What Shall the End Be?

Click here to read Daniel 12.

Chapter 12 shows a parallel between the troubles of the Jews because of the Syrian King and the troubles of the Christians because of the Anti-christ. Here we have an offer of comfort and hope for God's people during these times of trial. We have a conference between Christ and an undesignated Angel concerning the time of these events and how long they will last.

Notice that a "time" is given. "They shall occur in time and shall last for a time, times and a half." We can only say of this that it corresponds with what Christ answered when asked the same question, "It is not for you to know." Some have attempted to explain it this way:

Time	=	1 year
Times	=	2 year
1/2	=	1/2 year
Total	=	3-1/2 year

The first century historian, Josephus, says that the Syrian King held Jerusalem for 3-1/2 years. We know that Christ's ministry lasted for about 3-1/2 years. We can only say with any amount of assurance that there is a time "fixed" for the start and the end of the "tribulation" of the church, that this time must be waited upon with faith and patience and that when it comes it will be worth waiting for.

Daniel has heard all of this predicted and only asks one question of Christ, "What shall the end be?" Christ answered, "Go thy way, Daniel, and record what you have seen and heard." It was not for Daniel to completely understand, nor is it for us. But it should be a comfort for us as it was for Daniel that what ever happens, whenever it happens, and however long it lasts, shall be a wonderful and glorious time for God's people in the "last days".

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