Daniel 12:1-13

12:1-3 | These verses continue the grand angel Michael’s words to Daniel (10:4-14), flowing out of the time period of 11:36-45. During that time of the Antichrist’s reign of terror, supernatural forces will be directing the events on earth. There has never been, nor will there ever be, a time of greater trouble and persecution for Israel, when all of Satan’s fury is poured out on the nation.

12:1 | Michael will stand up and come to Israel’s (your people) defense so that even in the time of trouble, there is hope of final deliverance (Jer. 30:7-11; Rev. 12:1-17). The book is the book of salvation (Mal. 3:16-4:3; Luke 10:20; Rev. 3:5; 17:8; 20:12-15; 21:27), god’s record of all those who have been justified by faith in the finished work of Christ (Rom. 8:30).

12:2 | Many represents two groups of the dead (who sleep) who will be resurrected (shall awake). After the Tribulation, both the righteous and the wicked will be resurrected, only their destinies will be different.

12:3 | The wise not only understand God’s salvation, they are active in turning many to righteousness even during the most perilous times. God will reward them by making them shine like the sun throughout eternity.

12:4 | This revelation, though given to Daniel, was not intended just for his era but for those living in “the time of the end” (11:35), helping people in the distant future to trust in the Lord during the Great Tribulation. They will know that God is in control and that Michael will defend them (12:1). Many shall run to and fro indicates a search for answers to the times. To seal the book guarantees that when the end time arrives (the seventieth week of years), Daniel’s book will be available.

12:5-6 | Daniel now goes back to the river scene of 10:5 and ends the book with a question-and-answer session. Two men of heavenly origin now question the grand angel. The first question – How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be? – indicates angelic interest in future things as well as proving that the angelic world does not know everything.

12:7 | Normally only one hand is raised in a solemn oath. Both hands raised indicates a very important oath. To swear by Him who lives forever can only refer to the sovereign Lord, pointing to the importance of the question and the divine answer.

12:11-12 | The 1,290-day period (360x3.5+30) will be for the final judgments to be completed, and the 1,335 days (+75) will be the final preparations for the return of Christ and the establishment of the millennial kingdom (Matt. 25:31-46), completing the six items contained in 9:24. These extra days are needed for the sheep/goat judgment of Matthew 25 and the necessary arrangements for the administration of the kingdom.

12:13 | Daniel will live again in the resurrection, signaling that all OT saints will be resurrected at the conclusion of the Great Tribulation (at the end of the days).