Daniel 7-12
The final six chapters of Daniel are very tricky; even Daniel didn’t get them. As you read these dreams and visions, take note of how Daniel was doing:
Daniel was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through his mind disturbed him. (7:18)
While Daniel was watching, trying to understand one vision, there before him stood one who looked like a man. Terrified, Daniel fell on his face! (8:15-17)
After another vision, Daniel was exhausted and lay ill for several days; he was appalled at what he saw. (8:27)
As a result of his visions, Daniel turned to God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition, with fasting in sackcloth and ashes. (9:3f)
These messages were so troubling, he mourned and neither ate nor drank for three weeks. (10:2-3)
In the midst of one vision, Daniel uses words like “terror” and “trembling. (10:10) He was “speechless” and in “anguish.” (10:15-16)
In the end, Daniel says, “I heard, but did not understand.” (12:8)
So, when you read these incredible prophecies, don’t be worried if they confuse and trouble you, just as they did Daniel. Many have presumed to know the secrets of these dreams and visions, and many have come up with end-times time-tables that have led people astray and turned out false. This is not to say that they are worthless or untrue, not at all. But they must be interpreted with wisdom and care.
When looking for the specific meanings for these prophecies, be sure to check more than one Bible-believing commentary.
I still love Daniel, but back when I read these last six chapters to my newborn son, much of it went over his head! And mine, too!
Tomorrow we begin September and the Minor Prophets!
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
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