Daniel 12 – The Time of the End and Final Deliverance
Daniel 12 unveils the final moments of earth’s history: the time of trouble, Michael standing up, the resurrection of the righteous, and the sealing of God’s people before the end.
Hope in the Midst of Trouble
As the great conflict between good and evil reaches its peak, Daniel is shown the final events of human history. Michael, the great Prince, rises to defend His people. Though a time of trouble unfolds, the faithful are delivered, the dead are raised, and the wise shine forever.
✔ Michael stands up for His people.
✔ A time of trouble like never before begins.
✔ God’s people are delivered and sealed.
✔ The dead are raised to eternal life—or shame.
📖 Key Verse: “And at that time shall Michael stand up… and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was… and at that time thy people shall be delivered.” – Daniel 12:1
🔎 When fear rises, faith must rise higher—because the Deliverer is already standing.
Daniel Chapter 12 Overview
Daniel 12:1–4 – Michael Stands and the Wise Shine
📖 Daniel 12:1 – “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people…”
🔎 Michael is none other than Christ, the Prince of heaven’s host (Daniel 10:21, Revelation 12:7):
🔹 “Standing up” signals a transition in His ministry—from intercessor to defender and judge. It marks the close of probation (Revelation 22:11).
🔹 He stands for “the children of thy people”—those whose names are written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3, Revelation 20:12).
🔹 This moment precedes the seven last plagues (Revelation 15–16)—when mercy ends and justice is poured out.
➡️ Spiritual Alert: Once Michael stands, there is no more intercession. Every case is decided. Now is the time to choose.
📖 Daniel 12:1 (continued) – “And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation…”
🔎 This is the final crisis—worse than any war, plague, or persecution in history:
🔹 This “time of trouble” includes both global catastrophe and spiritual testing (see Jeremiah 30:7).
🔹 It mirrors the plagues of Egypt—only now, they fall worldwide (Revelation 16).
🔹 God’s people are protected—but not removed. They are sealed and preserved through the fire (Psalm 91:7–10).
➡️ Faith Anchored: This is why God is sealing His people now (Revelation 7:3). We must be spiritually fireproof before the storm.
📖 Daniel 12:1 (conclusion) – “And at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”
🔎 Deliverance is sure—but it’s for the faithful:
🔹 The “book” is the Book of Life—a record of those who have surrendered fully to God.
🔹 Deliverance does not mean escape from trial—but from eternal loss.
🔹 This is the Exodus of the End Times—God will deliver His remnant as surely as He did Israel from Egypt.
➡️ Devotional Question: Is your name in the Book of Life? Is your character being sealed?
📖 Daniel 12:2 – “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…”
🔎 The resurrection is both glorious and sobering:
🔹 “Many” (not all) indicates a special resurrection—likely of those involved in Christ’s trial and the final rejection of truth (see Revelation 1:7, Matthew 26:64).
🔹 Two groups rise: those to everlasting life, and those to shame and everlasting contempt.
🔹 This resurrection occurs before the Second Coming—a unique event tied to the Loud Cry and judgment.
➡️ Prophetic Tie-In: The full resurrection of all the dead (John 5:28–29) happens at the Second Coming and after the millennium (Revelation 20). This special resurrection precedes it.
📖 Daniel 12:3 – “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament…”
🔎 The wise are those who understand, teach, and live truth:
🔹 “Wise” (Hebrew: maskilim) means discerning, spiritually intelligent, not just intellectually smart.
🔹 They shine like the stars because they reflect the character of Christ (Philippians 2:15).
🔹 “Turn many to righteousness” – these are soul-winners, faithful witnesses during earth’s darkest hour.
➡️ Eternal Glory: The faithful will shine forever—not for their fame, but for their faithfulness.
📖 Daniel 12:4 – “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end…”
🔎 The prophecy is sealed—but only until the right generation:
🔹 Daniel was told to “shut it up”—but not forever. It was sealed until “the time of the end”—when knowledge would increase.
🔹 The “book” is now being unsealed, especially through the books of Daniel and Revelation together.
🔹 “Knowledge shall be increased” refers especially to prophetic understanding—but also includes rapid global knowledge (technology, travel, communication).
➡️ End-Time Insight: We are that generation. The seal is broken. The scroll is open. We must understand, proclaim, and live the message.
Daniel 12:5–13 – The End of the Vision and the Blessed Wait
📖 Daniel 12:5–6 – “How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?”
🔎 Daniel isn’t the only one watching—two angels appear, and one asks the crucial question:
🔹 The question reveals the heavenly interest in end-time events (see 1 Peter 1:12).
🔹 “How long?” reflects the cry of God’s people through the ages (Revelation 6:10).
🔹 The “wonders” refer to the resurrection, deliverance, and time of trouble just described.
➡️ Prophetic Reminder: Even angels long to understand the timing of God’s plan—yet only Christ holds the answer.
📖 Daniel 12:7 – “It shall be for a time, times, and an half… when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people…”
🔎 A prophetic period of persecution is revealed:
🔹 “Time, times, and an half” = 3.5 prophetic years = 1,260 literal years (based on day-for-a-year principle, Ezekiel 4:6).
🔹 This aligns with Revelation 12:6, 14 and Daniel 7:25, referring to the Dark Ages (538–1798 AD)—a time of papal supremacy and persecution.
🔹 The power of the saints was scattered—but not destroyed. God preserved a remnant.
➡️ Historical Fulfillment: The end of the 1,260 years came with the fall of the papal political power in 1798, fulfilling this prophecy precisely.
📖 Daniel 12:8–9 – “Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.”
🔎 Daniel doesn’t understand—but is told to rest in faith:
🔹 Not all prophecy is meant to be understood immediately—some is reserved for the end-time generation.
🔹 The seal remains until God’s appointed time—but is now being broken open (see Revelation 10:2, 7).
➡️ Spiritual Insight: Sometimes God says, “You don’t need to understand—just trust Me.”
📖 Daniel 12:10 – “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried…”
🔎 Final preparation precedes final deliverance:
🔹 God’s people will go through purification and testing—spiritually refined like gold (Malachi 3:2–3).
🔹 The wicked will continue in rebellion—understanding is a spiritual gift, not an intellectual one.
🔹 The wise will discern the times—they are guided by the Spirit, not just study.
➡️ End-Time Call: God is preparing a people not only to understand prophecy—but to live it.
📖 Daniel 12:11–12 – “From the time that the daily shall be taken away… 1,290 days… 1,335 days… blessed is he that waiteth.”
🔎 Two final prophetic time periods:
🔹 The 1,290 days and 1,335 days are symbolic prophetic periods—often tied to the removal of the “daily” (Christ’s priestly ministry) and the rise of the abomination of desolation (papal supremacy).
🔹 Many place the start point around 508 AD (when paganism yielded to papal authority), placing the 1,335 days to 1843–1844—when the final message of judgment began.
➡️ Prophetic Hope: The blessing is promised to those who patiently endure to the end and remain faithful through the timeline.
📖 Daniel 12:13 – “But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.”
🔎 Daniel receives his final assurance:
🔹 “Rest” implies he will die, but not without hope.
🔹 “Stand in thy lot” refers to Daniel’s resurrection and reward at the end of days.
🔹 Though the vision was overwhelming, God’s final word is peace, promise, and resurrection.
➡️ Final Word: God’s servants may sleep—but they will rise again to receive their crown.
Daniel Chapter 12 - Deeper Study
Overview: Time, Judgment, and Eternal Destiny
🔹 Timeframe: Continues the vision from Daniel 11, ending the entire book.
🔹 Setting: Daniel stands at the river, receiving his final message.
🔹 Theme: Deliverance, resurrection, and understanding in the time of the end
What Is the Special Resurrection?
The special resurrection is a unique event that occurs just before the Second Coming of Christ. It is distinct from the general resurrection of the righteous (1 Thessalonians 4:16) and the wicked (Revelation 20:5). This event is foretold in Daniel 12:2:
📖 Daniel 12:2 – “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.”
Let’s unpack this:
Key Details of the Special Resurrection
1️⃣ “Many” – Not All
🔹 Unlike the general resurrection when all the righteous or all the wicked rise, Daniel says “many”, indicating a select group.
🔹 This makes it different from the general resurrections which are always described as “all” (see John 5:28–29).
2️⃣ Two Groups Are Raised
🔹 Some to everlasting life – This includes saints who died in faith but did not live to see the Second Coming.
🔹 Some to shame and contempt – These are specific wicked ones, such as those who pierced Christ and possibly leaders of great rebellion.
📖 Revelation 1:7 – “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him…”
🔎 This shows some of the wicked must be alive to see Jesus return—yet they’ve been dead. How? They are resurrected early just to witness His glory and judgment.
3️⃣ When Does It Happen?
🔹 It takes place between the close of probation and the Second Coming.
🔹 It aligns with the voice of God delivering the everlasting covenant (see Great Controversy, Ch. 40).
🔹 This is just before Christ appears in the clouds, so that all—the faithful and the defiant—can witness His glory.
Who Is Resurrected in the Special Resurrection?
✅ Righteous:
🔹 Saints who died under the third angel’s message (Revelation 14:9–13).
🔹 Faithful believers who longed to see Christ return but died before that day.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth…” (Revelation 14:13) – This “from henceforth” points to those who died during the judgment hour message (1844 onward).
❌ Wicked:
🔹 Those who crucified Christ – as promised in Revelation 1:7.
🔹 Possibly high-ranking enemies of truth—those who led persecution or blasphemed the truth globally.
🕊️ Purpose of the Special Resurrection
✅ To reward the faithful who lived by faith but died before the final victory.
✅ To confront the wicked who defied God’s truth face-to-face with the One they rejected.
✅ To demonstrate God’s perfect justice and mercy—before the eyes of both heaven and earth.
In Summary:
The Special Resurrection is…
🔹 A pre-advent event
🔹 Selective in nature (many—not all)
🔹 Includes both righteous and wicked
🔹 Confirms prophecy (Daniel 12:2 + Revelation 1:7)
🔹 Shows that no one escapes accountability—and no one is forgotten
Key Takeaways from Daniel 7
🔑 Michael (Christ) defends His people in the last days.
🔑 The righteous are sealed and delivered during global crisis.
🔑 The resurrection brings reward and judgment.
🔑 True understanding will increase in the last days.
🔑 Those who lead others to righteousness will shine forever.
Prophetic Patterns & Dual Fulfillment
🔮 Michael standing up – Reflects the close of probation and beginning of the end (Revelation 22:11).
🔮 Time of trouble – Mirrors Matthew 24 and Revelation 16’s plagues.
🔮 Shining of the wise – Symbolic of the sealed and sanctified saints (Revelation 7, 14).
Historical & Future Significance
📜 Michael the Prince – Another name for Christ, Commander of heaven’s armies (see Jude 9, Revelation 12:7).
📜 Book of Life – A heavenly record of all who belong to God (Exodus 32:32, Revelation 20:12).
📜 Prophetic time periods – The 1,260, 1,290, and 1,335 days are symbolic years tied to papal persecution and end-time events.
💡 Final Reflection: Will You Be Counted Among the Wise?
Daniel’s last vision isn’t about fear—it’s about final victory. The world will shake, but those anchored in Christ will stand.
📌 Are you preparing for the time of trouble by anchoring in the Word?
📌 Are you seeking wisdom that shines eternally—or knowledge that fades?
📌 Will your name be found in the Book of Life when Michael stands?
🚀 When the final moment comes, may we be found among the delivered—sealed, shining, and saved.
The Time of the End
Dan 12:1 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.
Dan 12:2 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.
Dan 12:3 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.
Dan 12:4 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.
Dan 12:5 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.
Dan 12:6 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?
Dan 12:7 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.
Dan 12:8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
Dan 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Dan 12:10 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.
Dan 12:11 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.
Dan 12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
Dan 12:13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Date Written
605–536 BC
Written By
Daniel – a Hebrew prophet during the Babylonian exile
Language
Hebrew (Chapters 1-2:4a, 8-12)
Aramaic (Chapters 2:4b-7)
Verses
13