The Great Unveiling: Divine Revelations and Eternal Promises

In Daniel 12, we are reminded that no matter how difficult or tumultuous our circumstances may be, God’s protection and promises remain constant. We are also called to seek wisdom and understanding in the face of mystery, reminding us that, ultimately, our quest for knowledge is a divine journey.

Verses 1-4: The Time of Distress and the Promise of Resurrection

These verses describe a time of unparalleled distress that will occur at the end of days. Yet, in this time of strife, Michael, the great prince, will stand to protect Daniel's people. It also mentions a resurrection, where those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awaken, some to everlasting life and others to everlasting contempt.

Verses 5-7: The Sealed Prophecy

Here, Daniel sees two beings, one on each side of the river, asking the man clothed in linen about when the astonishing events will occur. The man, raising his hands to the heavens, swears by the eternal God that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and when the power of the holy people has been shattered, all these events will be completed.

Verses 8-13: The Duration of the End Times

Daniel, not understanding, asks for clarification. The man, however, tells him that the words are sealed until the time of the end. He describes that the wicked will not understand, but the wise will, and puts forth times and durations to signify the end, blessing those who wait and reach the 1335 days. Finally, Daniel is told to go his way until the end, for he will rest and then rise again for his allotted inheritance at the end of days.

Daniel 12, the concluding chapter of the Book of Daniel, continues and finalizes the long range prophecy given to Daniel by an angel. In this captivating finale, Daniel receives revelations of the end times, including a period of unmatched distress, the promise of resurrection and judgment, and the sealing of these prophecies until the end time.

Prophecy and End Times
Resurrection and Judgment
Knowledge and Wisdom
Divine Protection and RewardThe Time of Distress
Resurrection and Judgement
The Sealed Prophecy
Duration of the End TimesDaniel
Michael
The two beings (one on each side of the river)
The man clothed in linenThe River

1. How does Daniel 12 relate to our understanding of the end times?

2. What can we learn about God’s character from the events prophesied in this chapter?

3. Discuss the significance of the resurrection mentioned in verses 1-3. How does this impact your personal faith?

4. How does the sealing of the prophecy in verses 4 and 9 impact your understanding of God's plan?

5. In what ways can we see the theme of wisdom and understanding developed throughout this chapter?

6. How does the mention of "time, times and half a time" contribute to the apocalyptic imagery in the book of Daniel?

7. Who is the figure "clothed in linen" and what is his role in this chapter?

8. What does the final blessing to those who wait and reach the 1335 days signify?

9. How does the promise given to Daniel in the final verse comfort and encourage us in our present day living?

10. How might you react if you were in Daniel's situation, not fully understanding the vision you were given?

11. How do the themes explored in Daniel 12 resonate with other prophetic writings in the Bible?

12. How can we use the teachings in Daniel 12 to navigate difficult times in our lives?

13. How does the portrayal of 'everlasting life' and 'everlasting contempt' influence your understanding of eternal life and judgment?

14. What does the sealing of the words until the end times imply about the nature of divine wisdom and our access to it?

15. What do we learn from the conversation between the man in linen and the two beings by the river?

16. How does Daniel's acceptance of the vision's mystery model faith and humility for us today?

17. What does the chapter imply about the relationship between wisdom and righteousness?

18. How does the concept of waiting play a role in our spiritual lives based on Daniel 12?

19. In the current state of world affairs, how can we apply the prophetic teachings in Daniel 12?

20. How does Daniel 12 encourage you personally in your faith journey, and how can you use its teachings to encourage others?