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Having seen a glimpse of the end in verses 1 to 4, it is no surprise that one of those with Daniel asks the question, ‘How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?’ (v. 6). People have always been asking questions about when the end of the world will come!
The answer comes in verse 7, ‘It will be for a time, times and half of time.’ We had that phrase in chapter 7. It was the rule of the fourth beast. It is three and a half years, or forty-two months. The same period of time is mention in the book of Revelation (Rev. 12:14). It indicates that time is fixed and that time in this world is far from perfect (it is half of seven, which represents perfection). Time will continue until the power of, or over, the holy people (that is, God’s people), will be completed.
In response to this, Daniel asks, ‘what will the outcome of all this be?’ (v. 8). Daniel is told to ‘go your way’ (see vv. 9,13). That is the application of the vision that he has seen. He is just to keep going, living as God’s person in this world. He is to keep going until the end comes. Until it does, things will carry on as before. Many will be ‘refined’, while the wicked will continue to be wicked.
In verses 11 to 12 we again get time references. Scholars debate the number of days; 1,290 is close to the three and a half years mentioned. It is another reference to the period of time in which we live. But then blessing is promised for the person who reaches the end of the 1,335 days! If we remember that numbers in the book of Daniel are symbolic rather than literal, it is possible that objectively the time is symbolically fixed at 1,290 days (although scholars debate this issue). However, because this age is an age of persecution and suffering, it will feel more like 1,335 days. The hardships of this world make the wait for the coming kingdom seem longer that it really is.
Reflection
Think back through the whole of the book of Daniel. Ponder some of the big themes that we have seen. Remember how Daniel was called to live while in exile, while waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled. What impact will the book of Daniel have on your life?
Scripture
About this Plan
The story of Daniel and his three friends is well known and well loved. But the account of these four men, in a far away land, is so much more than the lion’s den and a fiery furnace that we remember from Sunday school. In forty days, experienced Bible–teacher Justin Mote, shows us God’s goodness, provision and sovereignty, even when the situation seems out of control.
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