“I had been in mourning for three weeks” (Daniel 10:2). But why? After all, by the this Daniel received this vision in the third year of Cyrus’ reign (Daniel 10:1), the people of Israel had already been given permission to return to Jerusalem. In fact, according to Ezra 3:8, it is likely that they had already begun rebuilding the Temple.

So, why was Daniel still so upset about what had to be old news? Perhaps because the situation in Jerusalem continued to be so difficult. Yes, the people had been allowed to return, but the city still lay in ruins, and the people continued to be subjects of the Persian empire. And Daniel’s vision would only serve to underscore this sad truth. For these three chapters predict, in exhaustive detail, that the succeeding 370 years of history would be nothing more than a series of further conquests of the Jewish people and the area around Jerusalem. Yes, Daniel saw how the Ptolemaic and the Selucid Empires would continue to fight over the Promised Land, alternating control of God’s people like a tennis ball being volleyed over a net.

So, why would God give Daniel such a vision? Because it proves that, no matter the difficulties God’s people may encounter, God knows exactly what is going on. In fact, He is so much in charge of all the events of history that He can write them down in the smallest detail even before they happen.

And that is why we can have such confidence in the promise God makes in chapter 12. For even though we may have to endure many trials, and even though a great period of trouble awaits God’s people at the end of time, we can be sure that we will be delivered (Daniel 12:1). In fact, God has every one of His faithful people’s names written down in a book – a book just as true and complete and infallible as all that history we read about in chapter 11.

So, take heart. No matter how chaotic the world around us may seem, God is still in charge. And God will protect us even from the worst dangers we can possibly face.

Daniel 12:1-4 (NASB)

“Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.
2 “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.
3 “And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
4 “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”