The Conclusion

Daniel 12:5–7 (ESV) Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. 6 And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.

The book of Daniel ends with the climax of history, the second half of the Tribulation. What we call the "Great Tribulation." The persecution of the saints will continue under the beast who breaks his covenant after 3.5 years. The mention of the "holy people" in this text marks out Israel for special assignment as their power comes to an end with the end of history. Amazing to think of how often the enemy has tried to wipe the Jews off the face of the Earth, and God has preserved them and will continue to preserve them until the last day. 

If you feel confused, don't worry, Daniel himself acknowledged his lack of understanding. 

Daniel 12:8 (ESV) I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?”

Daniel is not afforded all the answers he seeks. 

Daniel 12:9 (ESV) He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.

Those things Daniel sought out are ours in the book of Revelation. We understand the world and it's powers, the governments and their threats and ambitions in the light of scripture, not politics. Ultimately, the world, which is referred to as Babylon, the whore, in the book of Revelation finds it's dreaded end at the hands of God. 

Revelation 18:2–3 (ESV) And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. 3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

The systems that seem to be so impervious will be exposed and brought down. Only those who are wise to this will survive and gain understanding. That is revealed to Daniel for our sake in verse 10:

Daniel 12:10 (ESV) Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.

Purification is the goal, Christian. And while we will not know the exact times or ways in which all of this plays out, we have an imperative in scripture to give us the wisdom we need to prepare.

1 John 3:2–3 (ESV) Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.