Antiquity, Angelology, and the Apocalypse (Dan 8-12)
Notes
Transcript
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A Systematic Approach to Daniel 8-12
A Systematic Approach to Daniel 8-12
As we move into the final chapters of Daniel—chapters 8 through 12—we’re entering some of the most complex and debated passages in the whole Bible. These chapters are rich with prophecy, apocalyptic imagery, spiritual insight, and practical wisdom.
But if you just read them straight through, it can feel overwhelming. The structure isn’t always linear. Time jumps forward and backward. Historical events blur into future expectations. And angels get involved in strange and fascinating ways.
So instead of walking through it verse by verse like a narrative, we’re going to take a topical approach—pulling together themes that help us make sense of the big picture. This understand the major points of Daniel 8-12 without getting lost in the weeds.
Here’s how I’ll be breaking it down:
Historical Fulfillment (Ch. 8 & 11:1–35)
These chapters give incredibly detailed prophecies about world empires—especially Medo-Persia, Greece, and a figure we know historically as Antiochus IV. These sections show us how precisely God knows and directs the course of history.
Angelology of Daniel (Ch. 10)
This section opens a window into the unseen realm. We see angels delayed by demonic opposition, territorial spirits, and Michael the archangel. It raises important questions about spiritual warfare and the reality of the unseen world.
Eschatology of Daniel (Ch. 9:20–27; 11:36–12:3)
These are the portions where Daniel zooms out toward the future. The “seventieth week,” the resurrection of the dead, and the rise of a final king raise some of the most debated interpretive issues in the Bible.
Application (Ch. 9:1–19; 12:4–13)
Despite all the mystery and prophecy, Daniel ends by pointing us to faithfulness. Daniel models repentance, perseverance, and hope—even in confusing times. The final words are a call to endurance: ‘Go your way until the end... you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.’
We’re going to explore each of these themes and ask: What does Daniel 8–12 teach us about God’s sovereignty, the spiritual reality, the future, and how to live faithfully right now?
📚 Antiquity: Historical Fulfillment in Daniel 8 & 11
📚 Antiquity: Historical Fulfillment in Daniel 8 & 11
Alright, let’s begin our journey through Daniel 8 and 11—not verse by verse, but by tracing the story Daniel is telling and connecting it to real history. Why? Because these chapters don’t just predict the future… they prove that history is not random. It’s ruled by a God who writes the end from the beginning.
I. Daniel 8 - the Ram, the Goat, and the Horns
I. Daniel 8 - the Ram, the Goat, and the Horns
In Daniel 8, the scene shifts from broad, four-empire visions in chapter 7 to a close-up of just two: Medo-Persia and Greece. These chapters are so detailed, so specific, that secular scholars have accused Daniel of writing after the events. Yet, we know there is this character in Daniel called God and he actually calls the shots.
The Ram: Medo-Persia
The Ram: Medo-Persia
I saw the ram charging westward and northward and southward. No beast could stand before him, and there was no one who could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great.
slide with persia map
"The Ram with two horns is Medo-Persia (v. 20)—the empire that overtook Babylon."
The Goat: Alexander and Greece
The Goat: Alexander and Greece
but, Persia kept messing with this country to the west called Macedon, whos king was Persia was stirring up trouble for Philip II of Macedon (who had a little son named Alexander)
well, eventually little Alex grew up to become who we know as Alexander the Great. He came to power, and in 10 years knocked off Persia and conquered the entire known world
slide with Alex’s kingdom
As I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west across the face of the whole earth, without touching the ground. And the goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes. He came to the ram with the two horns, which I had seen standing on the bank of the canal, and he ran at him in his powerful wrath. I saw him come close to the ram, and he was enraged against him and struck the ram and broke his two horns. And the ram had no power to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled on him. And there was no one who could rescue the ram from his power.
"The Goat with a single great horn is Greece, and that horn is Alexander the Great (v. 21)."
so Daniel tells us that this Goat, that comes zooming off the top rope and that sacks Persia is Alex and Greece.
The Broken Horn into Four: Grecian Kingdom Split
The Broken Horn into Four: Grecian Kingdom Split
But Alexander dies young, and his kingdom splits into four parts—historically, his generals divided the empire (v. 22).
Then the goat became exceedingly great, but when he was strong, the great horn was broken, and instead of it there came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven.
slide of Seleucids and Ptolemies
So the empire is divided into for parts:
Cassander controlled Macedonia, Greece , Lysimachus over Thrace, Asia Minor
and we’ll stop there and jump over to Daniel 11 because it starts with the same story, and then focuses in on a section that Daniel 8 leaves out.
II. Daniel 11 – North vs. South and the Rise of Antiochus
II. Daniel 11 – North vs. South and the Rise of Antiochus
Daniel 11 is probably the most detailed prophecy in the entire Bible. It reads like a historical chronicle.
and the two that we care most about for our story:
Seleucus I over Syria, Mesopotamia, Persia, East which would be the Seleucid Dynasty
and Ptolemy I over Egypt, Palestine, Cyprus which would start the Ptolemaic
Why do you think we care about these two more than the others? what do you notice about their border?
Here’s the pattern:
"King of the North” = Seleucid Empire (Syria)
"King of the South” = Ptolemaic Empire (Egypt)
hey go back and forth—alliances, betrayals, marriages, and wars. This went on for generations, and Daniel 11 tracks it like Game of Thrones
God puts his people right in the middle of 4 great kingdoms - and wars will rage all around them for centuries - and yet, God is still in control.
and then Daniel 8 and Daniel 11 rejoin on the same person
III. The Little Horn and the Contemptible Person: Antiochus the IV (Seleucid King ~170 AD)
III. The Little Horn and the Contemptible Person: Antiochus the IV (Seleucid King ~170 AD)
Here our story slows down, and we get to focus on one dude.
Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land. It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And some of the host and some of the stars it threw down to the ground and trampled on them. It became great, even as great as the Prince of the host. And the regular burnt offering was taken away from him, and the place of his sanctuary was overthrown. And a host will be given over to it together with the regular burnt offering because of transgression, and it will throw truth to the ground, and it will act and prosper. Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, “For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?” And he said to me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.”
Almost all commentators think that this is talking about a Seleucid King - Antiochus IV “Epiphanes” , because almost everything that is described of this character in Daniel 8 and 11, he does.
Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land.
In his place shall arise a contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
Antiochus IV Epiphanes usurps Seleucid throne through bribery, trickery and straight up murder - after Seleucus IV’s assassination (175 BC).
This guy was crazy. He would throw wild parties and dance naked in the streets - he would put on disguises and go out and party
and he gave himself the name “epiphanes” which means “the appearing of glory” - but his opponents called him “epimanes” or “the appearing of the mad man”
Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land.
And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him. Even those who eat his food shall break him. His army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. And as for the two kings, their hearts shall be bent on doing evil. They shall speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for the end is yet to be at the time appointed. And he shall return to his land with great wealth, but his heart shall be set against the holy covenant. And he shall work his will and return to his own land.
Antiochus IV campaigns against Egypt (south), advances east, and interferes in Judea (glorious land), removing the high priest Onias III (“prince of the covenant”) (170–169 BC)."
“At the time appointed he shall return and come into the south, but it shall not be this time as it was before. For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw, and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant. He shall turn back and pay attention to those who forsake the holy covenant.
In 168 BC, Antiochus IV’s second Egyptian campaign but gets there and gets a surprise from the a ambassord from Rome. Roman envoy Popilius Laenas (ships of Kittim) forces him to withdraw.
and then, like a angry husband who has a bad day at work - he gets home and kicks the dog.
on his way back to syria, he passes through Jerusalem and sees all the ways that the jews are resisting Hellenization and resisting worship of him and of Zeus
It became great, even as great as the Prince of the host. And the regular burnt offering was taken away from him, and the place of his sanctuary was overthrown. And a host will be given over to it together with the regular burnt offering because of transgression, and it will throw truth to the ground, and it will act and prosper.
Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering.
Antiochus decrees banning the Torah, Sabbath observance, and circumcision; halts temple sacrifices (167 BC)
And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.
Antiochus erects an altar to Zeus in the temple and likely sacrifice's swine on it which would have been an abomination to the jews (167 BC).
And a host will be given over to it together with the regular burnt offering because of transgression, and it will throw truth to the ground, and it will act and prosper. Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, “For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?”
He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time.
Faithful Jews resist during the Maccabean revolt; Judas Maccabeus leads temple rededication (Hanukkah) (Revolt 167–160 BC; temple cleansed 164 BC).
By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand.
While his troops are off fighting in Judea, Antiochus gets word that they are losing. and Antiochus IV dies suddenly of illness on campaign in the east; not killed in battle (164 BC).
When he dies - Judas leads his troops back in to the temple, removes all the difiling things, and sets up the items of worship - one famous one is the menorah - the candles. And that event is where we get the jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the relighting of the candles
so - everything in chapters 8 and 11 gets fulfilled in history...right????
IV. Daniel 11:36-45: a shift in character?
IV. Daniel 11:36-45: a shift in character?
well there's a problem in chapter 11. Remember how i said Antiochus the IV fulfills *almost* everything. Well, verses 36-45 dont seem to be talking about Antiochus IV
“And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price.
“At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train. But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction. And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him.
Some adhere to the Maccabean thesis that vv. 36–45 continue to speak of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. However, there are serious problems with this position, not the least of which is the fact that much of the historical data set forth in these verses (even in vv. 36–39) is impossible to harmonize with Antiochus’s life. For example, Antiochus did not exalt himself above every god (vv. 36–37), reject “the gods of his fathers,” or worship “a god unknown to his fathers” (v. 38); on the contrary, he worshiped the Greek pantheon, even building an altar and offering sacrifices to Zeus in the Jerusalem temple precincts. Daniel also predicted that this king “will come to his end” in Palestine (v. 45), but it is a matter of historical record that Antiochus IV died at Tabae in Persia.
Stephen R. Miller, Daniel, vol. 18, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 305.
two main views on this passage:
this shifts to Antiochus V - however this is still historically weak, as we have no evidence of Antiochus V doing most of this stuff.
this shifts to a future rule - who we know as the AntiChrist.
Pause to Reflect – Why Does This Matter?
Pause to Reflect – Why Does This Matter?
Okay—why does Daniel spend so much time describing people who lived hundreds of years ago?
Because God is showing His people that nothing is outside His control. Even the darkest moments—like Antiochus defiling the temple—are not a surprise to God.
“The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” (Dan 4:17)
And not only that—this chapter gives us a pattern for the future. The way Antiochus acts becomes a template for a final Antichrist figure that is yet to come. That’s where chapter 11 shifts in verses 36–45. But for now, we focus on the history that already happened—exactly as God said it would.
Wrap-Up Discussion Questions
Wrap-Up Discussion Questions
What does this section of Daniel teach you about how God relates to history?
How would knowing this prophecy have encouraged the Jews under Antiochus IV?
Why do you think Jesus draws from these events in Matthew 24?
What are some modern ways we can draw courage from fulfilled prophecy?
🪽 Angelology: A Look into the Unseen World
🪽 Angelology: A Look into the Unseen World
Introduction: Why study Angelology from Daniel?
Introduction: Why study Angelology from Daniel?
Framing Question: Why study Angelology from Daniel?
Daniel uniquely pulls back the curtain on the spiritual realm.
Note that Daniel is the first book to name angels, and the clearest OT depiction of cosmic conflict.
Preview key angelic figures: Gabriel, Michael, and the "princes."
Exegetical Survey: Key Angelic Passages
Exegetical Survey: Key Angelic Passages
Daniel 8:15–17 – Gabriel the Interpreter
Daniel 8:15–17 – Gabriel the Interpreter
When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face. But he said to me, “Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end.”
First named angel in Scripture.
Role: interprets visions.
Literary note: Angel as a mediator of prophetic insight.
Daniel 9:20–23 – Gabriel Sent in Response to Prayer
Daniel 9:20–23 – Gabriel Sent in Response to Prayer
While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.
Highlights angelic response to human intercession.
God’s swiftness to send answers (v. 23).
Theological Implications:
Angels are personal beings with assigned roles.
God uses angels to mediate understanding of His will.
Named Angels in the Bible
Named Angels in the Bible
Only two named angels in the Bible
Gabriel – First time in Scripture an angel is named (8:16; 9:21).
Role: Messenger & interpreter of visions.
Approach: Appears in human form; provides clarity to Daniel.
NT link: Luke 1 (the angel that visited Zachariah and foretolled John the Baptist, and that visited Mary and foretold the birth of Jesus)
Michael – Called “one of the chief princes” (10:13) and “the great prince who protects your people” (12:1).
Role: Warrior & protector of Israel.
NT link: Michael in Revelation 12:7–9 and Jude 9.
Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
Daniel 10:10–21 – Angelic Conflict and Delayed Revelation
Daniel 10:10–21 – Angelic Conflict and Delayed Revelation
And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”
When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.
Introduces spiritual warfare and territorial spirits ("Prince of Persia").
Michael intervenes.
Discuss implications for prayer, revelation, and cosmic conflict.
D. Daniel 12:1 – Michael and Eschatological Protection
D. Daniel 12:1 – Michael and Eschatological Protection
“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.
Michael as guardian of Israel.
Timing: tribulation and resurrection. ?
Theological & Systematic Connections (20 min)
Theological & Systematic Connections (20 min)
To OT Theology: Contrast with angel appearances in Gen–Kings (e.g., Gen 18, Joshua 5, Judges 13).
To NT Angelology:
Gabriel in Luke 1
Michael in Revelation 12 and Jude 9
Spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:12
To Systematics: How Daniel contributes to doctrines of providence, prayer, eschatology, and demonology.
Key Questions for Reflection and Research (15 min)
Key Questions for Reflection and Research (15 min)
Are the “princes” (e.g., of Persia) angels or demons?
How do these passages shape a theology of prayer and delay?
Is territorial spirit theology biblically grounded or speculative?
How does Daniel’s angelology relate to apocalyptic literature?
What does this teach us about God's sovereignty in unseen realms?
Conclusion & Application (10 min)
Conclusion & Application (10 min)
God rules through both visible and invisible agents.
Angels are active participants in God’s redemptive plan.
Encouragement: Your prayers matter in the spiritual realm (Dan 10:12).
Caution: Avoid both angel obsession and angel neglect.
⏳ Eschatology: Prophetic Complexity and Future Hope
⏳ Eschatology: Prophetic Complexity and Future Hope
Focus: Daniel 9:24–27; 11:36–12:13
Theme: A coming time of intense suffering, culminating in deliverance and resurrection.
Key Texts: Daniel 9:24–27; 11:36–45; 12:1–4, 12:10–13
Teaching Ideas:
Briefly summarize the 70 weeks (9:24–27) and how views differ (Dispensational/Futurist vs Covenant/Amil).
I. The 70 Weeks in Daniel 9
I. The 70 Weeks in Daniel 9
Go ahead and flip over to Daniel 9:24
“Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
Intro Context:
These four verses are among the most difficult and controversial in Daniel — and in the entire Bible.
“Seventy weeks” in Hebrew = “seventy sevens” (שָׁבֻעִים). There is no distinct Hebrew word for “week.” When sevens relate to time, it often refers to years (cf. Lev 25:8).
Many interpret this as 490 years (70 × 7 years). How exactly those years are counted is debated (historicist, amillennial, dispensational, etc.).
V24 — The Purpose of the Seventy Sevens
Six divine purposes:
Finish the transgression.
Put an end to sin.
Atone for iniquity.
Bring in everlasting righteousness.
Seal vision and prophet.
Anoint a most holy place (or “the Most Holy One”).
This is a redemption plan for “your people and your holy city” — Israel and Jerusalem.
V25 — Starting Point and the First 69 Weeks
Countdown begins from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (various proposals: Cyrus 538 BC, Artaxerxes 457 BC or 444 BC).
Two periods: 7 weeks (49 years) for restoration of Jerusalem, then 62 weeks (434 years) leading to “an anointed one, a prince” (often understood as Messiah).
V26 — The Anointed One Cut Off & the Coming Destruction
After the 69 weeks, the “anointed one” is “cut off” — a term often meaning violent death, with nothing left to him.
“The people of the prince to come” destroy Jerusalem and the temple — commonly understood as Rome in 70 AD.
Ongoing war and desolations are decreed until the end.
V27 — The Final Week
A “strong covenant” is made with many for one week (7 years).
Midpoint disruption: sacrifices end, and an “abomination” is set up.
This figure meets the decreed end — divine judgment.
Futurist views see this as a future Antichrist; others see fulfillment in events surrounding Antiochus IV or the Roman destruction.
Major Questions and their possible answers
1. What exactly are the “seventy weeks,” and when do they start?
Symbolic 490 years; starts with Cyrus (538 BC) or Artaxerxes (457 BC), fulfilled in Christ’s first coming.
Literal 490 years; starts with Artaxerxes (444/445 BC), first 69 weeks to Christ’s first coming, final week future.
2. When and how are the six purposes in v.24 fulfilled?
All fulfilled in Christ’s first coming and new covenant; “anoint a most holy place” = Messiah or God’s people.
Some fulfilled at first coming, others at second; “anoint a most holy place” = future literal temple.
3. Who are the main figures in v.26–27?
“Prince” = Titus (Rome AD 70); “he” = Christ confirming the new covenant.
“Prince” = future Antichrist; “he” = Antichrist making/breaking a 7-year covenant with Israel.
4. What is the ending of sacrifices and the “abomination” in v.27?
Christ’s cross ends sacrifices theologically; “abomination” = Rome’s AD 70 desecration.
Antichrist stops sacrifices in future rebuilt temple; “abomination” = future desecration.
💬 Reflect
💬 Reflect
How does the precision of God’s timetable strengthen your trust in His sovereignty over history?
In what ways does this prophecy point you to the work of Christ — in His first coming and His future return?
How do you personally respond to the certainty that God has a fixed plan to deal with sin and bring in everlasting righteousness?
If God’s timeline for redemption is this exact, what does that mean for your trust in His promises in your own life?
II. The Resurrection of the Dead in Daniel 12
II. The Resurrection of the Dead in Daniel 12
“At that time” - 12:1. At what time?
“At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train. But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction. And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him.
“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.
“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Emphasize Daniel 12:2–3—one of the clearest OT references to bodily resurrection.
📖 Teaching Notes & Callouts
📖 Teaching Notes & Callouts
V1 — Michael’s Stand and God’s Deliverance
“Michael” is described as “the great prince” — an archangel tasked with defending God’s people.
“Shall arise” signals decisive action on behalf of Israel, often connected to end-time events.
The “time of trouble” is unparalleled — Jesus echoes this in Matthew 24:21.
Deliverance is not for all ethnic Israel indiscriminately, but for those “written in the book” — God’s true covenant people (cf. Ex 32:32; Rev 20:12).
V2 — Bodily Resurrection and Final Judgment
“Sleep in the dust” = physical death. This is one of the clearest OT affirmations of bodily resurrection.
Two eternal destinies: “everlasting life” or “shame and everlasting contempt.”
This undercuts universalism — the resurrection leads either to reward or to judgment.
V3 — The Reward of the Wise
“The wise” = those who understand God’s ways and live faithfully (see Dan 11:33, 35).
Their glory is pictured as light — “shine… like the stars.” In Scripture, light often represents vindication, holiness, and God’s presence.
Those who “turn many to righteousness” (disciple-making, evangelism, leading in covenant faithfulness) will be honored forever — the ripple effects of faithfulness last into eternity.
💬 Reflect
💬 Reflect
In seasons of global or personal “trouble,” how does knowing you are “written in the book” affect your confidence?
How should the certainty of resurrection shape the way you approach both suffering and success in this life?
Who has God put in your path right now that you can “turn to righteousness”?
What practical steps could you take this week to live wisely so that you “shine” in God’s sight?
⛓️💥Living in Exile: Perseverance, Repentance, and Faithfulness in a Difficult Day
⛓️💥Living in Exile: Perseverance, Repentance, and Faithfulness in a Difficult Day
Focus: Daniel 9 (Daniel’s prayer), Daniel 12 (wisdom and endurance)
Theme: God’s people are called to humility and faithfulness even when God’s timeline is unclear.
Key Texts: Daniel 9:3–19; 12:3, 10–13
Daniel 9: How do we persevere in a difficult day?
Daniel 9: How do we persevere in a difficult day?
We know God has ultimate control — yet life is still going to be hard. How do we live faithfully in the midst of a broken world? Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9 gives us a pattern for surviving and thriving in the chaos.
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.
Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame, as at this day, to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away, in all the lands to which you have driven them, because of the treachery that they have committed against you. To us, O Lord, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out upon us, because we have sinned against him. He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our rulers who ruled us, by bringing upon us a great calamity. For under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what has been done against Jerusalem. As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has come upon us; yet we have not entreated the favor of the Lord our God, turning from our iniquities and gaining insight by your truth. Therefore the Lord has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the Lord our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice. And now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
“O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”
While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.
1. Persistence in the Scripture (vv.1–2)
Daniel, during a regime change, is still faithfully studying the Word of God. After visions of the end of the world, after political upheaval, Daniel sets his heart toward the Word of God. If we want to endure, we have to keep our eyes and hearts rooted in Scripture.
2. Humility Before the Maker (v.3)
Learn to take time to center yourself properly before the Maker. Sometimes this is being slow and still. Sometimes it’s fasting and weeping. Sometimes it’s reading passages about God’s glory and sovereignty. Sometimes it looks like going to the homeless shelter to serve. If we want to survive in a difficult day, we have to take the focus off ourselves. If you think you’re the center of the universe, you will always feel disenfranchised. But when we reorient ourselves to God at the center, nothing shakes us.
3. Confession (vv.4–11)
Get real in your awareness of — and your dealing with — your sin. Daniel names sin for what it is and owns it, even though he personally walked faithfully.
4. Adoration (vv.4, 9)
Get good at reflecting on the character of God — and telling Him that. Orient your life around who He is: merciful, righteous, faithful.
5. Petition (vv.17–19)
We have to be praying people who rely on the power of God, not ourselves. If we want to survive in the chaos, to survive in exile, we have to be people of prayer. We must be people like Daniel who call upon heaven: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, pay attention and act” — not because of anything we deserve but because You are merciful and we are Your people.
6. Know That God Sees You and You Are Loved (v.23)
The messenger tells Daniel, “You are greatly loved.” In the middle of political chaos, frightening visions, and personal discouragement, Daniel needed to hear that — and so do we.
Daniel 12: Go your way, and rest in your outcome
Daniel 12: Go your way, and rest in your outcome
So what do we do with all this? some of you are like Daniel in
I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”
you might find yourself like Daniel - you’ve heard a lot tonight, but you arent really sure what to make of it all.
Application Prompts:
What would it look like to confess the sins of your generation like Daniel did?
How can you “shine like the stars” (12:3) in a dark world?
How might God be calling you to persevere today?
📝 Final Wrap-Up:
📝 Final Wrap-Up:
God reveals enough to stir awe, call for repentance, and anchor hope—but not enough to give us all the answers.
Daniel ends not with timelines, but with trust and a call to faithful endurance.
