See "The 1,290 and 1,335 Days of Daniel 12" Alberto R. Timm, Ph.D. Professor of Historical Theology Brazil Adventist University College - Campus 2
COMMENTARY ON DANIEL 12
Verse 1: And 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.
And at that time [Heb. ba’eth hahi’, - “at that time,” or “in that time.” In "the time of the end" mentioned in Daniel 11:40 i.e. toward the end of that period when the saints would need delivering]
shall Michael stand up
We currently live IN "the time of the end".
Q: When did "the time of the end" begin?
A: God's saints are persecuted to "the time of the end" Daniel 11:35. 1798 signals the commencement of the "time of the end" when the King of the North receives its deadly wound (Daniel 11:40) & persecution ceases.
Q: When is Michael to stand up?
A: When the judgment is over.
Q.: When did the judgment begin?
A: At the close of the 2300 days prophecy of Daniel 8:14 IN "the time of the end", i.e after 1798.
Q: When will the judgment end?
A: In the "time of the end".
Hence Michael will stand up sometime in "the time of the end" after 1798, signalling the end of the judgment & probation. Then follows the seven last plagues which occur in "the time of the end". Daniel 12:1 has nothing to do with Daniel 11:45. The events of Daniel 11:40-45 occur in "the time of the end" and it is "at that time" or "in that time", "THE TIME OF THE END", that Michael shall stand up.
WHO IS MICHAEL? - CHRIST
MICHAEL
1. Michael (Means “Who is like God is?”)
2. Lord of the angels (Rev 12:7)
3. Michael intercedes
4. Michael is worshipped (Josh 5:14)
5. Prince (Dan 10:21)
6. The Resurrector (1 Thess 4:16)
7. Voice raises dead at 2nd coming (1 Thess 4:16)
CHRIST
1. Jesus is the image of God the Father
2. Jesus is Lord of the angels
3. Jesus intercedes, our one & only mediator
4. Jesus is worshipped (Heb 1:6-8)
5. Jesus is Prince of princes
6. Jesus is the Resurrector (John 5:28-29)
7. Voice raises dead at 2nd coming (John 5:28,29)
Commentators like Matthew Henry and others believe that Michael was one of the pre-incarnate ways that Jesus appeared. Michael means ‘Who is like God is?’ and is Christ’s challenge to Satan who said that he would be like God (Isa 14:14).
Christ is NOT a created angel but the head (Gk. arche) of the angels - the Arch-angel.
“Angel” simply means “messenger.” The word does not necessarily imply a created being. Jesus has existed with the Father prior to the creation of the angels (Mic 5:2). The Angel of the Lord is the Son of God. See Gen 3:2-6; Christ takes the name Michael at times of war. cf. Rev 12:7]
shall Michael stand up
[PROBATION CLOSED - At the beginning of the judgment Jesus sat down (Dan 7:9). His rising indicates the work of judgment is over. When He stands up men’s opportunity for salvation is finished (cf. Rev 21:11).
Following Christ ceasing His ministry the seven last plagues will fall.
THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES
(a) The plagues will come before Christ returns for at his return all the wicked are destroyed (See comments on Rev 20:2).
(b) They come after the Mark of the beast as first plagues fall on receivers of the mark of the beast.
(c) They will come after the oppourtunity for salvation is passed for they are unmixed with mercy (Rev 14:10). When they fall there is no man in the temple in heaven showing that Christ’s Mediation is finished (Rev 15:8). The plagues thus come after the opportunity for salvation is passed.
(e) They are the “seven LAST plagues” which must therefore come just prior to the coming of Christ.
CHRIST STOOD UP WHEN PROBATION CLOSED FOR the NATION OF ISRAEL IN 34A.D.
In 34A.D. when the high priest & council stoned to death Stephen the first Christian martyr sealing their rejection of the truth (Acts 6:12; 7:1, 57) Christ also stood up (Acts 7:56). Israel’s probationary time as a nation was closed.
A TYPE OF THE JUDGMENT IN JOHN 8:3
The apostate church members sought an occassion to condemn Christ (John 8:6). They brought before Him a woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:3) to ask His verdict. If Christ condemned her to death (the penalty for adultery) they would accuse Him before the Romans as usurping their judicial authority. If He said she could live they would accuse Him of being unfaithful to the law of God which declared death, the penalty for adultery. Jesus wrote the accusers sins in the dust (John 8:6-8. Judgment). All the accusers went from Jesus presence (John 8:9). When He was finished He stood up (John 8:10. Judgment finished). The woman alone remained. Christ said to the woman “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11). Christ had not dismissed the sin He had taken it upon Himself that she might live],
the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people
[The children of Daniel’s people Israel is the true Christian church, spiritual Israel.
CHRIST STANDS TO DELIVER HIS CHURCH
Michael stands to deliver ALL the faithful. The New Testament teaches the principle that the church is now the spiritual Israel of God (Gal 6:16 etc.). “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you [literal Israel], and given to a nation [spiritual Israel] bringing forth the fruits thereof.” Matt 21:43.
“Ye [the church] are an holy nation.” 1Pet 2:9.
and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation
JACOB’S TROUBLE
The prophet Jeremiah uses the experience of Jacob as a term for a period of trouble for the church:
Jer 30:7 “Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jacob wrestled with God for approval while his brother was marching to destroy him. In the same way the church will plead with God for approval as the apostate Christian world are marching to destroy them because the saints refuse to receive the mark of the beast.
JACOB’S TROUBLE OCCURS AFTER THE CLOSE OF PROBATION
Jacob’s trouble occurs during the seven last plagues. A period in which the saints will be threatened with destruction as was Jacob (Genesis 32). Like Jacob they will also be wrestling with God for the surety that they are accepted of Him.
This period is also known as the great tribulation of Matthew 24:21,22 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." The period under the death decree (Revelation 13:15) will be shortened because if it were not, “no flesh would be saved.”
even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered shall be delivered every one that shall be found written in the book.
[THE TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE
“the children of thy people,” (verse 1). Daniel’s people - Spiritual Israel] shall be delivered [delivered from Jacob’s Trouble], every one that shall be found written in the book [The book is the book of life into which all professed believers are entered (cf. Dan 7:9-10; Exo 32:32; Php 4:3; Rev 13:8; 20:15; 21:27; 22:19).
Those found faithful during the pre-Advent investigative judgment will be saved. Those which have returned to sin will be blotted out of the book (cf. Rev 3:5; 22:19)].
Verse 2: And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
And many [not all] of them that sleep in the dust of the earth [Many of the dead who are presently unconscious in the grave] shall awake [Be brought to life in a special resurrection to see Jesus return], some to everlasting life [The righteous], and some to shame and everlasting contempt. [The wicked who especially persecuted Christ & His followers. Jesus said to those who condemned Him, “ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” Matt 26:24.
Note: Those who persecute Christ’s followers are said to persecute Christ (Acts 9:4) so many terribly wicked individuals may be involved in this resurrection. Those wicked who rise to see Jesus return will be held in eternal contempt by the righteous. This everlasting contempt for sin makes possible the assurance that sin will never rise again in the universe (Nahum 1:9).
Pro 3:35 “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.”
THE SPECIAL RESURRECTION
There are two main resurrections, the First or “resurrection of LIFE ” & the Second or the “resurrection of DAMNATION” (John 5:28-29). The “First” is for the dead saints at Jesus Coming at the beginning of the 1000 years. ALL in this first resurrection are “blessed” (Revelation 20:6)
The “Second” is for the “rest of the dead” i.e. the wicked, and occurs at the end of the 1000 years (Revelation 20:5).
In the resurrection of Daniel 12:2 both righteous AND unrighteous persons rise. It is therefore a special resurrection. Those who rise in this special resurrection are the “blessed” who have died in the faith of the 3rd angel’s message (Rev 14:13; GC 637; EW 285) AND some of the damned, “they which pierced Him.” (Revelation 1:7; Matt 26:64).
These will “see” and “hear” Christ’s coming. (Rev 1:7; 6:14-17; Acts 1:9-11; Ps 50:3). Shortly after this special resurrection the saints of all ages will hear Christ’s voice and come forth from the grave (John 5:28) in the first of the main resurrections. Then those saints still alive “shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess 4:17]
Verse 3: And 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.
And they that be wise [Wisdom comes from God by the Scriptures. James 1:5, 2Tim 3:15
“The wise in heart will receive commandments...” Pro 10:8; Ps 19:7.
Pro 11:30 “...he that winneth souls [is] wise.”] shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever [Here ends the prophecy].
Verse 4: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book [This did not apply to the whole book of Daniel but to that portion of the prophecy relating to the last days. Concerning the 2300 days vision the angel said, “shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.” Daniel 8:26. Parts of Daniel’s book could be understood before the time of the end. cf. Matt 24:15], even to the time of the end [THE TIME OF THE END began in 1798. See Daniel 11:35 re: study on the King of the North.
“...since 1798 the book of Daniel has been unsealed, knowledge of the prophecies has increased, and many have proclaimed the solemn message of the judgment near.” Great Controversy p356
“The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days. The Scripture says, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased" (Daniel. 12:4). When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, “Time shall be no longer.” (See Revelation 10:6.) The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.” 2Selected Messages, p105]:
many shall run to and fro [in the Scriptures and globally sharing what they discover],
and knowledge [especially prophetic knowledge previously shut up in Daniel’s book.]
shall be increased [At the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries a new interest in the prophecies of Daniel & Revelation was awakened in divers places on earth. The abolishing of the papacy in 1798 was seen by many as the end of the papacy’s 1260 year dominion and many turned their attention to the 2300 day prophecy. This study led numerous expositors; Joseph Wolff in the Middle East, Manuel LAcunza in South America, William Miller in the United States, and a host of other students to declare that the Second Advent was at hand. Along with this flood of Biblical understanding advances in technology, transport, and communications has made the proclamation of Biblical truth go everywhere.
At the time Daniel’s book opened there was to be an explosion of knowledge, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”
Prof. William McNeill, in his highly acclaimed masterwork, The Rise of the West, speaks of the great “Western Explosion that spread European ideas and technology all over the globe. In general harmony with many other scholars he dates this “Western Explosion” as beginning in 1789, the year the French Revolution began which is itself described in Revelation 11. See Prof. William McNeill, The Rise of the West, 1963, pp. 730-762
McNeill analyzes the Western Explosion under three major headings:
1. Territorial Expansion
2. Industrialism
3. Democratic Revolution
The success of the British Empire in the 1800 spread European culture and civilization across the world and the industrial Revolution which began in Britain in the second half of the 1700s provided Western technology such as steam engines for factories, trains, boats and powered printing presses and the telegraph and advanced weaponry for the rest of the world. These things made possible the grand distribution of Christianity and led Kenneth Scott Latourette to call the 1800s the Great Century, of Christianity, a century of “abounding vitality and unprecedented expansion.” See Kenneth Scott Latourette, A History of Christianity, 1953, p1061
Thus Western Industrialism and Expansion fulfilled in part the prophecy of Dan 12:4: “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: MANY SHALL RUN TO AND FRO, AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED.” Dan 12:4
END OF THE PROPHECY
Verse 4 marks the end of the prophecy and verses 5-13 may be considered an epilogue to the entire book in which reference is made to events previously described and various prophetic periods are given.
In the prophecies of Daniel there is a pattern to the prophetic time periods which are mentioned AFTER the events of the prophecy are described:
Daniel 7:1-14 describe the events to occur. Daniel 7:25 gives the time period (3 1/2 ‘times’)
Daniel 8: 1-12 describe the events to occur. Daniel 8:14 gives the time period (2300 ‘days’)
Daniel 9: A continuation of the explanation of the events of Daniel 8 giving a further time period (‘70wks’)
Daniel 11 (The vision begins in Daniel 10 ends in Daniel 12)
Daniel 10:1-12:4 describe the events to happen. Daniel 12:7-12 give the time periods (1260; 1290; 1335 ‘days’)].
Verse 5: Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
[The prophecy started by the river (Daniel 11:4) and it ends here by the river].
Verse 6: And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
And one said to the man clothed in linen [Daniel had seen this “man” at the beginning of the vision (Daniel 10:5-6). The “man” is Jesus], which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? [the things described since chapter 10. This passage is closely connected to Daniel 8:13-14 for both passages contain the same items:
1. The presence of both Gabriel & Jesus
2. The fact that Gabriel asked the questions for Daniel’s benefit
3. The questions, “How long,” Dan 8:13, Dan 12:6
4. The answers were given in two parts. A specific period followed by an indefinite period.: “Unto 2300 days (definite) then shall the sanctuary be cleansed (an indefinite cleansing period).” Dan 8:14. “...it shall be for a time, times, and an half (definite); AND when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people all these things shall be finished (an indefinite scattering period. Note the scattering is not only confined to the 3 1/2 “times”). Dan 12:7.
5. The subject of the taking away of the “daily” in Dan 8:11 & Dan 12:11]
Verse 7: And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
And I heard the man clothed in linen [Christ], which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven [A gesture used by God when making a covenant Eze 20:5; 47:14], and sware by him that liveth for ever [because He could sware by no greater He swore by Himself. cf. Heb 6:13] that it shall be for a time, times, and an half [3 1/2 times - 1260 YEARS
Daniel 10-12:4 is the vision. Daniel 12:4-13 is a conversation concerning the vision. The time periods mentioned should correspond to events described in the vision.
The 3 1/2 times (1260 ‘days’ - 1260 years) are consistently linked to a period after Christ's death and resurrection when an earthly power would terribly persecute God's saints and seek to destroy them.
Daniel 7:25 “And he [the little horn] shall ...shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time [1260 ‘days’ - 1260 yesrs].”
Revelation. 12:6 “And the woman [the true church] fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.”
Revelation. 12:13-14 “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child]. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.”
Revelation. 13:5-7 “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months...And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them:”
Since Daniel 12:5-13 is the heavenly explanation of Daniel 10-11, we should find described in the vision this war against the saints and we do, in Daniel 11:33-35:
Daniel 11:33-35 “And arms shall stand on his [the papacy’s] part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. ..And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [MANY] DAYS...And [some] of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed.”
This period of papal supremacy began in 538A.D. and ran 3 1/2 times (42 months, 1260 ‘days’ each day representing a year - 1260 years. For much of this time the saints were terribly persecuted. This 1260 year period ended in 1798 when Napoleon’s general Berthier entered Rome, took the pope captive, abolished the Papal State and declared a republic.
This deadly wound to the papal State would heal (See Revelation 13) and persecutions will resume]; and [Note the word “AND.” There would be 1260 years AND a following scattering period of undefined length] when he [In the previous verses the king of the north is called “he” (15 times, “his” (nine times), “himself” (twice), and “him” (twice)] shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people all these things shall be finished, [Not all the events described in Dan 10-12:3 were finished at the end of the 3 1/2 times (1260 years) in 1798. There was also this scattering period of unspecified length. The scattering period is like the cleansing period in Daniel 8:14. See on verse 6].
Verse 8: And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things [cf. 1 Pet 1:10-12]?
Verse 9: And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end