Chapter 69: 

Daniel Chapter 12: The Kingdom of Our Lord on Earth – The Stone

Daniel chapter 12, is in some respects a difficult chapter to unravel, because we cannot refer to any kings, within the times of secular history to prove points in its translation. One can read a summary message of the worldly situation amongst mankind at the "end time", but that is all. The rest of the understanding within the verses, are also of a summary of supernatural powers effecting mankind. Chapter 12 however, goes hand in hand with Daniel's other recorded visions within Daniel 2:44-45, and 7:9-27. We also read about this kingdom scattered throughout the prophets, and into the Book of Revelation. So, let us read, and understand these many sayings slowly, and try and make sense of it all.

Daniel 12:1:- "AND AT THAT TIME SHALL MICHAEL STAND UP, THE GREAT PRINCE WHICH STANDETH FOR THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE; AND THERE SHALL BE A TIME OF TROUBLE, SUCH AS NEVER WAS SINCE THERE WAS A NATION EVEN TO THAT SAME TIME; AND AT THAT TIME THY PEOPLE SHALL BE DELIVERED, EVERY ONE THAT SHALL BE FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK". This verse begins with the words, -"AT THAT TIME SHALL MICHAEL STAND UP, THE GREAT PRINCE WHICH STANDETH FOR THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE".

The first question now arises what "TIME" is this verse alluding to? The answer being, we have now reached the "end time" for the entry into the earth of the "Stones" Kingdom, of which Daniel 2:44-45, speaks. This will happen more so around about and during, the "time" of the ride of the awesome "Pale Horse" of Revelation, which brings catastrophe (Revelation 6:8). This unspeakable war of the madness of power hungry men, seen also in Daniel 11:41-45.

The next question from Daniel 12 verse 1, who is Michael? The following words of the same verse answers for us that question. "He" is a Great Prince (of heaven) who is in charge, and who fights for the "life" of the 2 nations of Israel, within Jew and Gentile. Here now we begin to understand that mankind is "not" alone on earth and never has been, during the trials of mankind's own history. When Michael "Stands Up" it is for all mankind to see him fully, and for men to "know" they are now dealing with powers beyond their own puny ones.

To "Stand Up" is a similar situation for the "vision" of Alexander the Great when he "stood up" in the earth from prophecies, Daniel 11:3. The young Alexander's strength and power has remained strong in mankind's memory of history ever since, though it happened more than 2,000 years ago! In other words, Michael will "stand up" to be counted in a power far superior in impact than Alexander's.

Let us examine the role of Prince Michael. He is an "angel", a great "minister", and "terrestrial/celestial" being, fulfilling a role for The Most High God upon earth. Michael is answerable to God for the conduct and the carrying out of "promises", made towards the full Hebrew nation. Not only in the ancient past but into modern history also! In I Corinthians 15:38-40,it explains how each body of flesh, and celestial body, is different, and functions according to the way God has fashioned it. Therefore Prince Michael, like Prince Gabriel etc. fights for, or against, the powers of men within our history to fulfil the Scripture of truth, which Daniel explains. (Daniel 10:13-14,21). Prince Michael as verse 21 Daniel 10 shows, is called "Your Prince" or the "Being" subject to God and Daniel's people of Israel.

Not just the Jewish nation as some biblical students believe, but "all" of Daniel's people, both houses, which Daniel's prayers make mention. (Daniel 9/7).

When Prince Michael's power in the earth is great (STANDS UP), so to the Hebrew nation is great in power. But when Michael sits upon the earth, or lies down amongst the people unobserved, then too does the Hebrew nations, -2 houses of Israel's,- power wane according to these actions.

We must all bear in mind, that, what we are dealing with here in Daniel 12, is the "Kingdom of Heaven", set up on earth for a span of time, within our own history. It is the Kingdom "CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN", which is set up during the times of the kingdom of the "10 toes of clay" which became the United Kingdom in the Isles. The 2 feet separating also into the United States of America. Daniel 2:44-45. "AND IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (Or the one kingdom made up of 10 kingly tribes of iron and clay, seen in Daniel 2:41-43. And "not" the present united national world system wrongly quoted by many), SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM, WHICH SHALL NEVER BE DESTROYED. (Or when the last of Israel's tribal kings,-which makes 10 tribes in all that have sat on the throne of the United Kingdom,- God's last Kingdom, -for Jesus- will come into being. Unlike the United Kingdom, and all the other powers gone before it, this "sixth Kingdom" cannot be overtaken by mere mortals!) AND THE KINGDOM SHALL NOT BE LEFT TO OTHER PEOPLE, (This Kingdom is different, it cannot be overturned, nor governed by mortal people), BUT IT SHALL BREAK IN PIECES AND CONSUME ALL THESE KINGDOMS AND IT SHALL STAND FOR EVER"; (God's Kingdom on earth, with Jesus as the King of Kings, will destroy man's powerful nationalistic instincts to fight each other, and will reduce to nothing the hate, and destruction all other secular historical powers have brought in their time zones).

Daniel 2:45, "FOR AS MUCH AS THOU SAWEST THAT THE STONE WAS CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN WITHOUT HANDS, (The stone is the kingdom of our Lord Jesus, King of Kings,-Isaiah 28/16. No earthly power will start the cutting of the STONE from the mountain, but the force of God's might alone). AND THAT IT BRAKE IN PIECES THE IRON, THE BRASS, THE CLAY, THE SILVER, AND THE GOLD"; (This new kingdom will be so powerful, that none of the ruling empires gone before it are able to match its might; There had been 10 ruling powers that had affected Israel's children in all its history.

1:- British Empire. 2:- United States (2 feet).

3:- Rome. 4:- Byzantium (2 legs).

5:- Greek Seleucids. 6:- Egypt (2 thighs).

7:- Medes. 8:- Persians (2 arms)

9:- Babylon. 10:- Assyria (2 Chaldean empires, head of gold of Nebuchadnezzar, and it had within it a "lion" which had "eagles wings" this effigy was the Assyrian power, whose wings were made useless). -(Daniel 7-4)- Both Chaldean powers.

Daniel 2:45, "THE GREAT GOD HATH MADE KNOWN TO THE KING (Nebuchadnezzar) WHAT SHALL COME TO PASS HEREAFTER; (Or histories secular powers within the process of time) AND THE DREAM IS CERTAIN, AND THE INTERPRETATION THERE OF SURE".

Every little thing in prophecy is relevant which mankind must understand! Prophecy or visions are sometimes short and abrupt but hide many things! One must "not" hump situations together, in order to appear clever to vindicate one's own lack of answers, within God's Law of motion. Each prophecy passage tells a little more of the larger story.

The ordinary people of the earth want answers to their "reasons" for living, so make sure, -teachers of the Law- they are God's answers and not your own! For so long now theologians fumble for answers, and mumble words and falsehoods in sentences which are not born out elsewhere in the laws set down. They bear no pattern, no theme, no precepts, allow no Creator "His" right to do things impossible to us! The Scriptures spoken by God through men of renown are "of" God, which emphasis there "must" be protocol, upon which "His" document is glued, thus making all things held in order. Chaos only belongs to men, it is "not" God's way!

One must again bear in mind we are dealing in prophecy with energies of a gigantic magnitude, called the "power" of God Almighty!

Theologians within the earth have their own laws of protocol, which they have given themselves to follow. Law and order in their ministries are seen as to "who" speaks in low or high services, through the channels of the hierarchy of clergy. That is whether a lowly priest speaks, or a jewelled - mitred bedecked archbishop speaks, in such and such a service. For example, during the coronation of Kings and Queens, enacted out in the earth before God. No lowly priest in worn out clothes, a radical unwashed approach, would dare to crown a monarch. This high process must be done by the high priest of the land, with cultured tongue, manners to match, and beautiful garments, and it is he who presents monarch to God. Why then does man not allow the same hierarchy in the ministers of God; Of which Prince Michael's place in the scheme of things has been allocated?

Do not call Michael, Jesus Christ, it is wrong! The patterns of heavenly priests are similar to earthly priests. The Great Angel, Prince Michael serves the Israelite mortal man in the earth, on behalf of Almighty God, and on behalf of the King of Kings, Jesus!

When Prince Michael "STANDS UP" in the earth, that very act is for all to see him. The actual act of "standing" means that "power" and "rise" of the limbs have been returned to him; and his body has health and strength of power restored!

When a person of mankind is crippled and has spent a long time bedridden in ill health, to get out of that bed and stand up erect, unaided, is a good sign of health re-covered. With the victory over the malady that put that person in bed in the first place. So, it is in Michael's Biblical situation, towards the Israelite nation, and other nations. The Malady of punishment against Israel's sins is almost over, the power of their health is in the act of restoration and Michael "Standing Up", then the curses against them are fulfilled.

Your next question reader might be, how are we to know when this act takes place? What tangible things around us are taking place for us to see, and hold on to, in these chaotic times? First, desire to know God's prophecies "correctly". Look for men and women here and there in the world, who are calling to each other in a back-to-basics movement. Looking and searching for truth, honesty, living proof, and the correct definition of Biblical Scripture, especially prophecy, and who have the guts to know what they learned previously was wrong. The good- ways taught by the prophets, and the Lord Jesus, etc. are there!

Turn one's back to ritualistic religions, which are shot through with centuries of paganism and nonsense. The searching people of God have spirits within them that hunger and thirst for the path to complete knowledge. Therefore, only through spiritual, historical, and factual understanding can the inner cleansing of the spirit be felt as right and proper. These searching people are desperate to form a true gathering, and not one built in grandeur with bricks and mortar. Nor priests with robes and liturgies. Then man can say truly, they are the "elect" of God! For these are children that will not be satisfied with lies and will do much for the sake of the "Saviour". (Isaiah 63:7-19).

The "Stone Kingdom" of Daniel's prophecy to which Prince Michael belongs, comes away from a mountain, which mountain is already "of" the earth, and already "in" the earth. Which mountains height is lofty, silent, and majestic, with its head reaching into the heavens far above the earth and its sea of people. That "Mountain's Kingdom" waits for its "time" in solitude and mystery for a great upheaval like an earthquake to shake it loose. Then, it will begin its great landslide upon the earth! The "Stones" Kingdom of spiritual ideals and purpose remains lofty!

The "Stone" strikes at the 10 toes and 2 feet of the great dream image of Nebuchadnezzar. One foot has a motto, "God is our right" (UK). The second foot has a motto, "In God we trust" (USA) Both these 2 nations are fading flowers. -(Hosea 7 - Isaiah 28:1-5). Both have lost their belief in their "right" to God, and their absolute "trust" in Him. Because they have reaped to the wind and have got instead a whirlwind called modern man's civilisation! This is "why" the Stone strikes the feet; it is to shake up the children of Israel from their lethargic state. Because they seem to take 2 steps forward to God, then 6 steps backwards from Him in their arrogance of self-learning!

We are all living out the prophecies of the Bible today, and many do not know it. There is self-satisfaction with ignorance, which covers all our ways like a blanket. So, let us open-wide the windows and take a few deep breathes of fresh air and reassemble our lives, by thinking long and hard upon the just and honourable man Abraham, the friend of God! Think of the Promises, and trials of the man Jacob/Israel. Think upon Isaac, Joseph and Moses, and on into the words of the prophets. Then study the "straight paths" from them to our Lord. Hear what the disciples taught, each according to their times and characters. All these things and words culminating into a vast plan, in one book called The Bible.

When Prince Michael "Stands Up" for all to see him, man will surely know that God rules in the kingdoms of men, and from that moment onwards Michael "Standing Up" brings in the absolute powers of the heavens once more. Prince Michael also "Stands Up" to give power once more to the Children of Israel, for whom he has been with throughout the centuries.

The "Stone" Kingdom cut out of the mountain without hands,- seen in Daniel 2:44-45,- begins to roll down the mountain, down onto the earth below, crushing all in its path who will try and oppose it. It will then grow and set up a Kingdom bringing to the earth princes of supernatural powers, the like of which man can only guess at. This Kingdom "must" be made ready to receive the entry of The King of Kings, The Lord Jesus! Therefore, we must try and begin to understand the tremendous exacting power of other dimensions beyond our own.

Prince Michael is most certainly "not" Jesus, but a terrestrial/celestial servant of the Most High God. Allotted to do "His" will amongst the children of Israel within the nations, and within secular/spiritual history throughout the ages. Biblical history in Daniel 10:13, and Revelation 12:7, shows us how Michael and his angels, fights "for or against" the adverse powers and sins of men.

Daniel 10:13 explains a secular situation, which chapter has 2 Princes of angels interfering in secular history. Making sure that the man prince of the kingdom of Persia could no longer resist, nor fight against the wishes and will of heaven. Because, within Persia's territory at that time, were some of the "chosen" children of Israel. Through written decrees by the Kings of Persia, namely, Cyrus, Darius etc. some of the House of Judah's children were to return eventually to Jerusalem. This episode being brought about by the Princes Michael and Gabriel, etc.

Again, in Revelation 12:7, Prince Michael and his angels in later history fights against the adverse powers, designs, and sins of men. This time however men have ascended themselves into heavenly realms, as false priests, from the Roman dragon etc.

Therefore, we see Michael's power from Daniel to Revelation remaining in the earth, -unobserved by man,- for thousands of years, always fighting for the elect children of The Holy One of Israel's people! Because Michael is called a Prince, it does not mean he is paramount in heavenly titles thus taking the place of Jesus, who is called the Prince of Peace. There are many heavenly Princes who are near the heavenly throne. Just as we see the example in our British royal family today, when each earthly prince is assigned his place in the scheme of things and carries out his royal duties accordingly. So, it is in the scheme of a heavenly throne and its court. This situation of patterns and procedures of heaven and earth being alike, we read of in Hebrews 8:5, when speaking of the earthly and heavenly priesthood. (Also Hebrews 9:23-24).

When Prince Michael "Stands Up" for all mankind to see and to know of his presence, the world will be on a verge of a new era, the like of which will set everyone questioning, fighting, mourning, and perhaps rejoicing, according to how one accepts this situation!

We must now go back to Daniel 12:1 , and read some more of that poignant verse. "AND THERE SHALL BE A TIME OF TROUBLE, SUCH AS NEVER WAS SINCE THERE WAS A NATION EVEN TO THE SAME TIME; AND AT THAT TIME THY PEOPLE SHALL BE DELIVERED, EVERY ONE THAT SHALL BE FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK". This portion of verse 1, puts into perspective the "end time" of men's eternal wars with each other and of the fighting desire for power at any cost. This is the confused state of mankind, which he has set in motion since time began. He has caused himself to be corrupt lords of the earth, and his power-hungry ways have destroyed his thinking processes. He was supposed to be a good manager of the earth and towards all that was in it, seen in Genesis. Today, we can see the consequences of his greed, causing pollution of all kinds to the earth and its peoples. His greedy voice envelops and controls the air and water. The "end time" of his years there is crime, cruelty, anarchy, licentious living, conventional wars, with nuclear war ever casting a dark shadow over that time.

Mankind does what is right in his own eyes, despite the harm it may cause others. The results are confusion, anxiety, and commotion which the word "TROUBLE" in verse 1, implies. Many a prophet within God's Law, have explained the "TROUBLE" man has brought on himself from the beginning, because he does not listen to God's voice. Judges 21:25. "IN THOSE DAYS THERE WAS NO KING IN ISRAEL; EVERY MAN DID THAT WHICH WAS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES".

Today, mankind, especially the 2 nations of Israel, make "use" of God for their own ends, and acknowledge no Heavenly King to fear. Nor a Holy One to bow down to!

Proverbs 12:15. "THE WAY OF THE FOOL IS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES; BUT HE THAT HEARKENETH UNTO COUNSEL IS WISE".

Isaiah 5:20-21, "WOE UNTO THEM THAT CALL EVIL GOOD, AND GOOD EVIL; THAT PUT DARKNESS FOR LIGHT, AND LIGHT FOR DARKNESS; THAT PUT BITTER FOR SWEET, AND SWEET FOR BITTER"!

Verse 21:- "WOE UNTO THEM THAT ARE WISE IN THEIR OWN EYES, AND PRUDENT IN THEIR OWN SIGHT"! All of Hosea chapter 7, tells us all about the "House of Israel" and exactly what we have become, who have brought "trouble" upon ourselves in ancient and modern times. The "end time" will bring more "TROUBLE" with a vengeance!

So, we will need divine intervention on a grand scale to sort out the mess we are in, or no life will be saved. Just as our Lord told us in, Matthew 24:21-22, "FOR THEN SHALL BE GREAT TRIBULATION, SUCH AS WAS NOT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD TO THIS TIME, NO, NOR EVER SHALL BE".

Verse 22:- "AND EXCEPT THOSE DAYS SHOULD BE SHORTENED, THERE SHOULD NO FLESH BE SAVED; BUT FOR THE ELECTS SAKE THOSE DAYS SHALL BE SHORTENED".

These warnings of our Lord in Matthew, is the same message given in Daniel 12:1. This terrible "TROUBLE" or "TRIBULATION" spoken of, explains to us during man's span of his years, the depth to which all nations of the earth have sunk; Ranging from ancient times, when peoples became large enough to be called nations,-such as the Hebrew nation.- We read in Biblical prophecy of some of the terrible slaughters of peoples that some of these ancient nations brought upon themselves. Those troublesome times have continued through and into modern history. But "our" slaughters of peoples make the ancients seem a mere fleabite in comparison. Man's vivid imaginations have devised unspeakable tortures and horrors upon each other, watched over by the Princes of God in the earth. Their time to act completely against man's power, with complete authority to do so, had not come. Because man's 6,000 year "free will" to rule himself had to run its course. Nevertheless, Prince Michael's power towards Israel has made sure that prophetic secular history was performed, and that the "reserved seed" down through the centuries had prevailed until the "end of time". This reserving of all Israel's elected is by God's grace alone. So that these 2 houses of Israel's nation can bear "witness" to the truth of biblical prophecy. Which we read of in Romans 11:1-5;
Verse 4:- "BUT WHAT SAITH THE ANSWER OF GOD UNTO HIM? (Elias) I HAVE RESERVED TO MYSELF SEVEN THOUSAND MEN, WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO THE IMAGE OF BAAL".

Verse 5:- "EVEN SO THEN AT THIS PRESENT TIME (spoken by St. Paul) ALSO THERE IS A REMNANT ACCORDING TO THE ELECTION OF GRACE". Also Isaiah 10:22.

Between the same message from God to Elijah, and the repeat of it in Romans by Saint Paul, over 900 years had elapsed, and that "reserving" of the elected seed remains in the world to this day, towards the years 2,000 AD.

Daniel 12:1, and the latter part of this verse tells us of God's people. "AND AT THAT TIME THY PEOPLE SHALL BE DELIVERED, EVERY ONE THAT SHALL BE FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK". This verse speaks of the elect children in the same manner as Isaiah and Romans. By the grace of God, and not through good will; Nor a person belonging to a certain church organisation who consider themselves all to be the elected seed will be saved! To be "Delivered" from the bondage of the ways of mankind, is to be released from danger, to be born free and saved from the "TROUBLE" surrounding us at this catastrophic "end time" of men's ruling powers.

What "BOOK" does the latter part of Daniel 12,verse 1 mean when referring to God's people who are written up in this book? A Book is a record of something set down for remembrance’s sake. One will immediately think of the Holy Bible as the important "Book" because within its pages are names of persons written, who had the faith and the courage to answer God's call.

Within its pages also is the "Law" set down for our learning, it is our schoolmaster who taught us the ways of God in His commandments and prophecies, and the need for His Christ. (Galatians 3:24). The Lord God spoke many words to His people Israel, and to all mankind, from that book called the Bible during every era. Which was continually set down by the scribes and prophets from the beginning, as the Lord commanded. (Jeremiah 30:1-2).

At the "end time" the "sealed" words of truth, liberty, and understanding within its pages, will set us free from the chains of men's follies and rituals. To "know" our God in a new way!

The last message in the Book to John, by the Lord’s angel, is for our "end time". Revelation 22:9-10. "THEN SAITH HE UNTO ME, SEE THOU DO IT NOT; (Because John worshipped at the angels feet) FOR I AM THY FELLOW SERVANT, (The angel speaks to John) AND OF THY BRETHREN THE PROPHETS, AND OF THEM WHICH KEEP THE SAYINGS OF THIS BOOK; WORSHIP GOD".

Verse 10:- "AND HE SAITH UNTO ME, SEAL NOT THE SAYINGS OFF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK; FOR THE TIME IS AT HAND".

One will note that the "end time" words during Daniel's time, which gave all the understanding of prophecy in the Book, were sealed. Because, both houses of the children of Israel had to suffer punishments within the historical world, because they refused to hear God in their daily lives. But in Revelation the words of prophecy in the Great Book become "Unsealed" because the angel said it would be so! When that "end time" of hiding historical prophecy has arrived and the people are able to understand. Now it is up to us in the "last days" to read the Book properly and learn!

One must however first discard man-made assumptions and fables, because that road is a waste of time, as one reads in Revelation 22:18-19. "FOR I TESTIFY UNTO EVERY MAN THAT HEARETH THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK, (The angel of God speaking to Saint John, bears witness to the truth and facts under an oath, of the words written in the Bible). IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD UNTO THESE THINGS, GOD SHALL ADD UNTO HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK". (All of us so called bible students, who wish to worship God and His words, have been given a dire warning, to beware of deception and falsehoods, by saying, God said this or that, when "He" did not say it!)

Verse 19:- "AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY. GOD WILL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, AND OUT OF THE HOLY CITY, AND FROM THE THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK".

(Modern and ancient man is guilty of taking words of prophecy and using them in a fashion, which is incorrect, and in some respects for their own ends. But there is a heavy price to pay when dealing falsely against God and His works)!

Today, many a person disregards the "building blocks" of prophecy in the Old Testament, and decides only the New Testament is relevant, because that person feels they are followers of Christ, and the rest of the books are not needed. Whereas Our Lord would be the first one to refer us to the Old Testament, even Daniel's prophecies, which is the very core of history!

Many a modern church going person calls themselves "spiritual Israel", putting the church as a whole in place of factual Israel in prophecy. What mankind does not know about God's words he fluffs out meanings, which are nonsense. Mankind has stuck to ritualistic thinking century after century, by saying they are in the Book; Then continue to carry those errors to his grave, generation after generation, making no attempt to put things right. And so, it goes on and on and the words written in Holy Writ have been "Taken Away" and "Added To" as Revelation says!

The words that are written in the Bible go hand in hand with another book, called "The Book of Life", written in Revelation 22:19. This Book is, as it says, "LIFE"; Or in other words it is the state of a person's existence, the time from birth to death and the manner of one's conduct during earthly life, and the "life" to come. The "Book of Life" registers all mankind's behaviour, and if he, or she, has passed the examination set for them during that time their names are written towards a renewal of life in the resurrection. This "Book" is opened during a new age and towards the "New Jerusalem" (the holy city mentioned), when the judgement takes place, and persons stand in their allotted places. (Revelation 20:15, 21:2.). The way to the "Book of Life" or the "tree of life", God has set before all Israel in the Old and New Testaments. Jeremiah 21:8. "AND UNTO THIS PEOPLE THOU SHALT SAY, THUS SAITH THE LORD; BEHOLD, I SET BEFORE YOU THE WAY OF LIFE, AND THE WAY OF DEATH".

Romans 8:2. "FOR THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS HATH MADE ME FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH". To obtain that freedom towards a "life" hereafter, is an immense personal struggle to find the right path, which has many obstacles continually. The "Law of Life" of the spirit of our Lord Jesus, is not in priestly rituals and holier than thou collective attitudes. But it is in an individual's searching, and longing to find it in patient hoping that one is attuned to the voice of God within one's being. Is it not written that the "kingdom of heaven" is already a seed within one's being from birth? Therefore, we must let it grow within the spirit, and one day we shall acknowledge the greatness of that mystery!

Daniel 12:2. "AND MANY OF THEM THAT SLEEP IN THE DUST OF THE EARTH SHALL AWAKE, SOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SOME TO SHAME AND EVERLASTING CONTEMPT". In these words, is the resurrection of the natural bodies of mankind, whether they have done good or evil during their lives. This type of supernatural power brought upon mankind can only happen during and within a new Kingdom set up, that is not of the natural state of the earth. Because no person that we know of can raise the dead, only he or she who has overcome the barriers, or natural laws within which we are all held.

This verse 2, is telling us of the "judgements" taking place, spoken of so many times in the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation God set up these "judgements" upon His people, and other nations of the earth. The prophet Isaiah speaks piercing words from the heart, for "judgements" upon our generations into the "last days". (Isaiah 26:8-9).

Verse 8:- "YEA, IN THE WAY OF THY JUDGEMENTS, O LORD, HAVE WE WAITED FOR THEE; THE DESIRE OF OUR SOUL IS TO THY NAME, AND TO THE REMEMBRANCE OF THEE".

Verse 9:- "WITH MY SOUL, HAVE I DESIRED THEE IN THE NIGHT; YEA, WITH MY SPIRIT WITHIN ME WILL I SEEK THEE EARLY; FOR WHEN THY JUDGEMENTS ARE IN THE EARTH, THE INHABITANTS OF THE WORLD WILL LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS".

When the prophet Daniel prayed with great supplications to God, because of his people Israel, he said: Daniel 9:5. "WE HAVE SINNED, AND HAVE COMMITTED INIQUITY, AND HAVE DONE WICKEDLY, AND HAVE REBELLED, EVEN BY DEPARTING FROM THY PRECEPTS, AND FROM THY JUDGEMENTS.

The nation of Israel (both houses) today, in our modern era, commit iniquity on a grand scale across the world, and consider not the precepts and judgements of God set down to make us wise unto salvation.

The House of Christian Israel is quite happy to say, "they are going to heaven when they die," irrespective of any sins they have committed! Thereby ignoring the precepts and judgements set down for our learning.

When the Lord's mighty Kingdom of Stone is set up, -seen in Daniel 12,- and the books of life and death are opened to all nations. God's judgements will be understood and evident to all, to the full, as Revelation 15:4 tells us.

Noting every detailed word in Daniel 12:2, of the expression, -"AND MANY OF THEM THAT SLEEP IN THE DUST OF THE EARTH SHALL AWAKE",- should be carefully understood! Death is a large subject, so we will touch on it lightly here as it effects every one of us.

Daniel's words say that we, "Sleep in the dust of the earth," and not fly off to heaven when we die. Which most of mankind teaches us. In other words, the natural bodies of people are either buried deeply in the earth, which then disintegrate, or are cremated into ashes. The other half of the person called soul/spirit "sleeps" with the body! Because, this internal person called soul/spirit, also must go with the body because it is part of the whole person, holding the imprint of all that the person has been during life. It is the "spirit" that hears the voice of the Lord during resurrection, and it awakes from its sleep. As was the case when our Lord Jesus called Lazarus up from the dead. Lazarus's body would have stunk with the breaking down process of death, it was his "spirit" that heard the Lord's voice in the tomb and awoke the body which was changed. (John 11:11-44).

The word "Awake" should give one the pointer to what happens to our spirit when we all die. The spirit cannot die unless God wills it to be so, because it is an unseen force, or spark, which God has implanted in us. The spirit is attuned to the heavens and has contact with God's Kingdom to come. It is only a "voice" from another dimension, or a "familiar spirit", which can rouse the spirit from its sleep and sets the imprint of the past earthly body into action. Which the word "Awake" means. One cannot "Awake" from disintegration in the dust of the earth if our souls have already flown to heaven at death.

A good example of the spirit "sleeping" with the body, is the story of the prophet Samuel and the Witch of Endor, in I Samuel 28:13-19. This story tells us that the great Samuel's spirit ascended out of the "earth" and spoke to King Saul in a factual way. Samuel said, "WHY HAST THOU DISQUIETED ME TO BRING ME UP"? Or, "Why have you disturbed my spirit from my rest and tranquillity, from out of the bowels of the earth"?

Some people say that the Witch of Endor, -whose spirit could latch onto another spirit, (familiar),- was practising ventriloquism. Which understanding is nonsense! We must "listen" to what the Bible is telling us, and not mankind's version of it from disbelief. The following verses in Samuel chapter 28 gives us an exacting conversation between Samuel and King Saul. Even words of prediction that show the death of Saul and his sons the following day, who would be then in the grave asleep with Samuel. (I Samuel 28:19).

When Isaiah spoke his beautiful words in Isaiah 26:8-9, he was telling us of the various facets that make up ourselves. The "Soul" combines the core, heart, or seat of the natural man, it is mankind's "will" to do and think something. It is the workings of man's brain towards the channelling of memory, feelings, and the grasp of knowledge. Then the deep desire of the "Soul" sets mankind on the road to open his "Spirit" and let it grow within him. Some people's "Spirit" has never been opened and has never been allowed to grow. Therefore, it is dead to our God and his purposes with us. That is why our Lord Jesus could say, "Let the dead bury their dead". (Matthew 8:22).

It is the opening of the "Soul" to the "Spirit" within us all, that brings forth the desire to learn God's righteousness and judgements, and quietly long for Him!

Daniel 12:2 says,- "Many" of them that sleep in the dust of the earth". It does not say, "all" people who sleep in the dust of the earth, because some people were lost at sea, some were translated, never to lie in the dust of the earth.

Other prophecies tell us the sea also will give up its dead. (Revelation 20:13).

The resurrection of peoples comes "out" of the earth, they do "not" fly back from heaven into the earth to be resurrected. As is so thought and taught amongst peoples. One must believe the words of our Heavenly Father, as written in Daniel's and other prophecies, and not some myth conjured up by mankind during the centuries of history to lighten his fear of death!

Remember the lovely true words of Job, when his spirit yearned and was at its lowest ebb in life. Job 19:25-27. "FOR I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER, (God and Jesus Christ) LIVETH, AND THAT HE SHALL STAND AT THE LATTER DAY UPON THE EARTH".

Verse 26:- "AND THOUGH AFTER MY SKIN WORMS DESTROY THIS BODY, YET IN MY FLESH SHALL I SEE GOD".

Verse 27:- "WHOM I SHALL SEE FOR MYSELF, AND MINE EYES SHALL BEHOLD, AND NOT ANOTHER; THOUGH MY REINS BE CONSUMED WITHIN ME".

Job's faith under great stress was triumphant, though Job had not seen the Christ stand upon the earth as man's Redeemer. Because Job lived many centuries before our Lord. Job "knew" in his spirit, God would set things right, though his own body was destroyed and his spirit waited for the day. Job "knew" the real Redeemer is God, and His son Jesus took His place for a while on earth, because God cannot set foot on earth under our sinful conditions. (See also Isaiah 63:16-17).

Daniel 12:2, is a few words on the judgement of peoples since our time began, which amounts to billions of humankind. Those peoples are judged according to their actions and thoughts during life. Some peoples will live for everlasting, to change, but never die again according to the rules of natural man's time. Other peoples will stand before the judgement and witness shame and contempt, before the courts of God, where nothing can be hidden, and their names will be remembered for everlasting as mean and worthless.

Daniel 12:3.- "AND THEY THAT BE WISE SHALL SHINE AS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT; AND THEY THAT TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS AS THE STARS FOR EVER AND EVER".

Daniel 12:3, explains the state of those people on the earth, who, throughout many eras of history had tried their best to understand God, and obey His voice from Scripture. Many peoples over the centuries suffered much seeking the wisdom and truth spoken by God. Others of mankind reasoned and taught otherwise for spiritual powers sake.

So, for their quiet deep faith, and when the "judgement" is completed, they will be rewarded for their persistence and courage. Their "personal visibility" will be seen by all to a wide extent, as we look up and see the sky full of stars.

Other teachers and helpers who have laboured towards that which is upright, in truth and conduct according to honesty, shall forever live and shine for all to see.

Daniel 12:4.- "BUT THOU, O DANIEL, SHUT UP THE WORDS, AND SEAL THE BOOK, EVEN TO THE TIME OF THE END; MANY SHALL RUN TO AND FRO, AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED". When Daniel was told to "SHUT UP THE WORDS AND SEAL THE BOOK", it is evident Daniel had first to record every detail in writing of all that he had seen, and heard, in vision or otherwise. So that this momentous historical recorded message to us all,-who live especially in the "end time",- would eventually be made known, even to the least and uneducated of God's children, to save their lives in the final analysis. No excuses of being uneducated in the ways of God would be used.

Daniel's words are set down in detail, verse by verse, chapter by chapter and if we do not understand it fully, it is our own fault! Which is brought about from lack of interest and applying oneself to learn! We, who live in the latter part of the "end time" must try and understand "all" things written in this Great Book, because it is people's lives we are dealing with here!

With hindsight we can now see historical fulfilment during Daniel's time then forward in time towards the Roman Empire days and on through and into much secular history. Which was made known to us through that prophecy being couched in symbol and cartoon form. (Example;- The lion with eagles' wings, bear, leopard, and a beast with 10 horns. When Nebuchadnezzar had the dream of a fearsome image with its head of gold, and breast and arms of silver), etc.

Daniel in his day was to give a rough interpretation of the "dream" of these ancient and modern empires, making it known to King Nebuchadnezzar at that time. (Daniel 2:36-43). Daniel also lived to see the Kingdom of the Babylonian's fall to the silver chest and arms, of the Mede and Persian armies as predicted by him.

The angel of God explained to Daniel 7:15-28, the interpretation of the things that he saw in visions, and towards the end of all this matter. Daniel himself was terribly grieved and confused, from the distress of these calamities which he saw in history, -especially to his own nation of Israel/Judah. These things changed his appearance, and his features altered, so great was the burden of his knowledge!

However, the actual detailed knowledge of the "times" of this secular history given to him, Daniel wrote down factually. But "hidden" within this "mystery" throughout the ages of men, until the right time for the seal to be broken, and for "all" knowledge to be made known at the "end time" of our history!

As I have said before, many Bible scholar/students today, have written many books on the translation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream image, and the beasts mentioned. Though these writings differ in translation in some ways, they all basically tell of Babylonian, Persian, Greek, and a bit of the Roman power in the earth. Or of the Lion with Eagles wings, Bear and Leopard.

The Dragon of Rome with 10 horns, is their biggest stumbling block, because its power has fanned out into many nations, with many facets of that power within history over many centuries. Too much conjecture is used by Bible scholar/students, though they have pretended to have absolute knowledge of these things. For them to look back into ancient history, before the Roman power base came into being, is much easier to translate because, Daniel had already set the answers in his writings, for Babylon, Persia, and Greece.

No one can understand all Daniel's prophecies properly, unless one concentrates first upon the paramount item, that of Daniel's people of Judah/Israel, and what became of them in that history predicted. We must put aside, for a while, church organisations to which one belongs and the ritualistic dogmatic way one must always think within them. Otherwise, that way of teaching invariably puts one's own Christian church organisation in the "right" and closes the door on another type of thought. Once an individual stops exercising the mind in spiritual facts, -and at times in a lateral manner,- in exchange for peace within a church, all is lost of the beauty and mystery fulfilled of prophecy.

We, who live in the dangerous "time of the end" of the power of mankind's history. As Daniel notes in 11:40-45, and 12:1. Are faced with utter and complete disaster through the contemplation of Nuclear War; Coupled with the peculiar custom of some churches teaching towards our God's plan with us all, then seem to ignore that plan altogether!

Let us go back to the latter part of Daniel 12:4, "MANY SHALL RUN TO AND FRO, AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED". This one sentence describes the situation in the world at the "end time" days of history, and what it will look like for those people living in it. It is most definitely a picture of our present times and going forward towards the 21st century. Indeed, at no time during past centuries has so much of mankind travelled "to" a place, and "back" again, in a short space of time, and with such speed. It is as the verse says, "Many" people are on the move, and not just a small few! How many millions of us from all nations in the world have been travelling "to and fro" across the world, as part of normal modern life! Today, one can catch a jet plane in Australia and travel to the other end of the earth into Europe in less than 48 hours. Then, after a holiday fly back again. Deciding for oneself that all those thousands of miles journey was more tedious than normal. Many, many people think nothing much, -other than boredom,- of travelling hundreds of miles here, there, and everywhere for work, holidays, or other reasons of necessity, in cars, buses, trains, planes, ships, trucks, and bikes, ever moving "to and fro".

When my generation were young, to travel from Wales, or Scotland, to London on a train was considered a journey of a lifetime that many did not achieve. Cars were much slower and reserved mainly for those with a very good wage, or for businesspeople. If one could not afford bus or tram fares, our legs took us short distances where we wanted to go. The gentle jogging of horse and cart delivering goods and sometimes people were still evident at that time.

Today, everyone great or small, rich, or poor strive to possess the motor car, whose high speed can take them "to and fro" their destinations day in and day out.

Even the heavens are not off limits to powerful nations who send their rockets, complete with men and women, travelling at great speeds to the moon, or orbiting the earth going "to and fro". The seas of the great oceans hide submarines in their depths, which take many men "to and fro" throughout the world. The ships of many peoples and nations, cross and re-cross the seas of the world at great speed and technological abilities, some circumnavigating great distances, ever going "to and fro".

Our voices and pictures are carried by phone and satellite communications across the earth in seconds "to and fro".

One of our worse fears in our age of nuclear weapons, is that unmanned missiles or rockets can travel "to and fro" over great distances, to destroy cities with all its peoples. The people never to see the faces of those who triggered their destruction and death, the foe being a great distance away. The missiles travelling at high speed across countries, "to and fro", for to hide that terrible mischief from other men.

In other words, our world has become smaller because of the "to and fro" of fast travel through technology, making today's nations becoming a global village, which many refer to it as such. Daniel 12:4. "AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED". The word "KNOWLEDGE" as we all know is the clear perception of truth and fact, it is information acquired through actual experience. "INCREASED", is to obtain that "Knowledge" by growing and to advance in value, whether good or bad. Our ideas, inventions, and experiences have become much greater and larger in the last hundreds years. -(Or during this "time of the end" of man’s power-hungry history).- The "KNOWLEDGE" and experience of 2 World Wars during this period, have catapulted mankind into the quagmire of uncertainty!

The "INCREASE of KNOWLEDGE" prophesied by Daniel, will continue to travel and grow upon 2 paths, both a spiritual path, and all that relates to mankind's existence on this earth.

Man's history tells us that the Industrial revolution from the 19th century, mankind's technology, and the sciences, have grown at such a rate that, today's advances have become obsolete tomorrow. Hasty change and so-called progress have fractured peoples well known previous roots, forged from years of normal living structures and systems which now have gone. Today, the "INCREASE" in all types of "KNOWLEDGE" that man holds in his mind and hands, has "not" been brought about from man's own willpower, and intellect, but by the implanting of "KNOWLEDGE" given to him by God. If reader you consider that last statement to be questionable? Then consider many of the inventions, and clever innovations of the sciences, which have been brought about during the 20th century! How many times has one heard of this or that being discovered by "accident". Or an individual remote from others working in a back room alone somewhere, inventing something very revolutionary? Where reader, do you think all our numerous modern ever-growing ideas come from, during the last 200 years?

Mankind's technology before this period in history was plodding along gradually, having no concept of how to fly, or travel faster than the speed of sound. Or race on 4 wheels at great speeds or live beneath the sea in submarines. Did man know 200 years ago how to transplant a heart etc: Or cure some terrible diseases through penicillin etc. Or play around with the building blocks of life when dealing with the science of genetics? Man had no idea, how to split an atom and forge intense energy from it! God has given man much to help him in his walk-through life, but mankind has abused it through greed, and his own desire for power. These advances at times make mankind think to make a fast buck out of all he is learned, irrespective of the consequences! No one seems to stop and wonder where, and why, these things have happened in this way, nor praise the Almighty for helping mankind. Instead, they curse "His" generous name when things go wrong.

The "INCREASE in KNOWLEDGE" today, is a 2-edged sword used by mankind, it can make man feel like God in his creating abilities, and vanities of thinking, who can destroy himself with it. Or it can turn man to God in a very sure way, when seeing the intricate majestic patterns unfolding before his eyes, perhaps under a microscope. Which patterns and laws of life "prove" we have a Creator somewhere! The "INCREASE of KNOWLEDGE" spoken by Daniel, not only pertains to our actual surroundings in which we live, but also to understanding and educating ourselves in the true spiritual ways of God. Today, we can pick up the Bible, or many, many, biblical translations of the stories within, and read and judge for ourselves the meanings of all those beautiful words.

Centuries ago, many people of the lower classes could not read, and relied entirely upon a priest to speak or explain words to them, whether they were right or wrong, they accepted them. As I said before, we have read in history of many people being tortured or burned at the stake for thinking and speaking out about God on their own terms, other than the ritualistic thoughts of their times.

Many people broke away from established churches because they wanted to breathe some fresh air from the pages of a new simplicity they had found in the Bible.

Some men and women from the turn of our 20th century were still chained to a settled belief, having been born into, and brought up in a family which considered free reading and thinking, voiced in opposition, a mortal sin. One had to "accept" without question family traditions, whether right or wrong in the ways of learning about God and Bible truth. Prophecy was not considered as an individual's right to explore, that was the duty of the church and its priests!

Today, many people remain asleep in the darkness of dogmatic ritual. There are also many people who yearn for something more, and have healthy discussions, going "to and fro" to biblical gatherings to hear other voices and meanings to the subject at hand, helping them in an "INCREASE of KNOWLEDGE".

Throughout the world missionaries, -whether good or bad,- are going "to and fro" with their "Increase of knowledge", teaching others about our God and "His" Christ.

The Bible society is very busy publishing the Bible in many countries. Recently we have seen and heard of the upsurge of desire from men and women from the old Communist countries, wanting to read the Bible, and "Increase their knowledge" of God and his ways.

Many of the young men and women today do not want to have their minds suffocated with dark sentences of dogma and ritual in the old churches, so they refuse to go. Seeking their "Increase of Knowledge" in other types of places, so the old churches stand empty!

The 2-edged sword of "Knowledge" has the Spiritual edge, to save our lives from ourselves. It has the cutting edge of knowledge of death from anarchy, and the fear of nuclear annihilation. Which overshadows our lives in the "end time" of history. God has always given us 2 paths to choose from, one of life and one of death.

The prophets of old warned us of the nightmare scenario we would face, when we allowed the "Knowledge" of the energies of the building blocks of life to be used, for mankind's power war games! (Isaiah 41:15-16.- Jeremiah 4:19-30. - Malachi 4:1. - Matthew 24:16-22). Daniel's words in Daniel 12:4, are no longer "SHUT UP" neither is the Holy Book "SEALED". Which words were spoken by the ministers of God with authority. Because the day of "INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE" have been reached in our 20th century. To "SHUT UP" a BOOK, is to close the pages and hinder progress in understanding of that prophecy towards Knowledge. The covers and pages of the Book are then "SEALED" to make fast truth for the "end time" of history, because it is the most enlightened and dangerous time of all! The "SEAL" is also the mark of its authenticity and is confirmed in its correctness.

Biblical priests and scholars in the earlier times of mankind's history could not "unseal" the book of prophecy, until the stepping stones of history, placed throughout those ages had been reached and fulfilled. So that the 2 nations of Israel punishment and redemption had run its full course, and they were once more faced with the "KNOWLEDGE" of the "Almighty's" powerful hands. Which had been active and moulding their lives.

The final Knowledge is the greatest of all. When pretence and supposition of Knowledge is set aside and we can honestly say, "we are NOT alone" in this earth, and never have been left to our own sorrowful devices!

Our Lord Jesus told us "that" when he said; (Matthew 28:20). "TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD".

Now in this century the "Seal" is broken, and the pages of the Book are loosed, so that the "meanings" of the words may be read and digested. Be warned though, your joy of learning Knowledge in the "Little Book", as to "who" and "what" you are, can be a bitter pill to swallow when digested, causing pain, as understanding unfolds inside you. The Holy Bible is that "Little Book" (Revelation 10). The "Increase of Knowledge" on the second path of reasoning power, is more purposeful and important than the technology path. Like all the "duality" paths of Scripture, this second path is the path of life, which has also flowered in its purpose during the "end time" days of our history. The "Increase of Knowledge" on the spiritual path has been made evident down through the ages, in the opening of the minds of men and women. From centuries of ritualistic secular thinking in organised churches. People began to emerge from the darkness of earlier years into the Middle Ages and then began the tug-of-war between the Roman Catholic Church, and the Protestant Reformation. Educating mankind to read and think for himself was the ointment (or Balm) that has almost mended years of perpetual ignorance of the Bible, its purpose, and the "real" God in those pages that have laid dormant for so long!

Today, with education and a desire to "Know" our God, we can read the Bible, other people's books, and pamphlets of the thoughts of mankind and personally think on those things. Whereas, in the darker ages gone before we would have been burned at the stake or tortured to recant our heady ways?

In Britain and Europe, the Roman Papacy had a strangle hold on the people, and ignorance of truth kept people chained. The "light" of the Reformation began to shine with bold men like John Wycliffe, during the 14th century, who sent forth his followers with copies of his English translation of the Bible. Gradually over the next centuries many reformers came forward ever questioning, teaching, and preaching another private judgement and exaltation of God's words.

Apart from the Roman Catholics, the 3 greater churches were Lutheran, Reformed, and Anglican. Many smaller sects arose as a natural consequence of Protestant repudiation of traditional authority.

The American Revolution (1775-1781) brought about separation of church and state and opened men's eyes and hearts to a freedom of thought and practises, without the chains of secular power and organised church rituals.

A quick glance at the range of religious organisations reveals that they vary widely in many, many, ways. There are larger structures of churches in kinship all over the world, and smaller independent groups, some local, others international religious organisations. In other words, today, there is a great diversity of organisations dealing in different ways with religious values, and interpretations of Holy Scripture. Sometimes the power of the secular world encroaching on those values. Others trying to practise St. Paul’s words, "not to conform to this world". (Romans 12:2). "AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD; BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT, WILL OF GOD". Religions as such are systems of man-made faiths, set in structures and rules to hold mankind to believe by.

Therefore, as the centuries came and passed into the 20th century, many, many more protesting fellowships have grown, ever seeking the ultimate goal of divine revelation to surpass all others. This search for factual truth has been a slow process and is akin in its nature and action to how technological and other sciences work and spend their years to "increase knowledge". Both are on a methodical path of trial and error, ever searching for the meaning of life, and "why" we are here, and "where" we are going!

Today, we are lucky enough to question without fear of torture, read the Great Book with an open mind all that we can devour, and choose a denomination that seems satisfying to ourselves. We can believe what we want to believe without fear of our souls being prodded with a pitchfork by the devil, while falling into Dante's inferno. Or ending in limbo and nothingness, which has been taught. So, the most important "Increase in Knowledge" written by Daniel the prophet is to be aware that we can "SEEK AND FIND". We can "KNOCK THE DOOR" to reason and fact, and we will then see the door open to us as we walk into a garden of "truth"! Leaving falsehoods behind! We are then "home" and waiting for the Messiah that walks that garden in the cool of the evening of history! Through that path of "Increase of Knowledge" we will find the path of love and of mercy, and we live, we are, we will be!

Daniel 12:5. "THEN I DANIEL LOOKED, AND BEHOLD, THERE STOOD OTHER TWO, THE ONE ON THIS SIDE OF THE BANK OF THE RIVER, AND THE OTHER ON THAT SIDE OF THE BANK OF THE RIVER". Daniel had his gaze fixed towards a spectacular scene before him, with the intention of applying the mind to understanding and consider the situation. Because the scene was really beyond the reasoning power of mortal man.

These persons before Daniel, though resembling man, were not, which Daniel was fully aware. Daniel was too afraid or confused to even explain who, "THE OTHER TWO" were, written in this verse. During Daniel's visions throughout his words, and the earthly meetings he endured with these great personages we have previously read about, we must verify who some of them were. Daniel's walk on earth, before God, had been filled with strange happenings, and ministers of God appearing in various ways. Some of these great persons that materialised before him had the appearance of men, or as spectres of brightness of fire, or as saints clothed in white garments. The two ministering angels of God that were paramount in Daniel's prophecies were Prince Michael and Prince Gabriel.

In Daniel 10:13 and 8:16, we read of both these angels fighting for, or against, the powers of mankind, especially in Babylon and Persia of that time.

From the beginning of Daniel's capture by the Babylonians, we read of angels watching over these God fearing Jewish young men in their living habits.

(Daniel chapter 1) Angels saved Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego), when they were cast into a fiery-furnace, and they did not burn. (Daniel 3:8-28). Daniel was also saved by an angel from the mouths of the lions when he was thrown into their den, (Daniel 6:22).

These "OTHER TWO" who stood either side of the banks of the river, were the 2 great angels PRINCE Michael and PRINCE Gabriel.

The rivers in Daniel's prophecies are the River Ulai, mentioned twice in Daniel 8:2-16. The river ran through the province of Elam and flowed through the city of Susa (also called Shushan), which was one of the capitals of the Persian Empire.

The second River mentioned was called Hiddekel, (Daniel 10:4-6), which translators tell us was the Hebrew name for the Tigris River. This river was the eastern boundary of Mesopotamia and of Babylon.

The third river mentioned in Daniel 8:6-8, was the River Granicus in Asia Minor. Where Alexander the Great defeated the Persian forces in 334 BC.

For the purpose of understanding Daniel 12:5, prophecy is dealing with the angels standing each side of the banks of the River Ulai and Persian territory.

The province of Elam figures prominently in Babylonian and Assyrian history because it was so close to them. From out of this area near Susa, came Cyrus, the great conqueror of Babylon. Who was to help Daniel's people. (Ezra 1:1-2, Isaiah 44:28) etc:

Therefore, the angels appearing to Daniel in historical prophecy were foretelling the nation of Israel's destiny. From the beginning of punishment under the Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian powers, and their eventual following world history for all the Israelite tribes concerned, who were going into other nations.

The book of Revelation and the angels appearing to Saint John, in the same manner as Daniel's angels, were endorsing chartered world history,-from a later date,- for an eventual altered tribal Israel within other nations. By the time Revelation was penned, some of those Hebrew tribes had begun to wear Gentile garments also. Other Israelite tribes from Daniel's time onwards wore Babylonian, Persian, Egyptian etc. garments, separating them into 2 nations. Each side of the banks of the Ulai River this great vision took place. Daniel 8:2. "AND I SAW IN A VISION; AND IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN I SAW, THAT I WAS AT SHUSHAN (Susa) IN THE PALACE, WHICH IS IN THE PROVINCE OF ELAM; AND I SAW IN A VISION, AND I WAS BY THE RIVER OF ULAI". Elam became part of Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian territory as time passed. When Assyria under Ashurbanipal (668-626 BC) sacked the country of Elam, the Northern Kingdom of 10 tribes of Israel were already submerged into Assyrian territory during this time. The "House of Israel" was dispersed on one side of the River Ulai, and the "House of Judah" were dispersed on the other side of the River Ulai. Both these "two angels" on the banks of the Ulai River, represented the kingdom of the Northern House of Israel who were devoured by the Assyrians, who were still known to God, punished first by the Assyrians, yet eventually to be "Redeemed" through the guidance of the angels in the earth.

The other House of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, were still known to God, punished by the Babylonians, saved through prophets guided by angels. Then punished eventually again, and dispersed, because their necks possessed an "IRON SINEW", which made them wilful to be Redeemed. (Isaiah 48:1-10).

Daniel 12:6. "AND ONE SAID TO THE MAN CLOTHED IN LINEN, WHICH WAS UPON THE WATERS OF THE RIVER. HOW LONG SHALL IT BE TO THE END OF THESE WONDERS"?

The question is now addressed to the "Man Being" who stood upon the waters of the River Ulai by one of the angels. As to the "time limit" set in secular history, for all this historical, "extraordinary strangeness to marvel at", which the word "WONDER" implies!

The great personage that stood on the waters of the River Ulai, does not sink into the water, as faithless natural man would do. Because in this case, natural laws of the earth are overcome by this spiritual person of great powers. We read of this great spiritual personage in Revelation 10: who stood upon the waters.

However, we must go back to Daniel 8:15-19, and read of this scene which took place before Daniel's eyes.

Daniel 8:15. "AND IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN I EVEN I DANIEL, HAD SEEN THE VISION, AND SOUGHT FOR THE MEANING, THEN, BEHOLD, THERE STOOD BEFORE ME AS THE APPEARANCE OF A MAN".

Daniel 8:16, "AND I HEARD A MAN'S VOICE BETWEEN THE BANKS OF ULAI, WHICH CALLED, AND SAID, GABRIEL, MAKE THIS MAN TO UNDERSTAND THE VISION". This great personage with the voice of a man came from the waters, upon which he stood, and called to Gabriel who was standing upon one of the banks of the Ulai River. Though Gabriel is a Prince of angels in his own right, and appears to special people in the Biblical stories, here was another Angelic minister of greater importance!

Daniel 8:17, "SO HE CAME NEAR WHERE I STOOD; AND WHEN HE CAME, I WAS AFRAID, AND FELL UPON MY FACE; BUT HE SAID UNTO ME UNDERSTAND, O SON OF MAN; FOR AT THE TIME OF THE END SHALL BE THE VISION". When Gabriel approached Daniel, he felt the full implication of this Great Being and was afraid. Prince Gabriel explained all the "wonders" Daniel had seen, and went on to say, that at the "end time" of man's history, this momentous "vision" would exist in the physical world of fact. Which the small word "BE" implies! It would no longer be something imagined, as if in a trance, dream, or apparition, as the word "VISION" implies.

If we return to Daniel 12:6 and the Great Personage appearing as a man, upon the waters of the River Ulai, he was clothed in LINEN. One may ask why LINEN? Linen is a cloth made from the plant flax, its fibres weaved into linen threads, its seeds yielding linseed oil, and a most valuable plant. From the very beginning of the nation of Israel's laws given to them by God, the natural fibres of linen and wool were used for the priestly caste of men, which were set apart by God, and were to dress before God's presence. Therefore, linen was weaved from a natural plant grown by the "will" of God, and not a dress made of synthetic fibre etc. forged by man. The materials of the garments of the High Priest Aaron, were made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.

The purposeful meaning was- blue/heavenly, -purple/royalty, -scarlet/sacrifice, -fine linen/for personal righteousness. (Exodus 28:5).

King David was clothed in a robe of fine linen when he brought the ark of the covenant into the city of David. (I Chronicles 15:27).

When our Lord Jesus Christ was buried in a tomb, He was wrapped in fine linen. (Mark 15:46). Seven angels clothed in white linen came out of the heavenly temple of God. (Revelation 15:6). The marriage of the Lord to his saintly people, who have overcome earthly problems, are dressed in fine white linen, which is the "hallmark" of righteousness. (Revelation 19:8).

Or "LINEN" is a special cloth for use only for heavenly and earthly nobility, and whoever wears it, it is a sign of being "set apart" by God for a reason. Daniel 12:7:- "AND I HEARD THE MAN CLOTHED IN LINEN, WHICH WAS UPON THE WATERS OF THE RIVER, WHEN HE HELD UP HIS RIGHT HAND AND HIS LEFT HAND UNTO HEAVEN, AND SWARE BY HIM THAT LIVETH FOR EVER THAT IT SHALL BE FOR A TIME, TIMES, AND A HALF; AND WHEN HE SHALL HAVE ACCOMPLISHED TO SCATTER THE POWER OF THE HOLY PEOPLE, ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE FINISHED". This "Holy Person" who looked like a man, yet was not of the earth because he stood upon the waters had raised both his arms. The arms stretched out with the right hand, and left hand, have been used for a reason throughout the bible. Which has been written of many, many times, for profound purposes. The "HAND" is one of the most frequently used words to denote various types of blessings, apart from its literal use as a means to grasp something. The "HAND" is used in a figurative sense also, standing for power. Such as "INTO YOUR HAND ARE THEY DELIVERED". (Genesis 9:2-5). The "RIGHT HAND" placed upon the head in a blessing, also means it is an oath taken. That person is to be placed in the situation of royalty set apart and shows a special protection by God. A good example of this type of blessing was when Joseph's father Israel, placed his "Right Hand" upon Ephraim's head, and "Left Hand" upon Manasseh's head. Which displeased Joseph, knowing Manasseh was the elder of his two sons, and the reverse hands should have applied. Manasseh as the first born should have received the "Right Hand" blessing to inherit the possessions and royal position in Israel's House, into future generations. (Genesis 48:13-19).

The "laying on of hands" upon the head, even today, is a ceremony used in consecrating one to high office.

When Jesus was taken up into heaven, after He purged our sins on the cross. He sat at the "RIGHT HAND" of God, and received the Majesty of His position, with great Overlordship of power endorsed. (Hebrews 1:2-3).

THE "RIGHT HAND" OF THE LORD IS EXALTED, THE "RIGHT HAND" OF THE LORD DOETH VALIANTLY, (Psalm 118:16).

The "left hand" position is for riches and honour in the earth. (Proverbs 3:16).

The good man Job tells us God's "LEFT HAND" does the work in the earth, yet! Job can't fix his eyes on Him. God hides Himself on the spiritual "RIGHT HAND" and His glory cannot be seen. (Job 23:8-9).

The words of Luke tells us the "Right Hand" of God is power. (Luke 22:69).

So, as in the blessings of Jacob/Israel upon the heads of Ephraim and Manasseh, Ephraim was to have earthly power of majesty, and spiritual blessings of protection given by God. Manasseh was to inherit great earthly power and spiritual protection only. But no overlordship of majesty over the other tribes. Therefore, in other words the "RIGHT HAND" blessing upon Ephraim had inherited Joseph/Israel's "Birthright" of Lordship over others. The "Blessings" are in the words "AND THE LORD SHALL ADD" after the meaning of Joseph's name. Both of Joseph's children were "ADDED" to the Right hand, and Left-hand blessings.

When the "Man Personage clothed in Linen", in Daniel 12:7, held up his Right and Left Hand to heaven, it was to seal and acknowledge in an oath, the power of God in heaven and upon earth. This great Man Personage, or angel, at that moment made a solemn appeal to God for the truth of the matter under notice. That these things written would come to pass in mankind's history. Knowing God looked down upon the earth forever.

Whereas mankind's idea of the passage of "time" is boxed and labelled within his own history. Because our time zones are clocked in patterns, seasons, rise and fall of the moon and sun. In Daniel's prophecy however, Time is set in another way, which is Time, Times, and Half Time. Let us investigate this particular expression of Time.

As we all know "TIME" is a measure of duration, it is a particular portion in our days. It is a period marked by events. The events marked in Daniel 12:7, is when "TIME" has accomplished the "SCATTERING" of the power of the holy people. Here, we pause for a moment before we enter what TIME, TIMES AND HALF TIME means.

The question we must ask first, who are the "HOLY PEOPLE"?

I have read many a pamphlet over the years, where a denomination here or there put themselves and their church in this position, of being the holy people. Which I, personally recoil from thinking of myself in that way. Knowing to the full how sinful we humans are! We are all as Micah 7:2-6 says:- "THE GOOD MAN IS PERISHED OUT OF THE EARTH; AND THERE IS NONE UPRIGHT AMONG MEN; THEY ALL LIE IN WAIT FOR BLOOD; THEY HUNT EVERY MAN HIS BROTHER WITH A NET".

Verse 4:- "THE BEST OF THEM IS A BRIAR; THE MOST UPRIGHT IS SHARPER THAN A THORN HEDGE" ETC.

To be "holy" means pious, godly, and free from sin, who have been set apart for a sacred purpose. The nation of Israel, both houses, were set apart from other nations, under the Mosaic Law, to be an holy people unto the Lord God (Deuteronomy 26:19); But, Israel failed miserably and were punished. In Daniel 4:17, we read that the "WATCHERS" of men, were the "HOLY ONES", or angel; Who were to prove to Nebuchadnezzar, through Daniel, that "God" rules in the kingdoms of men.

In a prophetic future vision from Daniel's time, (Daniel 8:24), it tells us in history, what happened to the "HOLY PEOPLE". "AND HIS POWER SHALL BE MIGHTY, BUT NOT BY HIS OWN POWER; AND HE SHALL DESTROY WONDERFULLY, AND SHALL PROSPER AND PRACTISE, AND SHALL DESTROY THE MIGHTY AND THE HOLY PEOPLE". This prophecy is to do with the Mighty Power of the Roman Legs of Nebuchadnezzar's dream image. Which Empire marched through the earth after the fall of previous powers before it. Such as the Greeks, and Medes/Persians noted in the previous verses 20 to 22. In Daniel 8:23 . "THE KING OF FIERCE COUNTENANCE UNDERSTANDING DARK SENTENCES"; covers a list of Roman Emperors from Octavian Augustus, and especially the infamous Nero and Caligula etc. who persecuted, killed, and tortured so many "Holy People" born to mankind during those Imperial Roman times.

Though those special Holy people were born out of sinful mankind, yet! They lived, were separated by God, to change their ways and follow Christ into death. Some of the "HOLY ONES" and "MIGHTY" were Jesus Christ Himself, the 12 disciples, Stephen, Saint Paul, and many Christians who died in the arenas of Rome or were crucified. The "Mighty" such as Jesus, and John the Baptist, with the holy people fell!

The "POWER" of these HOLY PEOPLE was "SCATTERED" to the winds, as Daniel 12:7, tells us, and the power of the HOLY ANGELS that walked the earth also was SCATTERED with them, until the self-will of mankind's history has run its full course.

When the "POWER" of the HOLY PEOPLE is "SCATTERED" all is weakened; It is to disperse and spread around until the time is complete, and the gathering together of power starts again.

The disuniting of the "HOLY PEOPLE" began when Jesus died under Roman power, and the disciples and apostles spread abroad and at the mercy of mankind. The holy city Jerusalem fell in AD 70, also in a dreadful way.

When earthly people are called "Holy"-as was the first design of God for the whole nation of Israel,- those people had to undergo many trials in this life and then be chosen of God for a particular purpose. That purpose is to fulfil God's first design, so He set aside a chosen remnant within mankind to make that happen. They were then called the "daughter of Zion", and the "daughter of Jerusalem", from out of the 2 nations of Israel. Or as Revelation 7:3-8, puts it, they will become the "holy people" of 144,000, sealed from Israel's tribes during the fulfilment of the end time. These "HOLY PEOPLE" are not from any particular denomination, nor is it their own choice to be so, but only through a "calling" and fulfilment of God's design.

When the "power" of the holy angels,-who are in the earth always,- performing world history as written in prophecy, their Power will finally come together at the "end time". Man will most certainly know it to the full!

The last words of Daniel 12:7, tells us, that, when all historical facts told in prophecy have been fulfilled in performance and completed in history, mankind's historical saga on earth will be finished. Complete power will then be under the Messiah's rule. The "Holy Peoples" Power will not be "SCATTERED" anymore.

The words OF TIME, TIMES, AND HALF A TIME, also written in Daniel 12:7, have been partially understood by a number of biblical students.

The Bible tells us that a prophetic time is a 360-day year. The months of the year were 30-day months. Therefore, this calendar reckoning is not according to the Roman Julian or Gregorian calendars, the latter calendar we use now.

(Scholars tell us the Hebrew month appears to be lunar months, and a year would accordingly be 354 days, 8 hours, 48 minutes, and 34 seconds).

According to prophetic "TIMES" it is written in many ways, it can be "Time", one prophetic year of 360 days, -"TIMES" two more prophetic years 720 days,- and "HALF A TIME" of 180 days, or making 1,260 years.

In Revelation 11:2, the length of "TIME" is reckoned at 42 months. In verse 3, the length of "TIME" is 1,260 days. In verse 11, the length of "TIME" is 3 and half days. Though each reckoning in Revelation 11, is referring to different situations in history, they all amount to the same expression, 3 and a half prophetic days or TIMES is a literal 1,260 days/years, or 42 months. A "day" which stands for 1 year is based on Ezekiel 4:4-6, Numbers 14:34.

One must not overlook the fact that also a thousand years is but a "day" in the sight of Everlasting God. Psalm 90:4, 2Peter 3:8. Thus, making a 3 and a half-day period also as 3 and a half thousand years, or TIME, TIMES, AND HALF A TIME.

This TIME, TIMES, AND A "HALF" factor in Daniel 12:7 is linked in purpose, and understood with the "last words" of that verse 7, when it says:- "ALL THESE THINGS (prophetic history) SHALL BE FINISHED", or accomplished. Which means:- after Daniel was given the visions of mankind's history, from Persian/Greek and Roman powers, then on through the historical centuries. Into the 20th century and beyond, history will have run its course in the earth amongst men. The "TIMES" given, also covers prophecy from Daniel 12:1 and the incoming "Kingdom of the stone". With Prince Michael "STANDING UP", the "Holy peoples" power is no longer "SCATTERED", but known, seen, and ruling! The first part of the judgement under The Lord's Stone Kingdom, is -to put mankind under His Feet,- which lasts on earth for one thousand years. (Revelation 20:4). Afterwards the "second" resurrection of the dead takes place as stated in Revelation 20:5-6.

So, we are now faced with 3 and a half days, or 3 and a half thousand years, or TIME, TIMES, AND HALF A TIME, for all history to be FINISHED, as stated in Daniel 12:7

The question now is, how can we verify the fact it will take 3 and a half thousand years to finish all these things seen by Daniel? It is spelled out for us within history, in Daniel 7 and 8: 2-27, when the "Times" are counted. Again, it is spelled out more fully again in the detailed history of the whole chapter 11 of Daniel. Then continuing into Daniel chapter 12, when TIME, TIMES, AND A HALF, or 3 and a half thousand years, will cover all kingdoms of man's power, and God's kingdom power. The "countdown" starts Daniel 8:20-21, with the Ram with 2 horns -or- Medes and Persians of the East. Verse 21:- Alexander of Greece, standing up from the West. The "date" begins at the River Ulai with Daniel's vision seen there!

King Cyrus of the Medes and Persians (the Ram with 2 horns), also spoken of by the prophet Isaiah 44:27-28, 45:1-3, who took Babylon as prophesied.

When Daniel in chapter 11, began these secular histories of peoples, he stood before Darius the Mede, who had taken the city of Babylon acting as vice-regent for Cyrus the Great. Cyrus himself entered Babylon 539 BC presenting himself to the people.

Daniel 8:6 goes further with the defeat of the Persian Darius Commondus many years later; Who was in opposition to Alexander, east of the Tigris River, (Daniel 11:2-3) which was dated approx. 330 BC. Now the "doors" of the great eastern powers are closing, and the strong "doors" of the west are opening for all Israel.

Daniel chapter 11 takes us through those doors with over 2,000 years of man's power-hungry histories, who were thwarted and overshadowed by God's design. Making their history toe the line to God's original plan for all Israel. Who were under punishment, and saving, during these times. Daniel chapter 11 histories, finishes with many nations facing each other again in World War III. Then that "great Time of Trouble" is picked up in prophecy by Daniel 12:1, and within Matthew 24. We also have at that "Time" the interference in the earth of a "Great Stone" rolling down from the mountain to crush mankind's power. Which then takes us into another 1,000 years of our Lords Kingdom. When our known world will be vastly different and ruled by heavenly powers. These events of history will then have covered, TIME, TIMES, AND A HALF, or 3 and a half thousand years from BC 539 and Cyrus the Great, into and beyond 3,000 AD.

Daniel 10:14, has already told us what all these historical events covers, Latter Days and "Many Days" or many years.

This TIME, TIMES, AND A HALF expression covering 3 and a half thousand years of history, might seem a long wait for us to "know" when the Messiah and His Kingly Court will come! But that is not so! Many people have questioned over the years, "why" has nearly 2,000 years elapsed already, and our Lord Jesus Christ has not returned? Well! The time factors in prophecy gives one the answer. I have said before, the image dreamed by Nebuchadnezzar, and the visions given to Daniel, is far more intricate in purpose and the telling of their meaning, than many a bible student have allowed. Namely, there are to be 6 kingdoms seen in Daniel's dream, Daniel chapters 2 and 7.

1:- Babylon. 2:- Medes/Persians. 3:- Greece.

4:- Rome. 5:- British Empire and USA.

6:- Kingdom of the Stone.

Again, cementing the Biblical patterns of "Time", with 6 days God made "our" heaven and earth, the 7th He rested. Or 6 times, man and God's power will strive against each other, until "all" is brought under the 6th Kingdom. Leaving the 7th day of another thousand years of rest, or Sabbath.

The 6th Kingdom of the Stone has already been 'CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN WITHOUT HANDS' and has begun its rolling power down the mountain. -Daniel 2:45.

Man's greed and wickedness will set World War III in motion in the near future, which will be stopped by the explosive entry of the 6th Kingdom upon the earth. Who will crush many of mankind's machinations under the Great Stone.

Daniel 12:8; "AND I HEARD, BUT I UNDERSTOOD NOT; THEN SAID I, O MY LORD, WHAT SHALL BE THE END OF THESE THINGS"?

Can you imagine reader how Daniel must have felt going through all these thousands of years of momentous history? There was so much of it that he saw, so much he tried to take into his thoughts. The hundreds of words he was told, the hundreds of dreadful pictures he saw. So many time factors occurring. So many changes of people's modes of living, and different speaking of tongues to take into consideration, as each century came and went for him. At the back of Daniel's mind must have been a forever question? Where is my people Israel in all these changing faces, times, and histories of nations? Sadly, so much is going to happen to them! So, it was only natural for him, - and with great supplications,- he was going to put the question to the angels, with the words... O My Lord, WHAT SHALL BE THE END OF THESE THINGS?

Daniel had so many, many questions unanswered for him and his people.

Daniel 12:9; "AND HE SAID, GO THY WAY DANIEL; FOR THE WORDS ARE CLOSED UP AND SEALED TILL THE TIME OF THE END". Daniel must have been terribly disappointed with the answer he received from the Great Angel! His mind must have been in a whirl from all the things he had seen but were beyond him to understand. Especially looking into visions of pictures of our "End Time" days. No doubt he saw man-made frightening jet aeroplanes with tails of fire flying in the heavens, and saw great terrible war machines of all descriptions, which could not even be imagined then!

The angels knew that Daniel could not, nor would be able to understand what he had seen, so could not be told the answers to all these things. Daniel's charge then in this work, was to "see" and "write" the visions, so that the truth of God's dealings with mankind would come to "our" aid in the 20th century. When man's time zones would be running out, and mankind would need God's help eventually. That "help" would prove to unbelieving mankind that God is very much alive and looking down upon our sinful societies!

God has always told us the "END FROM THE BEGINNING", in a little, much maligned, and misunderstood book called, the Holy Bible. (Isaiah 46:9-10);- "REMEMBER THE FORMER THINGS OF OLD; FOR I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NONE ELSE; I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NONE LIKE ME".

Verse 10:- "DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING, AND FROM ANCIENT TIMES THE THINGS THAT ARE NOT YET DONE, SAYING MY COUNSEL SHALL STAND, AND I WILL DO ALL MY PLEASURE". We cannot severe ourselves from the old days because that is our roots. Though we have reached the "End Time", and some things that are "NOT YET DONE" are before us, written in Daniel 12:9, we must try and understand it all as a whole structure. This is "why" so many biblical minded people today are struggling here and there, to unlock the "Sealed" Words, which have been closed for so long!

The long story of how this little book the Bible, came into our hands in the first place is a positive miracle in itself, and to have survived through all the comings and goings of vicious powers. Ever trying to stamp out Israelite history, with real Christian writings of the truth to lowly people who have longed for God's presence!

So, Daniel in verse 9, was told to "GO HIS WAY". Or instead to contemplate his own path of life, yet in front of him, because Daniel also lived in perilous times for his day.

Daniel 12:10. "MANY SHALL BE PURIFIED, AND MADE WHITE, AND TRIED, BUT THE WICKED SHALL DO WICKEDLY; AND NONE OF THE WICKED SHALL UNDERSTAND; BUT THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND".

Throughout the many ages seen in historical sequence during these prophetic "Times" in Daniel's chapters, there has always been people from many walks of life, and out of the 2 nations of Israel itself. Who have heard a voice deep inside them drawing them away from other forms of living and always desiring something better. Many of these people had tried man's frivolous ways of making happiness work but had found it shallow and empty of meaning and purpose. Without a purpose and goal in life, mankind is a cork bobbing along on tempestuous waters. So, God took a hand to help many people through a trial period in their lives. He "called" them in a number of ways, to purify them, helping them to clear themselves from sin, and guilt, and helped them grow towards Him.

"He" gave them love, mercy, faith, long suffering, with that love blossoming towards a reward. Their present reward upon earth, was to "sleep" quietly undisturbed in death, waiting for our Lord's voice to awaken them on His return to earth, which is a gift from God.

So, Daniel 12:10, could say, "they were PURIFIED, MADE WHITE, AND TRIED," for a special reason! All the words that are said, or written by men and women of God within the pages of the Bible gone before us, And for those people over the centuries since, And for those in today's world who set themselves the task to understand as much as they can, are very wise indeed, and their reward is great!

The "wicked" people will continue to curse God's name, or say He is dead to their problems because they do not understand the seeking person knocking on God's door in patience. They will remain wicked because there is none to help them, because they will not help themselves.

Today, man's arrogant belief in himself alone, to do what his self-will desires most has hardened his heart, to the meaning and real goal in life.

A "Last Day" or "End Time" picture of our so called civilised society is written for us to read in 2Timothy 3:1-7.

Verse 1:- "THIS KNOW ALSO, THAT IN THE LAST DAYS PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME".

Verse 2:- "FOR MEN SHALL BE LOVERS OF THEIR OWN SELVES, COVETOUS, BOASTERS, PROUD, BLASPHEMERS, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, UNTHANKFUL, UNHOLY".

Verse 3:- "WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION, TRUCE BREAKERS, FALSE ACCUSERS, INCONTINENT, FIERCE, DESPISERS OF THOSE THAT ARE GOOD".

Verse 4:- "TRAITORS, HEADY, HIGHMINDED, LOVERS OF PLEASURES MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD".

Verse 5:- "HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS; BUT DENYING THE POWER THEREOF; FROM SUCH TURN AWAY".

Verse 6:- "FOR OF THIS SORT ARE THEY WHICH CREEP INTO HOUSES, AND LEAD CAPTIVE SILLY WOMEN LADEN WITH SINS, LED AWAY WITH DIVERS LUSTS".

Verse 7:- "EVER LEARNING AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH".

To the people who have "tried" to know God in this life, take heart from the words of Matthew 24:42 "WATCH THEREFORE; FOR YE KNOW NOT WHAT HOUR YOUR LORD DOTH COME". Soon we will all acknowledge our past mistakes and fulfil our destinies, as Isaiah tells us. Isaiah 44:5. "ONE SHALL SAY, I AM THE LORDS; AND ANOTHER SHALL CALL HIMSELF BY THE NAME OF JACOB AND ANOTHER SHALL SUBSCRIBE WITH HIS HAND UNTO THE LORD, AND SURNAME HIMSELF BY THE NAME OF ISRAEL".

When Daniel 12:10, says, "THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND", what does it actually mean? When there seems to be many wise people in the world, especially those studying Holy Scripture? To be "Wise" is to see and know, having the power to judge for himself or herself. These people are able to discern and decide right from wrong, and myth from reality. They very much want to become experienced and skilled in spiritual matters. Thus, becoming as near to pious and godly as that experience will allow. When a person uses "wisdom" to study the words of God,- as God speaks them through his prophets,- these persons see and hear a different drummer, other than the drumming which is steeped in the music and ways of mankind.

Indeed, we must search endlessly for truth, which will make us "Wise and Understand" God's words. Otherwise, we die and have an eternity of silence.

Daniel 12:11:- "AND FROM THE TIME THAT THE DAILY SACRIFICE SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY, AND THE ABOMINATION THAT MAKETH DESOLATE SET UP, THERE SHALL BE A THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY DAYS".

This verse and the following Daniel 12:12, have become a real teaser for many wanting to understand this jigsaw of these Times written. Therefore, we must first get to grips with who, or what, is the "ABOMINATION". Because it is "this" word that the rest of the verse rests upon.

In Daniel's prophecy listing relevant secular history in detail we begin with Daniel 11:21-24; We read how the foundation was laid by Constantine the Roman Emperor in verse 21, towards the "ABOMINATION THAT MAKETH DESOLATE".

Verses 22, 23, and 24 is how the "ABOMINATION" was taken into the British Isles and "set up" which place was chosen as an island of safety for the incoming House of Israel.

In Daniel 11:31, we read the actual "abomination consummation" event, which is the proclaimed Roman Infallibility by Pope Pious IX. Which when it took place in history caused so much trauma with the peoples.

In Daniel 7:25-26,is the power it set up in the nations. Then the destruction of that "ABOMINATION" within a set time frame.

I have already written much upon this subject when translating Daniel 11:31.

The "ABOMINATION" effects the "DAILY SACRIFICE" which Sacrifice is the most important subject of all. Which the whole Bible rests upon! So, we must go in deeper into reality of this "DAILY SACRIFICE". Daniel 12:11, speaks strong words for the "DAILY SACRIFICE", which came into being for all Israel. The "DAILY SACRIFICE" began with the order of offerings to God set down in Leviticus 1 to 7, Numbers 28:24, etc.

Eventually Jesus Christ was to take the place of the animals offered to God seen in Numbers 28, as the "DAILY SACRIFICE", and as an atonement for all Israel's sins, as seen in Hebrews 10:4-13

Hebrews 10:9:- "THEN SAID HE, LO, I COME TO DO THY WILL O GOD. HE TAKETH AWAY THE FIRST, THAT HE MAY ESTABLISH THE SECOND".

Verse 10:- "BY THE WHICH WILL WE ARE SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE OFFERING OF THE BODY OF JESUS CHRIST ONCE FOR ALL".

Verse 11:- "AND EVERY PRIEST STANDETH DAILY MINISTERING AND OFFERING OFTEN TIMES THE SAME SACRIFICES, WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS".

If then Jesus Christ as the "DAILY SACRIFICE" was sufficient to God for us throughout history. When was it "TAKEN AWAY", and the "ABOMINATION" placed there instead? When something or someone is "TAKEN AWAY", it is to get hold of as a possession, it is to capture and make a prisoner of something or someone. This is exactly what the "ABOMINATION" did to Jesus.

An "ABOMINATION" is an act of loathing, disgust, and pollution, which has turned the Israelite "DAILY SACRIFICE" Jesus, into an unrecognisable absurdity! The "ABOMINATION" TOOK AWAY "His" place in heaven, and earth, thus fooling millions of mankind over the years!

Let us cross check our references for this momentous event, as Daniel's chapters continually do, and go back to Daniel 11:21-24, which I said was the foundation laid for the "ABOMINATIONS" arrogant walk through history. Verse 21 speaks of Constantine who obtained his kingdom with flatteries towards heaven.

Within verses 23 to 24, is British history, when the "House of Israel" was gradually being pushed into the Isles, by Almighty God's hand. The date of laying the "ABOMINATION" in the Isles was approx. 596-956 AD which saw the establishing of the Roman Papacy, firstly amongst the Angles and Saxons in that country.

The great King Alfred, of the Kingdom of Wessex, seen in Daniel 11:25, became a great supporter of the Roman church.

Much of the Celtic people were of the Druid, or old Celtic Christian church, not Roman.

As a reminder reader, the paramount interest in prophecy is always first and foremost towards "all" Israel,-both houses,- and it is their history, times, and seasons we must always deal with. It is not some other idea plucked out of one's imagination to fill the bill. Such as we are learning today of the universal church, of many denominations. Or this ABOMINATION is of an historical warrior who will fit another bill, for mistaken translations sake.

Daniel 11:31 "is" the secular historical event in history, when the Roman "ABOMINATION" reared itself into the heavens, and "TOOK AWAY", -or got hold of,- to possess the things of heaven for itself, -THAT "DAILY SACRIFICE", which was, and is, Jesus Christ.

Its Roman name in verse 31 was the Infallibility, of the Pope Pious IX in 1869 AD. When Pope Pious IX proclaimed to millions of Roman Catholics,- and down through the years since,- that he was God's High Priest on earth, and could not err in spiritual matters. He was then emphatically standing in the place of Jesus Christ, the lamb of the "DAILY SACRIFICE". The Pope was now Mediator between God and man as "high priest" in the sanctuary, who captured, possessed, and made a prisoner of the "DAILY SACRIFICE", for the arrogant power of men, and secular ends. Which the words "TAKEN AWAY" in Daniel 12:11, means. No Pope since that date has tried to change this terrible fallacy, but has gone on through the years in spirit, to lie and cheat its way into many people hearts. Which has caused over the years in spiritual matters, a biblical hurt within the greater "House of Israel", and other nations, who are ignorant of this matter.

Daniel 12:11, tells us the "Timing" factors for the "DAILY SACRIFICE" to be "TAKEN AWAY" from the "House of Israel" in the Isles and elsewhere.

The dates must be looked at carefully! The date given in Daniel 12/11, starts first with "TAKING AWAY" of the "DAILY SACRIFICE", which is by Pope Pious IX in 1869 AD. We must read then as the verse says, and look "backwards" as it were, to the "setting up" of the ABOMINATION within England between 596-956 AD. By the latter date of 956 AD the "Isles" had become saturated in this Roman harlotry.

Daniel 12:11 goes on to say, "THERE SHALL BE ONE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY DAYS", or 1,290 years to be counted "backwards" from 1869 AD to approx. 579 AD. This date was during the reign of Pope Gregory (540?-604), his endeavour was to convert Britain, and he sent Augustine 597 AD. (Seen in Daniel 11:23). Thus, counting forwards again from the saturation point of the Abomination 900 AD, in the Isles, plus 1,290 years is taking us into the year 2,190 AD approx. Again, I must keep reminding you reader, that Daniel and the great Prince Michael are concerned in chapter 12 with the whole nation of Israel. The Great Prince Michael "Stands" whose power is responsible for both houses of all Israel. Daniel is reminded of Prince Michael's role in the earth, in the words -"THY PEOPLE"- in verse 1 of chapter 12.

When we come back to Daniel 12:11 which we are unravelling here, we must also remember we are still reading and learning about what will happen, during the time of the 6th Kingdom of the "STONE" upon the earth; Which was "CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN". Seen in Daniel 2:44, and it is as this verse says, "the God of heaven", sets up a kingdom upon earth which will break in pieces all other kingdoms of men.

Preceding verses before Daniel 12:11, should show one that there are heavenly powers already "in" the earth, before, and during, the time of the first thousand year reign and judgement of our Lord Jesus. Which will take place upon all the billions of people that have ever been upon the earth. But there are a number of "separate" paths upon which many peoples stand for that judgement. One path is for both houses of Israel.

Another path for the "predestined" children from that nation at the "end time", to prove God's words and promises are honourable.

Another path is for the "just" of Israel who are already "sealed" from ancient times, written of from Genesis to Revelation.

Another path for the wicked of Israel.

Another path for all nations, whether classed as Gentile or otherwise.

Another path for the good and the wicked of these nations.

Daniel 12:11, is dealing with the "ABOMINATION", that makes the knowledge and understanding of God's Law of words, a "DESOLATION". The "ABOMINATION" is as some biblical scholars translate as, "the blasphemous assumption of deity by the Beast," seen in Matthew 24:15, and 2Thessalonians 2:4. (Which Beast we will have unravelled in another chapter).

Matthew 24:15. "WHEN YE THEREFORE SHALL SEE THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, SPOKEN BY DANIEL THE PROPHET, STAND IN THE HOLY PLACE". (Whoso readeth, let him understand). 2Thessalonians 2:4, "WHO OPPOSETH AND EXALTETH HIMSELF ABOVE ALL THAT IS CALLED GOD, OR THAT IS WORSHIPPED; SO THAT HE AS GOD SITTETH IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, SHEWING HIMSELF THAT HE IS GOD".

Indeed, the Roman "ABOMINATION" stands as priest for Israel, in heavenly realms, with 3 crowns upon its head and has "taken captive" the Christ.

One must not make the mistake of humping all prophecy together when counting the "timing patterns" for history given in Daniel 12. For instance, Daniel 12:7, gives time, times, and a half, (1260 years). Daniel 12:11, gives 1,290 days/years, and Daniel 12:12 gives 1,335 days/years. Each verse with these "times" is speaking about different things in history. Therefore, one must understand it all from "that" point of view, as separate items.

I know it is all very involved to fathom, the reason for that has been told us before, which is because the verses were "sealed" in this manner, until the terrible "end times" of mankind's ruling. When only "then" all will be open, and we would understand!

Daniel 12:12. "BLESSED IS HE THAT WAITETH, AND COMETH TO THE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND FIVE AND THIRTY DAYS".

Here we have another number for "timing", namely 1335 days/years, which is an addition of 45 years upon the previous, verse 11 of Daniel 12, of 1,290 days/years.

The people who are called "BLESSED" in Daniel 12:12, are those who have been purified, made white, and tried, seen in Daniel 12:10. These people are happily classed as holy, deserving to be fortunate, because they have come through the trials of life with faith and hope in God's words. Who also include the "predestined" children who have fulfilled God's design in the earth.

Some of these "BLESSED" people have arisen out of the dust of the earth, and are "awake" out of death, to enter everlasting life, seen in Daniel 12:2.

The latter times of mankind's nations have in them the wise that shall understand all these things, seen in Daniel 12:10.

Many ordinary children of God over the centuries, -like Daniel,- have disappeared into the ground and merged with the dust, no gravestones have marked their passing. Other peoples have had their bones eaten by animals, they too have no grave or memory of their lives to leave behind, for others to see and read. Their "spirits" however are asleep in the earth in a secret dimension, waiting for the trumpet to sound, to tell them that the King is approaching. For to take up the reigns of His earthly Kingdom.

The 1335 days/years now takes us into those years of judgement, serenity, and peace for the "BLESSED".

When 45 years are added to the year 2190 AD worked out from Daniel 12:11. Which "time" is from the "pivot point" of Israelite history, namely the British Isles, the picture is understood. All trials and judgements of the STONES KINGDOM, for the "BLESSED" people will be over. They then help the King, The Lord Jesus, to rule many nations, with a rod of iron. (Revelation 2:26-29). From the time the "DAILY SACRIFICE" was "TAKEN AWAY" seen in Daniel 12:11, which dated from 1869 AD and Pope Pious IX back to 900 AD, 1,290 years are added, plus 45 years (verse 12), we reach the years approx. 3,204.

We must remember that all the verses in the long chapter of Daniel 11, has been spelled out for Israelite history in detail. Chapter 12 of Daniel is a continuation of that same picture. The "Timing" process for Israelite renewal, and their recognition within mankind's secular history, starts with the dates from Daniel 11:2, which is, 3 kings of Persia, and the 4th king, "WHO STIRRED UP ALL AGAINST THE REALM OF GREECE". Then the gates of the West is open to all Israel.

The longer "timing" of historical dates starts from Daniel 11:2, then forwards to Daniel 12:12, which covers a period of 3,500 years, or time, times, and half time, which period of time covers 6 ruling kingdoms of Nebuchadnezzar's stone image. Then all is fulfilled to the letter of the Law, spoken by Daniel 12:7.

During these 3,500 years, the first resurrection is over, the second resurrection has taken place. Also, the 1,000 years of reign and judgement of our Lords kingdom, when the "Blessed" will have been priests and rulers in their own right. Then the world has been changed, and mankind is at one with God, and His Christ!

Daniel 12:13. "BUT GO THOU THY WAY TILL THE END BE; FOR THOU SHALT REST, AND STAND IN THY LOT AT THE END OF THE DAYS".

The final words spoken by the angel to Daniel, were not of any more predestined history for mankind, but words of gentleness and assurance to Daniel, to put him at ease. Daniel had plaid a frightening part in all the unfolding of the years of historical visions, which he had been shown. For Daniel "TO GO HIS WAY UNTIL THE END BE", was for him to know he would fulfil his own destiny to the end of all his trials, tribulations, towards the close of his own life. Daniel was to rest in "sleep", even until the end of all timing processes of centuries ahead of years, within biblical and secular histories.

So, Daniel was assured by the angel that "he would Rest" without torment in death, as in life, until all was finished.

One should note well reader, that Daniel was not told he was going straight to heaven after he died, as many of mankind believes today. Nor that he would be translated to any other place, which happened to some of the worthies of old.

To "REST" means to Sleep in peace and tranquillity, it is the state of being silent, quiet, and a freedom from all that was troublous during the time of life. Daniel's body has now disintegrated and returned to the clay, from whence it came. His spirit also is quiet and at rest somewhere in other dimensions, within the forces of energies that control our earth, unknown to man.

No man, or woman, with a "familiar spirit", -as in the story of the prophet Samuel,- can call Daniel "up" from his "Rest", because that situation for him was promised to be "sealed" until the time of the end of all things!

Daniel's life in the hereafter is assured, because during his lifetime he overcame great sadness, being taken prisoner by the Babylonians. He saw, and knew, the terrible destruction of all his people as a nation, because they had left God, for the shallow things of men.

Daniel remained faithful to God, no matter what problems came upon him. Especially in the courts of other nations, which were full of wizardry. He believed God and experienced the force of heavenly powers in his life which worried him greatly. So steadfast was this mortal man his reward was promised him before he died! Daniel had overcome mortal life and was assured of his position at the "first" resurrection to come. Because he was promised that he should "STAND IN HIS LOT" at the end of all the days.

All peoples at the "end time" would know, that Daniel's presence was there for all to see where he "stands".

A "LOT" promised to Daniel, is a share of fortune to a large and considerable quantity and is that person’s fate. Therefore, Daniel's life and problems were not in vain because he proved to be a true man of God, and for God! His reward is to "STAND" in the Kingdom of our God and His Christ, as a Prince amongst men.

To sum up on this complicated "timing" processes in Daniel's prophecies we must reason that the dates in secular history given for prophecy are always approximate. The difficulty arises when working from a lunar 354- day etc./year; Or a solar 365-day etc./year. Plus, the fact that prophecy itself is worked out as 360 day/year.

Prophecy itself has told us that mankind has altered the calendar, changing times, and laws. (Daniel 7:25 ). God himself also changes times and seasons. (Daniel 2:21 ).