Footnotes:
12:1-3 - The archangel Michael stands up to protect God's people during the great tribulation. The promise that the righteous will shine like stars highlights the eternal reward for the faithful in Christ (see also Matthew 25:31-34 and Revelation 22:12).
12:4-9 - The angel reveals that the end times will be filled with great uncertainty and testing, but the knowledge of God will be increased. This suggests that in the end times there will be a greater search for divine wisdom (see also Daniel 8:26 and Revelation 22:10-11).
12:10-13 - The purification and testing of the righteous and the wicked at the end of time show that faithfulness will be rewarded. The resurrection of the dead is announced, confirming the hope of eternal life for the righteous (see also John 5:28-29 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52).
Verses related to Daniel, 12:
Daniel chapter 12 concludes the book with prophecies about the end time. What hope does this final vision offer? The text speaks of a time of unprecedented anguish, the resurrection, the final judgment and the reward of the righteous. This culminating chapter emphasizes faithfulness to the end, the certainty of divine justice, and the promise of eternal life. The vision encourages perseverance and wisdom in difficult times. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that elucidate the eschatological themes of this concluding chapter.
Matthew 25:46: "And these will go into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." - This verse echoes the description in Daniel 12:2 of the resurrection to eternal life or eternal shame.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52: "Behold, I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be transformed." - Paul elaborates on the concept of resurrection mentioned in Daniel 12:2.
Revelation 20:12: "I also saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done, according to what was recorded in the books." - This final judgment scene recalls the mention of the book in Daniel 12:1.
Mark 13:13: "Everyone will hate you because of me; but he who endures to the end will be saved." - This verse reflects the theme of perseverance in times of trouble found in Daniel 12.
Revelation 22:10: "Then he said to me, 'Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.'" - This command contrasts with the instruction given to Daniel in 12:4 to seal the words of prophecy, indicating a time of fulfillment.
FAQ:
What does the "book" mentioned in Daniel 12 mean?
The "book" in Daniel 12 is a reference to God's record, where the names of the righteous are written, and which will be opened at the end of time for judgment. (Daniel 12:1-2)
What is the resurrection mentioned in Daniel 12?
Daniel 12 speaks of the resurrection of the dead, where the righteous will be raised to eternal life, and the wicked to eternal condemnation. (Daniel 12:2)
How does the prophecy of Daniel 12 connect to the end times?
The prophecy of Daniel 12 describes a time of great distress, followed by divine intervention that brings salvation to the faithful and judgment to the wicked. (Daniel 12:1-3)
What does the time of "one thousand two hundred and ninety days" in Daniel 12 mean?
The "one thousand two hundred and ninety days" refer to a period of suffering and persecution for the faithful, but also to the promise of salvation at the end of that time. (Daniel 12:11)
What is the "waiting time" mentioned at the end of Daniel 12?
The "time of waiting" refers to the patience needed until the complete fulfillment of prophecy and the coming of the end, when God will bring redemption. (Daniel 12:13)
