Daniel 11:36—12:13: A Dark Day and a Brilliant End
I HOPE AS a result of your quiet times in Daniel you have a new appreciation for the sovereign majesty of God—a God who can predict the future in detail, a God who raises up kings and kingdoms and who also brings them to ruin, a God who can protect Daniel in the lion's den, and a God who is just as concerned about us and our lives. The second part of Daniel's final prophetic vision in 11:36—12:13 projects Daniel far into the future to "the time of the end" of world history. The vision focuses on the nation of Israel, but gives us strong encouragement and hope during difficult times.
Warming Up to God
In the course of your study in Daniel, what have you learned about the character of God that strengthened you spiritually?
Read Daniel 11:36—12:13. »
Discovering the Word
- Building from the prototype of the antichrist in Antiochus Epiphanes (11:21-32), the heavenly messenger now describes the final oppressor of Israel who will arise at "the time of the end" (11:35-40). This "king," following the example of Antiochus, will magnify himself as a god. How would you describe the "religious" character and actions of this king from 11:36-37?
- From 11:40-43 trace the military career of this future king.
- The king's defeat and the deliverance of the godly comes through the intervention of Michael, "the great prince" (12:1). How do you envision this intervention will take place?
- Why do you think Daniel is given the instruction to seal the scroll "until the time of the end" (12:4, 9)?
- In 12:9-13, do you think the messenger avoided Daniel's last question (12:8), or did he answer it? Explain.
Applying the Word
- The antichrist's god will be "a god of fortresses"—the ancient god of war and militarism (11:38-39). How do we see the influence of this "god" at work today?
- How can this victory and the messenger's description of the resurrection (12:1-3) encourage us during times of tribulation or persecution?
- As you think back over the book of Daniel, what specific aspect of Daniel's character or example helped you most to live spiritually in a secular world? In what way?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to continue to teach you what it means to live spiritually in a secular world.
For Further Study
Revelation LifeGuide Bible Study by R. Paul Stevens