Comments for November 3

v.7 - Familiar words to those God cares about - Deut.31:6,7,23, Josh.1:6-9, 1Chron 28:10,20, Isa.35:4, Dan.10:19

32:8 In saying 'but with us is the Lord God' Hezekiah is echoing the words of the prophet who was his great counsellor - Isaiah 8:10. Hezekiah must have taken great comfort from the way in which Isaiah spoke to him.

v.5 - Because of the succinct way in which these histories are written we find ourselves without much sense of the time that things took. Here, however, it was clear that this Assyrian threat remained for some considerable time, and still did not apparently develop into war. One wonders how many more times we read of an event which we assume was shortlived, but in fact was quite prolonged.

32:1 These events took place in the 14th year of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:13) As he reigned 29 years we must realise that Manasseh had not been born yet. This explains, in part, his anxiety about his illness (v24)

32 Notice the way that the king of Assyria speaks of his hand (:11,13,14,15 twice ,17 twice) which seems to be an attempt to rebut the words of Hezekiah 32:8 with him is an arm of flesh.

V.31 Here we have a lesson for each one of us. Hezekiah's offence was not so much in the display of his military stores and treasures, as in not giving to God the glory both of the miracle and of his recovery.

God saved Judah and Hezekiah, their king, because of his Godliness recounted in the previous 3 chapters. But the Lord didn't save Israel when in a few chapters' time they had turned their back on Him.

V.9 The consequences of Hezekiah's earlier distancing himself from the influence of Assyria are now being realized.  Sennacherib sent spokesmen to taunt Hezekiah in Jerusalem while he laid siege to Lachish. 

Lachish was located about 20 miles (32 km) south-west of Jerusalem.  Pictures of Sennacherib's successful campaign in Lachish were carved in the wall of his palace in Nineveh.  These carvings are now in the British Museum.  Sennacherib took Lachish in 700 BC.

32:31  In saying that God left Hezekiah "to try him" we are seeing the recurrence of the way that God works with his people. For example Deut 8:2 speaking to Israel in the wilderness. If God were to hedge His servants about all the time so that they were never tempted then the servant would never learn his own strengths and weaknesses.

v 1  the start of this verse mentions "..all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done...", & yet God then brings not one, but two, difficult tests on him - the Assyrians, & his life-threatening illness. We are reminded of Job, a righteous man Job 1:8 but who needed further character refining.

The way the narrative runs, it would appear that the threat to Jerusalem & the illness of Hezekiah are consecutive. Isaiah however, would seem to indicate that they were concurrent Isa 38:5,6

The pride of Hezekiah in showing off his wealth, reminds one of the pride of Nebuchadnezzar Dan 4:30

32:1 ‘After these things’ – an ominous phrase. Hezekiah had done so many things right. And now God is developing more ‘fruit’ in Hezekiah by providing a challenge for him to deal with that he might learn more about himself and learn even more to trust his God. We should not think that because we are doing things right that life will be easy. Rather, if Jesus words – John 15:2 - are to be understood we see that God seeks more fruit from those who  are fruitful.

Vs.2-6 Hezekiah realized that war with Assyria was inevitable. Instead of moping around, or throwing up his hands, he set about preparing for it. But he did it with the knowledge that Yahweh would be with him and his people (vs.7,8).

In this example, Hezekiah shows the working relationship (partnership) one should have with Yahweh. It is our job to implement a process in accordance with Yahweh's will, then He will advance success (1Cor 3:7).

32:5 The building of the wall that Hezekiah is involved in here is spoken of by the prophet – Isa 22:9-10

32:31 Whilst the record says that with respect to the ambassadors of Babylon ‘God left’ Hezekiah the contemporary prophet Micah (4:10) warns of the impending Babylonian captivity – doubtless after the visit of the ambassadors.

V.1 Sennacherib (704-682 BC) succeeded his father Sargon. Sennacherib means Sin (the moon goddess) increases brothers.

Sennacherib’s first campaign was against Babylon in 704 BC. He successfully defeated Merodach-baladan, who fled the country. Sennacherib installed Belibus as his viceroy.

Then, in 700 BC Sennacherib turned his attention towards the west, conquering many lands. He captured many Judean towns, and then set his sights on Jerusalem.

V.5 Millo was a defensive wall which was originally built by the Jebusites when they occupied Jerusalem (Jebus).

Vs.14,15,17 In the Ancient Near East, if a nation were successful in overcoming another, then the victory was accredited to the god of the winning side. Assyria had won all its campaigns and had become puffed up with pride and confidence. And so, the Assyrians were convinced that their god, Assur, must be invincible.

V.21 There were 185,000 Assyrians slain (2Kin 19:35). Sennacherib returned home, and one day, when he was worshipping in the temple of Nisroch, his sons killed him (2Kin 19:37).

Nisroch had the head of an eagle and the body of a man (similar to Dagon, the Philistine god, which was half-fish and half-man). Some commentators identify Nisroch with Assur, the Assyrian national god.

V.25 Hezekiah had become proud of heart, encouraged by men and earthly riches rather that Yahweh (See 2Kin 20:12,13).

V.26 Hezekiah was relieved that he would not be subject to punishment. This makes Hezekiah sound very selfish (2Kin 20:19).

V.32 Hezekiah pleaded to Yahweh when he was sick, and Yahweh extended his life by 15 years (2Kin 20:5,6). It was during the 15 years that Manasseh was born. He was the most evil king in Israel’s history, and was the focus of retribution to Jerusalem and Judah (Jer 15:3,4).

Had Hezekiah not pleaded for life, Manasseh would never have been born. Let us be careful for what we ask. We could be given something that we might later regret.

32:11-16 Notice the emphasis ‘mine’ in these verses showing the self importance of the king of Assyria.

2Chron 32:3-4 - Hezekiah's tunnel was cut through 1750 feet of solid limestone, was 4 to 20 feet high, saved Jerusalem's water supply and was discovered in 1880; V.3 "fountains" [Heb. "ayin" (5869) means "eye, fountain (i.e. eye of landscape)'], V.4 "fountains" [Heb. "ma'yan" (4599) means "spring, a fountain"].

2Chron 32:22,24 - like Christ, Hezekiah was surrounded by Gentiles (Psa 22:16;Matt 27:54) and ill at the point of death but God delivered him.

Will God help us fight our battles?

Hezekiah's attitude seems right in v2-8 doesn't it? Especially his speech in v8 "with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles".

Yet when we read on we find all Hezekiah's preparation was for nothing. God had other plans and delivered Jerusalem by himself and without any weapons, shields or soldiers Hezekiah prepared. Notice, then, the wording of Hezekiah's message: "to help us... fight our battles." as if God is an older brother we can bring along to the playground fight when there's a boy bigger than us. God does not always want to be tagged onto our plans like this, as if He is a God who will do our bidding. Notice in Isa 30 we are told that at the same time Jerusalem appeared to trust in God, they were also making a pact with Egypt to come and help them out (Isa 30:1-3). It's like us praying to God for help when we need him, yet feverishly searching for other help at the same time. We just can't hedge our bets like that. Either we trust God and ask His help, or we trust man and ask him. So Hezekiah and the other leaders in Jerusalem had to learn to rely fully on God. Later in the Isaiah chapter (verses v29-33) Hezekiah should have read the prophecy of how God would fight the battle entirely by Himself.

32:6-8 In speaking comfortably to the people to encourage them to trust God Hezekiah is echoing the earlier words of Isa 40:1 to provide a basis for his words. He represents the words that God had already given him through the prophet.  Consolation, encouragement and comfort that we give to our brethren and sisters must not just be pleasant words. They must reflect the way God speaks to us.

32:3    The activity spoken of here is that which brought about the construction of what is now called ‘Hezekiah’s Tunnel’ in Jerusalem.

32:7-8  Hezekiah, crucially, as well as making preparations for the onslaught of the king of Assyria, recognised that deliverance would come from his God. There is an important balance to be struck between doing all that is sensible in our lives and putting all our trust in God. Both the extreme of being self sufficient and the other extreme of doing nothing expecting God to do everything are wrong.

32:13  The comment by the king of Assyria that Hezekiah had removed places of worship from around the land and commanded people to  come to Jerusalem to worship is an incidental proof that Hezekiah had, in fact, took action against false worship in the land. 

32:20 Notice that Isaiah and Hezekiah prayed together. One of a number of indications in the life of Hezekiah and the prophecy of Isaiah that these two men shared worship together as faithful servants of God.

32:8   Hezekiah here echoes the sentiments of Elisha – 2Kin 6:17. The truth of the statement here is the basis for John’s encouraging words to us 1John 4:4.

32:23 The bringing of presents to Hezekiah in Jerusalem is a little like the way in which Mic 4:2 speaks of nations going up to Jerusalem at a time of blessing – that is in this case after the removal of the Assyrian threat.

32:21  That the king ‘returned in shame’ presents the unpalatable fact that the king of Assyria did not want to acknowledge so in recording his exploits against Hezekiah he recorded that he had shut up Hezekiah like a bird in a cage.

32:25   Hezekiah, like Uzziah before him – 2Chron 26:16 – had a proud heart at this time - but with one big difference.  Hezekiah repented – Jer 26:18-19. Uzziah did not.

32:31   The implication is that Hezekiah should have understood the folly of entertaining the ambassadors from Babylon. In fact he had been warned – Isa 14 – that the Babylonians would come against Israel.

32:33 A number of kings of Judah were buried in Jerusalem but Hezekiah is singled out to be buried in one of the “chiefest” sepulchres od the sons of David. This is an indication of the esteem that he was held in at his death.

32:1an alternative reading for “to win them for himself” is “break them up”. This would indicate that the king of Assyria is seeking to do more than to take Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem captive. He wanted to destroy the worship of Yahweh that Hezekiah had re-established. The Assyrians were seeking to destroy Israel’s worship and in the process belittle Yahweh. So in verse 10 he questions Yahweh’s authority.

32:3  Notice who Hezekiah takes counsel with. No mention is made here of him speaking with God and seeking His counsel. Possibly this is why the prophet condemned him –Isa 22:11

32:2-3 Even faithful Hezekiah has his shortcomings. It was the prophet –Isa 22:11 –who reproved Hezekiah for the way in which he strengthened the city. Ot that it was wrong to take realistic precautions. But it seems that the military solution was in the forefront of Hezekiah’s mind for it is that which Isaiah says the king did not do.

v.2 - We tend to think of this concept of resurrection as being primarily a NT one, but this is not true. It has been there, quite explicitly, from the outset. Gen 3:15, Job 19:25-27, Isa.26:19, Eze 37:1-4,12, Hos.13:14

12:1 The time of trouble is quoted by Jesus (Matthew 24:21) however Jesus also quotes it again (Revelation 16:18) so whilst there was a fulfilment of these words in AD 70 there is yet to be a further fulfilment when the Lord returns. Of course in AD 70 the disciples would have realised that Daniel's words were not fulfilled completely as there had not been the resurrection spoken of (12:2)

v.3 gives a wonderful picture of the great education which will take place in the millennium age of Jesus' reign. It is of great comfort to us to know that we can be involved in that. Let us keep working in God's vineyard now, knowing that this will be the way of our life for ever.

12:2 Many might think that the doctrine of the resurrection is a New Testament doctrine. Clearly there is much Old testament evidence that it is also an Old Testament doctrine - the New testament then continuing the teaching of the Old. The words here are probably the clearest indication of the resurrection being a time of separation of the faithful from the unfaithful in the whole of the Old Testament.

12:6-7 We have already met the "man clothed in linen" in Dan 10:5

V.1 At that time Daniel's people, ( both natural and spiritual Israel) shall be delivered, and their names shall be found written in the book of life. What a wonderful day that will be when we hear those wonderful  words of the judge "well done thou good and faithful servant"

Vs.4,9 Daniel was told to seal the words of his prophecy until the time of the end.  The time of the end began in the first century.  Nobody since Daniel until the end of the first century was able to unseal the book (about 600 years).  Only one person was capable of doing that, the risen Lord Jesus (Rev 5:1-5). 

Through Rev. Ch's 6-8, Jesus reveals that the seven seals are seven historical time periods spanning the first century until His return.  Daniel Ch. 12 is talking about the time of Christ's return.  It continues where Daniel Ch 11 leaves off. 

The confederacy of Gog invades Israel, bent upon its destruction (Ch. 11 c.f. Eze 38). The judgement will have taken place and the accepted ones, the Redeemed, will have been immortalised (v.2).  Jesus and the Redeemed will save Israel by destroying Gog and its confederates.

It important to understand what a large body of Christians believe concerning Daniel Ch. 12. They believe that time of v.1 refers to the Great Tribulation which will last three-and-a-half years (being the second half of the Tribulation of seven years). 

During the time of Tribulation, the Antichrist will establish himself in Jerusalem claiming to be ruler of the world.  This idea of the Antichrist, being a Jew who would set himself in Jerusalem as the king of the world, had its beginnings in the Catholic Counter-reformation. 

The Catholic Church at that time was being singled out as the beast and whore of Revelation, and the Pope as the man of sin and the false prophet.  They displaced this criticism by claiming that these things were talking about an Antichrist who will arise. 

Thus, when Christ appears in Jerusalem, claiming to be the king of the world, He will be denounced and opposed by millions of Christians who will see their prophecy coming true.  However, the Lord Jesus will destroy them (Rev 19:19,20). 

With the Lord Jesus back on the earth, the resurrection will take place, then the judgement, and then the most wonderful reign of Christ.  “How long will it be before all this happens?” Daniel asked. The answer is difficult to understand, but is summarised in Dan 12:13, “You will sleep, Daniel. But don’t worry, you'll be raised from death, and live for ever in the kingdom.”  This was indeed a lovely promise to the captive prophet. “You will stand in your lot at the end of the days.” If lot means inheritance, then Daniel was comforted by the fact that when he wakes from death he will no longer be a captive – too old to return from Babylon with Zerubbabel. He will be back in his home country, for good. I hope, please God, that I'll be there too.

12:3  These words were spoken in Babylon. Daniel was taught in all the wisdom of Babylon. Yet that wisdom did not reveal to him the things of God. The wise spoken of here are those who have immersed themselves in the Word of God, not the word of men.

12:4 the running ‘to and fro’ echoes the way that God’s eye ran to and fro – 2Chron 16:9 helping us to understand that the running to and fro here is in the pursuit of information.

12:10 The wicked who do wickedly provides the basis for Rev 22:11. Despite the wisdom of God and the manifestation of His glory there are always men and women who prefer to ignore all of that and continue in their wickedness.

V.2 The sequence of events should be noted: 

First the dead shall rise (1Thess 4:15). Then, those living as well as those who were dead will be judged.

Then, those found acceptable will then be with the Lord Jesus as He puts down His enemies who have invaded Israel.

Finally, He will defeat the Great Apostasy, those who oppose Him as the antichrist. Then, peace will ensue as the kingdom period begins.

12:3 The Chaldeans were really besotted with ‘wise’ things – they had ‘wise men’ and astrologers’ to call on when there was a need for an explanation. However in things to do with God’s plan the book of Daniel shows them to be impotent. Daniel was ‘wise’ Dan 1:4-7. The wisdom of God is counted as foolish but the wisdom of the things of God makes us wiser than all the wise men in the earth.

Dan 12:11;Matt 24:15;Mark 13:14.

V.1 We have entered that time of trouble. The political, financial, and social earthquakes that we are experiencing give testimony to Daniel’s words. We can expect the situation to deteriorate further.

And so, we should be putting our houses in order to withstand the turbulence (Luke 6:47-49).

If we overcome the world’s storms we will be found written in the book. This is the book of life (Rev 3:5).

V.5 There stood one angel on one bank of the Tigris, and another angel on the other bank. What is the implication of this arrangement? Could Yahweh be saying that He has covered all contingencies (sides) in divine care for His children?

V.7 A time, times, and half a time can be understood as three-and-a-half years or 1260 days. On a day-for-a-year principle that means 1260 years.

This verse is referencing the little horn of Dan 7:25. There is no doubt that this is talking about the antichrist - the papal influence that would arise to persecute the saints. The problem is fixing the date with regard to 1260 years.

One of the most interesting dates is 606 AD. At this time, Mohammed was beginning his Islamic movement. Some commentators have called this the Eastern Apostasy, because Islam is at odds with the Gospel of Jesus.

At the same time, in 606 AD, Phocas made the grant to the bishop of Rome, whence he assumed the title, The Universal Pastor (Jamieson). Thus, the Antichrist was installed on his lofty throne.

V.11 The daily sacrifice was taken away by Antiochus Epiphanes in 167 BC (See Dan 11:31). But, Jesus makes reference to Daniel in relation to Titus and the destruction of the temple in 70 AD (Matt 24:15).

Again, it is difficult to place dates with regard to the 1290 and the 1335 days. Some have suggested that this applies (in days) to the time between Antiochus’ taking away the sacrifice in 167 BC and his death in 164 BC. It sort of fits, but not precisely.

However, if the day-for-a year principle is applied, then we are talking about 1290 years and 1335 years. But, where is the starting point?

V.13 This is Yahweh’s confirmation that Daniel will be in the Kingdom.

12:7 we came across a man in ‘linen’ in Eze 9:2 these men were for the deliverance of the faithful. Likewise here. We should remember that the words of Ezekiel were spoken to those in captivity. Daniel, now near the end of the captivity, sees men in linen as deliverers also.

12:13  The way that Daniel was spoken to is an encouragement to us.  We have heard all the detailed and mystifying prophecies about the end of this age. However we struggle to understand them. However the assurance that was given to Daniel – who did not understand the visions either – is given to us.  Salvation is not determined by an understanding of the prophecies about the future. Rather it is based upon an acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus.

Dan 12:4

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

This prophecy certainly fits our time. We live in an era where technological advancements have helped to create an environment where communication and knowledge can increase faster than ever before. Between the years 1750 and 1900, the amount of knowledge in our world is said to have doubled. Between the years 1900 and 1950, the world’s knowledge is said to have again doubled. Then between 1950 and 1965, the amount of knowledge in the world doubled again. The knowledge explosion continued exponentially, so that at this present time it is estimated that knowledge doubles every 18 months! Our Age is rightly called the Information Age. Even the most skeptical mind must admit that knowledge is exploding in all directions. Thomas Friedman, the Pulitzer Prize winning author, writes on instant communications and world trade, and globalization in, The Lexus and The Olive Tree: “Today there is no more First World, Second World or Third World. There is now just the Fast World.”

Over the last 200 years, the world has undergone some major revolutionary changes. In this present Age, changes are taking place more rapidly than at any time in the world’s history. 80% of the world’s knowledge came about this past decade, and it is said that 90% of all the Scientists who have ever lived are alive today!

Dr. Michio Kaku, Physicist and Professor, in his book, Visions, writes: “Human knowledge is doubling every ten years. In the past decade, more scientific knowledge has been created than in all of human history. Computer power is doubling every 18 months. The Internet is doubling every year. The number of DNA sequences we can analyze is doubling every two years. In the wake of this technological upheaval, entire industries and lifestyles are being overturned, only to give rise to entirely new ones.”

Sadly, wisdom is not keeping abreast of knowledge. The greatest knowledge is that of Scriptural knowledge and applying our Scriptural knowledge with that of wisdom (Prov 1; Prov 4:7; Prov 16:16; Rom 11:33). The Bible shows us how we may obtain wisdom with knowledge, and gives us an insight on how to live, which no amount of worldly knowledge can ever provide.

12:12  We may not know when the thousand three hundred and five years will be fulfilled. However the assurance that those who remain faithful will be blessed should be assurance enough, despite not understanding the details of prophecy, to keep us faithful.

1:2    Doubtless those Jews taken captive thought that the Chaldeans had overpowered them because they were a stronger power. However the simple phrase ‘the Lord gave ...’ presents the true picture. It was due to God’s positive action, not inactivity on His part, that brought about the captivity.

Dan 12:4.

I have heard brethren make the point in regard to this verse that the sign of the times that Daniel is receiving about the vast increase of knowledge has a main fulfillment in the amazing technological and scientific advancements especially in the 20th and 21st centuries. Is that a good way to read these words or not? If not, how should we understand them?

The last part of this verse in the K.J.V. reads like this: "...seal the book, even to the time of the end, many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." So the type of knowledge Daniel is being told about must directly relate to whatever is meant by the running idea. Within the pages of the Bible in both Old and New Testaments, when a message is sent out by God, those who are delivering it are often said to be "running" with it. Here are some passages where this idea comes out pretty clearly in a positive sense.

Hab. 2:2,3 - "Then the LORD replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."

2 Thes. 3:1 (R.V.) - "Finally, brethren, pray for us, thatthe word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also it is with you."

1 Kings 18:46 - "The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt,he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel."

What follows are some passages with a similar connotation, but the obvious point is that these "runners" were teaching a false or perverted gospel, one that purported to be from God but really wasn't.

Jer. 23:21,22 - "I (God) did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. but if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds."

Jude 11 (K.J.V.) - "Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain; and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core (i.e. Korah)."

And here's one where the people are running after the word of God but can't find it. Amos 8:11,12 - "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it."

There may be others as well. So based on this usage, I would guess that what is being revealed to Daniel is that at the true time of the end when God finally will establish His kingdom on the earth (see Dan 2:44; Dan 7:27), the knowledge related to this will greatly increase. And perhaps even, due to the sometimes negative usage of that phrase, what many believe about the end times that is not correct will also increase.

It is a fact that the 20th and 21st centuries have produced a large amount of writing and teaching about what is called eschatological (or end times) matters related to Jesus' 2nd coming. As we all know there is some truth in what is being taught in many churches (Jesus will come back to earth) often mixed with a lot of what is not Scripturally right (e.g. a rapture of living believers to heaven, etc.). But among true believers there is much truth about those end times being taught. So, bottom line, I think what Daniel is being told relates to this kind of knowledge rather than any other, however impressive - and it is! - that knowledge may be.

12:1-3  Salvation is not offered to all. These three verses indicate that. Those who are delivered will be ‘written in the book of life’. There will be ‘many’ –not all. Also it is only ‘those that turn many to righteousness’.

12:1 is making the point that God has a powerful angel in charge of His people Israel. This angel, Michael, is there at the time of Daniel and will be there still at the time of the fulfilment of the prophecy. It is instructive to see things from the perspective of this angel, who does not die nor is affected by hunger or pain or any other human affliction. He can see things as they are with a completely logical eye. He has the power to do whatever it takes to further and complete God's purpose, which, as we can see here, sometimes includes arranging great trouble and hardship, as well as times of rest and ease. The reason this is instructive for us is because Israel being a nation, not an individual person, it also lasts forever and does not die or become extinct. We can therefore see its times of trouble, brought on by disobedience, with far greater clarity than if we had looked at one person, and learn lessons for ourselves that would not be apparent otherwise. It is as if we can see an infant born at the time of Abraham, and see it's life stretching out for three thousand years, all the time being looked after, cared for and chastened by this angel with complete consistency.

1. Dan 12:1 - "And at that time" (i.e. "at the time of the end" Dan 11:40).

2. Dan 12:1 - "Michael...the great prince" (who is the Michael spoken of here? Is this Michael the archangel previously referred to as one of the chief princes Dan 10:13,21 who seems to be associated with Israelitish affairs Exo 23:20;Josh 5:14-15;Zech 3:1;Jude 1:9;Rev 12:7 or is this now referring to Christ? Heb 2:5;John 5:21-29).

3. Dan 12:1 - "which standeth up for the children of thy people" (natural and spiritual Israelites which will comprise those immortal and mortal).

4. Dan 12:1 - "there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation" (Christ will return at a time of unparalleled chaos involving both Israel and the Gentiles - Jer 25:30-33;Zech 14:1-21;Mal 4:1-6;Luke 21:25-27;2Thess 1:7-10;Isa 60:2).

5. Dan 12:1 - "at that time thy people shall be delivered" (Israel will be delivered from the gogian host and God's sleeping saints will be delivered from the sleep of death).

6. Dan 12:1 - "every one that shall be found written in the book" (individual people and nations will be judged - Rev 3:5;20:12;Eze 13:9;Dan 7:10-12;Matt 25:32;Isa 60:12).

7. Dan 12:2 - "And 'many'(<7227> note it doesn't say "all" because some will lack sufficient knowledge to be held accountable) of them that sleep in the dust of the earth 'shall awake'<6974>" (Heb 11:17-19).

8. Dan 12:2 - "some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting 'contempt'<1860>" (John 5:28-29;Matt 25:33,34,46).

9. Dan 12:3 - "'they that be wise'<7919> 'shall shine'<2094> 'as the brightness'<2096> 'of the firmament'<7549>" (Matt 13:43).

10. Dan 12:3 - "and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (2Tim 4:2;Matt 25:14-30;Luke 12:48;Gen 15:3-5;22:17-18).

11. Dan 12:4 - "'shut up'<5640> the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end" (this indicates the prophecy is completed and will be revealed when the kingdom of God is established - Isa 29:11-13;Rev 5:5;Dan 2:44).

12. Dan 12:4 - "many 'shall run to and fro'<7751>, and knowledge shall be increased" (in all fields of research, science, travel, medicine, communication and technology there has been an explosion of knowledge, but such knowledge has not led to greater harmony with Divine ways, in fact, the reverse is evident - 2Tim 3:7;Luke 18:8;17:26-30).

13. Dan 12:5 - the two angels act as ministering spirits (Heb 1:14) overseeing and directing the river which represents the flowing destiny of the nations (Rev 17:15;Isa 17:12;John 19:11;Dan 4:17).

14. Dan 12:6 - "one said 'to the man'<376> clothed in linen" (is this the same man as described in Dan 10:5-6? Significance of being clothed in linen Exo 28:3,5,39,42;Rev 19:8).

15. Dan 12:6 - "which was upon the waters 'of the river'<2975>" (suggests the priestly influence over the nations, and reminds me of Abraham and Aaron at the Nile).

16. Dan 12:6 - "How long shall it be to 'the end'<7093> 'of these wonders'<6382>" (Eph 1:9-10;2Pet 3:9;Matt 24:36-40).

17. Dan 12:7 (NET) - "Then I heard the man clothed in linen who was over the waters of the river as he raised both his right and left hands to the sky and made an oath by the one who lives forever: 'It is for a time, times, and half a time. Then, when the power of the one who shatters the holy people has been exhausted, all these things will be finished"' (is this a literal period of 3 1/2 years i.e. 1260 days that we should be looking for? - Rev 10:1-7;Dan 7:25;Rev 11:2;12:14;13:5).

18. Dan 12:8 - "what shall be 'the end'<319> of these things?"

19. Dan 12:9 (Rev 5:1-5;6:1;Heb 1:1-2;9:26).

20. Dan 12:10 - "Many 'shall be purified'<1305>" (1Pet 1:22-25;Mal 3:2-3).

21. Dan 12:10 - "'and made white'<3835>" (Rev 7:14;19:8).

22. Dan 12:10 - "'and tried'<6884>" (Zech 13:9;1Pet 1:7;Heb 12:6).

23. Dan 12:10 - "none 'of the wicked'<7563> 'shall understand'<995>" (Matt 15:14;1Tim 4:1-3;2Pet 3:4-5;1John 2:15-17).

24. Dan 12:10 - "'but the wise'<7919> 'shall understand'<995>" (Matt 24:15).

25. Dan 12:11 - "from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away" (AD 70, Dan 8:11-13).

26. Dan 12:11 - "'and the abomination'<8251> 'that maketh desolate'<8074> 'set up'<5414>" - this might emphasize the AD 70 echo (Matt 24:15) of a future last days application, alternatively there are some who believe in the day for a year as regards this verse who note the decree of Phocas which appointed the Pope as Universal Bishop circa AD 606-610 thus fully establishing the Roman Catholic Church.

27. Dan 12:11 - "there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days" - are these literal days, years (Eze 4:6), or ? If 1290 days it would be 30 days more than the previous 1260 days and thus might suggest "a little Passover" for those not already included in a possible future deliverance period (Num 9:11) or alternatively to allow for the inclusion of a 13th  intercalary month which would enable the 360 days of the Jewish calendar to maintain stay in sync in a 3 1/2 year period; using symbolic numerology we have "two" which can mean difference or division, "nine" which can mean finality or judgment, while the hundred and thousand might refer to a multitude.

28. Dan 12:12 - "Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days" - are these literal days, years (Eze 4:6), or ? If 1335 days it could run on to the Feast of Pentecost, the time of the outpouring of the Spirit of God's people in Jerusalem; using symbolic numerology we have "three" which reminds us of Divine perfection and the resurrection on the third day, "five" reminds us of mercy and grace, "thirty" reminds us of being fit for service, while the hundred and thousand might refer to a multitude.

29. Dan 12:13 - "But go thou thy way"(Dan 12:9;10:8-9), "till the end be"(Dan 10:18-19), "for thou shalt rest"(Dan 12:2) - Daniel would experience mortality and rest/sleep till the resurrection.

30. Dan 12:13 - "'and stand'<5975> 'in thy lot'<1486> 'at the end'<7093> 'of the days'<3117>" - a lot was a Divine decision (Josh 14:2;Eze 45:1;46:16;2Tim 4:8;Rev 20:6).

31. Dan 12:13 (NIV) - "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance".

12:13   Against the background of the impending troubles Daniel is assured that he would “rest”. A similar promise had been made to the faithful – Isa 57:2 – by an earlier prophet speaking the word of God. 

12:7   We meet again – Rev 10:5-6 – a similar description of an event. So we should assume that there is some similarity between the two events.

12:5-9  This section reads as if Daniel was a bystander watching and listening to a discussion between to others.

12:4       there is a sad irony here. Daniel was to shut up the book which would give understanding of God’s plan. At the same time human knowledge will increase. It is as if the growing knowledge that made has blinds him to the truth and revelation of God.

12:3   Whilst Daniel was “wise” in all secular wisdom that is not what was important. DDan 11:33 explains the sort of wisdom spoken of here. It relates to having a knowledge of God’s plans with the earth and man on it.

Dan 12:1

“AND at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book.”

“In this time of trouble (Dan 12:1), the international anger will be infinitely more intense than it is now. The storm is only just beginning; the political cyclone is not yet developed. It is no use ignoring it; for its accession is inevitable. All Europe and Asia will be moved by the hurricane, and in the midst of the uproar of the political elements, the Avenger, whose mission it is to ‘destroy them that destroy the earth,’ will be apocalypsed.”

Dr. John Thomas, 1871

Daniel warned of terrible times ahead for the entire world, and this was reiterated by Christ in Matt 24. While the nations talk about peace, they are preparing for war! The world’s unprecedented geo-political, economic and ethnic woes keep on escalating and will reach a crisis point before long. The moral climate is worsening with few sighing and crying over all the abominations. We see a convergence of the prophecies foretold by the prophets being fulfilled before our eyes. Volcanos, even those thought to be extinct, are erupting at an alarming rate from Hawaii to Guatemala and other parts of the globe.  These are followed by larger, more frequent, more powerful earthquakes. Its fault lines are literally ripping the ground apart in various parts of the globe! The Arctic and Antarctic glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. But, beyond the doom and gloom we are also given hope.

The following headlines are good indicators of the time of trouble such as never was being just around the corner:

http://www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-arctic/2018/07/17/warming-arctic-transforming-canadian-glaciers-at-alarming-rate-says-study/

https://www.ajc.com/news/science/antarctica-ice-retreating-times-faster-than-normal-study-reveals/qXan7uiJbHrQqweTlVL0WP/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/scimitar-wielding-turkish-governor-vows-to-conquer-jerusalem/

https://www.memri.org/reports/turkish-newspaper-close-president-erdogan-calls-form-joint-islamic-army-fight-israel

https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4663579,00.html

https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/05/18/turkish-president-erdogan-muslims-lost-their-way-to-jerusalem/

http://shoebat.org/2015/05/27/erdogan-and-the-prime-minister-of-the-turkey-just-made-this-declaration-to-the-entire-islamic-world-we-will-gather-together-kurds-and-arabs-and-all-of-the-muslim-world-and-invade-jerusalem-and/

This Muslim spirit is very much alive today and with President Donald Trump moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, this has escalated the anger of the Turks and Muslims to fever pitch!

Where are we in Bible prophecy? Well, let me just say that we are in a time when we need to be watching, waiting, learning, repenting, and heeding the warnings given us in the Holy Oracles of Yahweh. The time is near, even “at the doors” (Matt 24:33).

12:11     The abomination spoken of here draws on 11:31

12:1 “at that time” shows that there is a connection with the events of the previous chapter. The time Daniel 12 is speaking of is the time described in chapter 11.

Over the last few years we have managed to aquire some excellent video series from the brotherhood on this wonderful prophecy. Here are a few...

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/daniel-the-prophet-16-videos-covering-the-whole-book/

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/the-70-weeks-prophecy-in-daniel-explained/

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/bible-prophecy-study-of-daniel-1112-the-standing-up-of-michael/

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/the-visions-of-daniel-5-videos/

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/daniel-the-vision-of-wild-animals/

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/the-life-of-daniel-6-videos/

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/the-wonder-of-daniels-prophecy-23-immersive-videos/

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/daniel-the-man/

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/bro-thomass-paraphrase-of-daniel-11/

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/unlocking-the-prophetic-book-of-daniel-for-our-time-new-video-release/

12:2     Daniel is speaking of the resurrection and his word “awake” is the same word that Isaiah uses Isa 26:19 – in the same context – the context of the resurrection. So we see two passages in the Old Testament building together a picture of resurrection long before Jesus rose from the dead.

12:4    In these days when knowledge (information) is instantly available in ways we might never have imagined ten years ago we should notice that it is “knowledge” that will increase – not “wisdom”. Knowing things is of little value unless one has the wisdom to apply that knowledge in a practical way. In fact “wisdom” helps one to know whether the things “known” are in fact true.

12:2 the almost casual way in which resurrection is spoken of as waking up from sleep explains the repeated phrase used of many of the kings who “slept with their fathers”. Resurrection is so clearly a feature of the way that God will work and is so prevalent in the Old Testament that it hardly needs to be explained.

12:10  The contrast between those that understand and those who are wicked is clear. The “wise” will understand the things of God. The wicked are so set in their ways that they cannot understand. This idea is drawing on an earlier prophet – Hos 14:9

v.15 - Do we treat visitors to our meetings with this attitude? Are we too set in our ways?

13:34 The quotation 'I will give you the sure mercies of David' Isaiah 55:3 shows the importance of David in the purpose of God. Whilst we emphasise, rightly, the place of Abraham in the purpose of God it is instructive to look for the way in which the promises to David are developed in the New Testament

:45 The 'envy' seen here is typical of the Jew's reaction to Jesus and the preaching of his name (Matthew 27:18, Acts 5:17)

13:45 A further comment on 'envy' God had told Israel that he would provoke them to envy by a strange nation (Deut 32:21) So we see that God had in mind the call of the gentiles after Israel's rejection of Messiah right back at the end of the wilderness for that is when Deuteronomy was written.

V.46 This does not mean that Paul and Barnabus would no longer preach to the Jews only, In turning to the Gentiles, they had in mind the people of Antioch. This same turning to the Gentiles would take place wherever it should be thought necessary to do so. The point to note is, that the door was not shut to the Jews by Paul. In Athens Paul told the Jews that he was turning to the Gentiles; Acts 18:6 Paul preached to both Jew and Gentile in Ephesus. Acts 19:9 The Gospel was to be preached to all nations in all the world.

V.6 Luke here uses a triple description which is characteristic of his style; "sorcerer; false prophet; and Jew.". He uses the same style in tomorrow's reading, Acts 14:8 "a man impotent in his feet; a cripple from his mother's womb; had never walked." The triple character of a description makes us to take note of exactly what he is saying.

13:44  The fact that the Apostle preached to the gentiles on ‘the next Sabbath’ indicates, as suggested in May this year, that gentiles were regular attendees at the synagogue.

V.23 We note here, that the promise was "unto Israel". The promise was to David as King of Israel. Jesus came to Israel, and not to other nations. This agrees with the statement by Jesus "salvation is of the Jews"(John 4:22). Paul is speaking to those who he addressed as "Men of Israel". They had not yet turned to the Gentiles (V.46)

v 11 Paul causes Elymas to be blind, the same thing which had happened to him at his conversion. Does the phrase "for a time", also imply that Elymas would be healed, & be spiritually healed/converted as well?

13:7  The ‘deputy’ had a choice to make. Did he believe the teaching of Paul or the sorcery of Elymas. As always that is the choice. To believe the gospel or the works of the flesh.

13:22 "A man after my heart" Although Paul stated that God said this, we have no record  in scripture that God did say these words about His servant David.

13:47 The use of Isa 49:6 is interesting because a prophecy which seems to have its application specifically to Jesus is applied to the believers. They were the light to the gentiles as Jesus was. This highlights an important issue of God manifestation. The way we live either shows God’s glory to others or not. The choice is ours.

V.20 seems to contradict 1Kin 6:1. The text should read from v.17 to the beginning of v.20. That is, from the time of the covenant with Abraham until the time of the judges, being 450 years.

13:22 In saying ‘I have found David’ Paul is quoting Psa 89:20 and so his exposition to these Jews shows the importance of the promises to David to an understanding of the work of God in Messiah

V.4 This began Paul’s first missionary journey (out of three).

V.9 This is the first time that the name Paul is recorded. Saul (Hebrew Shaul meaning asked, sought), the first king of Israel, was sought out to be the monarch (1Sam 10:21).

Saul in the New Testament was sought out by Jesus to work for Him (Acts 9:15). After taking Christ’s commission Saul used his Roman name Paul (Latin Paulus meaning little). Perhaps, the new name signified to him humility as being not only new to the Truth, but also as being a former persecutor (1Cor 15:9). In 1 Cor 15:9 the word least (Greek elachistos) means short (smallest in size and dignity). The name Paul fits this description

13:25  In speaking of John ‘fulfilling his course’ we see language that one might associate with the work of a priest – Luke 1:8-

THE GREAT COMMISSION (Part 3)

Acts 1:8 - The Lord's great commission to his disciples of all ages was given here "...ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth"

That commission began in Acts 1:1 - 8:4; the witness continued to "all Judea, and in Samaria", Acts 8:5 - 12:25, and the 3rd great phase began in Acts 13:1 and continues right down to our time "unto the uttermost part of the earth"

We can thank the Lord that according to His eternal purpose, we, the Gentiles, were also included in His wonderful salvation: “But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have become near in the blood of Christ”

13:2  Barnabas had been a companion and champion for Paul right from his conversion – Acts 9:27 – so it seems most reasonable that the holy spirit would set them to work together.

Acts 13:13
“Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.”
A myriad of suggestions have been proposed as to why John Mark returned to Jerusalem, but none seem to be in keeping with the context and the thrust of this section of Acts. In Acts 14:27, Paul and Barnabas summarized their missionary work as, “God opening a door of faith among the Gentiles.” There is no mention of the Jews, only Gentiles, though in Acts 13 and Acts 14 Paul preached in the Synagogues and some Jews believed (Acts 13:43; Acts 14:1). Thus, I believe, Luke wants us to understand that the focus of the mission was on the Gentiles!
Understanding the nature of their mission to the Gentiles, it is reasonable to conclude that John Mark abandoned them in the work of ministering to the Gentiles. As a resident of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12), he struggled, as Peter had, with the offer of the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10:1-18). Furthermore, it may well be that upon his return to Jerusalem, John Mark discussed Paul’s missionary work among the Gentiles, which incited several from among the Pharisaical disciples of the Jerusalem ecclesia to descend on Antioch in hopes of “straightening out” the ecclesia, as it were. They went down to require that Gentiles be circumcised and keep the law of Moses in order to be saved (Acts 15:1,5). The opening verses of Acts 15give us a clear picture of the core issues around which the Jerusalem Council convened.
This fits well with the literary development of the book of Acts, and the beginning of their missionary work to the Gentiles. This would also explain why Paul refused to bring John Mark again with them in their missionary journeys to the Gentiles, and led to a severe break between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39).
Happily, John Mark got over his problem with the Gentiles, for Paul tells Timothy to bring John Mark with him, “for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2Tim 4:11; Col 4:10; Philem 24).

13:29   Whilst Jesus was crucified, doubtless by the traditional Roman method on a cross, Paul uses the word ‘tree’ here to highlight the comment in the Law of Moses – Deut 21:22-23

13:16   In addressing the people in the synagogue as ‘men of Israel and ye that fear God’ Paul sets the scene for appealing to the conscience of his audience. It was not simply that they were Jews that the message was relevant. Rather it was because of their regard for God. They should want to know His mind and will.  Likewise ourselves. It is not sufficient to simply claim to be God’s servants. We must want to learn of Him all the time.

13:51   In shaking the dust from their feet Paul and Barnabus we simply doing what Jesus had told his disciples to do – Matt 10:14

13:9   This is the first time that Paul is called Saul

13:12 In telling us that the deputy believed when he “saw” we see that the words of Jesus – Mark 16:20 – applied. The deputy had heard the word and those words were confirmed by signs.

13:31      There are three times in Acts when specific mention is made of the disciples’ Galilean origins. This is the third. The first is in   1:11 and the second is in 2:7. These references, almost casually, make reference to the disciples’ lack of religious credentials.

13:2   This is the only mention of “Manaen” but notice that he had been brought up with Herod. Whilst we do not know of the relationship he had with Herod the mention of him in the context of Herod indicates that he had some close association with Herod the Tetrarch. So it would appear that he had heard the gospel in Herod’s palace – Jesus’ words being fulfilled – Luke 21:12

13:1      the mention of those who had been brought up with Heron the Tetrarch fits with Luke 21:12 which mentions Chuza the wife of Herod’s steward. Of course Theophilus, a Roman dignitary, would have been aware of these individuals.

13:2 the meaning if “sent them away” is rather “released”. As the Holy Spirit had separated Paul for  task he was now released by the ecclesia from the task that he had there in Antioch – even though the brethren would doubtless have liked him to stay.

DO WHAT YOU CAN

Paul and Barnabas went into the Synagogue in Pisidian Antioch where Paul told all the people there about Jesus Christ. This was exciting stuff. The things that Paul said about Jesus gave the people hope and forgiveness, showing them that God was actively at work among his people again. What Paul said was so intriguing that he was invited to speak again next week.

It was then, with huge numbers of people turning up in the Synagogue the following week, that the leading Jews stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabus because they were jealous of their popularity. But that wasn't a bad thing. What it did was to give Paul and Barnabus an excuse to preach to the Gentiles. Listen to what happened: "When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honoured the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed to eternal life believed. The word of God spread through the whole region." (Acts 13:48-49).

Paul and Barnabas could never have got round the whole region to preach to every single person by themselves, but they did what they could. So from one Sabbath in the Synagogue, all the people in that region got to hear about Jesus.

Let's do what we can. We have no idea what our preaching or encouragement can do or how God will bless it. So let's not keep it in, but share God's gift of life, letting the power of His message spread as He sees fit.

13:3  Just as the laying on of hand here speaks of fellowshipping with the work in Gal 2:9 which speaks of the same event as here we see the same sort of thing in the giving of the right hands of fellowship. A number of believers wanted to associate with the work and so grasped hands with Paul.

13  Two speeches in acts –Acts 7 and Acts 13–provide, as the basis for the preaching, a summary of Israel’s history. But they end differently. Stephen, in Acts 7 condemns his audience  -7:51-53 whereas Paul’s speech in Acts 13 ends with an appeal – 13:38-41. The witnessing on both occasions was tailored to the needs of the audience.

13:14 So we see a feature of Paul’s preaching. Whilst he had been commissioned to preach to the gentiles his first port of call was the synagogue. We will see this repeatedly in his missionary journeys. To the Jew first… Rom 1:16