The Time of Distress
Daniel 12:1 speaks of a time of distress such as never has occurred since the beginning of nations until then. This highlights the unprecedented nature of the tribulation period, emphasizing the severity and global impact of the events to come.

Deliverance of God's People
The same verse assures us that at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. This promise of deliverance underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Resurrection and Judgment
Verse 2 reveals the reality of resurrection, stating, Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. This points to the final judgment and the eternal destinies of humanity.

Wisdom and Righteousness
Verse 3 highlights the reward for those who lead others to righteousness: Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. This emphasizes the eternal value of living a life that honors God and influences others positively.

Sealed Prophecy
In verse 4, Daniel is instructed to close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. This indicates that the full understanding of these prophecies is reserved for the end times, encouraging us to trust in God's timing and revelation.Prepare Spiritually
In light of the coming tribulation, believers are called to strengthen their faith and remain steadfast in their walk with God.

Share the Gospel
Understanding the eternal consequences of the resurrection and judgment should motivate us to share the message of salvation with others.

Pursue Righteousness
Strive to live a life that reflects God's righteousness, knowing that it has eternal significance and impact.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even when the future seems uncertain, trust that God is in control and His plans will ultimately prevail.1. Michael
Description: Michael is described as "the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people" (Daniel 12:1). In the Hebrew text, Michael is referred to as "מִיכָאֵל" (Mikha'el), which means "Who is like God?" He is considered an archangel and a protector of Israel, playing a significant role in spiritual warfare.

2. The Man Clothed in Linen
Description: This figure appears in Daniel 12:6-7, where he is seen standing above the waters of the river. He raises his hands to heaven and swears by Him who lives forever. The identity of this man is often debated, but he is generally seen as a heavenly being or angelic figure, possibly the same as the one described in Daniel 10:5-6.

3. Daniel
Description: Daniel is the recipient of the vision and the one who records the events in the book. In Daniel 12:4, he is instructed to "shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end." Daniel, whose name in Hebrew is "דָּנִיֵּאל" (Daniyyel), meaning "God is my judge," is a prophet and a key figure throughout the book.1. The Time of Distress
Daniel 12:1 refers to a "time of distress such as never has occurred since nations came into being until that time." This is often interpreted as a period of great tribulation, which some conservative Christians associate with the end times.

2. The Resurrection
Daniel 12:2 speaks of a resurrection where "many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt." This is seen as a reference to the final resurrection and judgment.

3. The Sealed Book
In Daniel 12:4, Daniel is instructed to "shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end." This suggests that the full understanding of these prophecies is reserved for a future time.

4. The Time, Times, and Half a Time
Daniel 12:7 mentions a period described as "a time, times, and half a time," which is often interpreted as a symbolic timeframe related to the end times.

5. The Wise and the Wicked
Daniel 12:10 contrasts the wise, who will understand, with the wicked, who will continue in their wickedness. This highlights the moral and spiritual division that will occur in the end times.

While Daniel 12 does not list specific places, it is rich in symbolic and prophetic language that has been the subject of much interpretation and discussion within conservative Christian theology.1. The Rise of Michael
"At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up." (Daniel 12:1)
Michael, identified as a "great prince," is understood to be an archangel who protects Israel. The Hebrew word for "prince" is "שַׂר" (sar), indicating a leader or chief.

2. A Time of Distress
"There will be a time of distress such as never has occurred since the beginning of nations until then." (Daniel 12:1)
This period of unprecedented trouble is often associated with the Great Tribulation. The Hebrew word for "distress" is "צָרָה" (tsarah), meaning trouble or affliction.

3. Deliverance of the People
"But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered." (Daniel 12:1)
Deliverance is promised to those whose names are in the "book," often interpreted as the Book of Life. The Hebrew word for "book" is "סֵפֶר" (sefer).

4. Resurrection of the Dead
"And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2)
This event describes a resurrection, with outcomes of eternal life or contempt. The Hebrew word for "awake" is "יָקִיצוּ" (yaqitsu), meaning to arise or awaken.

5. The Reward of the Wise
"Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." (Daniel 12:3)
The wise and righteous are promised eternal glory. The Hebrew word for "wise" is "מַשְׂכִּילִים" (maskilim), indicating those with insight or understanding.

6. Sealing of the Words
"But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase." (Daniel 12:4)
Daniel is instructed to seal the prophecy, indicating its future relevance. The Hebrew word for "seal" is "חָתַם" (chatham), meaning to close or secure.

7. The Time of the End
"Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank." (Daniel 12:5)
This scene sets the stage for further revelation about the end times. The Hebrew word for "end" is "קֵץ" (qets), meaning conclusion or termination.

8. The Duration of the Tribulation
"It will be for a time, times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been shattered, all these things will be completed." (Daniel 12:7)
This cryptic phrase is often interpreted as three and a half years. The Hebrew word for "time" is "מוֹעֵד" (moed), meaning an appointed time or season.

9. The Purification of the People
"Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand." (Daniel 12:10)
A process of purification and understanding is described for the righteous. The Hebrew word for "purified" is "יִתְבָּרְרוּ" (yitbareru), meaning to be cleansed or clarified.

10. The Abomination of Desolation
"From the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days." (Daniel 12:11)
This event marks a significant prophetic timeline. The Hebrew word for "abomination" is "שִׁקּוּץ" (shiquts), meaning something detestable or idolatrous.

11. Blessing for the Patient
"Blessed is he who waits and reaches the end of the 1,335 days." (Daniel 12:12)
A blessing is pronounced on those who endure beyond the specified period. The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "אַשְׁרֵי" (ashrei), meaning happy or fortunate.

12. Daniel's Rest and Reward
"But as for you, go on your way until the end. You will rest, and at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance." (Daniel 12:13)
Daniel is promised rest and a future resurrection. The Hebrew word for "rest" is "תָּנוּחַ" (tanuach), meaning to repose or settle down.Matthew 24:21
Jesus speaks of a great tribulation, echoing the distress mentioned in Daniel 12:1.

Revelation 20:12-15
This passage describes the final judgment, paralleling the resurrection and judgment in Daniel 12:2.

Philippians 2:15
Paul encourages believers to shine like stars in the universe, similar to the promise in Daniel 12:3.

Isaiah 26:19
This verse also speaks of the resurrection, affirming the hope of life after death. Pray for Strength and Endurance
Ask God to equip you with the strength to endure trials and remain faithful in your walk with Him.

Pray for Boldness in Evangelism
Seek God's guidance and courage to share the gospel with those around you.

Pray for Wisdom and Righteousness
Request God's wisdom to live a life that honors Him and leads others to righteousness.

Pray for Trust in God's Plan
Ask for a heart that trusts in God's sovereignty and timing, even when the future seems uncertain.

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?