Read Daniel 12:2-3. What event is he talking about here, and why, considering what we understand about death, is this event so important to us? Daniel makes probably the most explicit reference in the Old Testament to the coming resurrection. And as we reflect on this passage, we can learn some very important truths. First, as … Continue reading –>
Daniel 12:1 talks about those who are “found written in the book”? What does that mean? The time of Michael’s intervention is also described as a time of trouble without parallel. This corresponds to the time when God’s Spirit will be withdrawn from rebellious humankind. Then the seven last plagues, as expressions of God’s wrath … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 12:1. Who changes the course of history at the end of time? How do Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25 help us understand what this text means? Every chapter of Daniel so far has begun by mentioning the ruler of a pagan nation. Daniel chapter 12 likewise begins with a ruler, but unlike every other chapter the ruler … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Dan. 12:1-13; Rom. 8:34; Luke 10:20; Rom. 8:18; Heb. 2:14-15; John 14:29; Rev. 11:3. Memory Text: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3, NKJV). The book of Daniel begins with Nebuchadnezzar invading Judea and taking captives to … Continue reading –>
Heart for Mission By Joyce Joyce is a 25-year-old Global Mission pioneer who, with another female Global Mission pioneer, planted a church for young people in a city of 10 million people. Because she lives in a closed country hostile to Christianity, Adventist Mission is not publishing her full name or location. Here’s what Joyce … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: It is interesting that at least in reference to Daniel 11:29-39, Martin Luther identified the abomination of desolation in Daniel 11:31 with the papacy and its doctrines and practices. Thus, the correlation of Daniel 11 with Daniel chapters 7 and 8 reinforces the view of Luther and many other Protestant commentators that the institution of … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 11:40-45. What is happening here? The following phrases help us understand this text: Time of the End: The expression “time of the end” appears only in Daniel (Dan. 8:17; Dan. 11:35, Dan. 11:40; Dan. 12:4, Dan. 12:9). Examination of Daniel’s prophecies indicates that the time of the end extends from the fall of the papacy in 1798 until the … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 11:29-39. What is this power that arises after pagan Rome? Daniel 11:29-39 refers to a new power system. Although this system stands in continuation with the pagan Roman Empire and inherits some characteristics of its predecessor, at the same time it seems to be different in some aspects. The biblical text says that “it shall … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 11:16-28. Though the text is difficult, what images can you find that appear elsewhere in Daniel? A transition in power from the Hellenistic kings to pagan Rome seems to be depicted in Daniel 11:16: “But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and no one shall stand against him. He … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 11:5-14. What is unfolding here? Upon the death of Alexander the Great, the vast Greek empire was divided among his four generals. Two of them — Seleucus in Syria (North) and Ptolemy in Egypt (South) — managed to establish dynasties that would fight each other for control of the land. Most Bible students understand … Continue reading –>
