Daniel 12

Daniel 12:1

(1) Now at that time (2) Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. (3) And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; (4) and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.

  1. Since Daniel 11 ends with the beginning of Rome and the death of Herod, this refers to the time of Christ and afterwards.
  2. Michael is said to be the Prince who guards Israel, and he will arise.  Michael means “who is like the Lord”.
  3. The great distress is the great tribulation, as per Matthew 24, in 70 AD.
  4. Those who believe, who are in the book, will be saved, through Christ’s redeeming work.  Both in salvation, and also, it is recorded that no Christians were killed in the destruction of 70 AD, for they all heeded the command to flee the city.

Daniel 12:2

Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.

  1. As one commentator points out, the word “awaken” does not necessarily imply resurrection.  It may well be that this is awakening to the Gospel, being born again, and coming to life, as those in darkness have seen a great light.

Daniel 12:3

Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

  1. The only righteousness is in Christ.  The apostles, and many since then, have fulfilled this, in bringing many to righteousness.

Daniel 12:4

But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.

  1. Daniel is instructed to seal up the book.  Much is made of the last clause of this, but knowledge has always increased when civilization has allowed it.  It need not point to our time.

Daniel 12:5-7

Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.

  1. The three and a half year time period leading up to 70 AD’s destruction is given again, indicating that the power of the holy people would be completely shattered at that time.  With the destruction of the temple, this was fulfilled, and we see only a down-hill run for the Israelites after this.  They were broken, they had no more place of worship or sacrifice, and only in the last century, since 1948, has any nation been called “Israel”.  Yet, they are still dead.  They have no power, for all power and authority belong to Christ.  Like the bones in Ezekiel 37, they have gathered together with skin and flesh, but they are not alive.  Only the breath of the Spirit coming, through salvation in the Gospel, will they live again.  There is no power in the Jewish people, only promise, that God would one day again restore His face to His people, regather them to their land, and pour out His Spirit upon them.

Daniel 12:8

As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?”

  1. Daniel is overwhelmed, but wants to know the outcome.

Daniel 12:9-10

He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. “Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.

  1. Daniel is told to seal up the book, and that it is not to be revealed.  Much time would pass before the accomplishment of these visions.

Daniel 12:11-12

From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.  How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!

  1. Refers again to the final fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Daniel 12:13

But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.

  1. Daniel is told that his job is done, and for his service to the Kingdom of God, he will receive his reward.