Definition: And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Daniel 12:1. It’s a pretty complex and symbolic verse, but here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is talking about a time of great upheaval and danger that will impact humanity – specifically, Christians. It suggests a period of significant difficulty and challenges for believers. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And at that time shall Michael stand up…” - Michael is a figure in Jewish tradition, often associated with leadership, wisdom, and perhaps even a future savior. This isn't just about one Michael; it refers to a rising leader or figure who will be crucial. “…the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people…” - This is a very important part. “Prince” means ruler and “children of your people” refers to all believers – Christians. So, this person will represent and protect those who follow God’s teachings. “and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time…” - This is where it gets interesting. It's saying that this period of trouble will be unlike anything in history. “Never was” emphasizes that this situation will be unprecedented. “A nation…to that same time” suggests a long, drawn-out struggle. “and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” - This is the core message: everyone who has been saved by God will be brought out of danger and protected. "Written in the book" refers to the Bible itself – a record of all of history and salvation. Putting it All Together (Simplified): The verse predicts that during a time of great hardship, a significant leader or figure (Michael) will rise up to protect believers. This period of trouble will be unlike anything humanity has experienced before, and everyone who is truly saved by God will ultimately be brought out from danger and deliverance – all recorded in the Bible. Important Note: It's crucial to remember that this is a symbolic passage. It’s not necessarily about a literal future event of global destruction. It’s a message about the importance of faith, obedience, and being prepared for challenges – both in our lives and in the coming times. Resources for Further Understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Daniel121](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Daniel121) - This provides a detailed explanation and translation of the passage. Church History Websites: Many websites dedicated to church history offer interpretations of this verse within Christian tradition. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to specific themes in the Bible (e.g., trials, salvation)? Discuss what "Michael" might represent in a particular context?