Daniel’s final recorded vision took place several years later: that is, when Daniel was in his mid-eighties. It came at the end of three weeks of prayer and fasting (Daniel 10:1-3). The experience overwhelmed him (10:8-9), but he was strengthened and encouraged by angelic beings (10:16, 18).

The announcement to Daniel concerned rulers never fully identified; they are referred to in such terms as “the king of the north” or “the king of the south.” This leaves a lot of room for interpretation as to who in later history might match up with the prophecy. For example, “the daughter of the king of the south shall come to the king of the north to ratify the agreement. But she shall not retain her power, and his offspring shall not endure” (11:6) – might this perhaps be Cleopatra and Marc Antony?

“At the time of the end” (11:40) “there shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence” (12:1). It is risky to try to create a chronology of the end times, though many have tried to do so (and have seriously disagreed with one another): but we might at least note that suffering and anguish are going to get worse before they get better. Many a theology proposes that certain people will avoid suffering and experience only blessing: those who are good or who are on the right side or who have the secret that others lack. Yet such proposals are flatly contradicted by the biblical record: suffering and anguish are part of the human experience, right to the end.

But then comes resurrection: “many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (12:2-3). And that means, in life and in death, we will trust in the Lord, who has always had the whole world in his hands.

* * * * *

Ah Lord God! We so much want to know the secrets: not indeed by devoting ourselves to weeks of prayer and fasting, but by learning some simple hidden key that will enable us to live effortlessly, free from sorrow and pain. We pray that you would help us learn what you taught Daniel: that the meaning of life is actually found in leading others to your righteousness, and in the end you give life to us, even when we are dead.

If you find these studies helpful, please share
and invite your friends to take a look. Thanks!