The “Days” Of Daniel 12:11-12

My question is concerning Daniel 12:11,12. What are these “days” referring to? Commentaries don’t agree with each other and neither do pastors. Would you please take time and give me your explanation of these verses.

ORIGINAL, RUINED, & REMODELED

Beautiful

Original Creation

Ruined

God's Judgment

Remodeled

Creation Restored for Man

1. Earth created beautiful.

2. Lucifer & the Angels

3. Genesis 1:1

4. Isaiah 45:18

5. No time of Creation given.

1. Lucifer’s sin brought God’s judgment upon the earth.

(Isaiah 14 & Ezekiel 28)

2. Angels now disembodied spirits.

3. Earth now desolate and uninhabited.

4. Genesis 1:2, Isaiah 45:18

5. “The earth became without form and void…”

1. Genesis 1:3-19. The four days of remodeling.

2. Genesis 1:20 to 25.

Living creatures created on 5^th day.

3. Genesis 1:28,29. Adam & Eve created on the 6^th day.

I contacted the office of one of the young earth advocates concerning his Bible training, and what his beliefs were on certain Biblical doctrines. I asked if he had ever attended any Bible college, or ever took a course in Hebrew or Greek, or ever took any home Bible study courses. I was advised that he had not. I also asked what he believed concerning the Rapture of the church and if he were pre-tribulation, post-tribulation, or mid-tribulation. I was advised that he "leans" toward the Rapture and that he is interested in Eschatology; but, does not have time to pursue it as his time is fully taken up in keeping current with the most recent geological and scientific findings. It amazes me how this man can deny the Gap Principle, which would allow for the earth (not man) to be millions, or even billions of years old; when he has no Biblical training or even taken a home study Bible course. Not even an introductory course in First Year Hebrew, since Genesis is written in Hebrew.

A. He refuses to accept the Hebrew text that clearly states that a change of the earth, as created in Verse 1, had taken place as described in Verse 2. Genesis 1:1 states that, “In the beginning God created the heavens (Hebrew “shamayim,” plural, not singular) and the earth.” Isaiah 45:18 tells us in what condition God created the earth. “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it NOT IN VAIN (Hebrew ‘tohow,” meaning “a waste, desolation, wilderness, or without form), he formed it to be inhabited.”

The earth was created beautiful for the habitation of Lucifer and the angels. Because of Satan’s rebellion and God’s judgment upon the earth, it is found in a state of ruination, desolation, and uninhabitable.

The Hebrew text in Genesis 1:2 makes this perfectly clear. “And the earth WAS (Hebrew “hayah”) without form and void…” The English translation of the Hebrew “hayah” should be translated “became.” The reason is, in the Hebrew, when the verb which is “hayah” follows the subject, with is the earth, this indicates a change has been made. Therefore the correct translation of the Hebrew verb “hayah,” showing a change has been made, would be our English “BECAME.” The original creation was beautiful; but, at some later time, was found without form and void. Therefore the correct translation of Genesis 1:1,2a would read as follows:

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (i.e. beautiful), But the earth BECAME without form and void (i.e., a wasteland, desolation, and uninhabitable).

The man we are referring to above is one Dr. Walt Brown. Mr. Brown is the author of a book entitled “In the Beginning.” In his book, on Page 188, Mr. Brown does make this statement: “While it is true that the Hebrew word “hayah” can be translated “became,” it is usually translated “was.” He absolutely refuses to accept Biblical authority as given by the Holy Spirit and penned in the original Hebrew manuscripts.

It amazes me how Mr. Brown can deny the Gap Principle, as clearly revealed by the Hebrew text, when he seemingly has no Biblical qualifications to do so. He has attended no Bible college, taken no home Bible study courses, does not teach a Sunday School class, has not even taken first-year, basic Hebrew or Greek. He is not sure about the Rapture, he only “leans that way;” yet, he rejects the first two verses of Genesis, Chapter 1 and the disclosure of the time gap between these two verses. Unbelievable! This is what happens when men try to mold the Bible to fit their philosophy of their geological findings.

Since the man has not studied the major doctrines of the Bible, he would probably fail to recognize the other Gap principles that exist in the Word of God in both the Old and New Testaments. Without some knowledge of the Covenants and Dispensations, it is virtually impossible to rightly divide the Word of Truth (II Timothy 2:15). Yet this man presents himself as an authority on the first chapter of Genesis. Unbelievable!

I do not for a moment question this man's sincerity. But, being sincere without knowledge of the word of God only leads to disastrous conclusions, no matter how sincere you are. Here this man is spending all of his time studying Geology, instead of studying the Word of God. I wonder if he is aware of II Timothy 2:15? "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Now let us look at a few of the other gap principles that occur in the Word of God. May I point out once again, that studying the Bible systematically and acknowledging the dispensational teachings are of the utmost importance; or one will read right over the Gap periods of time and never recognize them. Now, allow me to draw your attention to a few:

(1). Romans 11:25,26 - Between verses 25 and 26 there is a gap of seven years. This is the 7 years of Tribulation following the Rapture of the Church.

"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in (the Rapture)." (V.25).

"And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away the ungodliness from Jacob." (V.26). this occurs when Christ returns to establish the Kingdom at the end of the 7 years of tribulation.

(2). Revelation 12:5,6 - Between Verses 5 and 6 there is a gap consisting of the Church Age, which now has extended over 2,000 years and will consummate at the Rapture. Added to this is the first 3-1/2 years of the 7-Year Tribulation period of time. After 3-1/2 years of peace, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and seeks to destroy her. Israel's persecution, in part, is spoken of in Matthew 24:15-22. The woman in Revelation, Chapter 12, is none other than the Nation of Israel. (In Jeremiah 3:6-10, Israel is referred to as "she" and "her" as in many other places.)

"And she (Israel) brought forth a man child (Jesus Christ), who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron and her child (Christ) was caught up (His ascension in Acts 1:11) unto God, and to his throne." (V.5).

GAP - The Church Age, over 2,000 years plus. Also 3-1/2 of the 7-Year Tribulation period of time.

"And the woman (Israel) fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (V.6). This takes place in the last 3 ½ years of the Tribulation.

(3). John 5:29 - this verse gives a general statement concerning the resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation. Between these two resurrections there is a gap period of time. This gap is 1,000 years long, in which Christ will reign on this earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I will quote Verse 28 and the first half of Verse 29, as the resurrection of life is composed of four separate events, which include all the saved.

"Marvel not at this: for the hour (i.e., time) is coming; in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice." (Verse 28). "And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life...(Verse 29a).

A. Christ's resurrection and being the first fruits (I Corinthians 15:20-23) of them that sleep along with those resurrected in Matthew 27:52,53.

B. Those at the Rapture. "The dead in Christ shall rise first." (I Thessalonians 4:13-17 and I Corinthians 15:50-54).

D. All the Old Testament saints along with those in Revelation 20:4 who were beheaded in the Tribulation for refusing to worship the Antichrist, but here resurrected to live and reign with Christ for 1,000 years.

"But the rest of the dead (i.e., the lost) lived not again until the thousand years (Christ's Kingdom Reign) were finished. This is the first resurrection." (V.5). Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." (V.6).

GAP - of the 1,000 year reign of Christ before the "resurrection of damnation" spoken of in the last half of the verse in John 5:29b.

This resurrection consists of only those who are lost. This is the Great White Throne Judgment where the lost are brought up out of Hell (Greek "Hades") and cast into the lake of fire for all eternity. (Rev. 20:11-15).

(4). Isaiah 9:6,7 - Between these two verses there is the GAP of the Church Age and the 7-Year Tribulation.

"For unto us a child is born (Christ), unto us a son is given..." (V.6). This is speaking of the BIRTH of Christ.

GAP - Church Age, 2,000-plus years, also included, the 7-Year Tribulation Period, and then Christ comes back to establish His kingdom reign spoken of in Verse 7.

"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon HIS KINGDOM to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth ever for ever." (V.7).

(5). Malachi 3:1,2 - Between Verses 1 and 2 we have a gap period of time. The gap is composed of the Church Age plus the 7-Year Tribulation Period.

"Behold, I will send my messenger (i.e. John the Baptist) and he shall prepare the way before me. (V.1).

GAP - The Church Age 2,000-plus years, also the 7-Year Tribulation Period of time.

"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like the refiner's fire, and fuller's soap." (V.2).

This is when Christ returns to judge the nations at the end of the Tribulation Period, just prior to establishing the Kingdom. Matthew 25:31-41 speaks of the same event, as well as many other Scriptures. So, between Verse 1, which is speaking of John the Baptist and Verse 2 speaking of Christ's return to earth to judge the nations and set up the Kingdom, there is a GAP of 2,000-plus years, besides the 7-Year Tribulation Period.

I have only projected five examples of the gap principle in order to show that in studying God's Word, it must be rightly divided (II Timothy 2:15). Young earth advocates absolutely refuse to believe the first mention of a Gap Principle as given in Genesis, Chapter 1, between Verses One and Two. I get a little sick of hearing from some of these "young earth-ers” saying, "We must get back to Biblical authority." Statements similar to this are only a smoke-screen to make you believe that you are denying God's Word and its authority if you don't believe their philosophy, i.e., that the earth is only about 6,000 years old. This is "brain washing" philosophy at its best. (or worst?) I wonder if these young earth advocates even recognize the gap of the Church Age in the Old Testament.

The Old Testament prophets knew nothing of the dispensation of the Church Age. You can search the Old Testament through and you will not find one reference to the Church Age. This dispensation of time we are now in was a mystery. Mystery in the New Testament is a truth which has never previously been revealed; but, now is made known for the first time. The Apostle Paul who had penned fourteen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit would be the one to expound on these truths, which had previously not been known to the prophets. Read Ephesians 3:1-10.

We shall see, later on, that the theology of many of these young earth advocates is corrupt. Since they refuse to accept the Gap Principle in Genesis 1:1-3 as set forth in the original Hebrew, then how could these same men recognize this same Gap Principle which is prolific throughout the Old Testament? Maybe I should remind our readers that it was a Seventh-Day Adventist, a so-called prophet named Ellen G. White, which introduced the young earth philosophy. a man by the name of George McCready Price, who was an amateur geologist, followed her philosophy thus attributing most fossil-bearing rock formations to the geological disruptions of the biblical flood. Only a hand full followed his philosophy before his death in 1963. Two years prior to Price's death, a book entitled "The Genesis Flood" came out in 1961. One John C. Whitcomb, Jr. and Henry J. Morris, a hydraulic engineer, co-authored the book. They borrowed and incorporated the same pseudo-philosophy from one Ellen G. White. "The Genesis Flood" which was very influential in promoting the young earth philosophy and, in turn, led to the formation of the Creation Research Society in 1963. This society is dedicated to promoting their philosophy of a young earth of only about 6,000 years old. Remember, the young earth idea comes from a false prophet, Ellen G. White.

This is an excellent question and, by far, not the easiest to answer. There is another giving of time recorded in Daniel 8:13,14, which also applies to the same period of time as Daniel 12:11,12. From the context, all have to do with the Tribulation Period of seven (7) years following the Rapture. This seven years is known as the “70^th Week of Daniel” (Daniel 9:24-27). And also as a “Time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) Troubles” (Jeremiah 30:7,11).

The following is a brief outline concerning the number of days in reference to the Tribulation Period, as recorded in the book of Daniel. These references are found in Daniel 8:11-14 and Daniel 12:11,12. We do know that the Anti-Christ makes a covenant with Israel in the first part of the Tribulation, allowing them to worship in their temple and offering them perpetual peace (Daniel 9:27). In the middle of the Tribulation, after 3 ½ years, he breaks the covenant with Israel and seeks to destroy them all. This is the Abomination of Desolation" spoken of in Daniel 9:27 and amplified upon in Matthew 24:15-22. The verses. we are reviewing in Daniel, Chapter 8 and Chapter 12, are in reference to the last 3 1/2 years of the 7-year Tribulation Period, known as the GREAT Tribulation. The following diagram and explanation should illuminate these verses in their proper context.

In Daniel 12:11 we are told that "…from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away..." Since the daily sacrifice is taken away by the Anti-Christ in the middle of the Tribulation, i.e. after 3 ½ years, we know these scriptures are dealing with the last 3 ½ years of the Tribulation. The same is true in Daniel 8:13 " . . . concerning the daily sacrifice and the host (Israel) to be trodden underfoot.” In Daniel 8:14 we find the answer to verse 13, by recording a number of days concerning the last half of the Tribulation Period. Here is the record: "And he said unto me, unto two thousand and three hundred days, then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."

The sanctuary will be cleansed by the coming of Christ at the end of the Tribulation. After the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel in the middle of the tribulation, he goes into the temple and declares himself to be God (II Thessalonians 2: 3 , 4) and demands all to worship him by taking his mark,"666" (Revelation 13:16-18). When Christ returns, He will chain Satan for 1,000 years, cleansing the temple of Satan's domain and power (Revelation 20:2,3). Christ will then sit on the throne and reign as King of Kings for a 1,000 years, after which He will create new heavens and a new earth.

Notice, in verse 14 the word "days" does not appear in the old manuscripts. The Hebrew reads "evenings and mornings", instead of “days.” This is referring to the sacrifices offered--one in the evening and one in the morning (Exodus 29:39). The evening and morning sacrifices constituted one day. Therefore, having 2,300 evening and morning sacrifices would constitute 1150 days, which would equate to 3 years, 2 months, and 10 days. Remember, in prophecy we always figure 30 days to a month--as in the Jewish calendar.

(Verse 11). "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a THOUSAND 'TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY days." ( 3 years and 7 months. )

(Verse 12). "Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED and FIVE and THIRTY days." (3 years, 8 months, 15 days)

Since all figures are referring to the last half of the Tribulation Period, there must be a reason why they all differ. If we subtract 3 years, 2 months, and 10 days in Daniel 8:14 from 3 years, 7 months in Daniel 12:11, this would account for the time shortened as recorded in Matthew 24:21,22, since Matthew is speaking of the same period of time (the Tribulation Period) as Daniel. Below is a chart which should be helpful.

If we compare Verse 11 (3 years, 7 months) with Verse 12 (3 years, 8 months, 15 days) of Daniel, Chapter 12, we see an extended length of time of 45 days. This can be accounted for, as there are several things that transpire at Christ’s return to establish the Kingdom. Now, let us go to the diagram where it shows where we see the 45 days. Under that we see 30 days with the letters A, B, C, D and the 15 days with the numbers 1, 2, 3.

B. Judgment of Nations - Matthew 24:30, 40, 41; Matthew 25:31-34, 41; II Timothy 4: 1.

C. Battle of Armageddon - Revelation 14:14-20; Revelation 16:10-16; Joel 3:1-4,9-16 ;

(1). 7-1: Feast of Trumpets (Re-gather Israel). Israel was to sound the trumpets: Leviticus 23:23-25.

In Matthew 24: 30,31, the sound of a trumpet will be heard to summon the saved in Heaven (Those awaiting their resurrected bodies) to accompany His return. The saved of Israel will be re-gathered, those in Heaven and those alive at the end of the Tribulation and the Kingdom will be established. Israel's land--promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, will now be occupied and enjoyed. (Ezekiel, Chapter 48).

(2). 7-10: Feast of Atonement (Israel's sins forgiven.) Romans 11:26,27; Leviticus 23:27.

During the last 3 ½ years of the Tribulation, two-thirds of all the Jews in Palestine will be killed by Anti-Christ (Zechariah 13:8,9). In the rest of the world, outside of Palestine, only one out of ten Jews will survive. (Isaiah 6:11-13 and Amos 5:1-3). After all of Israel's persecution for disobedience, at last God says "They shall call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, The LORD is my God."

(3). 7-15: Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) --The Millennium. (Leviticus 23:33-44; Zechariah 14:16-19).

This feast was celebrated as a remembrance of Israel's wilderness journey and God's miraculous protection and preservation for 40 years. It will be observed throughout the Millennium as a reminder of God' s providential care, protection and preservation since they were formed as God' s chosen people. Their unfaithfulness throughout the millenniums could never make God become unfaithful to His promises concerning them.

(1). The Tribulation will be cut short by 4 months, and 20 days. In Daniel 12:11, we have 3 years, 7 months. In Daniel 8:14, we have 3 years, 2 months, 10 days. Since both are in reference to the last 3 l/2 years of the Tribulation Period, we can see a difference of 4 months, 20 days; thus, illuminating Matthew 24:21,22.

“For then shall be (the) great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Verse 21).

“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake (i.e., the saved of Israel) these days shall be shortened.” (Verse 22).

(2). Comparing Daniel 12:11 with Daniel 12:12, we have the difference of 45 days or a month and a half. The reason we divided this into 30 days and 15 days is because of the three feast days; which, prophetically, have not yet been fulfilled whereas the first four have. These seven feasts as recorded in Leviticus 23 and etc., are types of future fulfillments.

a. “The Feast of Passover” (Exodus 12) is fulfilled in Christ’s crucifixion. I Corinthians 5:7 states “For even Christ our passover is sanctified for us.”

b. “The Feast of Unleavened Bread,” fulfilled in Christ’s sinless life and enjoins the Christian to lead a clean life as stated in I Corinthians 5:7a, “Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump…”

c. “The Feast of First Fruits” is fulfilled by Christ’s resurrection as stated in I Corinthians 15:20,23. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.”

d. “The Feast of Pentecost,” fulfilled fifty days after Christ’s resurrection by the giving of the Holy Spirit. “Pentecost” means fifty, as the Holy Spirit came exactly as promised—fifty days after His resurrection. (Acts 1:3,4),

This, therefore, leaves the last three feasts of “Trumpets,” “Atonement,” and “Tabernacles” to be fulfilled in type, as shown on our diagram. These three feasts cover a period of 15 days. The “Feast of Trumpets” beginning the 1^st day of the 7^th month (Leviticus 23:23-25); “The Feast of Atonement” beginning the 7^th month on the 10^th day (Leviticus 23:27); and the “Feast of Tabernacles” beginning on the 15^th day of the 7^th month, making a total of 15 days. “The Feast of Tabernacles” will continue on into and throughout the Millennium (Zechariah 14:16-19).

(3). The remaining 30 days will be occupied with the Old Testament Saints receiving their resurrected bodies; Christ chaining Satan for a 1,000 years; Christ victorious in the Armageddon battle; and Christ judging the Nations in preparation for His Kingdom Reign.