Insights In Prophecy  

Unlock The Ancient Mysteries Of Daniel & Revelation

BIBLE DISCOVERY SERIES

Lesson 1   

Print Version

BOUNDARIES OF THE APPOINTED TIMES & SEASONS

Read Daniel 12                             

Our first lesson in the Insights In Prophecy series delves right into the predictions of Daniel 12.  In this chapter we will discover three important time periods of the final great conflict.  One is well known and discussed among prophetic students-- the "time, times and an half," meaning, 1,260 days.  However, two other time periods--1,290 days and 1,335 days--are nearly always neglected or given very little commentary, because scholars and teachers have not been willing or able to offer plausible explanations for them.

Those who hold to the "historicist" view of prophecy cannot find any valid dates in the past for fulfillment, and "futurists" in most cases simply suggest they somehow extend beyond the 1,260 days at the end of time.

With this as a background to our study, we will look closely at what the author has coined, the "Collective Futurist" view of Bible prophecy, which combines the times and events of both Daniel and Revelation into one interconnected whole (Appointed Times & Seasons End-Time Calendar).  Both the historicist and futurist views apply many of Daniel's prophetic passages to events in the past. Nonetheless, the view introduced in this lesson series contends that Daniel’s four visions (chapters 7-12) are to find fulfillment during the final conflict, which Daniel 8:19 calls "the appointed time of the end."

Daniel 12 is a chapter associated with the mystery of prophecy.  Why?  Daniel was told to seal up the words.  The times and events would be understood only at the time of the end.  All attempts in the last two thousand years to fully understand prophecy has been thwarted by God.  Only at the time of the end, when the clock nears midnight and predictions begin to meet reality, will the final unsealing come.  

Daniel 12 portrays final events and times associated with those events, and is a summation of the previous chapters of Daniel, that is, an overview of the book and the prophetic warnings written therein.  If we become familiar with chapter 12, we have a chance of understanding the remainder of the visions.  The times and events of this chapter are the backbone of end-time prophecies given in Scripture, as prophecy hangs on these three major lengths of time.  Daniel writes that the wicked will not understand, but that the wise will. Then he reveals for the first time in prophecy, the 1,290 and 1,335 days. Therefore, we can know that we are nearing the end of the age when there is a focus upon and a grasp of these two periods.

Michael-The Archangel

In light of the language of Daniel 12:1-3, we know that this chapter of prophecy refers to the future at the very end of time.  When Antichrist enters Jerusalem, between the Dead Sea and Mediterranean Sea, the holy mountain of God (Daniel 11:45), prophecy promises he will come to his end soon.  Antichrist will set up his pavilion and then his abomination that will bring about Michael's decided and immediate response. 

1. What titles and activities are assigned to Michael that help identify who He is (Daniel 10:13, 21; Jude 9)?

Michael is associated with the dispute over the bodily resurrection of Moses, and, in fact, is the only being called an Archangel anywhere in the Bible.  He would not argue with the Devil who thought because of Moses' sin he was not worthy of this special resurrection.  Michael did not get into a lengthy debate, but the Bible says that He quickly reprimanded him, raised and took Moses. 

2. What titles and activities are assigned to Michael (Revelation 12:7;  1 Thessalonians 4:16; John 5:25)?

Michael is the Prince of the host, or angels, the Archangel, and One associated with raising the dead.  His name means, "Who is like God?"  There is none like God!  Jews believe Michael to be their great protector and one of seven angels who surround God's throne. 

Michael is first introduced in this vision at Daniel 10:5-6: "I [Daniel] looked up and there before me was a Man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around His waist. His body was like chrysolite, His face like lightning, His eyes like flaming torches, His arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and His voice like the sound of a multitude."  Sacred linen garments were worn by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:4) when he entered into the Holy of Holies (the inner room of the Temple where the Ark of the Covenant stood).  Michael's linen garment signifies His priestly activities relating to Yom Kippur--the Day of Atonement--the day that will also bring about the Day of the Lord.  Michael, the successor, will be granted authority to rule forever.  Michael represents the great messenger to mankind... the living eternal Son of God.