The Life of Daniel (21)

The Lord told Daniel that another ruler would come. The terrible oppression under Antiochus Epiphanes would come to an end. The Lord would deliver His people. In the last chapter of the book Daniel, this would be told to the prophet. It would be at God’s time. So, it would be with the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, but so it also will be with the antichrist and his reign.

Deliverance

“And at that time”—that is, the time appointed by the Lord. Our times are in His hand. It was after a time of distress. The prophet spoke in this chapter about the terrible things that would take place in Israel but that also have meaning for the end of times. In verse 11 we read, “The daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up.” It means that the daily burnt offerings during this time of oppression would not be brought anymore and that the temple would be desecrated by erecting an idol and causing the strange god to be worshiped.

A time of distress is not strange to true pilgrims. We hear the poet in Psalm 25:17b as he cries, “O bring Thou me out of my distresses.” We read in Psalm 138:7a, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me.” It is after a time of great distress. The comfort in this distress may be what the prophet says in Isaiah 63:9, “In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them.”

At God’s time, Michael, the archangel, will stand up “for the children of thy people.” He will stand up for the protection and deliverance of the oppressed ones “and at that time thy people shall be delivered.” Who are these people? “Every one that shall be found written in the book.” This is the book of life with the names of the chosen people. Election is a stumbling block for many, but it is the only hope for God’s Church, also in the darkest times and when faith is low, that the counsel of the Lord will stand and He will do all His pleasure. Because of God’s sovereign free grace there will be a Church, and the raging of the antichrist will not prevent that. Even to the last one they, all whose names are in the book, will be gathered and delivered.

Verse 2 speaks of the resurrection of the dead, of those that sleep in the dust of the earth. They “shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” What a solemn moment that will be when everyone will stand before the great white throne where the Lamb of God will be the Judge of the quick and the dead, and His judgments will be right. What a difference—a resurrection to shame and everlasting contempt or a resurrection to everlasting life.

Of the last ones we read also in verse 3, “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament.” The wise are those who are taught by the Lord’s Spirit. God’s Word can make us wise unto salvation. The wise learned what is of the highest value and what is not. They have learned to first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. They are also described as “they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” It is the Lord’s work to convert sinners and to clothe them with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. However, here we read that people, those that are wise, will be used in His work. Do we know this school of the wise, the school of grace where we are taught how foolish we are and that all true wisdom comes from God alone? Then we will often be found at the feet of the great and precious Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Command to seal up the book

Daniel receives a final command. He has to “shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.” This book of prophecy has to be sealed, to be guarded, to be preserved. That word is the written revelation of God with the prophecies Daniel received. Many will try to understand these, but they will look for knowledge where it is not to be found. Also in our days many do try to explain the mysteries of God’s counsel and reign in the end times, but they will not understand. Why did the Lord command this sealing of the prophecies? That is because He alone is the Revealer of mysteries, but He does that not in our time to perhaps satisfy curiosity but at His own time. This sealing is not definite.

It says in verse 4, “Even to the time of the end.” God will make it known when those Scriptures are being fulfilled. And the wise (verse 3) will be shown, in times of great tribulation, that the Bridegroom is coming and they should go out to meet Him. How often Scriptures may seem to be sealed for one who perhaps needs instruction, but God reveals the hidden mysteries to those in need of it at His time. Let us, therefore, prayerfully search the Scriptures also in our days when the waters of the river show big waves, in the unrest of our days and the turmoil of the nations. Blessed are they who may wait for Him and long for His coming to show that He is God.

The Man clothed in linen

When Daniel asks, “How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?” he receives an answer. Verse 7 tells us, “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.” Who is this Man clothed in linen? It seems to be a priestly garment, but there is also something royal or kingly in His speaking. It is the great King, the High Priest, Jesus Christ. He is upon the waters of the river, that is, He rules over the mighty waves and all which takes place, also in the last days. He swears, not with one hand as was usual, but with both hands. He swears about the time when “all these things shall be finished.” Daniel hears it but does not understand and says, “O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?” These things are those which are mentioned also in Revelation, which show much similarity with Daniel’s prophecies. This was not foolish curiosity from Daniel, yet he did not receive his request. There will come a time, however, when the words are needed, and then they will be understood.

Encouragement to an old servant

The Lord said, “Go thy way, Daniel,” that is, fear not, for although you yourself do not understand the words, many will understand them. Persecutions, trials, and afflictions will come, but when they come, many will be purified, made white, and refined. No, not the wicked “but the wise shall understand.” Now, Daniel, blessed is he that waiteth. The Bible says, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” There is a divine benediction for those who by grace may be faithful and in spite of suffering and oppression, abide true to their Lord. Nobody will pluck them out of the hand of their King.

Then there is a final word of comfort and assurance to the prophet. His way is not yet at the end, though he is very old and has served in high positions for many years under different rulers. A glorious future is waiting for him, “for thou shalt rest.” He will receive his appointed portion at the end of his journey. His salvation is sure, and “there remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Oh, what will it have been for Daniel when the Lord called His aged servant home. Then there were no mysteries anymore, no assaults of the enemy, but to be forever with his gracious King, the exalted Lord Jesus Christ. He comes, He comes to judge the nations. Young and old, are we ready to meet Him? This can only be when here we have learned to surrender to Him and let Him rule, not only in the world but also in our own lives. Our times show the signs that Christ is coming though we do not know when. Do we have oil in our lamps? Enemies can yet be made friends. He has the power to bring you to His feet. That is a precious place for beggars, a place to also worship and praise Him.

(This installment marks the end of this series.)

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