About Daniel

Daniel demonstrates faithfulness in exile while receiving visions of God's sovereignty over all kingdoms of history.

Author: DanielWritten: c. 535 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 13
SovereigntyFaithfulnessProphecyKingdomsPersecutionDeliverance

King James Version

Daniel 12

13 verses with commentary

The Time of the End

1

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

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KJV Study Commentary

The phrase "at that time" connects this prophecy to preceding visions of conflict and persecution (chapter 11). "Shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people" identifies Michael as Israel's protector, an archangel specially assigned to defend God's covenant people. The verb <em>amad</em> (עָמַד, "stand up") suggests rising to action, intervening decisively...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XII. (1) **At that time**—*i.e.,* in the times spoken of in Daniel 11:45, previous to the overthrow of the king. During the tribulation which precedes his overthrow, Michael (see Daniel 10:13) comes to stand up in aid of the people. **A time of trouble.—**This is the tribulation spoken of in Matt. in Matthew 24:21-22, which follows, as it does in the Book of Daniel, the wars, rumours of wars, and ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. Tehaphnehes--**called from the queen of Egypt mentioned in 1Ki 11:19. The same as Daphne, near Pelusium, a royal residence of the Pharaohs (Jr 43:7, 9). Called Hanes (Is 30:4). **break ... the yokes of Egypt--**that is, the tyrannical supremacy which she exercised over other nations. Compare "bands of their yoke" (Eze 34:7). **a cloud--**namely, of calamity.
2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse contains the Old Testament's clearest resurrection prophecy: "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake." The phrase "sleep in the dust" represents death using common biblical euphemism (Psalm 13:3, John 11:11). The verb <em>quts</em> (קוּץ, "awake") means "to rouse" or "wake up," indicating resurrection as awakening from sleep. The word "many" (<em>rabbim</em>, רַבִּ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Many** . . . **that sleep in the dust.—**Literally, *Many sleepers in the land of dust.* The word “sleep” is applied to death (Jeremiah 51:39; comp. 1Thessalonians 4:14); while “dust” is used for the grave (Psalm 22:29). Some difficulty is presented by the use of the word “many” where “all” would have been expected. Theodoret explains it from Romans 5:15, where he observes “many” stands for ...
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3

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. wise: or, teachers

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KJV Study Commentary

The phrase "they that be wise" comes from the Hebrew root <em>sakal</em> meaning "to understand" or "to have insight." This refers not merely to intellectual knowledge but to spiritual understanding—those who comprehend God's truth and live accordingly. "Shall shine as the brightness of the firmament" uses astronomical imagery—they will radiate glory like the heavenly expanse. This echoes Matthew ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **They that be wise.—**Comp. Matthew 13:43, Notes. “The wise” are the same as “those that understand” who were spoken of in Daniel 11:33, meaning those who by their own righteousness—that is, by their faithfulness to their covenant with God—had set a bright example to the others, as in Daniel 11:35. Such is the consolation held out for the support of those who shall witness the tribulation of ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20. Here begins the earlier vision, not long after that in the twenty-ninth chapter, about three months before the taking of Jerusalem, as to Pharaoh and his kingdom.
4

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

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KJV Study Commentary

The divine command "shut up the words, and seal the book" uses legal terminology for preserving important documents. The Hebrew <em>chatam</em> (חָתַם, "seal") indicates authentication and protection from tampering, similar to sealing official decrees with wax and signet rings. This sealing doesn't mean hiding the prophecy but preserving it intact for future generations who will understand it more...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Shut up the words.—**The revelation, which commenced in Daniel 10:20, now draws towards a close, and the prophet receives a further revelation respecting the time of the end. The revelation continues to be called by the same name, “the words,” as in Daniel 10:1; and now the prophet is told that the book in which this revelation is written must be placed in a safe and sure place, for the need...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. broken ... arm of Pharaoh--**(Psa 37:17; Jr 48:25). Referring to the defeat which Pharaoh-hophra sustained from the Chaldeans, when trying to raise the siege of Jerusalem (Jr 37:5, 7); and previous to the deprivation of Pharaoh-necho of all his conquests from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates (2Ki 24:7; Jr 46:2); also to the Egyptian disaster in Cyrene.
5

Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. bank: Heb. lip bank: Heb. lip

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KJV Study Commentary

Daniel's observation—"behold, there stood other two"—introduces two additional angelic figures positioned on opposite banks of the river (likely the Tigris, cf. 10:4). Their positioning on either side creates a solemn courtroom or witness scene, framing the "man clothed in linen" (Christ, cf. 10:5-6) who stands above the waters. This heavenly council scene emphasizes the revealed prophecy's signif...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Other two.**—Two heavenly beings are now seen by the prophet. As the absence of the article shows he had not seen them before, St. Jerome supposes them to be the angels of Persia and Greece, but of course it is impossible to identify them. **The river**—*i.e.,* the Hiddekel, as in Daniel 10:4, though a different word for “river” is used, which is generally employed to designate the Nile. For...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. arms--**Not only the "one arm" broken already (Eze 30:21) was not to be healed, but the other two should be broken. Not a corporal wound, but a breaking of the power of Pharaoh is intended. **cause ... sword to fall out of ... hand--**deprive him of the resources of making war.
6

And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? upon: or, from above

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KJV Study Commentary

One angel's question to "the man clothed in linen"—"How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?"—expresses both angelic curiosity and human longing. The phrase "these wonders" refers to the prophetic events described in chapters 10-12, particularly the persecution of God's people and the eventual triumph described in verses 1-4. Even angels desire to understand redemptive history's timeline ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **And one said.—**The speaker is evidently one of the persons just mentioned, but the LXX. and St. Jerome suppose Daniel to address the man clothed in white linen, who is obviously the same person who has already spoken (Daniel 10:5, &c.). The position which he occupies is striking. He appears *“upon”* or (see margin) from above, *i.e.,* hovering over the waters of the Tigris. If, as is freque...
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7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. a time: or, part

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KJV Study Commentary

The solemn oath—"he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever"—represents the most emphatic divine promise possible. Raising both hands (unlike typical single-hand oaths) emphasizes absolute certainty and divine authority. Swearing "by him that liveth for ever" grounds the oath in God's eternal existence and unchangeable nature, guaranteeing the pr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Held up his right hand** . . .—In general, a person when swearing lifted up the right hand only (see Genesis 14:22; Deuteronomy 32:40). Both hands are represented here as being raised up, so as to give greater importance to the words. (See Note on Revelation 10:5, and comp. Daniel 4:34.) **A time, times** . . .—See Note on Daniel 7:25; and observe that any reference to the period of the pers...
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8

And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse captures Daniel's honest response to apocalyptic revelation. The Hebrew <em>shamati</em> ("I heard") indicates he clearly received the message, but <em>lo avin</em> ("I understood not") reveals his inability to comprehend its full meaning. Daniel models intellectual humility—even after receiving direct divine revelation, he acknowledges the limits of his understanding. His question "wha...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **I understood not.—**He did not understand the answer given in Daniel 12:7. The question did not seem to have had any reply. It had been asked how long the end should continue, and the answer had been only the obscure words, “time, times, and an half.” **What shall be the** end?—Daniel refers to the “wonderful things” mentioned in Daniel 12:6, and using a different word for “end,” asks which ...
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9

And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

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KJV Study Commentary

The command "Go thy way, Daniel" redirects the prophet from seeking further explanation to practical faithfulness. Despite Daniel's curiosity about prophetic details (v. 8), he receives instruction to live faithfully rather than exhaustive understanding. The phrase "the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end" explains why fuller comprehension remains elusive—these prophecies await...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Go thy way.—**That is, be at peace. Observe that the matter is not explained to Daniel any further. He is assured that the end will most certainly come. Compare another gentle rebuke that was addressed to one who wished to see further than was fitting into the future (John 21:21-22). **Closed up and sealed.—**To be explained as in Daniel 12:4. The book is to be carefully preserved till the e...
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10

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

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KJV Study Commentary

The divine response to Daniel's inquiry provides crucial hermeneutical principle: "Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." The phrase "go thy way" (<em>lekh</em>, לֵךְ) gently dismisses further questioning, indicating Daniel's role is faithful stewardship of received revelation, not exhaustive comprehension of all implications. The repetition of "close...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Many shall be purified.—**See Notes on Revelation 22:11, and comp. Daniel 11:35. The words imply that all shall be fulfilled, the time of persecution shall certainly arise, the righteous will be purified, while the wicked will become apostates. The wise (see Daniel 11:33), and they only, will understand the true meaning and profit of tribulation as it is set forth in this prophecy.
11

And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. the abomination: Heb. to set up the abomination maketh: or, astonisheth

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse provides specific timing: "from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days" (1,290 days). The "daily sacrifice" (<em>tamid</em>, תָּמִיד) refers to the continual burnt offering in the temple, and its removal signals covenant worship's cessation. The "abomination that maketh...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **From the time.**—It appears as if at this verse the prophecy recurs to the more immediate future, and that these words point to the same subject as Daniel 11:31. The language used respecting the “abomination” is almost verbally the same as that in Daniel 8:3; Daniel 8:11; Daniel 9:27, and prevents us from arriving at any other conclusion. The great and apparently insoluble difficulty is the...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 31 Eze 31:1-18. The Overthrow of Egypt Illustrated by That of Assyria. Not that Egypt was, like Assyria, utterly to cease to be, but it was, like Assyria, to lose its prominence in the empire of the world. **1. third month--**two months later than the prophecy delivered in Eze 30:20.
12

Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

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KJV Study Commentary

The book concludes with blessing: "Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days" (1,335 days). This extends 45 days beyond verse 11's 1,290 days, suggesting additional time for complete restoration after deliverance. The beatitude form ("Blessed is he") parallels Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and Revelation's blessings (Revelation 1:3, 14:13, 22:14), p...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Blessed is he.—**Last words to Daniel. He shall rest in the grave, and stand up in his own lot at the end of the days.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. Whom art thou like--**The answer is, Thou art like the haughty king of Assyria; as he was overthrown by the Chaldeans, so shalt thou be by the same.
13

But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. for thou: or, and thou, etc

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KJV Study Commentary

The book concludes with personal promise to Daniel: 'But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.' The command 'go thou thy way' releases Daniel from anxiety about unfulfilled prophecy—his responsibility is faithfulness, not comprehensive understanding. 'Thou shalt rest' promises death as rest, not annihilation. 'Stand in thy lot at the end...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **In thy lot.**—The reference is to the partition of Palestine by lot in the times of Joshua. Even so shall one greater than Joshua divide the heavenly Canaan among His saints who follow Daniel in faith, firmness, and consistency. (See Colossians 1:12.) Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

3. He illustrates the pride and the consequent overthrow of the Assyrian, that Egypt may the better know what she must expect. **cedar in Lebanon--**often eighty feet high, and the diameter of the space covered by its boughs still greater: the symmetry perfect. Compare the similar image (Eze 17:3; Da 4:20-22). **with a shadowing shroud--**with an overshadowing thicket. **top ... among ... th...
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