Daniel 12

Daniel 12

Spurgeon - The minister of Christ should feel like the old keeper of Eddystone light house. Life was failing fast, but summoning all his strength, he crept round once more to trim the lights before he died. May the Holy Ghost enable his servants to keep the beacon fire blazing, to warn sinners of the rocks, shoals, and quicksands which surround them. W A Criswell comments on this verse noting that "The beauty, the poetic flow of those words is magnificent. The reason that I notice it so much is because of the context where the verse is found. It is found in one of the darkest visions in the Bible. Shining in that darkness is this glorious, diamond-like beautiful promise. Is that not an unusual thing? But the Scriptures always present the promises against the darkest backgrounds." The many - While I cannot be dogmatic, the specific phrase "the many" is used in Daniel at least two other times to describe Jews (Da 9:27-note, Da 11:33-note) and would correspond to the pattern of Ro 1:16-note which says the Gospel is to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Gentile).. However, by way of application, those who lead any (be they Jew or Gentile) to a saving knowledge of the Messiah will shine brightly (cp Paul's words that relate to the "treasure" he had stored up in heaven - 1Thes 2:19-20-note, cp Mt 6:19-21-note)! Lead many to righteousness - I like that phrase. He does not say "talk many into becoming righteous" but lead many (cp God's way in Ro 2:4-note - not compelling but leading!), implying that these men and women are "preaching the gospel" by the way they live, which in turn opens a wide door of opportunity to proclaim the gospel with their words! As Spurgeon said "The master-magnet of the gospel is not fear, but love. Penitents are drawn to Christ rather than driven." Peter exhorts his readers who are suffering for doing right, that they (and we today) should not become fearful, but instead should… sanctify (aorist imperative = command to do this now and do it effectively! Enabled, energized of course by the Spirit, for this is not "humanly" possible) Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope (Not hope so, but hope sure = the absolute assurance that God will do good to us in the future!) that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. (1Pe 3:15-note) To righteousness - This speaks of salvation by grace through faith. Those who shine brightly like stars forever and ever are those who are not ashamed of the gospel (Ro 1:16), but instead who choose to speak forth the gospel boldly and with power (cf Acts 1:8, cf Peter who denied Christ 3x in Mt 26:34, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, with Acts 4:8, 31), knowing that only in the gospel is "the righteousness of God… revealed" (Ro 1:17). As Paul explained… Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified (declared righteous) in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets (in other words this God required, God given righteousness was proclaimed even in the Old Testament - thus salvation has always been by grace through faith, never by works, cf Abraham's salvation in Ge 15:6!), even the righteousness of God through faith (faith is the "effecting" action/agent by which men dead in sin become men alive in Christ) in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified (declared righteous) as a gift by His grace (unmerited favor = we deserve eternal death but God gives us the opportunity for eternal life) through the redemption (payment of a price [His precious blood] to set the captives free from bondage to sin and death) which is in Christ Jesus; Whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation (satisfactory offering) in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed (I.e., OT believers were saved by looking forward to the death of Christ. Their sins were not paid for in full until the Lamb of God died on Calvary); for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just (in bringing death for sin upon our Substitute, Christ Jesus, Who died in or place) and the justifier (declaring righteous) of the one who has faith in Jesus. Ro 3:19-26-see notes) Be A Star - Those who turn many to righteousness [shall shine] like the stars forever and ever. —Daniel 12:3 Many today seek stardom by trying to get into the media spotlight. But a young Jewish captive achieved “stardom” in a better way. When Daniel and his friends were taken captive by a ruthless invading nation, it was unlikely that they would be heard from again. But the godly young men soon distinguished themselves as intelligent and trustworthy. When the king had a dream that his wise men could not repeat nor interpret, he condemned them to death. After a night of prayer with his friends, Daniel received from God the content of the dream and its interpretation. As a result, the king promoted Daniel to be his chief advisor (see Dan. 2). If the story ended there, it would be remarkable enough. But some scholars believe that Daniel’s influence in Babylon made people aware of messianic prophecies about a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Daniel’s teaching may have been the reason that 500 years later wise men from the East followed a star to a remote and unfamiliar part of the world to find an infant King, worship Him, and return to their country with the good news of God’s incredible journey to earth (Matt. 2:1-12). Julie Ackerman Link By turning others to righteousness, we, like Daniel, can become a star that will shine forever. Make me a blessing, make me a blessing! Out of my life may Jesus shine; Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray, Make me a blessing to someone today. —Wilson You can attract people to Jesus when you have His light in your life. Light Up the Night - Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament. —Daniel 12:3 On a mild fall evening when the sky was dark and the moon was full, thousands of people in my hometown gathered along the banks of the river to light sky lanterns. They released them into the darkness, and watched as the lights rose to join the moon in a dazzling display that turned the night sky into a sparkling work of art. When I saw pictures of the event, I was disappointed that I was out of town and had missed it. But a few days later I realized that what had happened in Grand Rapids could be seen as a symbol of the conference I was attending in New York City. More than 1,000 people from 100 cities around the world had gathered there to plan a “work of art”—how to light up the darkness of their own cities by planting churches and reaching thousands of people with the gospel of Christ, the Light of the world. The prophet Daniel wrote about a time when those who turn others to the Lord will shine like stars forever (Dan. 12:3). We can all join in that great event. When we shine the light of Christ in dark places where we live and work, He is lighting up the night sky with stars that never will go out. By Julie Ackerman Link I want to shine for You in my world, Lord. Show me how to lift You up, the Light of the world. I look forward to that day when I will gather with people from all nations to bow at Your feet and worship You. When the Light of the world illuminates the earth, His beauty will attract people from every nation. Candles or Stars? - Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? —John 11:26 Some say that life is like the flickering flame of a candle. When the flame is snuffed out, the light is gone forever. They believe that when we breathe our last breath, we are totally extinguished—as if we had never been! British writer Arthur Porritt gives this sad description of how atheist Charles Bradlaugh was buried: “No prayer was said at the grave. Indeed, not a single word was uttered. The remains, placed in a light coffin, were lowered into the earth in a quite unceremonious fashion as if carrion were being hustled out of sight.” Porritt said that he came away “heart-frozen,” realizing how the “loss of faith in the continuity of human personality after death gives death an appalling victory.” Life is not a brief candle-flame that death will forever extinguish. Christians in particular can rejoice that Christ “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10), that He is “the resurrection and the life,” and that all who believe in Him “shall never die” (John 11:25-26). Because of God’s power and grace exhibited at Calvary, we will receive bodies like Jesus’ resurrection body, and we “shall shine . . . like the stars forever” (Daniel 12:3). Praise God! We’re not flickering candles, but shining stars! Vernon C. Grounds In bodies that will ne'er grow old, We'll reign with Him, through years untold; O precious thought, we all shall be With Christ through all eternity. —Watson Because Jesus lives, we too will live. This Little Light Of Mine (see song above) - The Lake Michigan shoreline (a short drive from where I live) is dotted with lighthouses built to enable ship captains to navigate into safe harbors. The structures are varied in size, shape, and color, but each has unique charm and beauty. Pictures of the lighthouses are featured in books and calendars, and some people collect replicas and other lighthouse items. But lighthouses were not built just to be admired; they were built to hold lights that guide sailors to safety. A lighthouse is most useful and appreciated when, in the darkness of night, only its light can be seen—not the structure itself. When Jesus sent out His disciples, He called them "the light of the world" (Mt 5:14-note). He also indicated that their task was not to draw attention to themselves, but to do good works that would cause people to recognize God's goodness and glorify Him. Jesus said that just as a lamp's purpose is to give light, we also are to let our light shine (Mt 5:15, 16-see notes Mt 5:15; 5:16). We're most effective when we shine brightly in the darkness, guiding people who need to find safe harbor in Christ. For a light to be effective, it has to be shining in a dark place. —Julie Ackerman Link My life was dark until the Light shone in, That Light was Christ, who saved me from my sin; His light that I've received I want to share And let it shine to people everywhere. —Hess A little light makes a big difference in the darkest night. Gain by Giving - "The generous soul will be made rich, andhe who waters will also be watered himself."--Proverbs 11:25 A visitor to a lighthouse said to the keeper, "Aren't you afraid to live here with the storms and high winds constantly lashing the walls?" "Oh, we have to be more concerned about those out on the sea," the man replied. "We think only of having our lamps burning brightly and keeping the reflectors clear so that those in greater danger may be saved." We too are to be more concerned about others than we are about ourselves (Phil. 2:3-4). Generosity and selflessness produce an abundant life of joy and rich reward. According to the Scriptures, if we give freely to others, we will receive abundant blessing. Proverbs 11 teaches that a person who gives to others will gain even more (vv. 24-25). Verse 25 paints a word picture to make the point. It states that "he who waters will also be watered himself." The 19th-century preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, "Let me consider the poor, and the Lord will also recompense me. Let me water His garden, and He will make a well-irrigated garden of my soul." As we focus our attention on giving refreshing help to the needy, we will be refreshed by the Lord. -- Henry G. Bosch Service is working and giving, And not regretting the cost; It's knowing and understanding That no good deed will be lost. When it comes to helping others, some people stop at nothing. Like A Diamond In The Sky - You have crowned him with glory and honor. —Psalm 8:5 Astronomers discovered a star in the sky that has cooled and compressed into a giant diamond. The largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found on Earth is the Cullinan Diamond—at over 3,100 carats. So how many carats are in the cosmic diamond?—10 billion trillion trillion carats! In our world, diamonds are prized for their rarity, beauty, and durability, and we often hear it said, “Diamonds are forever.” But God isn’t enamored with diamonds. To Him there is something far more precious. Thousands of years ago, David marveled at the great value God had set on human beings: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor” (Ps. 8:4-5). In fact, God placed such a high value on us that it cost Him dearly to buy our redemption. The purchase price was the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). If God places such a high value on us, we should also place a high value on the people He has brought into our lives. Bring them before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to show you how each is more priceless than the most costly jewel in the universe. Oh, teach me what it cost Thee To make a sinner whole; " And teach me, Savior, teach me The value of a soul! —Bennett We are more precious to Jesus than the costliest diamond. Daniel 12:4 "BUT AS FOR YOU, DANIEL, CONCEAL THESE WORDS AND SEAL UP THE BOOK UNTIL THE END OF TIME; MANY WILL GO BACK AND FORTH, AND KNOWLEDGE WILL INCREASE." Conceal : Da 8:26 Rev 10:4 22:10) (to the : Da 12:9 8:17 10:1 11:40 Many: Da 11:33 Isa 11:9 29:18,19 30:26 32:3 Zec 14:6-10 Mt 24:14 Ro 10:18 Rev 14:6,7 But as for you Daniel - Now that the vision is finished, the angel gives Daniel instructions on what he is to do with these words. Conceal… and seal up (both are commands) (cf Da 12:9-note = "until the end of time") - The idea is not make the Book of Daniel unavailable for study and edification but to preserve it so that it will be available through the ages and especially to those who are living in the last 3.5 years of, the last half of Daniel's Seventieth Week (Da 9:27-note), the Great Tribulation (Mt 24:21), the time of distress (Da 12:1-note) Ryrie comments that conceal… seal up does not me the book… was to be left unexplained but that the book was to be kept intact so as to help those living in the future tribulation days. Conceal (05640) (satham/satam) is a verb means to stop, stop up, block off, seal, obstruct (fountains 2Ki 3:19, 25, 2Chr 32:3, 4). The first use speaks of stopping up the wells (Ge 26:15, 18). In Ps 51:6 David uses satam to describe our hidden part. Satam describes the closes of the breaches in the wall about Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah (Neh 4:7). Daniel uses satam below to in recording that the words he has written were "concealed… until the end time." (Da 12:9) In Da 8:26 he was told to "keep (shut up) the vision secret." In Ezekiel 28:3 satam describes a secret. Satham - 13x in 13v - Gen 26:15, 18; 2Ki 3:19, 25; 2 Chr 32:3-4, 30; Neh 4:7; Ps 51:6; Ezek 28:3; Da 8:26; 12:4, 9. NAS - closed(1), conceal(1), concealed(1), cut off(1), hidden part(1), keep the secret(1), secret(1), stop(1), stopped(5). Seal up (02856) (chatham/hatam) means to seal as when one places a mark or impression on clay or wax for the purpose of authentication, marking ownership, origin, or content. Many things were sealed in the OT including letters (1Ki21:8), decrees of kings usually with his signet ring (Es 3:12; 8:8,10; Da 6:17), covenants (Neh10:1), and land purchase deeds (Jer 32:10,11,44). Chatham - 26x in 24v in NAS - Lev 15:3; Deut 32:34; 1Kgs 21:8; Neh 9:38; 10:1; Esth 3:12; 8:8, 10; Job 9:7; 14:17; 24:16; 33:16; 37:7; Song 4:12; Isa 8:16; 29:11; Jer 32:10f, 14, 44; Ezek 28:12; Da 9:24; 12:4, 9. NAS - obstructs(1), seal(6), sealed(15), seals(2), sets a seal(1), shut(1). Miller - In the ancient Near East the custom was to “seal” an important document by impressing upon it the identifying marks of the parties involved and the recording scribe. A sealed text was not to be tampered with or changed. Then the original document was duplicated and placed (“closed up”) in a safe place where it could be preserved. An excellent illustration of this process is recorded in the Book of Jeremiah (Jer 32:9, 10, 11, 12). The sealing of Jeremiah’s property deed was not done to “hide” the contents or to keep them “secret” but to preserve the document. As a matter of fact, Jeremiah performed this transaction in the presence of his cousin “and of the witnesses who had signed the deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard” (Jer 32:12). There also was an “unsealed copy” of the deed that presumably was open for inspection. (Miller, S. R. - Daniel - New American Commentary) Until the end of time - This vision and the entire book of Daniel for that matter was to be preserved for those alive during this tumultuous future time when these God's truth would be needed and would be eagerly sought (many will go back and forth). There are a number of relatively similar time phrases in the eschatological section of Daniel Da 8:17-note = the time of the end Da 8:19-note = the appointed time of the end Da 8:26-note = pertains to many days in the future Da 9:26-note = even to the end there will be war Da 10:14-note = in the latter days… pertains to the days yet future Da 11:27-note = the end is still to come at the appointed time Da 11:35-note = until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time Da 11:40-note = at the end time Da 12:4-note = until the end of time Da 12:6-note = until the end of these wonders Da 12:9-note = until the end time Many - In Da 12:3 many will be led to righteousness. Many will go back and forth - Some writers interpret this as a reference to literal travel which is obviously greatly accelerated in modern times compared to Daniel's time. The discerning reader needs to remember that some paraphrases like the Living Bible function essentially as "mini-commentaries" (which is why one needs to use the more literal versions)… travel and education shall be vastly increased! (The Living Bible)