The events described in the fourth vision of Daniel beginning in Ch. 10 has its climax in the great tribulation and the resurrection which follows.
This vision of Daniel’s constitutes a revelation of the major events of the time of the end.
These may be summarized as follows:
1. The revelation of a world ruler.
2. A world war.
3. A world religion
4. A time of great tribulation for Israel.
5. Deliverance of the godly remnant at the end of the tribulation.
6. Resurrection and judgment
7. Reward of the righteous
v. 1 This verse reveals that this is a time of unprecedented persecution coming for the people of Israel.
Jeremiah refers to this time as “the time of Jacob’s trouble”. Jer 30:7
The Lord also warned Israel of that time and instructed them to “flee to the mountains.”
“For there shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, 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.” Matt 24:21-22.
When we study Rev chapters 6 thru 19 and note the catastrophes which descend upon the world as the seals are broken, the trumpets are blown, and the vials are poured out, we can visualize the decimation and extermination of the human race, except the days of judgment are shortened.
In their distress Israel is specially aided by Michael the archangel.
v. 2 The Resurrections
As the climax to the time of tribulation there will be a resurrection from the dead.
Who will be resurrected at this resurrection?
1. All those who have died in Christ after the Rapture of the Church. Rev 20:4-6
2. Old Testament saints will be raised at this time.
As the Lord’s coming is in two phases … so is the first resurrection.
1. The resurrection at the rapture of the Church
2. Those resurrected at the Lord’s coming to earth, prior to the Millennium
Finally, there will be the resurrection of the unbeliever prior to the judgment of the Great White throne.
As a point of interest let us look at the different resurrection of the Scriptures.
1. The resurrection of Christ.
2. At the resurrection of Christ there was a token resurrection of O.T. saints.
Matt 27:52-53 “And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints that slept arose and came out of the graves after this resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared to many.”
1. Then there will be the resurrection of N.T. believers.
2. The resurrection of O.T. saints and martyred believers of the tribulation period, prior to the setting up of the Millennial kingdom.
3. The resurrection of the wicked dead prior to the Great White Throne.
v. 3 The reward of the righteous.
v. 4 The conclusion of the Revelation
The impact and import of Daniel’s vision would not be fully realized until the time of the end.
The end times will be recognizable in that men “shall run to and fro”. The age will be characterized by restlessness.
Also “knowledge shall be increased.”
This increase of knowledge will be seen in two areas, the physical and the spiritual.
First the physical
Describe the tremendous development in communications – the arts – the sciences – culture – natural phenomena.
Knowledge has increased more in the last 50 years than during all previous recorded human history.
By means of radio, television, automatic printing presses, illiteracy has almost disappeared in many developing countries.
Consider also the field of medicine. Biology-Physiology-Surgery-Chemistry-Physics-Literature-Agriculture-Electronics-Astronomy-Meteorology.
Men have also topped what many believe to be the secret of the Universe. The splitting of the atom and the discovery of atomic energy through nuclear fission.
To keep up with this “Intellectual Explosion” places of higher education are inadequate and we, the people, are being taxed to capacity to provide more learning institutions.
The Word of God, through Daniel, described this current condition 2,500 years ago.
The tragedy of this enlightened age is that with the increase of knowledge and worldly wisdom, man understands less about God.
Secondly, the increase in the spiritual sphere particularly in the area of prophecy. Describe.
At the conclusion of the vision Daniel sees two individuals, one on one side of the Tigris and the other on the other side.
These no doubt were angelic beings.
One of these angels said to a man who was clothed in fine linen and who stood above the waters of the river. How long will it be to the end of these wonders?
Daniel observes that this man raised both hands to heaven, and swore by “Him that liveth forever”. – God Almighty
Then he informed Daniel that the things spoken of in the vision would be finished or accomplished in “a time, times and a half a time”. 3 ½ years.
Daniel is bewildered, he cannot understand and asks, “O my Lord, what shall be at the end of these things?”
v. 9-13 The concluding explanation by the angel.
The angel says to Daniel in answer to his question, “these words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.”
However two things are revealed.
1. The saints will be purified.
2. The true character of the wickedness of the human heart will be revealed.
The wise please take note
In verses 11-12 two important revelations are given to help us determine the duration of the time of the end.
From the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away and the abomination of desolation is set up, until the time of the end will be 1,290 days.
1260 days is 3 ½ years. Why the extra 30 days?
The 1260 day period will culminate with the second advent of Christ to the earth.
This is followed by several divine judgments
1. The judgment of the nations. Matt 25:31-46
2. The regathering and judgment of Israel Eze 20:34-38
These great judgments beginning with the living on earth and purging out of unbelievers who have worshipped the beast, although handled quickly will require time.
By the 1335 days or 75 days after the second advent these great judgments will have been completed and the Millennium kingdom brought into being.
Those who attain to this period are those who have been judged worthy to enter the kingdom. Hence they are called “Blessed.”
I believe we are a privileged generation.
Daniel’s prophecies have more meaning today than ever before.
In the light of world conditions the how many not be far distant when faithful saints in the midst of great trial in the great tribulation will turn to these pages of Scripture and find in them strength and comfort and courage to remain true even though it means a martyr’s death.