United Commentaries

Dan.10.1-12.13

This final vision reaches historically from 536 BC to a distant future when Daniel would be raised from the dead and receive his inheritance. All earthly kingdoms would be destroyed, the eternal kingdom of the Son of Man would arise, God’s people would finally be rescued, and death—the ultimate enemy—would be defeated.

Dan.11.2-12.7

The messenger provided a grand sweep of history, from the time of Persia, through the break-up of Greece, the rise and defeat of a wicked king or series of kings (11:21-45), and the final resurrection and triumph of God’s people.

Dan.12.1-7

At that time, the time of the end, God will rescue his people and defeat every enemy—even death.

Dan.12.1

Michael was Israel’s patron angel (cp. 10:13, 21; Rev 2:1, 8, 12).

the book: This is possibly the Book of Truth (Dan 10:21; cp. 7:10).

will be rescued: All previous rescues of God’s people in Daniel (e.g., 3:28; 6:27) had foreshadowed, and now culminated in, the resurrection from the dead (12:2-3).

Dan.12.2

Everlasting life is completely without shame or disgrace (cp. Gen 2:25; 3:7).

Dan.12.3

Those who are wise know their God (cp. 1:4, 17; 8:25; 9:22, 25; 11:32-35; 12:10).

To shine is a familiar metaphor for life, purity, righteousness, and glory.

Dan.12.4

Daniel was to keep the prophecy a secret (cp. 7:28; 8:26); it would be unveiled at God’s proper time, the time of the end.

Dan.12.5

The river was the Tigris River (10:4).

The two others witnessed to God’s promises (see Num 35:30; Deut 19:15).

Dan.12.7

time, times, and half a time: God appoints times for all things as he rules the flow of earthly and heavenly events (see study note on 7:24-25).

The shattering of the holy people was part of God’s purpose to purify them (12:10).

Dan.12.8-10

God withheld exactly how and when all this would finally end. Daniel would not see the end (12:13); his job was to finish out his life in faith.

purified, cleansed, and refined: God would use violent and terrifying times to improve the moral and religious character of his people (cp. 11:35).

Being wise includes having insight into God’s ways and walking accordingly. The wicked will not understand or change their wickedness even if the vision is explained to them.

Dan.12.11-12

the sacrilegious object that causes desecration: See 8:13-14, 23-26; 11:29-35. See also study note on 9:27.

God’s people must wait and remain faithful when the events of the end come.

1,290 days . . . 1,335 days: Some interpreters see these numbers as relating to specific events in the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Others see them as purely symbolic. The number 1,290 equals 43 lunar months of 30 days each, which is approximately 3½ years in the solar calendar. This might represent the final half of the final “set of seven” (9:27). The number 1,335 might represent simply an extra 45 days of waiting until the end. Those who endure the whole time, and then some, will see God act on behalf of his people.

Dan.12.13

Daniel died before the final end, but he knew that he would rise again! Here, the end refers to that time when even the dead rise (12:1-3) and the everlasting Kingdom of God Most High is established.