READ: Dan. 12:5-13 – … blessed is he who waits …
How long will this time of tribulation and temptation last? Starting in verse 6, Daniel hears an answer. The Man in linen—God’s Son—hovering above the Tigris River, swears an oath by the eternal God (v.7), raising both hands to emphasize its certainty: there must be no doubt.
The tribulation will last “a time, times, and half a time.” Then He adds: “And when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.” The church will be deeply wounded and become very small. But then, the Last Day will break forth.
Just as Antiochus Epiphanes suddenly died at God’s appointed time, so the man of lawlessness will be destroyed in an instant by the breath of Christ’s mouth at His return (2 Thess. 2:8). Christ will triumph—this is certain!
The phrase “a time, times, and half a time” also appears in Dan. 7:25, referring to the oppression of the saints and the changing of God’s law. It’s the same subject as in chapters 11 and 12.
“Time” means the tribulation will last long. “Times” means that just when you think it’s over, it will last even longer. But then comes “half a time”: God will cut the tribulation short.
Jesus says in Matt. 24:22: “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved, but for the elects’ sake those days will be shortened.”
God determines all times, including the day that Christ will return, and all suffering will be over. That will be the beginning of eternal glory, which will never end.
The purpose of tribulation is to purify and refine us, to hold fast the true faith. Let us persevere in faith and continue expecting Christ (v.12)!
Do you expect Christ every day?
Sing: Hymn 41:1,3 (1984) / 53:1,3 (2014)