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NASB | 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. |
Subject: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 WHO? |
Bible Note: Daniel: A Deeper Look by Marvin J. Rosenthal 'The twelfth chapter of Daniel is among the most important prophetic texts in all the Word of God. It forms a critical part of a vision given to Daniel by a high-ranking angelic messenger in Chapters 10-12. Yet comparatively little has been written or preached on this important prophetic text. Far more attention has been given to Daniel Chapter 2 with the awesome image of a colossus, which depicts the course of Gentile world history. 'Prophetic teachers frequently exegete Daniel Chapter 7 with particular attention paid to the fourth beast empire out of which the "little horn," or Antichrist, emerges. And few prophetic texts have been more carefully scrutinized than Daniel Chapter 9 with the seventy-week prophecy, often called the backbone of prophetic truth. 'Not only has Daniel 12 been significantly neglected in prophetic discussion, but much that has been written, in this author's view, has missed the mark in understanding the most fundamental truths of this dynamically important passage. 'With brevity of words and in compact style, Daniel 12 sets forth, in kernel form, many of the major events associated with the second coming of Christ and the end of the age. At the same time it gives substantiation and amplification to many New Testament prophetic texts. 'Daniel was told by the angelic messenger: '"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" (Dan. 12:1). 'The twelfth chapter of Daniel opens with this bold assertion: "And at that time shall Michael stand up." It is extremely important to understand when these events will occur. That will become conspicuous later in this article. The expression "and at that time" in Daniel 12:1 is a reference to the starting point of the Great Tribulation which commences at the midpoint of Daniel's seventieth week. Evidence for that assessment is based on the following salient facts: 'First, the angelic messenger said to Daniel, "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days" (Dan. 10:14). And Daniel is specifically told that these events will occur "at the time of the end" (Dan. 11:40). "The latter days" and "the time of the end" are terms for the end of the age, not some earlier time in history. 'Second, the immediate context (Dan. 11:36-45) describes the activity of Antichrist at the end of the age, including his making Jerusalem his headquarters. The angel said, "And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain [Jerusalem]; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him" (Dan. 11:45). The Lord, in referring specifically to Daniel's prophecy, places the Great Tribulation at the midpoint of Daniel's seventieth week (Mt. 24:15, 21). 'Third, Daniel refers to a three-and-one-half-year time period when the events described would occur (Dan. 12:7). This same time frame is mentioned in the Book of Revelation in connection with events that will occur at the end of the age (Rev. 11:3; 12:6; 13:5). 'The angelic messenger said to Daniel, "And at that time shall Michael stand up." The Michael in view is, of course, the angel Michael. In the same discourse he had been spoken of as "Michael, one of the chief princes" (Dan. 10:13); and again, in reference to Daniel and his people, as "Michael your prince" (Dan. 10:21). In the Book of Jude he is referred to as "Michael the archangel" (Jude 9). And it is undoubtedly Michael who is called the archangel in his association with the Lord at His second coming (1 Th. 4:16). 'No other angelic being - not even Gabriel - is designated an archangel in Scripture. It may well be that Michael the archangel is the most exultant and powerful being ever created by God. Even Satan will be defeated by him in a war that will take place in heaven (Rev. 12:7-10). Therefore, when Michael is brought into clear focus in the prophetic Scriptures, careful attention should be given to the role he fulfills. 'Daniel was told that at the beginning of the Great Tribulation Michael would "stand up." But what is meant by "stand up"? Major prophetic portions of Scripture like 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 12 and 13 are greatly impacted by the answer given. The overwhelming majority of commentators suggest that "stand up" means that Michael, in "standing up," will come to Israel's defense. It is usually understood that the one against whom this defense will be made is the Antichrist, who oppresses Israel during the Great Tribulation...' ____________________ To read more go to: www.zionsfire.org/daniel.html |