In Daniel 12:1 another title is applied to Jesus, namely, “Michael.” The term Michael literally means “who as God”—that is, one who acts as a representative of God. In this prophecy we read that when “Michael stands up” there results a “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation.” In other words, this title describes Jesus in connection with his overthrow of the kingdoms of this world, preparatory to the establishment of his righteous order in the earth.

We are accustomed to think of Jesus as kindly and peaceful. But the manifestation of his authority and power against wickedness and the wicked institutions of earth will cause trouble—“a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.” Even now we are witnessing the beginning of this trouble, due to come upon the nations of earth at the end of the age. Even in the prophecy of Isaiah 11:2-9, where we read that Jesus will judge the poor with righteousness, it is also declared that “with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.”

It will be on account of his thoroughness in eradicating all wickedness and all evil-doers from the earth that peace and tranquility will eventually come to the people. The universal state of happiness and good will, which will follow the destruction of the enemies of God during the reign of Christ—even death itself (I Cor. 15:26)—is symbolized in the prophecy by the various animals of earth living peaceably together. The “wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; … and a little child shall lead them.”—Isaiah 11:6