“Telling Time”

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Hi.  In Daniel 12:1, when Daniel is receiving the message about the time of the end, the messenger says, "At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise."  Can you explain this to me better because I thought that Jesus is the one who is coming and will arise?  Thanks much.

Sincerely,
Questioning The Angel

Dear Questioning The Angel,

Dan 12:1 says “at that time”… Michael the archangel will stand up.  We need to know what “at that time” refers to in order to have a proper understanding of the verse.  Context is very important when looking at symbolic passages like those found in Daniel and Revelation.  In Matt 24:21, Jesus uses the exact same words as Dan 12:1.  Jesus’ commentary on these events is very specific.  Jesus says that Daniel’s prophecy was referring to the end of the Jewish nation… not the end of mankind.  Matt 24:15-21 describes the fall of the Jewish nation at the hands of Rome.  Rome would encircle Jerusalem (Matt 24:28), utterly destroy that city, and tear down the temple (Matt 24:1-2).  All of these events happened in 70 A.D.  Not all of Daniel’s prophecies refer to 70 A.D., but the verse in question (Dan 12:1) does.

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