Daniel 12

Daniel 12 is the final chapter of the book, focusing on a vision of the end times. It discusses events associated with the end of days, including the resurrection, the deliverance of God’s people, and a final period of intense tribulation. This chapter reveals God’s promise of ultimate deliverance for the faithful and points to the hope of eternal life beyond the struggles of this world.

Daniel 12:1 (NKJV)
1 “At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.”

This verse describes a great time of trouble unlike any before, signaling the final events of Earth's history. Michael, identified as the great prince who stands for God's people, is another name for Jesus Christ, the divine leader and protector of His faithful followers. The name Michael means "Who is like God?", and in Scripture, He is depicted as the commander of heaven’s armies (Revelation 12:7) and the one who contends with the forces of evil. At this moment, Michael stands up, symbolizing the end of His intercessory work in the heavenly sanctuary and the beginning of the final phase of Earth's history, where judgment is set, and no further mediation is available. As persecution and chaos intensify, those whose names are written in the book—the faithful who have remained true to God—will be delivered. This passage emphasizes both the severity of the coming crisis and the assurance that Christ Himself will intervene to protect and save His people, leading to the ultimate victory of His kingdom.

Daniel 12:2 (NKJV)
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.

This verse addresses the resurrection, a key concept in Jewish and Christian eschatology. It declares that the dead will rise, with a distinction between those destined for eternal life and those for shame and eternal separation from God. It emphasizes the concept of judgment and the lasting consequences of one’s life choices.

Daniel 12:3 (NKJV)
3 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.

Here, those who have lived wisely and led others to righteousness are promised an everlasting reward. They are compared to the stars, symbolizing eternal brilliance and honor. This highlights the value of living a life that encourages righteousness in others, with a focus on spiritual legacy.

Daniel 12:4 (NKJV)
4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.

Daniel is instructed to seal the prophecy, suggesting that full understanding will be reserved for a future time. The phrase "many shall run to and fro" implies a pursuit of knowledge or understanding, while "knowledge shall increase" hints at a future period of enlightenment. This verse suggests that the end times will bring both confusion and a surge in awareness.

Daniel 12:5-7 (NKJV)
5 Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank.
6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?”
7 Then I 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 shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.

This passage presents a powerful vision where two others stand on either side of the river, and a man clothed in linen—who is identified as a divine figure, likely Jesus Christ (Michael)—raises both hands to heaven and swears by Him who lives forever. This solemn oath emphasizes the certainty of the prophecy. The time given, "a time, times, and half a time", refers to 1,260 prophetic days (years), a period of intense persecution against God's faithful people. This period aligns with other prophecies in Daniel and Revelation, marking an era of spiritual oppression under a dominant religious-political system. The phrase "when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered" suggests that persecution will reach a climax, but it will also signal the nearing of God’s intervention. Despite the trials, this passage reassures that God is in control, and the end will come according to His divine plan, bringing ultimate deliverance to His people.

Daniel 12:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?”
9 And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.

This passage reveals Daniel’s desire to understand the full meaning of the prophecy, but he is told that the words are sealed until the time of the end—indicating that their full significance would not be understood until the last days. The passage emphasizes a process of purification, refining, and testing for God's faithful people, who will be made white through trials, strengthening their faith. In contrast, the wicked will not understand, as they reject divine truth and continue in rebellion. This highlights a clear division: those who seek God will grow in understanding, while those who reject Him will remain in spiritual blindness. The prophecy assures that in the last days, true wisdom will not come from human intellect but from a heart that follows God, and those who remain faithful will discern the unfolding of end-time events as part of God's sovereign plan.

Daniel 12:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.
12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.

This passage outlines two prophetic time periods—1,290 days and 1,335 days—which, using the day-for-a-year principle, represent 1,290 years and 1,335 years. These periods begin when the "daily sacrifice is taken away" and the "abomination of desolation" is set up, pointing to a significant shift in religious power. Many scholars identify A.D. 508 as this starting point, when Clovis, king of the Franks, converted to Christianity and united church and state, strengthening Papal authority.

From A.D. 508, the 1,290 years extend to A.D. 1798, a key moment when Napoleon’s general Berthier took the Pope captive, temporarily ending Papal dominance. However, an additional 45 years extends to A.D. 1843/1844, completing the 1,335 years.

This final period brought a great revival in Bible prophecy, as believers around the world intensely studied Daniel’s messages, expecting Christ’s return. However, 1844 became the year of the Great Disappointment, when Christ did not return as anticipated. Yet, instead of invalidating the prophecy, this event led to a deeper understanding of biblical truth. It was realized that Daniel 8:14’s “cleansing of the sanctuary” referred not to Christ’s return but to the beginning of His final phase of ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, preparing for the last judgment.

The blessing for those who reach the 1,335 days is not in avoiding trials but in receiving greater prophetic insight, revival of biblical truth, and preparation for Christ’s second coming. Though 1844 was a time of testing, it marked the rise of a prophetic movement that refocused on God’s commandments, faith in Jesus, and the urgency of the last-day message.

Daniel 12:13 (NKJV)
13 “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”

In this closing verse, Daniel is reassured of his rest and resurrection to receive his reward. This promise of rest and ultimate reward underscores the hope and assurance given to the faithful. Daniel’s journey will conclude in peace, with the certainty of resurrection and eternal inheritance.