This chapter starts with the mention of the first year of Darius’s reign as king of Mede. God speaks to Daniel, revealing that there will be four kings, with the fourth being far richer and more powerful than the first three. This king will stir up conflict against the realm of Greece and will act according to his own will, but his kingdom will eventually be destroyed. Another king, the king of the South, will rise to power, and they will form an alliance by the end of the year. Despite various agreements and pacts, especially involving the king's daughter, these alliances will fail. In time, a powerful army will emerge, carrying captives to Egypt, with their gods in tow.
This vision from Daniel shows a chaotic and confusing series of events across different regions and kingdoms. Ultimately, it seems all these conflicts and efforts will lead to destruction and turmoil. The similarities with today’s world are striking, with rising taxes, nations allying to oppose each other, and power being seized under false pretenses. Wealth and money seem to dominate those in authority, with many taking advantage of their positions, exploiting others, and returning to their homelands with the spoils.
As verse 29 states, "at the appointed time it shall return but not as the former." By verse 32, it’s clear that only those who stand firm in God will do great exploits, while those who oppress others will fall. The fourth king, the one who will rise to power, will be destructive. He will rebel against God, promote strange gods, and divide the land for his own benefit. He will conquer nations, seizing strategic places, but his end will come, and no one will be able to help him.
I find this chapter very cryptic, requiring deep insight and the help of the Holy Spirit to truly understand. It speaks to both the present and the future. The events described can be seen in many things happening around the world today. The takeaway from this for me is the importance of revering God, especially when times are tough and the world seems full of chaos. Trusting in God and living for Him is vital. May we remain steadfast in Him, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daniel 12
This chapter opens with the angel Michael, a prominent figure in the book of Daniel, standing up and delivering a message about a time of trouble that will surpass anything in history. During this time, people will be delivered—those whose names are written in the book of life. Those who have died will rise, some to eternal life and some to eternal damnation. I pray that my name is written in the book of life, and that I will not spend eternity in damnation, in Jesus’ mighty name. Daniel is told to seal the book until the time of the end, when knowledge will increase and people will be searching for answers.
We shouldn’t downplay the word of God. We live in the end times, and the increase in knowledge is happening at an alarming rate. However, as knowledge increases, so does the distance between people and the Almighty. Many are deceived into thinking that the world will continue to evolve without God, but that is a lie from the pits of hell.
Daniel says that after sealing the book, he saw two angels by the riverbank—one in white linen. Could this be the Son of God? The angel clothed in linen, standing on the waters, seems to represent Jesus. When asked how long it would be until the end of these wonders, Jesus raised His hands to heaven and swore by the eternal God that it would be for a time, times, and half a time. Once the power of God’s holy people has been scattered, these events will be finished. Daniel did not understand what he heard and asked, “What will the end of these things be?”
Daniel was told to go his way, for the book had been sealed. When the time comes, many will be purified, but the wicked will remain wicked, and none of the wicked will understand. The last verses are key:
"Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days." (Daniel 12:12-13)
These chapters speak of the end times, and it is clear we are living in them. It’s crucial to examine our lives and ensure we are living for Jesus and that our names are written in the book of life. Wickedness will increase, but those who are purified will be purified. It’s up to each of us to choose which side we are on.
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