Daniel 12
Hosea chapter 12 contains material explaining what kind of relationship Israel (especially the northern kingdom of Israel) had with God, and it issues warnings by comparing their spiritual history with their current state of wrongdoing. Overall, it contrasts the lives of their ancestors, Jacob (Israel), with the present condition of the people of Israel, and it intertwines God’s faithfulness with human betrayal and calls for restoration through calling.
1verse“At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time. At that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.
2verseMany of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3verseThose who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and ever.
4verseBut you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many will run back and forth, and knowledge will be increased.”
5verseThen I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on the river bank on this side, and the other on the river bank on that side.
6verseOne said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be to the end of these wonders?”
7verseI 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 will be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have finished breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things will be finished.
8verseI heard, but I didn’t understand. Then I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?”
9verseHe said, “Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.
10verseMany will purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined, but the wicked will do wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.
11verse“From the time that the continual burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there will be one thousand two hundred ninety days.
12verseBlessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days.
13verse“But go your way until the end; for you will rest, and will stand in your inheritance at the end of the days.”
Jacob’s Life and Ethnic Identity
In verses 1–6, the story of Jacob is mentioned to remind the people of Israel of their roots. Jacob took hold of his brother’s heel from the time of his birth, and when he grew up, he wrestled with God. Jacob’s life is centered on earnestness, change, and a persistent relationship with God. Through Jacob’s example, Israel is urged to return to God, repent, and practice mercy and justice.
Israel’s Reality and Disobedience
Verses 7-14 describe how the people of Israel, unlike their past ancestors, are now walking in the path of disobedience, warning of the resulting spiritual decline and judgment. It points out deceptive practices like those of merchants, as well as a life that relies on wealth and power; it criticizes them for forgetting God’s guidance, forming alliances with other nations, and following idols.
God's Faithfulness and Invitation
At the end of this chapter, it emphasizes that despite Israel’s betrayal, God still cared for them as He had in the past. He spoke through the prophets, led them out of Egypt, and continues to give them opportunities to return if they repent. The key is to trust in God’s steadfastness and mercy and to be able to make a new beginning.
Reflection Point
- What are the roots and identity of my faith? What spiritual relationship do I have with God?
- Despite God’s steady care, can I look back to see whether I sometimes forget as often as Israel did?
- At the turning points in life, when I held onto God like Jacob did—and how has the change that followed continued into my life?
Try Applying It to Me
- You can use experiences of past faith not as mere memories, but as energy to live the present anew.
- You can also check whether what I rely on unknowingly (money, people, strength, etc.) is coming before God.
- I hope you make it a week where you open your heart to God every day, and commit to practicing small decisions to live out justice, love, and faithfulness.
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This is the last chapter of Daniel.