1 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.”
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.
5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream.
6 And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?”
7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.
8 I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?”
9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.
10 Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.
11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days.
12 Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days.
13 But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.
The True Meaning of Daniel 12
The book of Daniel was written by the prophet Daniel, who lived during the Babylonian and Persian empires. Daniel was a highly respected Jewish exile who served in the royal courts, interpreting dreams and visions. Daniel receives a vision of the end times in this final chapter, providing a glimpse into the future tribulations and ultimate triumph of God’s people.
The chapter opens with a powerful angel revealing to Daniel the tumultuous events that will precede the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. We see the resurrection of the dead, the judgment of the righteous and wicked, and the ultimate vindication of those who remained faithful, as foretold in Revelation 20:11-15. Daniel is also reminded of the importance of wisdom and discernment, echoing the words of Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Daniel is assured that even in the darkest of times, God’s people will be protected and preserved as he grapples with the gravity of these revelations. This message of hope and endurance is a fitting conclusion to the book of Daniel, reminding us that no matter the challenges we face, our ultimate victory is secure in the hands of our sovereign Lord.
Daniel 12:1-4
Let’s break down several important sections in Daniel 12:1-4 and delve into them for a better understanding of their significance in the larger context of the Bible and its timeless messages.
Starting with verse 1, it says, “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.” Here, Michael is mentioned as the great prince who protects the people of God. Michael is an archangel who plays a significant role in spiritual warfare throughout the Bible. Michael leads the angels in a war against the dragon (Satan) and his angels in the book of Revelation. This verse confirms that God’s people will face a time of distress, but ultimately, those whose names are written in the book of life will be delivered. This is a powerful reminder that God is a protector of His people, and even in the midst of trials and tribulations, He will ensure their ultimate deliverance.
Moving on to verses 2 and 3, it states, “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” These verses speak about the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment. It highlights the eternal destiny that awaits every individual based on their choices and actions in this life. Those who have lived wisely and led others to righteousness will shine brightly in eternity, symbolizing their reward and glory in heaven. On the other hand, those who have rejected God will face shame and everlasting contempt. This serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and being a positive influence on others, as our actions have eternal consequences.
Lastly, verse 4 says, “But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” This verse indicates that the words of Daniel’s prophecies were to be sealed until the time of the end. Events unfolding and prophecies being fulfilled in our world today remind us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, especially in light of the end times. This verse underscores the value of studying the Bible and gaining wisdom to navigate the challenges that come with living in a fallen world. Daniel 12:1-4 offers profound insights into the themes of protection, deliverance, resurrection, judgment, wisdom, and knowledge. It assures believers of God’s ultimate deliverance, warns of the consequences of choices made in this life, and emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge from God’s Word. These verses serve as a call to live faithfully, be wise, and diligently seek understanding of God’s eternal truths as we await the fulfillment of His promises in the end times.
Daniel 12:5-7
The passage in Daniel 12:5-7 is part of the concluding chapter of the book of Daniel, which is known for its vivid apocalyptic visions and powerful messages about the end times. Let’s break down this passage into its important sections for deeper examination.
Starting with verse 5, Daniel sees two heavenly figures standing on opposite sides of the river. One of them asks the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, how long it will be until the fulfillment of these wonders. The man clothed in linen raises his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swears by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.
This section can be interpreted as a conversation about the length and severity of the time of distress that will precede the glorious fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan. The “time, times, and half a time” is a common biblical expression representing a period of tribulation or distress. This phrase is also used in other parts of the Bible, such as in Revelation 12:14, where it refers to a period of persecution and hardship for the faithful followers of God.
The mention of the power of the holy people being shattered could be a reference to the suffering and persecution that God’s people will endure before the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of God’s people facing trials and tribulations, yet ultimately triumphing through faith and perseverance.
Moving on to verse 6, one of the heavenly figures asks how long it will be until the end of these wonders. The man clothed in linen, who is above the waters of the river, raises both his hands toward heaven and swears by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.
This repetition of the time frame underscores the certainty and significance of the events that will unfold during this period of upheaval and turmoil. It serves as a reminder that God’s timing is precise and His plans will come to fruition in due time, despite the hardships and challenges His people may face. The man clothed in linen further explains in verse 7 that when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things will be accomplished. This reiteration emphasizes the inevitable fulfillment of God’s purposes, even in the midst of adversity and persecution. These verses in Daniel 12 encapsulate the themes of endurance, faithfulness, and the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom. They remind readers that although there may be trials and tribulations, God’s plan will prevail, and His faithful followers will be vindicated in the end. We, as believers, can take comfort in the assurance that God is in control of history and will bring about the fulfillment of His promises in His perfect timing.
Daniel 12:8-10
Daniel did not understand what he heard in Daniel 12:8-10. So I asked, ‘My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?’ He replied, ‘Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.’”
These verses are the continuation of the conversation between Daniel and the heavenly being regarding the visions and prophecies Daniel had received. Daniel expresses his confusion and seeks further clarification on the meaning and outcome of the events he has seen. The response he receives indicates that the full understanding of the prophecies will be sealed until the time of the end. It alludes to a time when the prophecies will be revealed and understood more clearly.
This passage conveys a key message about the nature of understanding and wisdom. It highlights the idea that despite the confusion and lack of comprehension that may exist in times of uncertainty, those who are wise and faithful will ultimately grasp the meaning behind the events that unfold. It emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in times of trial and confusion, trusting that God’s plan will ultimately be revealed in His perfect timing.
Furthermore, the contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked is also emphasized in these verses. It speaks of a time of purification and refinement for the righteous, where they will be made spotless in the eyes of God. On the other hand, the wicked will continue in their ways, unable to grasp the deeper truths and significance of the events unfolding around them. This serves as a reminder of the importance of living a righteous and faithful life, as ultimately, it is the wise who will understand God’s plans and purposes. These verses tie in with the theme of God’s sovereignty over the nations and His faithfulness to His people in the broader context of the book of Daniel. Throughout the book, we see how God’s power is demonstrated through the visions and prophecies given to Daniel, reassuring the Israelites of His presence and protection even in the midst of trials and tribulations. The ultimate message conveyed is one of hope and encouragement, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s divine plan.
Daniel 12:11-13
The verses in Daniel 12:11-13 speak about a specific timeline regarding events that will occur in the end times. Let’s break down these verses into their important sections to understand their significance.
Starting with Daniel 12:11, it states, “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.” This verse refers to the desecration of the temple, a significant event that is also mentioned in the book of Daniel earlier (Daniel 9:27) and by Jesus in the New Testament when prophesying about the end times (Matthew 24:15). The abomination of desolation is a pivotal event that signals a time of great distress and tribulation, marking the beginning of the end times.
Moving on to Daniel 12:12, it says, “Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.” This verse suggests that those who endure and persevere through the trials and tribulations of the end times will be blessed. It emphasizes the importance of faith, patience, and endurance in the face of adversity. This echoes other passages in the Bible that speak about the blessings of perseverance, such as James 1:12, which states, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Daniel 12:13 concludes the chapter by stating, “As for you, go your way till the end.” You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” This verse addresses Daniel directly, assuring him that he will rest in death but will rise again to receive his reward in the afterlife. This promise of resurrection and eternal reward is a recurring theme in the Bible, offering hope and encouragement to believers who face persecution and difficulties in this world. It points towards the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom and the fulfillment of His promises to His faithful servants. Daniel 12:11-13 provides a glimpse into the timeline of events in the end times, emphasizing the importance of faith, perseverance, and the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom. These verses serve as a reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God’s promises even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
After Daniel 12
The chapter came to a close with a solemn reminder. The angel revealed that a time of great distress would come, unlike any before. Yet, the faithful would be delivered, their names written in the book of life. Though the wicked would face judgment, the wise would shine like the brightness of the heavens.
This vision of the end times left Daniel troubled. What did it mean for the future of God’s people? The next chapter would shed light on this, as Daniel received a final vision that would guide the faithful through the trials to come. The Lord had not abandoned his children, but would see them through even the darkest of days.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.