Daniel: Far From HomeSample

Daniel is told that close to the end there will be a time of unparalleled distress. It fits with what we read in 2 Thessalonians and Revelation 20. During that time, God’s people are protected by Michael. During the distress there is heavenly help for the people of God. The distress signals the very end. There is, however, that ‘but’ in the middle of verse 1! God’s people will be delivered. The people are those whose names are written ‘in the book’. This is the Lamb’s book of life mentioned in Revelation 20:11–15. It contains the names of all the people who will be delivered.

In verse 2, Daniel speaks of resurrection. Everyone who has died (‘who sleep in the dust’ picks up the language of Gen. 3:19, ‘to dust you will return’) will awake, and will be raised. No one will miss this day. But it will be a day of division. For some, those with names in the book, this is resurrection to life. But for others it is everlasting contempt. This means being eternally shamed, day after day, for all eternity. This division, and these two eternal destinations, are expanded greatly by Jesus in the Gospels. He speaks of the division in parables like the wise and foolish virgins, or the sheep and goats (see Matt. 25). Everlasting contempt is a place of darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth.

In verse 3 we are given a description of what everlasting life will be like. Those there will ‘shine like the brightness of the heavens’, shining ‘like the stars for ever and ever’. This is impressionistic language. It carries the idea of not merely surviving, but of being part of the heavenly court, being glorified. It is something that will be brilliant. Those who will receive this are called ‘wise’ and those ‘who lead many to righteousness’. Being wise in the Old Testament means to fear God and shun evil. It is to be a person who repents and believes the gospel. Leading people to righteousness is a reminder that being believers means being involved in enabling others to do the same.

Verse 4 tells us we are near the end of the book. It is to be sealed, or kept safe, and will be read until the end of time. People may search everywhere for knowledge. But the knowledge God’s people need is to be found here in the Scriptures.

Reflection

How brilliant it is to know our future – to know that after death believers will one day rise and enjoy glory for ever. We need the eternal perspective that we find in Daniel, so that we will continue to be wise and lead others to righteousness.