Daniel 12
Daniel 12 is the last chapter of Daniel, containing important prophecies and messages about the end times. This chapter focuses especially on the hardships that will occur in the last days, the resurrection, and exhortations regarding wisdom and perseverance. Through this, readers can catch a glimpse of God’s plan and guidance for the final moments of history.
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.”
The Main Structure of the Text
- Verse 1: Michael (the archangel) appears and foretells that there will be great distress in the last days. However, it says that “those who are written in the book” will be saved.
- Verses 2–3: It prophesies that many will awaken from the dust of the earth to receive eternal life or disgrace, emphasizing the role of the wise and the shining of those who remain faithful.
- Verses 4–7: God tells Daniel to seal up these words until the time of the end, and two angels raise questions about the length of the period and what it means in the last days.
- Verses 8–13: When Daniel asks what the meaning of the last days is, it says that understanding will be given as people pass through hardship, and it exhorts that those who persevere to the end are blessed.
The Overall Meaning
This chapter shows the promised salvation together with the distress that will be at the end. Even amid suffering and confusion, God’s people are not forgotten and are protected, and in the end they will stand among light and life. It also gives special attention to human wisdom and perseverance, reaffirming the value of a life lived faithfully to the end.
Meditation Points
- In the midst of difficulty and distress, can I trust God’s promise of salvation?
- As a wise person, am I having a good influence on the people around me?
- How can I receive fear about the future with faith?
Applying to Me
- Let’s strive to keep a mindset of persevering to the end and living faithfully no matter what situation we face.
- Let’s hold on to God’s promise and find hope in our present lives.
- As a person of wisdom, let’s carry out the role of shining a light on those around me in my own life.
This is the last chapter of Daniel.