Daniel 12: Understanding the End Times and Our Hope
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Daniel 12 concludes the series of visions and prophecies given to Daniel, starting in Daniel 10:1, near the Tigris River. These prophecies, delivered by an angelic being (likely Gabriel, as seen in Daniel 8:15-16; 9:21-22; Luke 1:26), cover a vast sweep of history, from Daniel's time into the distant future, including the end times. Like earlier chapters (Daniel 7-9), this chapter connects with other prophetic scriptures, painting a comprehensive picture of God's plan. This chapter serves as the final written words of Daniel, leaving subsequent prophets to unveil further details about the end times. Let's explore the significant themes and promises contained within.
Michael's Intervention and the Great Tribulation (Daniel 12:1-3)
Daniel 12:1 speaks of Michael, the archangel, often associated with the protection of Israel (Daniel 10:13, 21). It describes a time of unprecedented distress, a "time of trouble such as never has been since there was a nation till that time." This echoes similar descriptions of the tribulation period found in Matthew 24:21, where Jesus speaks of a "great tribulation." Michael's role is to ensure that despite Satan's attempts to destroy the nation of Israel during this horrific time, they will not ultimately succeed. All of the enemy’s schemes will fail.
But amidst this darkness, there is hope. Daniel 12:1 also promises deliverance: "at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered." This speaks of God's faithfulness to His people, ensuring their preservation even in the midst of immense suffering. Those Jews who believe in Jesus the Messiah will be resurrected at the beginning of Christ’s millennial kingdom to enjoy the eternal benefits of God’s covenant promises to his people (12:2).
Daniel 12:2 reveals the ultimate outcome: resurrection and judgment. "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt." This verse highlights the eternal consequences of our choices. Some will follow God and find eternal life; others will reject God and experience everlasting shame.
Daniel 12:3 offers a beautiful picture of those who lead others to righteousness: "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." This verse provides encouragement to those who faithfully share their faith and guide others toward God.
Sealing the Prophecy and the Question of Timing (Daniel 12:4-11)
Daniel was instructed to "seal up the words and close up the book until the time of the end" (Daniel 12:4). This doesn't mean the book should be physically sealed, but rather that its full meaning would remain hidden until the appropriate time. The verse continues, "many will go here and there to increase knowledge." This suggests that as the end approaches, understanding of these prophecies would increase. Daniel had seen and heard things no human ever had, and he was told to seal his prophecy (12:4). But then, after asking for more information regarding what the outcome of all these prophecies would be (12:8), he was told that the second half of the tribulation would be 1,290 days (12:11). This is a period of three-and-a-half prophetic years, 1,260 days, plus an extra thirty days (see the discussion of prophetic years in the commentary on 9:25). This, then, could be the time between the announcement that the abomination of desolation (12:11) is going to be set up and its actual erection, or it could allow for the cleansing of the temple after this sacrilege is removed.
The chapter then introduces additional figures, likely angels, who engage in a dialogue about the timing of these events (Daniel 12:5-7). The phrase "a time, times, and half a time" is mentioned, which is generally interpreted as three and a half years (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:6, 14; 13:5), a period often associated with the great tribulation.
Daniel, understandably, desires more clarity (Daniel 12:8). However, he is told that the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end (Daniel 12:9). This emphasizes that while we can study and seek understanding, some aspects of God's plan remain veiled until He chooses to reveal them.
Daniel 12:11 mentions "the abomination that causes desolation," a phrase that also appears in Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15. This refers to a specific event that will signal a significant escalation of the end-times tribulation.
The Blessedness of Perseverance (Daniel 12:12)
Here we have another puzzling set of numbers, tied to a blessing: Happy is the one who waits for and reaches 1,335 days. This extends the time after the tribulation for another forty-five days, yet those who persevere to the end of this period are clearly blessed. This extra time could allow for the gathering and judgment of the Gentile nations (see Matthew 25:31-46).
Daniel's Personal Assurance (Daniel 12:13)
The final verse offers a personal word of comfort to Daniel: "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." Daniel had demonstrated extraordinary faithfulness throughout his life. He served God as an exile in a pagan world (1:3-6). He obeyed God’s law regardless of the outcome (1:8-16) and delivered God’s message loyally (2:31-45). He stood up to kings (5:13-29) and withstood persecution from those who wanted to take his life (6:1-28). He was a student of God’s Word (9:2) and a man of prayer and fasting (9:3-19; 10:2-3, 12). Daniel served many kings and saw many kingdoms rise and fall, but his ultimate allegiance was to the agenda of only one King. A kingdom man like that will certainly not lose his reward. This assurance speaks of rest after a life of faithful service and a future resurrection to receive his reward. It’s a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God, even in the face of adversity, will ultimately be rewarded.
Daniel 12 offers a blend of prophetic insight and personal encouragement. While the end times may seem daunting, it's vital to remember God's sovereignty, His protection of His people, and the promise of eternal life for those who remain faithful. Like Daniel, we are called to live with unwavering allegiance to God, knowing that our ultimate reward awaits us.
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Daniel 12 concludes the series of visions and prophecies given to Daniel, starting in Daniel 10:1, near the Tigris River. These prophecies, delivered by an angelic being (likely Gabriel, as seen in Daniel 8:15-16; 9:21-22; Luke 1:26), cover a vast sweep of history, from Daniel's time into the distant future, including the end times. Like earlier chapters (Daniel 7-9), this chapter connects with other prophetic scriptures, painting a comprehensive picture of God's plan. This chapter serves as the final written words of Daniel, leaving subsequent prophets to unveil further details about the end times. Let's explore the significant themes and promises contained within.
Michael's Intervention and the Great Tribulation (Daniel 12:1-3)
Daniel 12:1 speaks of Michael, the archangel, often associated with the protection of Israel (Daniel 10:13, 21). It describes a time of unprecedented distress, a "time of trouble such as never has been since there was a nation till that time." This echoes similar descriptions of the tribulation period found in Matthew 24:21, where Jesus speaks of a "great tribulation." Michael's role is to ensure that despite Satan's attempts to destroy the nation of Israel during this horrific time, they will not ultimately succeed. All of the enemy’s schemes will fail.
But amidst this darkness, there is hope. Daniel 12:1 also promises deliverance: "at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered." This speaks of God's faithfulness to His people, ensuring their preservation even in the midst of immense suffering. Those Jews who believe in Jesus the Messiah will be resurrected at the beginning of Christ’s millennial kingdom to enjoy the eternal benefits of God’s covenant promises to his people (12:2).
Daniel 12:2 reveals the ultimate outcome: resurrection and judgment. "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt." This verse highlights the eternal consequences of our choices. Some will follow God and find eternal life; others will reject God and experience everlasting shame.
Daniel 12:3 offers a beautiful picture of those who lead others to righteousness: "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." This verse provides encouragement to those who faithfully share their faith and guide others toward God.
Sealing the Prophecy and the Question of Timing (Daniel 12:4-11)
Daniel was instructed to "seal up the words and close up the book until the time of the end" (Daniel 12:4). This doesn't mean the book should be physically sealed, but rather that its full meaning would remain hidden until the appropriate time. The verse continues, "many will go here and there to increase knowledge." This suggests that as the end approaches, understanding of these prophecies would increase. Daniel had seen and heard things no human ever had, and he was told to seal his prophecy (12:4). But then, after asking for more information regarding what the outcome of all these prophecies would be (12:8), he was told that the second half of the tribulation would be 1,290 days (12:11). This is a period of three-and-a-half prophetic years, 1,260 days, plus an extra thirty days (see the discussion of prophetic years in the commentary on 9:25). This, then, could be the time between the announcement that the abomination of desolation (12:11) is going to be set up and its actual erection, or it could allow for the cleansing of the temple after this sacrilege is removed.
The chapter then introduces additional figures, likely angels, who engage in a dialogue about the timing of these events (Daniel 12:5-7). The phrase "a time, times, and half a time" is mentioned, which is generally interpreted as three and a half years (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:6, 14; 13:5), a period often associated with the great tribulation.
Daniel, understandably, desires more clarity (Daniel 12:8). However, he is told that the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end (Daniel 12:9). This emphasizes that while we can study and seek understanding, some aspects of God's plan remain veiled until He chooses to reveal them.
Daniel 12:11 mentions "the abomination that causes desolation," a phrase that also appears in Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15. This refers to a specific event that will signal a significant escalation of the end-times tribulation.
The Blessedness of Perseverance (Daniel 12:12)
Here we have another puzzling set of numbers, tied to a blessing: Happy is the one who waits for and reaches 1,335 days. This extends the time after the tribulation for another forty-five days, yet those who persevere to the end of this period are clearly blessed. This extra time could allow for the gathering and judgment of the Gentile nations (see Matthew 25:31-46).
Daniel's Personal Assurance (Daniel 12:13)
The final verse offers a personal word of comfort to Daniel: "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." Daniel had demonstrated extraordinary faithfulness throughout his life. He served God as an exile in a pagan world (1:3-6). He obeyed God’s law regardless of the outcome (1:8-16) and delivered God’s message loyally (2:31-45). He stood up to kings (5:13-29) and withstood persecution from those who wanted to take his life (6:1-28). He was a student of God’s Word (9:2) and a man of prayer and fasting (9:3-19; 10:2-3, 12). Daniel served many kings and saw many kingdoms rise and fall, but his ultimate allegiance was to the agenda of only one King. A kingdom man like that will certainly not lose his reward. This assurance speaks of rest after a life of faithful service and a future resurrection to receive his reward. It’s a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God, even in the face of adversity, will ultimately be rewarded.
Daniel 12 offers a blend of prophetic insight and personal encouragement. While the end times may seem daunting, it's vital to remember God's sovereignty, His protection of His people, and the promise of eternal life for those who remain faithful. Like Daniel, we are called to live with unwavering allegiance to God, knowing that our ultimate reward awaits us.