Daniel 12
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1“At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time. At that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. 2Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and ever. 4But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many will run back and forth, and knowledge will be increased.” 5Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on the river bank on this side, and the other on the river bank on that side. 6One said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be to the end of these wonders?” 7I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him who lives forever that it will be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have finished breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things will be finished. 8I heard, but I didn’t understand. Then I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” 9He said, “Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. 10Many will purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked will do wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand; but those who are wise will understand. 11“From the time that the continual burnt offering is taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there will be one thousand two hundred ninety days. 12Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days. 13“But go you your way until the end; for you will rest, and will stand in your inheritance at the end of the days.”
World English Bible (public domain)
“"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."”
Daniel 12:3
Summary
Daniel chapter 12 is the concluding chapter of the book and offers a glimpse into the end times. It opens with a prophecy about a great time of trouble unlike any before, where the Archangel Michael plays a crucial role in delivering and protecting God's people. The chapter speaks of a resurrection where many who sleep in the dust will awaken, some to everlasting life and others to everlasting contempt. This emphasizes the theme of final judgment and the hope of eternal life for the faithful. Daniel is then given a vision of two beings standing on opposite banks of a river, discussing the timing of these events. It is revealed that the fulfillment of these prophecies is sealed and will only become clear in the last days. Daniel is reassured that he will rest and rise to his inheritance at the end of days, offering a message of personal hope and perseverance.
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Chapter outline
How Daniel 12 unfolds
Daniel 12:1 Michael's Role in Deliverance
Michael, the great prince, stands up for God's people during a time of unprecedented trouble, ensuring their deliverance for those whose names are written in the book.
Daniel 12:2 Resurrection and Judgment
This verse introduces the resurrection, where some awaken to everlasting life and others to shame, highlighting the ultimate judgment.
Daniel 12:3 Wisdom and Righteousness
Those who are wise and lead others to righteousness will shine like stars, emphasizing the value of faithfulness and influence.
Daniel 12:4 Sealing the Prophecies
Daniel is instructed to seal the words of the book until the end times, indicating that understanding will increase but remains hidden for now.
Daniel 12:5–7 Inquiry About Timing
Two beings discuss the duration until the end, revealing that it will last for a specific time, times, and half a time.
Daniel 12:8–10 Understanding the Vision
Daniel admits his lack of understanding, receiving assurance that the wise will comprehend the unfolding of these events.
Daniel 12:11–13 Future Blessings and Daniel’s Rest
Details about the days after the abomination are provided, concluding with a promise of rest and inheritance for Daniel at the end.
Key verses
Daniel 12:3Daniel 12:3 encapsulates the chapter's message of wisdom and the eternal reward for those who lead others to righteousness.
Main themes in Daniel 12
End times prophecy
The theme of end times prophecy is highlighted in verses 1 and 4, where Michael's intervention is described during a time of great trouble. The sealing of the book implies that the full understanding of these prophecies will only be revealed in the last days. This theme emphasizes the anticipation of future events that will unfold according to God's divine timeline.
Resurrection and judgment
Resurrection and judgment appear prominently in verse 2, detailing the awakening of the dead to either life or contempt. The chapter complicates this by indicating that wise individuals will shine, suggesting a distinction based on faithfulness. This theme underlines the certainty of divine judgment and the contrasting fates awaiting humanity.
Faithfulness and perseverance
Faithfulness and perseverance are encapsulated in verses 3 and 12, where wise individuals are promised eternal reward. The chapter encourages steadfastness in the face of tribulation, highlighting Daniel’s reassurance about his own future and the fate of the righteous. This theme serves as a reminder for believers to endure and remain faithful amid challenges, underscoring the importance of commitment to God’s ways throughout life’s trials.
Hope of eternal life
The hope of eternal life is articulated in verse 2, where some are promised everlasting life, contrasting with the fate of the wicked. This juxtaposition emphasizes the significance of righteousness and its eternal consequences, reinforcing the idea that one's choices in life lead to divergent outcomes after death. This theme reassures God's people of the ultimate reward for their faithfulness, offering comfort and motivation to uphold their commitment in a difficult world.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Daniel 12
- Daniel 8Daniel 8 echoes themes of judgment and the struggles against oppressive powers seen in the prophecies of the end.
- Daniel 11Daniel 11 develops the narrative of conflict and divine intervention, creating continuity with the events described in this chapter.
- Matthew 24Matthew 24 connects with the end times motif, emphasizing the signs preceding Christ's return and the final judgment.
- Proverbs 4Proverbs 4 echoes the theme of wisdom, highlighting the value of understanding and righteousness in life.
- Revelation 22Revelation 22 develops the concept of final rewards and the fulfillment of prophetic visions regarding the end.
- Daniel 10Daniel 10 connects by establishing the context of spiritual warfare and divine assistance, relevant to the prophecy in this chapter.
Study questions
Questions for studying Daniel 12
- What role does Michael play in this chapter?
- How is the resurrection described in verses 2 and 3?
- What does sealing the book signify for understanding?
- What is the significance of the time periods mentioned?
- How does Daniel respond to his vision in verse 8?
- What assurance is given to Daniel at the end of the chapter?
- How does this chapter connect to themes of faithfulness?
Daniel 12: frequently asked questions
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