Daniel 12 Study Notes

12:1 At that time refers to the events predicted in the previous paragraph (11:36-45), which details the antichrist’s furious attempt to destroy and annihilate the Jewish people (11:44). Then the archangel Michael . . . who stands watch over the Jewish people will rise to their defense to preserve them (see note at 10:12-13; cp. Rv 12:7). This will be necessary because the great tribulation (the second half of Daniel’s seventieth week; Dn 9:27) will be a time of unprecedented distress. Despite the horrific nature of the persecution of Israel, the result will be that the surviving remnant of the Jewish nation will turn in faith to their Messiah Jesus (Zch 12:10; Rm 11:25-27) and he will deliver them. The book refers to the heavenly Book of Life in which the names of the elect are listed (Ps 69:28; Php 4:3; Rv 13:8; 17:8; 20:15).

12:2 Following the deliverance of Israel, there will be a resurrection of many who sleep in the dust. This verse does not imply any kind of soul sleep before the resurrection since the faithful go to be with God instantly upon dying (2Co 5:8; Php 1:21-23) and the faithless go to a place of suffering also immediately upon dying (Lk 16:22-23). The word sleep is used as a metaphor to emphasize the temporary state of bodily death before being physically raised at the resurrection (cp. Jn 11:11-15). Although telescoped together here (as is common in prophecy), the resurrection of the faithful and the unfaithful are two distinct events separated by the one-thousand-year messianic kingdom (Rv 20:4-6). Dn 12:2 contains the clearest statement of resurrection in the OT, but by no means is it the only one (cp. Jb 19:25-27; Is 26:19).

12:3 The phrase those who have insight refers to those with the wisdom to turn in faith to the Messiah Jesus. As a result, they will lead many others to faith and righteousness.

12:4 Although it is possible that Daniel was told to keep these words of the vision secret, an alternative rendering of the Hebrew is to “close up the words” and seal the book, a reference to preservation of the text of Daniel until the time of the end. Preserving Daniel’s prophecy was necessary because in the end of days, many will roam about seeking answers that will be found in the book of Daniel. Moreover, in that day, knowledge will increase, possibly referring to the understanding of Daniel’s prophecies as informed observers recognize the fulfillment of his predictions.

12:5-7 Daniel saw two others, meaning angels, who served as witnesses for the oath of the linen-dressed angel (10:5). Two was the minimum number of witnesses necessary for an oath (Dt 19:15). One of the witnessing angels asked how long until the end of the predicted time of distress. The angel dressed in linen answered that the time of the great tribulation (the second half of Daniel’s seventieth week) would be for a time, times, and half a time, or three and one-half years (7:25; Rv 12:7). By the end of the great tribulation, the power of the holy people Israel will be shattered, causing them to turn in faith to their long-rejected Messiah Jesus (Zch 12:10). At that time, he will return and deliver them (Zch 14:1-21) and all these things will be completed.

12:8-10 Daniel’s statement that he heard but did not understand does not mean that he did not comprehend that his prophecy was about the end of days but rather that he did not understand precisely how these events would happen. Daniel was told to go on his way, because the words are secret (or “closed”) and sealed until the time of the end, meaning they would not be fully recognized until their fulfillment at the end of days. At that time, the wicked will fail to comprehend their situation but those who have insight will understand the fulfillment of Daniel’s words and turn in faith to the God of Israel and his Messiah Jesus.

12:11-12 Two periods of time were revealed to Daniel. First, from the middle of the tribulation when the antichrist stops daily sacrifice and commits the abomination of desolation until the end, there will be 1,290 days. The great tribulation is said to be three and one-half years (v. 7) or 1,260 days (Rv 12:6; 13:5). Here it is thirty days longer, probably to include time for the judgment of the nations (Mt 25:31-46). Second, a blessing awaits the one who . . . reaches 1,335 days, a period that includes not only the thirty days for judging the nations but an additional forty-five days, perhaps to establish the government of the messianic kingdom. Those who enter that kingdom are said to be happy because they will be part of the most glorious world, governed by its greatest King, the Lord Jesus himself.

12:13 The angel told Daniel that he was to continue to the end of his life, at which point he would rest, a euphemism for death. Yet he was given the promise that he too would stand, that is, rise from the dead, at the end of time (v. 2).