Daniel 12:1 Commentary and Bible Study

In chapter 12 there is a further review of the situation and a conclusion to the vision. This is not something that chronologically happens after verse 45 of chapter 11. It is reviewing the same scene. ‘And at that time shall Michael’ – whom we have been introduced to before, a mighty angel – ‘stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people.’ Calvin believed that Michael was Christ himself, a figure for Christ. But generally commentators believe that he is a mighty angel who does the bidding of Christ (Jude 1:9), and he is mentioned here to show us that we have a protector throughout. It is in connection with the protection of God’s people that he is first mentioned in Daniel (10:13, 21). So while the work of antichrist is vicious and hurtful and harmful, it isn't as bad as it might be, because there is constant protection. Many believers may lose their lives, but still there is a protection of the spiritual standing of the people of God. ‘He standeth for the children of thy people’ – he protects them, and helps them. ‘And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.’ This is quoted by Christ in Matthew 24:21-22, and Christ is speaking of the work of antichrist, which will begin, of course, from that time, from the time of Christ. There are many antichrists in the world already, says the apostle in 1 John. So the work of antichrist begins with the beginning of the Christian church, but it clearly rises to a peak, especially towards the end. In that final season, Satan's little season, the last period of the present world, it will reach its crescendo. It is quoted by Christ who places it at the end times. But it won't last long. ‘At that that time thy people shall be delivered everyone that shall be found written in the book.’ These are the ones that Michael will stand up to protect. What book is this? It is the book of life, the book of the redeemed. Where is that book? It is in the heart of Christ. Ultimately he is himself the book of life, and he wears the names of all that are his upon his breast: ‘every one that shall be found written in the book.’