Daniel 12
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Daniel was old. Very old. He had seen so much. God had shown him many things. Sometimes happy things. Sometimes scary things.
And now God showed Daniel something new. An angel came. A shining angel. The angel said: "Listen well, Daniel."
The angel told about a special day. A day that would come later. Much later. On that day, God would help His people. All His children. God would not forget them. Never.
The angel said something wonderful. "The people who love God will shine. They will shine like the stars in the sky." Do you know how bright stars can shine? So bright! That is how bright God's children will be.
Daniel listened. His eyes went wide. But he did not understand everything. Daniel asked: "How long, God? When will it come?"
The angel said: "Daniel, you do not have to know everything. God knows. That is enough."
Then the angel said: "Daniel, go now. Rest well. And later, one day, you may come back. You will stand with God. Safe. Happy. Forever."
What Does This Mean?
God has a plan. A big, big plan. Daniel could not see everything. And we cannot see everything either. But God can. God knows exactly what is coming.
And listen. God says: "My children are safe." That is you too. If you love God, you are safe with Him. Always.
The Common Thread
Later, much later, Jesus came. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus loves children so much. Jesus said: "Come to Me."
Jesus keeps you safe. Just like the angel told Daniel. Whoever belongs to Jesus will shine. Like a bright, twinkling star. High in the sky. Beautiful.
For You
Sometimes it is dark outside. At night, in your bed. Sometimes it feels a little scary. But then you can look at the stars. Or think of them.
The stars remind you: God sees me. God knows me. God holds me tight.
You do not have to know everything. You are little. That is okay. God is big. God knows. And God loves you. Very, very much.
Can you sleep now? Yes. Because God watches over you. All night long.
Talk About It
Have you ever looked at the stars? What did you see?
Do you know that God knows your name? How does that feel?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You are big. Thank You that You know everything. I am little, and that is okay. Please hold me tight. And let me shine, like a star.
Amen.
Questions about Daniel 12
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Daniel 12 about?
What does Daniel 12 say?
What does Daniel 12 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Daniel 12?
Why is Daniel 12 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
From the time that the continual burnt offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred ninety days." Even the worst stretch gets counted. God does not say the desolation won't come. He says it has a number on it. Your season may feel endless to you. It is already numbered to him.
Daniel asks, "what shall be the outcome of these things?" and receives no explanation. Only this: "Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end." Sometimes God's answer is not information but a direction. Your unanswered question is not refused, it is sealed in His hand, and He tells you to keep walking.
Daniel watches a man clothed in linen lift both hands to heaven and swear by him who lives forever. Two hands, not one. As if to say: this oath is doubled, certain, unbreakable. And what he swears is strange comfort: "when they have finished breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things will be finished."
The shattering itself is part of the plan. God is not absent when his people are broken; he has sworn over that very moment. If you feel scattered today, remember whose hands were raised for you.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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