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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 5: Daniel 12

Summary of Daniel 12

During the End Times, Michael will arise. All of God’s people (whose names are in the Book of Life) will be delivered. Some will go to heaven; others won’t.

Two people appeared. This will happen at a time, times and half a time, when the power of the holy people has been finally broken. Many will be purified but the wicked won’t.

From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.

Daniel will receive his inheritance.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 5: Daniel 12

12a) Essentially, believers and unbelievers will be resurrected. Some will rise to heaven; others will rise to shame and contempt.
b) Faith in Jesus.
13)
“How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?”  “It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.”

“My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

 

14a) God, the Bible, prayer, other believers

 

b) Heaven!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 5: Daniel 12

Great read! I had forgotten about this glimpse into the End Times in Daniel! Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 5: Daniel 12

We see Michael, the angel, in many spiritual battles in the Bible  (Daniel 10:13Daniel 10:21Jude 1:9, and Revelation 12:7). He is called the archangel (Jude 1:9). Here, we see him as a guardian over the people of Israel.

There will be a great Tribulation (Jesus repeats this here:Matthew 24:21Revelation 12:13-17

Satan has always hated God’s people and thus attacks them perpetually. He knows that God will use them to bring forth the Messiah. But they will be delivered.

There are two resurrections, one for the saved and one for the damned (John 5:29Revelation 20:4-6, and Revelation 11-15)

God’s people will shine and turn to righteousness.

Daniel is at the riverbank first mentioned in Daniel 10:4. The visions of Daniel 10-12 all took place as Daniel stood at this riverbank.

The other men are believed to be angels (some say Gabriel and Michael).

The time of trouble (The Great Tribulation) would last three and one-half years, as mentioned here:

Jesus pointed to Daniel’s prophecy of the abomination of desolation as the sign that would mark the immediacy of His return (Matthew 24:15).

No one knows what the relationship is between the time periods mentioned here.

Daniel is told not to worry about the End Times, but to live out his life to the end. Great advice for all of us!

Fun Fact: This is the first biblical reference to the physical resurrection of the righteous and the condemned.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The Final Deliverance and Resurrection

The chapter begins with the ultimate intervention: Michael, the great prince who stands guard over Israel, will arise, signaling a time of unparalleled global distress (v. 1). However, the ultimate assurance is given:

  • Deliverance of the Faithful (v. 1): Everyone whose name is found written in the book will be delivered from this time of trouble.
  • The Resurrection (v. 2): This physical deliverance is followed by a general resurrection where many of those who sleep in the dust will awake, some to everlasting life (the righteous) and others to shame and everlasting contempt (the wicked).
  • Reward of the Wise (v. 3): Those who are wise and lead others to righteousness (the Maccabean-era figures who resisted persecution) will shine forever “like the brightness of the expanse.”

Sealing and Time Limits

The remainder of the chapter focuses on the timing and preservation of the prophecy.

  • Sealed Until the End (v. 4): Daniel is commanded to seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end, when “knowledge shall increase,” indicating the prophecy would not be fully understood until its fulfillment neared.
  • The Time of Distress (v. 7): A heavenly being swears that the period of intense persecution and shattering of the holy people’s power will last for “a time, times, and half a time” (3.5 years, a period often associated with the duration of Antiochus IV’s tyranny and the final tribulation).
  • Further Time Segments (v. 11-12): The vision concludes with two mysterious, longer time periods (1,290 days and 1,335 days), emphasizing that the faithful must persevere.
  • Daniel’s Personal Promise (v. 13): Daniel is told to “go your way till the end,” assuring him he will rest and ultimately rise to receive his inheritance at the end of the days.

In conclusion, the final vision in Daniel 12 provides a powerful, concise conclusion to the preceding prophecies of warfare and oppression. It ultimately shifts the focus from earthly conflict to divine, eternal resolution.

The central message is one of assured deliverance for the faithful, guaranteed by the arising of Michael during the final time of trouble. The vision culminates not in the fall of a king, but in the resurrection of the dead—the ultimate vindication where the wise receive everlasting life. Although the exact timing is sealed, the final command assures Daniel he will rise to his inheritance at the end of the days, confirming the promised eternal reward for all who endure the refining fire of persecution.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

Summary of Daniel 11:21-45

A contemptible person will invade the kingdom and seize it. The prince of the covenant will be destroyed. He will rise to power, invade other kingdoms, and distribute plunder amongst his followers.

With a large army, he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will not be able to stand. The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth.

At the appointed time, he will invade the South again. With flattery, he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.

The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.

At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

9) The ruler, known as a vile person, illegally seizes the kingdom by flattery (v. 21). He twice attacks the King of the South (Egypt) through deceit and force. Enraged by being checked by external forces (Rome), he returns to violate the holy covenant. His forces profane the Jerusalem sanctuary, abolish the daily sacrifice, and set up the abomination that makes desolate (v. 31), leading to the persecution of the faithful.

10a) The prophet says the ruler will “seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant” (v. 32). This describes the Hellenized Jews who willingly adopted Greek culture, abandoned their religious laws, and collaborated with Antiochus IV to persecute the faithful among their own people.In contrast to the apostates, Daniel prophesied that a core group of believers would resist:

  • Be Strong and Act (v. 32): The people “who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” This refers to the military and spiritual resistance, historically fulfilled by the Maccabees and their followers, who actively fought against Antiochus’s tyranny.
  • Teach and Suffer (v. 33-35): The “wise among the people shall make many understand,” attempting to educate the nation and maintain true faith. However, they would face heavy losses: “they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity, and by plunder.”
  • The Purpose of Persecution (v. 35): Their suffering and stumbling were not meaningless, but intended “to refine, purify, and make them white, until the time of the end.” God allowed the oppression as a purifying process to separate the true believers from the unfaithful.

b) The faithful face ideological assault (forced public exclusion of conscience) and economic blockades (denial of jobs/services), mirroring ancient plunder. As in Daniel’s time, this creates a split: some believers violate the covenant for status, while others endure persecution and suffering to refine and purify their faith. The ultimate dynamic of political hostility and spiritual refinement remains the same.

c) The crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Eternal life and vindication.

11) It’s encouraging because the intricate details prove God’s sovereign control over historical chaos. It’s fearful due to the forecast of intense persecution, symbolized by the abomination and the blasphemous ruler. Ultimately, it’s hopeful, guaranteeing that the oppressors will face a decreed limit and the faithful will be refined for ultimate deliverance (v. 45).

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

This one was challenging to say the least. Hopefully, my notes help!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

After the reign of the king of the North, the next king will be evil. This was Seleucis III, named Antiochus IV. He used flattery to gain his position. This new king of the North would try to deceive the king of the South. But this would fail after a great battle.

This vile king would then attack God’s people. He would desecrate the temple. Some people joined with the king when he invaded; others did not. The king killed and robbed many Jews. But God would not let this go on forever.

Verse 36 turns to the Antichrist. The real abomination of desolation was still in the future (Matthew 24:15)

Antiochus Epiphanes is really a footnote in history. He is important here because he foreshadows the Antichrist. God’s plan will be accomplished no matter what.

A confederation of kings will come together in a great conflict in the Promised Land to do battle.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 11:21-45 is a single, dramatic prophecy divided by scholars into two key sections: a detailed historical narrative that culminates in the persecution of the Jewish people, and a transition to an eschatological (end-time) event.

Part 1: The Historical King (Antiochus IV Epiphanes)

Verses 21-35 focus with incredible precision on Antiochus IV Epiphanes (the Seleucid King of the North, 175–164 B.C.E.), whose actions were central to Jewish history:

  • Rise (v. 21-24): He takes the throne illegitimately, succeeding the tax collector (Seleucus IV) through deceit and flatteries, not by right.
  • Conflict (v. 25-30): He repeatedly campaigns against the King of the South (Ptolemaic Egypt), often succeeding due to betrayal, but is ultimately forced by Roman intervention (the “ships of Kittim”) to withdraw from Egypt.
  • Persecution (v. 30b-35): Enraged by the Roman humiliation, he turns his wrath on the “holy covenant” (the Jewish people). He abolishes the daily sacrifice and erects a pagan altar in the Jerusalem Temple, fulfilling the prophecy of the “abomination that makes desolate” (c. 167 B.C.E.). This event sparked the Maccabean Revolt. The prophecy notes that this persecution serves to “refine” the faithful.

Part 2: The Eschatological Shift (The Future Antichrist)

Verses 36-45 abruptly shift from the completed history of Antiochus IV (who died relatively peacefully) to an unparalleled final figure, demonstrating the prophetic technique of “telescoping” (merging a near event with a far future event). This final figure is widely viewed as the Antichrist:

  • Character (v. 36-39): This King acts purely by his own will, exalting himself above every god, ignoring traditional deities and the desire of women (possibly suggesting disinterest in dynastic marriages or religious mandates). He relies on military might (the “god of fortresses”).
  • Final War and End (v. 40-45): At the time of the end, he engages in a great war involving the King of the South and the King of the North, successfully invading the Glorious Land (Israel) and controlling the riches of Egypt. His campaigns are suddenly stopped by alarming reports from the East and North. He sets up his royal tent in Jerusalem, but the prophecy climaxes with the statement that “he shall come to his end, and no one will help him,” signaling divine intervention and the establishment of God’s final kingdom (Daniel 12:1-3).

In conclusion, the intricate prophecies of Daniel 11:21-45 are breathtaking in their accuracy, providing a profound assurance: God’s sovereignty extends over every twist of history, from the minor betrayals of the Seleucid kings to the great persecution by the “vile person,” Antiochus IV. This detailed foresight was given not for historical trivia, but to fortify the faithful. By demonstrating control over the ancient past, God strengthens their trust in His promise of final intervention, culminating in the destruction of the ultimate wicked ruler and the eternal vindication of His people.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

Summary of Daniel 11:2-20

Daniel’s vision continues. He sees three more kings rise up and fall and then a 4th king who will rise up and fall, but his kingdom will be broken up four ways.

The king of the South will become strong, but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom. They will become allies. 

A king from the south will arise. He will attack the forces of the king of the North. Then the king of the North will invade the realm of the king of the South but will retreat.

Then the king of the South will march out and fight against the king of the North.

Many will rise against the king of the South. Then the king of the North will come and will make an alliance with the king of the South. Then the king of the North will be destroyed.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

6) It seems to be the same foes fighting against each other and ultimately getting nowhere. No one is completely winning and is only retaining power for a time.
The most compelling aspect of Daniel 11:2-20 is how its cryptic language maps almost perfectly onto the specific, often obscure, history of the 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C. This is also why this passage is challenging. It describes the Syrian Wars between the Ptolemaic (South) and Seleucid (North) dynasties, which lasted over 150 years, which, unless you’re a history buff of this time period, you have no clue about. The prophecy reads like a confusing list of wars, treaties, and betrayals until historical accounts are placed side-by-side with the text. Understanding Daniel 11 requires a deep dive into secular history between the Old and New Testaments.
7a) All earthly kingdoms rise and then fall, but God’s remains firm always and forever.
b) I put my trust in God’s kingdom that is forever. Anything of man is simply transitory.
8a) All of Biblical prophecy is God-breathed, so I have 100% faith in its validity.
This prophecy was given to reassure God’s people, who were caught and oppressed between these warring kingdoms. The message is that God is sovereign over the chaos of world history, controlling every assassination and marriage alliance, and that He cares deeply about the fate of his covenant people (Israel).
b) I try to understand it. I pray about it. But, ultimately, I don’t worry about it. I give it to God to handle!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

Not exactly an easy passage to understand but one that shows that all earthly kingdoms come and go.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

This is one of the most detailed prophecies in the Bible, and one of the most accurate to prove right.

The fourth king was the Persian king Xerxes. We talk about these empires (and they are in the Bible) because they were the enemies of Israel and frequently attacked them and tried to destroy them. But, we all know no one can stand against God.

We know that Alexander the Great died young with no heirs, so his empire was divided four ways amongst his most powerful generals. Alexander the Great spared Jerusalem on his travels because of the prophecy of Daniel and a vision he had of the high priest. Only 2 of these kingdoms are talked about in the rest of the prophecy because they were the ones who constantly attacked Israel.

The Seleucids are identified with the Kings of the North, and the Ptolemies were the Kings of the South. Remember, the Ptolemies ruled Egypt from which Cleopatra was a descendant. The fighting between the two kingdoms lasted 130 years, and the stronger one always held Israel.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 11:2-20 is a remarkably precise and detailed prophecy that outlines the course of history from the Persian Empire through the rise of Alexander the Great and the subsequent, centuries-long conflict between his two most powerful successor dynasties.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • From Persia to Greece: The prophecy begins by foretelling the rise of a mighty Greek king (Alexander the Great) who will conquer the Persian Empire. It accurately predicts that at the height of his power, his kingdom will be broken and divided into four parts, not among his own descendants.
  • The King of the South vs. The King of the North: The vision then focuses intensely on the ongoing wars between two of these successor kingdoms: the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt (“the King of the South”) and the Seleucid dynasty in Syria (“the King of the North”).
  • A Detailed History in Advance: The passage details their specific battles, failed marriage alliances, betrayals, and shifting fortunes with such accuracy that it reads like a historical record. This demonstrates God’s complete foreknowledge and sovereignty over the intricate plans of human kings.
  • Israel Caught in the Middle: The focus remains on these two powers because the “Beautiful Land” (Israel) was located directly between them. God’s people suffered greatly as this superpower rivalry played out across their land for generations, setting the stage for the evil king who is introduced next.

In conclusion, this passage serves as a powerful testament to God’s omniscience and control over the flow of history. It reveals that the complex political and military struggles of human empires are not random but are foreknown by God and serve His ultimate purpose—in this case, setting the historical stage for the rise of the great antagonist who will directly attack His people.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

Summary of Daniel 10:1-11:1

Daniel received a vision from God during the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia. Daniel saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold. His body was like topaz, 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. Daniel fell into a deep sleep. He was touched by the man. Daniel was overwhelmed by the vision and felt weak. The man touched Daniel and gave him strength. The man will return to fight against the Prince of Persia and the prince of Greece will come.

After Daniel fasts for three weeks, he is overwhelmed by a vision of a glorious divine being. An angel strengthens him, explaining his 21-day delay was due to a spiritual battle against the demonic “prince of Persia.”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

3a) Daniel received a vision from God during the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia (around 536 BC), and it concerned a great war. The verse places the aged, faithful prophet at the end of his life, still earnestly seeking God, and at the precipice of receiving his final, longest, and most detailed prophecy about future conflict.

b) Daniel saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold. His body was like topaz, 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. Daniel had no strength left and he fell into a deep sleep.

c) A hand then touched him and told him he was highly esteemed. He told Daniel not to be afraid, and he would explain to him what he saw. He was encouraged and strengthened with words and with touch.

4a) Prayer is necessary when you are overwhelmed, weak, and just need God’s presence. God will come and offer you His strength and courage to carry on. These verses teach that prayer is necessary because it immediately dispatches a response from heaven. Its power is revealed as Daniel’s persistent prayer on earth is directly linked to the outcome of an unseen spiritual battle. It shows that a delay in receiving an answer doesn’t mean God hasn’t heard.

b) The purpose of the encounter was for God to tell Daniel that soon he will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when he goes, the prince of Greece will come; but first, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. The angel’s purpose was twofold: primarily, to reveal the detailed prophecy of future events written in the “Book of Truth.” Secondarily, he explained the unseen spiritual warfare behind history by describing his angelic battles against the demonic “princes” of Persia and Greece who influence these earthly kingdoms.

5) I learn that God hears prayers the moment they are offered. It reveals, however, that the delivery of His answer can be delayed by unseen spiritual warfare. It shows that our persistent prayers are significant in a cosmic conflict where God dispatches mighty angels to ensure His message prevails.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

I love when God appears to humans and reveals great things. Such wisdom here!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

We will read about Daniel’s vision he received in 536 BC under King Cyrus, in the last three chapters of his book.

Fasting can bring clarity.

The exiles are beginning to return to Jerusalem during Cyrus’ reign.

No one is sure the exact reason for Daniel’s mourning. It could have been the opposition to building the temple or that so few had returned to Jerusalem so far.

The man could either be Jesus since the description mirrors what John described Revelation 1:12-16. It could be the angel, Michael Daniel 10:13.

Daniel could not stand before the man.

Daniel again is called “highly esteemed” (Daniel 9:23)

The man appeared because of Daniel’s prayer. This is a profound testament to the power of prayer. God also responded the moment of the prayer.

The prince of Persia was a type of angel and it was evil since it opposed God. This was a high-ranking angel  (Ephesians 1:21Ephesians 6:12Colossians 1:16Colossians 2:15). This angel delayed the answer to Daniel’s prayer by 3 weeks.

The delay probably helped Daniel to keep being persistent in prayer.

An angel touched Daniel to strengthen him.

The angel must fight the prince of Persia and Greece before Daniel’s prayer could be answered.

Fun Fact: This is the first time Michael appears in the Bible.

Fun Fact: The Bible does not mention this book of Truth except for here.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 10:1-11:1 serves as a profound prelude to Daniel’s final vision, pulling back the curtain to reveal the reality of cosmic spiritual warfare behind earthly events.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • Spiritual Warfare Revealed: The most striking revelation is the angel’s 21-day delay. He explains he was engaged in a battle with a demonic “prince of the Persian kingdom” and that the “prince of Greece” is yet to come. This shows that earthly empires have corresponding spiritual powers that actively oppose God’s purposes.
  • The Power of Persistent Prayer: The angel states that God heard Daniel “since the first day” he began his three-week fast. This directly links Daniel’s prayer on earth to the spiritual battle in the heavens, demonstrating that the humble, persistent prayer of the faithful is a powerful and crucial element in this conflict.
  • The Overwhelming Nature of the Divine: The vision of the glorious divine being is so overwhelming that it physically incapacitates Daniel, leaving him weak and speechless. He must be supernaturally strengthened multiple times just to receive the message, emphasizing the immense gap between the human and the divine.
  • The Role of Michael the Archangel: The angel mentions Michael as “your prince” and a “chief prince” who came to his aid. This identifies Michael as the specific angelic guardian of Israel, reinforcing the idea of a structured spiritual realm where God deploys His mighty angels to protect His people.

In conclusion, this passage is a crucial introduction that frames the detailed prophecy to follow. It teaches that human history is intertwined with a fierce spiritual battle, and it powerfully affirms that the persistent, humble prayer of the faithful on earth directly impacts that struggle in the heavens, preparing the way for God’s truth to be revealed.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:1-4

Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.  Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

3) The Jewish leaders were out to get Jesus and have him killed. The time had not yet arrived for Jesus’ death, so he has to avoid any altercations with the Jewish leaders.

4) Jesus puts his needs aside and tends to his flock, the people. He had compassion on them and taught them. He considers his people important.

5) I would like to be more generous with my time and put others ahead of myself like Jesus. I would also like to serve more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

What a scene with Jesus preaching to the multitudes! Love it!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

We are in the region of Galilee where Jesus is teaching. The feeding of the 5,000 is recorded in all the other three Gospels, too.

John is the only one to mention the timeframe of the Passover.

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