Bible Commentaries
Daniel 12

Verse 1

Daniel 12:1

Great resource: Old Testament Survey Series: The Major Prophets, James E. Smith OTSS:MP

While nearly all scholars take the "resurrection" to be a reference to the final resurrection of the body, Smith takes it was as a "great moral and spiritual awakening."

In the following passages the language of death is used to describe a state of spiritual indifference and sin. Arising from death in these cases is equivalent to revival or renewal or conversion. See Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 29:10; Isaiah 60:1; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Matthew 4:15-16; John 5:25; Ephesians 5:14. - Smith, J. E. (1992). The Major Prophets. Joplin, MO: College Press.

Verse 2

Daniel 12:2

Verse 2 is generally considered to be the OT’s plainest reference to the resurrection of the faithful (cp. v. 13), though the idea occurs in several earlier passages (Job 19:26; Psalms 17:15; Isaiah 26:19; cp. Ezekiel 37:11-13)

everlasting life . . See note at Romans 2:7.

Verse 4

Daniel 12:4

knowledge will increase -- The knowledge which increases is that spiritual insight cast upon Old Testament revelation through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ.

The times prior to Christ are characterized as “the times of this ignorance” (Acts 17:30). Knowledge of the true God removed the darkness of this ignorance. See John 17:4; 1 Corinthians 15:34; Colossians 1:10. - Smith, J. E. (1992). The Major Prophets. Joplin, MO: College Press.

Verse 5

Daniel 12:5

The two angels stood on either side of the Tigris river while the superior angel who had been conducting Daniel through this final vision was stationed “above the waters of the river.” - Smith, J. E. (1992).

Verse 6

Daniel 12:6

The question is not How long until the end, but How long is the end. How long would the terrible period of tribulation alluded to in 12:1 last? (12:5f.).

Jesus was referring to this same time of distress when he said: “These be the days of vengeance that all things that are written may be fulfilled” (Luke 21:22). Again he said: “And except those days be shortened there should no flesh be saved, but for the sake of the elect those days shall be shortened” (Matthew 24:22). -Smith, J. E. (1992).

Verse 7

Daniel 12:7

raised right hand -- and left -- While only one hand is typically raised for an oath (Deuteronomy 32:40), the heavenly figure raises both hands for emphasis . - NIVZSB (also Ton Constable)

finish shattering -- The entire prophecy spoken by the heavenly messenger must have been fulfilled prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 when the Romans smashed through the walls of Jerusalem. In that year the power of national Israel was shattered.

Moses may have predicted the result of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in Deuteronomy 28:49-68, especially the words, “And the Lord shall scatter you among all people, from the one end of the earth even to the other,” (Deuteronomy 28:64). - Smith, J. E. (1992).

Verse 10

Daniel 12:10

none -- understand -- The predictions here recorded would not be understood by all men even in the day of fulfillment. - Smith

Verse 11

Daniel 12:11

sacrifice is abolished -- The angel specified the length of time between the two pivotal events as 1,290 days. Forty-three months after the abomination that causes desolation was set up (i.e., the Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem), the daily sacrifice would cease. According to Josephus, the Roman armies approached Jerusalem on the twenty-seventh day of the month Hyperberetaios (October) A.D. 66. 21 Under pressure of the siege, the daily sacrifice was suspended July 14, A.D. 70. The following month Titus the Roman general forced his way into Jerusalem and utterly destroyed the place. The 1290 days would thus represent the period of most intense suffering for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. - Smith

Verse 12

Daniel 12:12

1,335 days -- The angel pronounces as “blessed” that person who “keeps waiting and attains to the 1335 days” (12:12). Within forty-five days of the cessation of the daily sacrifice, the ordeal would be over.22 After conquering the city, Titus ordered those who had rebelled against Rome—the Zealots—to be slain or enslaved. At the same time he set free those who had been imprisoned by the Zealots throughout the siege. - Smith

See CHART #24 in OTSS:MP - James E. Smith