Daniel 12:1-7

1 Forsooth in that time Michael, the great prince, shall rise, that standeth for the sons of thy people. And (a) time (of trouble) shall come, what manner time was not, from that time from which folks began to be, till to that time. And in that time thy people shall be saved, each that is found written in the book of life. (Now at that time Michael, the great angel, shall rise, who standeth guard over thy people. And a time of trouble shall come, what manner time was not, from the time in which nations began to be, until that time. And at that time thy people shall be saved, all those whose names be written in The Book of Life.)
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of (the) earth, shall awake fully, some into everlasting life, and others into shame, that they see ever[more]. (And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth, shall fully awaken, some to everlasting life, and others to shame, that they shall see, or shall experience, forevermore.)
3 Forsooth they that be taught, [or wise,] shall shine as the shining of the firmament, and they that teach many men to rightfulness, shall shine as stars into everlasting everlastingnesses. (And they who be wise, shall shine like the shining of the firmament, and they who turn many to righteousness, shall shine like the stars into everlasting everlastingness.)
4 But thou, Daniel, close the words, and aseal the book, till to the time ordained; full many men shall pass, and knowing shall be manyfold. (But thou, Daniel, close up the words, and seal the book, until the time ordained; yea, a great many shall live and die, and knowledge shall be manifold.)
5 And I, Daniel, saw, and lo! as twain other men stood; one stood on this side, on the brink of the flood, and another on that side, on the tother part of the flood. (And I, Daniel, saw, and lo! two other men stood there; one stood on this side, on the bank of the river, and the other stood on the other side of the river.)
6 And I said to the man that was clothed in linen clothes, that stood on the waters of the flood, How long shall be (until) the end of these marvels? (And I said to the man who was clothed in linen clothes, who stood on the bank of the river, How long shall it be until the end of all these marvels?)
7 And I heard the man, that was clothed in linen clothes, that stood on the waters of the flood, when he had raised his right hand and left hand to heaven, and had sworn by him that liveth without end, (say,) For into a time, and times, and the half of time. And when the scattering of the hand of the holy people is [ful]filled, all these things shall be (ful)filled. (And I heard the man, who was clothed in linen clothes, who stood on the bank of the river, when he had raised up his right hand and his left hand to heaven/unto the heavens, and had sworn by him who liveth forever, say, For unto a time, and times, and the half of time. And when the scattering of the power of the holy people is finished, or shall cease, then all these things shall be come to an end.)

Daniel 12:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL 12

This chapter begins with an account of a time of exceeding great trouble to the people of God, who are comforted with the consideration of Michael the great Prince being on their side, and with a promise of deliverance, with the resurrection of the dead, and the glorious state of wise and good men upon that, Da 12:1-3, and Daniel is ordered to shut up and seal the book of the prophecy, until a time when it should be better understood, Da 12:4, next follows a question put by an angel to Christ, and his answer to it, with respect to the time of the fulfilment of those wonderful events, Da 12:5-7. Daniel, not understanding what he heard, asks what would be the end of those things, Da 12:8 in answer to which he is bid to be content with what he knew; no alteration would be among men; things would be neither better nor worse with them, Da 12:9,10, a time is fixed for the accomplishment of all, Da 12:11,12, and it is promised him that he should have rest after death, and rise again, and have his lot and share with the blessed, Da 12:13.

Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.