Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Daniel Chapter 12 mean?

This concludes an extensive prophecy given to Daniel (Daniel 10:1) in 536 BC. While standing near the Tigris River, Daniel sees an angelic figure (Daniel 10:4–6) who begins summarizing events which would occur between the fourth and second centuries BC. At the end of the prior chapter, those prophecies were transitioning towards a much longer view, reaching into the end times.

The celestial being, probably the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26) makes another mention of Michael (Daniel 10:13, 21). He implies that Michael is the angel primarily concerned with the nation of Israel. His predictions involve a time of unprecedented hardship. This echoes remarks made by Jesus, and others, with respect to the “tribulation” and “great tribulation” at the end of history (Matthew 24:9–26). Some will follow God and find eternal life; others will reject God and experience everlasting shame. Daniel, for his part, is told to safeguard what he’s been told, knowing that as the end comes closer, mankind’s understanding will improve (Daniel 12:1–4).

Daniel then notes two more beings, probably human-like in appearance, and likely angels. A voice asks about the timing of the recently predicted events. The celestial being refers to “a time, times, and half a time.” This is generally taken to mean three-and-one-half years (Daniel 7: 25; Revelation 12:6, 14; 13:5). Daniel asks for more clarity but is told to go back to his daily life. What has been given is all the information God would provide at that time. However, the angel’s words are encouraging. He reassures Daniel that he will be resurrected and restored after death (Daniel 12:5–13).

Chapter Context
Daniel has been receiving information from an angelic being who appeared near the Tigris River (Daniel 10:4–6). The prophecies covered several centuries of events which were themselves centuries in Daniel’s future (Daniel 11). As did prior chapters (Daniel 7—9), these interlock with other prophetic Scriptures. This chapter ends Daniel’s text, leaving later prophets to record more details about the end times.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

The angel Daniel saw in a vision at the Tigris River (Daniel 10:1) continues to speak. He has delivered a series of prophecies, recorded in Daniel chapter 11. Those predicted many of the major historical events happening around Judea in the fourth through second centuries BC. Near the end, the angel’s predictions shifted, to look much further in the future. Here, the angel speaks in extremely broad terms. This begins a short passage which touches on some of the most important themes in Christian theology.

Michael is one of only two angels named in Scripture. The other is Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26), who is probably the one giving this information to Daniel (Daniel 10:18–21; 11:2). Michael is described as “the archangel” (Jude 1:9). His role seems to involve leadership over the armies of heaven (Revelation 12:7). Earlier, Michael was said to be involved in a supernatural battle with a “prince of the kingdom of Persia” (Daniel 10:13), likely a fallen angel of some kind. That demon was apparently primarily concerned with that region of the world; Michael seems to be the angel most directly concerned with Israel.

What the angel describes here corresponds with a time often called “the great tribulation.” This is often associated with the second half of a seven-year “tribulation” during the end times. Jesus also commented on this era (Matthew 24:9–26). Most interpreters believe this series of events will involve the beasts of Revelation (Revelation 13:1–4, 11–17) and some type of treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27). According to this view, the midpoint of this seven-year period will include “the abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15), triggering this time of unprecedented suffering.

Some interpreters believe the start of this “great tribulation” corresponds to the war mentioned in Revelation, where Michael and the other angels drive Satan and his demons onto earth. Satan then vengefully attacks the Jewish people (Revelation 12:7–12). This will be the worst persecution of Israel’s entire existence. After a series of supernatural events and disasters, Christ will return to earth (Revelation 19:11–15), to rule a kingdom including those Israelites who survived (Zechariah 13:8–9).

This verse also notes a “book.” This does not seem to be a literal paper-and-ink object, but a reference to God’s record of those who have been saved. This idea is used often when speaking of salvation and God’s knowledge of who is a true believer (Exodus 32:32–33; Ezekiel 13:9; Luke 10:20; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 20:12).

Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

An angel speaking to Daniel (Daniel 10:1, 18–21) continues to describe what will happen in the end times: the last moments of history before God’s judgment. The prior verse (Daniel 12:1) mentioned ideas often discussed in “eschatology:” the study of those last days. Among these were the great tribulation and concept of a “book” recording those who are saved.

This verse uses a euphemism for death, calling it “sleep.” This reflects the idea that the end of earthly life is not the end of all life. In the New Testament, Paul uses this same metaphor (1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:15).

Another crucial point reinforced here is that all people will be resurrected into one of two fates. These are the only possible eternal fates. One is life with God, the other is the “contempt” of separation from Him (Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:12–13). Jesus also spoke of this two-sided eternal destiny during His earthly ministry (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28–29). John’s vision of the ultimate judgment makes the same distinction (Revelation 20:11–15), also making mention of a “book.”

Verse 3. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Part of the dire prediction of this passage is that Israel will face the worst persecution of its entire existence at some point during the end times (Daniel 12:1). However, the angel speaking to Daniel (Daniel 10:18–21) also provides hope. All will be resurrected after life here on earth; but not all will share the same eternal fate (Daniel 12:2). As noted elsewhere in Scripture, every human being will transition to exist forever in the loving presence of God, or in shameful separation from Him (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28–29). Those with saving faith can anticipate restoration, while those who reject God have no hope after death (Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:12–13).

Among the possible components of the end times is a group of faithful evangelists, descended from the twelve tribes of Israel. This corps of 144,000 (Revelation 7:4–8) will proclaim the gospel during the terrible time of the beasts (Revelation 13:1–4, 11–17). Their brilliant message (Matthew 13:43) will convince many people, from all over the world (Revelation 7:9), to rely on the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) for salvation (Matthew 24:14). This proper submission to God is described in the Bible as the cornerstone of all that is “wise” (Proverbs 1:7).

Verse 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.”

This marks the end of a long proclamation (Daniel 11:2—12:4) given as prophecy to Daniel (Daniel 10:1). The angelic figure who speaks (Daniel 10:18–21) directly addresses Daniel and gives him instructions. These resemble prior commands (Daniel 8:26) and are reinforced later (Daniel 12:9).

Daniel’s charge here is to “shut up” and “seal” the words which he has been given. Some translators present this as a measure of secrecy: that Daniel is to tell no one about what he has seen and written. Others believe this refers to security, suggesting that Daniel is meant to carefully preserve what he has seen. The apostle John seems to receive the opposite instruction (Revelation 22:10). Most likely, the intent was for Daniel to carefully preserve these prophecies, but to be discreet about those with whom he shared the visions. This restriction was to expire at “the time of the end,” either meaning they would no longer need safeguards, or that they would last until then.

The reference to people roaming, rushing, or running might refer to travel during the end times. The predicted increase of knowledge may foreshadow the profound leaps in communication and information seen in the modern world. Some end-times predictions suggest a lack of access to Scripture, or an obscuring of truthful understanding (Amos 8:12).

It is also possible that the two phrases may be intertwined: this would imply that people will comb through books such as Daniel’s record and gradually learn more about what it means. The modern world certainly offers easier travel and easier communication. Study of these texts is more accessible to the common person than any other time in human history. If that is the gist of this prophecy, it has certainly been fulfilled.

Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream.

Daniel received this series of prophecies (Daniel 10:1) while standing near the Tigris River (Daniel 10:4–6). The celestial being who delivers these predictions is most likely the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; 10:18–21; Luke 1:26). The prior verse ended a long passage where Daniel recorded the words of this being (Daniel 11:2—12:4). Now, two more figures appear.

Scripture gives no further information about these “two others.” No physical description is offered, and no identity is assigned. They are not any of the men who were with Daniel when the vision first began (Daniel 10:7); those men had run away in terror.

The positions on either side of the Tigris may symbolize involvement with Greece and Persia (Daniel 10:13; 12:1). Presumably, these new characters had a human appearance, or else Daniel likely would have used different words. These might be angels curiously listening in on what Daniel was hearing (1 Peter 1:12). Their arrival may also have been simply for Daniel’s benefit, though the reasons are unknown.

Context Summary
Daniel 12:5–13 completes the final prophecy given to Daniel. He sees two additional beings and hears a question about the timing of the predicted events. Daniel does not fully understand the answer and asks for clarity. Instead of more answers, he is told to return to his life. After another reference to days and times, the message ends, as does Daniel’s writing.

Verse 6. And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?”

This extensive vision (Daniel 11:2—12:4) came to Daniel through a heavenly messenger. This being is most likely the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; 10:18-21; Luke 1:26).He appeared above the Tigris River. Now, near the end of the message, two new figures appear (Daniel 12:5).

Daniel hears a question being directed towards the figure above the river. Presumably, this is spoken by one of the two newly mentioned beings. It echoes the question posed in an earlier vision (Daniel 8:13): what is the timeline of these events? Most likely, this is a reference to the most recent series of predictions (Daniel 11:36—12:4). It may also be a general question about when all the prophesied events would occur. However, the precise mention of “the end” makes that option unlikely.

The celestial being above the Tigris will provide an answer which is extremely specific in one sense, and very vague in another (Daniel 12:7).

Verse 7. And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.

After a celestial being (Daniel 10:18–21) delivers a long series of prophecies (Daniel 11:2—12:4), Daniel sees two more figures. These stand on either side of the Tigris River (Daniel 12:5). Someone—most likely one of these two beings—asks the figure above the water about when the predicted events will end (Daniel 12:6).

The messenger, likely Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; 10:18–21; Luke 1:26), makes it clear that what he says is absolute truth. He “swears,” meaning he vows or promises on behalf of someone. In this case, the object is God Himself: the eternal “I am” (Exodus 3:14; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 90:2). Raising his hands, and Daniel mentioning each hand individually, adds to the drama and weight of the statement.

According to the linen-clad figure, the events in question will end after “a time, times, and half a time.” This same phrasing was used in Daniel’s earlier prophetic dream (Daniel 7:1, 25). It is also repeated in the book of Revelation (Revelation 12:6, 14). This is generally interpreted to mean three-and-one-half years, or forty-two months (Revelation 13:5). Most interpreters believe this is a reference to a time referred to as the “great tribulation.” This is the second half of a crucial seven-year period during the end times (Matthew 24:21). Along those lines, many interpreters see a violation of a prior treaty (Daniel 9:27) at the midpoint of this seven years, triggering this period of unprecedented suffering. That would correspond to the “shattering” of the people and their strength (Daniel 8:24).

Daniel has heard these words but does not fully comprehend them. He will ask for more information, though truly little will be given (Daniel 12:8).

Verse 8. I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?”

After hearing a lengthy prophetic message (Daniel 11:2—12:4), Daniel now sees three beings. The first is the one who delivered the predictions: a shining figure above the Tigris River (Daniel 10:4–6). The two additional figures probably look like men, and are probably angels, but Scripture says little about them. The primary figure, who is most likely the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; 10:18–21; Luke 1:26) is then asked a question about the timing of these events (Daniel 12:5–6).

The angel’s answer is a reference to “a time, times, and half a time.” Prophetically, this would match with a period of three-and-one-half years, or forty-two months. That corresponds to other biblical prophecies about the “great tribulation” of the end times (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:6, 14; 13:5).

Daniel has heard these questions and answers. Still, he hasn’t fully grasped what everything means. His question seems to emphasize the ultimate outcome. Daniel had received some information about the eternal kingdom. He knew that those who followed God would be part of that (Daniel 7:14, 22, 27). Yet much of what Daniel has been told is symbolic and shadowy. Daniel has scarce information about Christ’s return to earth or the nature of the thousand-year kingdom that follows.

The angel’s answer is essentially to tell Daniel that it’s not his concern (Daniel 12:9). Looking back, we know that prophets beyond Daniel’s lifetime provided more details about the end times. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi would write what was not fully revealed to Daniel.

Verse 9. He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.

This is a non-answer to Daniel’s prior question (Daniel 12:8). He didn’t fully understand all he’d seen and heard (Daniel 11:2—12:4). But at that time, everything which needed to be given was delivered. Daniel is simply told to go about his life (Daniel 12:13). As before (Daniel 12:4), the terms “seal” and “shut up” imply protection and preservation. They are not commands here but stated as completed actions. Likely this means Daniel was to safeguard what he’d written and to be careful with whom he shared. At “the time of the end,” these prophecies would be more widely applied and more relevant. As with many prophecies, they will probably only be fully understood when they are fulfilled.

Next, the angel offers more broad insight into the end times. This includes a comment about those who will or will not follow God and another note about timing (Daniel 12:10–12).

Verse 10. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.

A large portion of Daniel’s book is written in Aramaic: the common language of that era (Daniel 2:24—7:28). That suggests information targeted at a worldwide audience. The remainder of the prophecies are in Hebrew and seem to involve the region of Judea. In other words, they are predictions about the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. Recently, Daniel has heard prophecies from an angelic figure (Daniel 10:18–21; 12:5–7) regarding the future. These, as well, focus on Judea and the world’s interactions with Israel.

For those reasons, many commentators believe this statement contrasting the wicked and the righteous is speaking of the Jewish people during the end times. Other passages indicate an evangelistic force of 144,000 Jews (Revelation 7:4–8) and the special preaching of two “witnesses” in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:3–12). Other prophetic passages suggest many Jewish people will come to faith in Christ during the last days (Zechariah 12:10; 13:1). Those who follow the Lord will experience forgiveness and fellowship with God. However, most will choose to reject Him (Zechariah 13:9).

Scripture supports applying this verse either to Israelites or to the world at large. Misunderstanding God’s truth is primarily a matter of disobedience (John 5:39–40; 7:17). Despite the many supernatural events of the end times, most people will stubbornly refuse to acknowledge God (Revelation 9:20–21; 16:8–11). Even after Jesus personally rules the earth for a thousand years people will still defy Him (Revelation 20:4, 7–9). This persistence in evil should not be a surprise; it is an expected aspect of a world moving further and further from its Creator (Revelation 22:11).

Verse 11. And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days.

Scripture offers almost no clear, recurring details about the end times. One of the few is the mention of a seven-year period, divided into two parts of three-and-one-half-years each (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 11:2; 12:14; 13:5). In this verse, the celestial being speaking to Daniel (Daniel 10:18–21) gives timelines like those previously mentioned (Daniel 9:24–27). Earlier verses also alluded to an “abomination” and the stoppage of sacrifices in the temple (Daniel 8:13; 11:31). This is typically associated with the midpoint of the seven-year tribulation, beginning the three-and-one-half-year “great tribulation.”

Many interpreters believe a powerful leader in the end times will make a treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27), leading to peace. Halfway through the seven-year agreement, however, that leader will defile the temple and turn on the Jewish people. History showed the infamous Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrating the altar in Jerusalem, and Jesus indicates this as foreshadowing what will occur in the last days (Matthew 24:15; Revelation 13:14).

The exact meaning of the days given here is not clear. Using the 360-day “prophetic” year, three-and-one-half years is 1,260 days. This verse indicates thirty days more: a “standard” month in the Hebrew calendar. The following verse, as well, offers a different number (Daniel 12:12). It’s possible there may be a pause between the two halves of the tribulation as the world transitions from false peace into open tyranny. Another possibility is that the two longer times include periods after the end of the tribulation, during which a returned Jesus Christ will gather and judge all the nations of the world (Ezekiel 20:34–38; Matthew 25:31–46).

Verse 12. Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days.

Scripture often suggests a two-part, seven-year period in the end times (Daniel 7:25; 9:27; Revelation 11:2; 12:14; 13:5). As Daniel receives his final words from a celestial being (Daniel 10:18–21), two similar numbers are given. However, neither precisely matches three-and-one-half years. The angel who speaks offers no further information; in fact, he is in the process of telling Daniel to go back to daily life (Daniel 12:9, 13).

The prior verse (Daniel 12:11) mentioned 1,290 days. This is thirty days longer than forty-two “prophetic” months of thirty days each. The number here is another forty-five days beyond that. Because there is almost no context, we can only speculate as to what the additional time spans imply. It’s possible that the two halves of the seven-year tribulation may be interrupted during the time when the temple is being defiled (Matthew 24:15; Revelation 13:14). Or the extra days may be the time Jesus is judging nations after His return (Ezekiel 20:30–38; Matthew 25:31–46; Revelation 19:11–15).

The angel’s message reinforces the biblical theme of persevering (Matthew 24:13). Jesus provided many parables about the need to be ever-ready for His return (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18), even though we don’t know all the details (Matthew 24:44–47; 25:10–12; 14–19).

Verse 13.

Book Summary
The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a “prophet” (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel’s interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a “major” prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.

End of Daniel Chapter 12, and the book of Daniel.

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