Daniel 11:35-12:13: Persecution Will End
Whether the text continues to describe Antiochus, or perhaps the Roman empire, or a future Antichrist, the fundamental point is clear: the people of God will face persecution and evil will increase, but God will act to redeem the people of God and the times of evil will end. The cosmic battle between good and evil manifested itself in Antiochus IV, but also in the Roman emperors, and also in Hitler, and will yet again raise its ugly head until the day when the kingdom of God will fill the earth. The people of God, as Daniel was advised (12:13), should live their lives without fear, rest in God’s work (even rest in death), and trust they will rise again by God’s grace and power. We are called to trust the God who is at work in the world and will ensure the defeat of evil. That is the message of Daniel.
Background
The consensus interpretation of Daniel 11:3-35 sees it as an account of the southern Ptolemaic kings in Egypt and the northern Seleucid kings in Syria (11:3-20), and then Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid (11:21-35). But the consensus ends at Daniel 11:36
Three Major Views of Daniel 11:36-45
- Some believe the primary topic is still Antiochus IV Epiphanes and his persecution in the 160s BCE.
- Some believe it primarily refers to the Roman era, including the Jewish revolt in 66-73 CE. This view typically understands 11:36-39 in reference to Antiochus IV but 11:40-45 in reference to Roman rulers.
- Some believe it refers to a future ruler who is the Antichrist (also identified with the man of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2 and the beast in Revelation 13).
What is the Meaning of Daniel 12:1-4?
- Some believe it uses metaphorical language to refer to the end of Antiochus IV’s persecution. In other words, it describes the end of the exile and the rise of the Maccabean nation (an independent Israel) as a resurrection (similar to Ezekiel 37).
- Some believe it refers to the Messianic renewal of Israel in the time of Jesus when, according to Matthew 27:52-53, some were raised from the dead along with Jesus (but not everyone associates Matthew 27 with Daniel 12). This was the end of Israel’s exile through God’s renewal of the nation in the Messiah.
- Some believe it refers to the final days of the Messianic age when God will destroy evil, raise all the dead, and judge the world—some to everlasting life and others to everlasting death (much like the picture at the end of Revelation 20).
How Does the Book End in Daniel 12:5-13?
- It addresses the timing of the end: time, times, and half a time (12:7).
- How much time is this? About the same as 1,290 days in Daniel 12:11)?
- Daniel wants to know the outcome (12:8), and the outcome is (12:9-12).
- The vision is sealed (12:9)
- Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined (12:10)
- The wicked will continue in their evil (12:10)
- Including the cessation of sacrifices and abomination (12:11)
- Blessed are those who persevere (12:12)
- Final word to Daniel: live (go), rest, and rise (12:13).
This is an apocalyptic call to endurance and confidence similar to Revelation 13:10; 14:12.