Daniel 12 (1)

Introduction
The visions given to Daniel are very difficult to understand, especially if we put ourselves in Daniel’s shoes. But while the details of the visions might escape us, or be subject to competing interpretations, what God is looking for from His people is abundantly clear. So while we’re waiting for Him to fulfill all that He has promised, we need to be busy about what we know He has called us to do.

Read Psalm 27.7-14.

Read Daniel 12.1-3.

Think it through.
1.  Perhaps most commentators see these verses as referring to the general resurrection at the end of the age. But I’m not entirely convinced. For example, does this prophecy address the resurrection of all(v. 2)? Is there another period we know of when manywere raised (cf. Matt. 27.51-53)? The time preceding this resurrection is described as an unprecedented time of trouble. However, it is also a time when God’s people are “delivered” (v. 1). Which people? How would they be delivered? Is it possible that this text, like other prophetic texts, may have reference to two events, separated in time (cf. Ps. 22)? Explain.

2.  In view of the coming deliverance and resurrection, verse 3 prescribes the course God’s people must take through tumultuous times and troublesome events. What does it mean for the “wise” to “shine” like the brightness of the sky? Can this have a double meaning, for example, for now and for the age to come? How does someone “turn many to righteousness”? Why does doing so make such people brilliant as the night stars? How does this counsel, which Daniel is recording for the people of Israel in his day, apply to us in ours?

Meditate.
“In accordance with the merits of each, some shall rise up to eternal life and others to eternal shame. But the teachers shall resemble the very heavens, and those who have instructed others shall be compared with the brightness of the stars. For it is not enough to know wisdom unless one also instructs others; and the tongue of instruction that remains silent and edifies no one else can receive no reward for labor accomplished.” Jerome (347-420 AD)

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said,“you have heard from Me…” These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 1.4, 14

The Apostles waited for the promised power to shine like witnesses by gathering together for prayer. Let my prayer life be more a source of power, Lord, as I… 

Pray Psalm 27.1-4.
Use this time of prayer to meditate on the beauty of the Lord, to see Him in His brightness and strength, and to delight in His presence.

Psalm 27.1-6 (Joanna: Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise)
Lord, You are our Light and our Savior most dear!
You guard us with might; therefore, whom shall we fear?
Though evil surround us, our enemies fall;
No harm shall confound us when on You we call.

One thing we request but to dwell with You, Lord.
Your beauty to test and to think on Your Word.
In trouble You hide us secure in Your grace;
No foe may o’erride us: We sing of Your praise!

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.