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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.”

Michael, the archangel and protector of Israel, is prophesied to intervene during a period of unprecedented tribulation. This verse highlights both the severe distress that will come upon the world and the assurance of salvation for God’s people, those "written in the book" of life. It speaks to God’s protection and ultimate deliverance for His faithful followers amid great trials.

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.

In this scene, Daniel witnesses a heavenly figure, possibly the pre-incarnate Christ, swearing by God to the timing of these events. "A time, times, and half a time" is often interpreted as three and a half years, a period associated with tribulation. This period will culminate when the power of God’s people appears broken, signaling the completion of the prophesied wonders.

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.

Daniel admits his confusion, but he’s told that understanding will be granted to the wise in the last days. The purification process mentioned reflects the trials and refining of God’s people, while the wicked will continue in sin. This emphasizes a separation between those who seek wisdom and righteousness and those who persist in wickedness.

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.

These verses provide specific timelines, often interpreted symbolically. The “abomination of desolation” signifies a great offense against God, possibly in the form of idolatry in the temple. The 1,290 and 1,335 days suggest periods of waiting, endurance, and faithfulness. Those who remain steadfast through these periods are promised a blessing.

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.

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