Daniel 7 - 12

Prophecies of the End of Time

The second half of Daniel is a series of prophecies all concerning events future to the time of Daniel up to and including our day and the time of tribulation.  An in-depth discussion of these prophecies are beyond the scope of this blog.  Suffice it to say, there is a wide variety of interpretation and understanding of what Daniel saw.

The visions themselves are fantastic.  For Daniel they were frightening to the point of physical exhaustion and abject terror.  One vision kept him disturbed for three weeks (10:2).  It is remarkable to me that some modern-day "prophets" speak of visions and experiences in a way that does not seem to trouble them in the least.  Yet, in the Bible, virtually ever experience a man had (both Old Testament and New Testament) was awe-inspiring and holy-fear inducing. Even Paul was blind for three days after meeting the Pillar of Fire on the road to Damascus.

Two of the more touching verses in this second half are found in 9:23 and 10:12.
"...for you are very precious to God. (9:23).  Daniel was favored and precious to God because he was willing to humble himself before the Lord and honor every Word.

"Then he said, 'Don't be afraid, Daniel.  Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven.  I have come in answer to your prayer.'" (10:12).  Because Daniel took the time and had the desire to know and hear from God, the Lord was faithful and answered his prayer.  A lesson we all can learn.