Time of Trouble Bible Study 1

The book of Daniel predicts:

At that time Michael shall stand up,
the great prince who stands watch over
the sons of your people,
and there shall be a time of trouble,
such as never was since there was a nation,
even to that time,
and at that time your people shall be delivered,
every one who is found written in the book
(Daniel 12:1)

First of all, a future “time of trouble, such as never was” is plainly predicted in the Bible. Obviously, it will hit Planet Earth visibly down here. But notice carefully that what starts it is an invisible event that occurs up in heaven. First,“Michael shall stand up…” Who is “Michael,” what does it mean that he will someday “stand up,” and why will this result in a “time of trouble” down here”? Let’s find out.

There is much speculation about Michael’s identity, but a careful study of the Bible makes it clear who he is:

“The great prince” who guards God’s people (Dan. 12:1)

“Michael your prince” (Dan. 10:21)

“Michael the archangel” who resurrected Moses (Jude 9) so that Moses could personally appear with Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3)

The commander of holy angels (Revelation 12:7) who cast Satan and his hosts out of heaven (verse 9)

The word “archangel” does NOT mean Michael is an angel. In fact, the literal meaning of the term is “Chief of the angels” (Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon). “Michael” means “Who is like God.” When Jesus Christ returns, He descends with “the voice of the archangel” (1 Thess. 4:16). Thus Michael, the Great Prince, the One who resurrected Moses, the Chief of the angels, can be none other than Jesus Christ Himself.

So what does it mean that He will someday “stand up? We will study this is Part 2.

To be continued…