Ángel
Manuel Rodríguez
What
does the phrase "Michael . . . will arise" (Dan. 12:1, NIV) mean?
The full text reads: "At that time Michael,
the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be
a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations
until then. But at that time your people-everyone whose name is found
written in the book-will be delivered" (NIV). In interpreting this
passage we have to pay close attention to the terminology used and
its context. (On Michael, see Adventist Review,
June 10, 1999, p. 11.)
1. Structure of the Passage: It is always useful to examine the way
biblical writers organized the thoughts expressed in a passage. In
this case we find a neat literary structure organized around the four
usages of the word "time" (cēth). The
first and last usages are associated with salvific events,
while the second and third refer to a period of unprecedented anguish.
This concentric literary structure serves to clarify events that will
take place when Michael arises (A. At that time Michael will arise;
B. It will be a time of anguish; B'. until that time;
A'. at that time God's people will
be delivered). The time of anguish is emphasized, but it is framed
within God's liberating actions indicating that salvation is God's
last word for His people, not anguish.
2. The Time of Michael's Arising: The passage is introduced by the temporal
phrase "at that time" to help the reader place the events described
in the verse within a particular historical sequence. In order to find
that historical moment we have to examine the previous verses.
Daniel 11:40 introduces a specific historical moment: "At the time
of the end the king of the South . . ." (NIV). In Daniel the time of
the end is a period during which end-time events will occur that will
lead to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth (Dan. 7:17, 18, 21, 22, 26). Daniel 11:40-45
describes the activity of God's enemies during that time, culminating
in their attempt to exterminate God's people (verses 44, 45). It is
at that particular moment that Michael will arise. While Daniel 11:40-45
describes the work of evil forces on earth, Daniel 12:1 describes God's work in heaven on behalf of His people.
3. Michael Will Arise: The verb "to arise" (Heb. cāmad, "to stand") is a versatile verb used in
a variety of ways in the Hebrew Bible. The main usage in Daniel 11
is military, that is to say, king after king stands or arises in human
history after defeating others to reign for specific periods. For instance,
four Persian kings will arise (verse 2) to be followed by a powerful
Greek king (verse 3). After him the kings of the north and the south
will constantly stand against each other (e.g., verses 7, 15, 20),
against God's people (verse 16), and against God (verse 31). Then at
the end Michael arises (Dan. 12:1).
However, Michael does not simply arise
as a military-royal figure to occupy his place within the flow of
history. His standing is associated with several important events that
help
to answer your question: There will be a time of anguish; God's people
will be delivered; the book of life had already been examined; a resurrection will take place; and
eternal rewards will be given. This information has led many scholars
to correctly conclude that the setting of the scene described in our
passage is that of a court of law.
The judicial usage of the verb "to stand" is
common in the Old Testament (e.g., Ps. 130:3; Isa. 3:13; 50:8; Jer.
49:20; Eze. 44:24). During legal proceedings judges usually
sat, but at the conclusion of the proceedings they arose to announce
the verdict (Prov. 20:8; Isa.
16:5; Ps. 76:9, 10). In Daniel 7:9 God sits at the beginning of the final
judgment, and now at the end of the legal proceedings Michael stands.
His rising is directly related to the proceedings during which the
heavenly book of life was examined and the verdict of eternal life
or perdition was pronounced. In that judgment setting Michael was the
mediator of His people-He is the one "who protects [cāmad, 'stands
for'] your people." He stands to announce the verdict, and consequently
there is no longer any mediator. The result is unprecedented anguish
on the planet and the consummation of the salvation of God's people.
I am looking forward to the time when "Michael
. . . will arise." Aren't you?
2/10/05
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