Daniel 12:3 Study Bible: And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.

◄ Daniel 12:3 ►

Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.

Study Bible

Then the wise
The term "wise" in Hebrew is "maskilim," which refers to those who have insight or understanding. In the context of Daniel, it often denotes those who are faithful to God and possess spiritual discernment. Historically, wisdom literature in the Bible, such as Proverbs, emphasizes the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. Here, the wise are those who understand God's purposes and live accordingly, even amidst persecution or trials.

will shine
The imagery of shining is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing purity, righteousness, and divine favor. In the Hebrew context, light is associated with God's presence and truth. The wise shining suggests that their lives reflect God's glory and truth, serving as a beacon to others. This shining is not just temporal but eternal, indicating the lasting impact of a life lived in faithfulness to God.

like the brightness of the heavens
The heavens, or "raqia" in Hebrew, refer to the expanse of the sky, often associated with the divine realm. The brightness of the heavens evokes the image of the sun, moon, and stars, which are constant and enduring. This phrase suggests that the wise will have a celestial, eternal quality to their existence, reflecting God's eternal nature and glory.

and those who lead many to righteousness
This phrase highlights the role of the wise in guiding others towards a righteous life. The Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," encompasses justice, rightness, and ethical conduct. Leading others to righteousness implies active discipleship and evangelism, encouraging others to live in accordance with God's will. Historically, this reflects the mission of God's people to be a light to the nations, as seen in the Abrahamic covenant and the prophetic literature.

like the stars
Stars in ancient Near Eastern culture were often seen as symbols of divine beings or eternal entities. In the biblical context, stars are used to signify permanence and guidance. The comparison to stars suggests that those who lead others to righteousness will have an enduring legacy, shining brightly in the spiritual realm. This imagery reinforces the idea of eternal reward and recognition for faithful service.

forever and ever
The repetition of "forever" in Hebrew, "olam va'ed," emphasizes the eternal nature of the reward for the wise and righteous. This phrase assures believers of the everlasting impact and recognition of their faithfulness. In the broader biblical narrative, it aligns with the promise of eternal life and the hope of resurrection, central themes in both the Old and New Testaments. This eternal perspective encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and mission.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
A prophet and a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his unwavering faith and prophetic visions. Daniel is the author of the book that bears his name, and he receives this vision concerning the end times.

2. The Wise
Refers to those who possess spiritual insight and understanding, particularly in the context of God's plans and purposes. In the Hebrew, the word used is "maskilim," which implies those who are prudent and discerning.

3. The Righteous
Those who live in accordance with God's will and lead others to do the same. This group is highlighted for their role in guiding others towards righteousness.

4. The Heavens
Symbolic of the divine realm and the eternal nature of God's kingdom. The brightness of the heavens signifies purity, glory, and the presence of God.

5. The Stars
Often used in biblical literature to symbolize permanence and guidance. Stars are a metaphor for the enduring and illuminating influence of the righteous.

Teaching Points

The Value of Wisdom
True wisdom is not just intellectual but spiritual, rooted in the fear of the Lord and understanding His will. Believers are called to seek this wisdom diligently.

The Call to Righteousness
Leading others to righteousness is a significant aspect of the Christian mission. It involves living a life that reflects God's holiness and actively guiding others towards Him.

Eternal Impact
The actions of the wise and righteous have eternal consequences. Just as stars shine perpetually, so too will the influence of those who lead others to God.

Reflecting God's Glory
Believers are called to reflect the glory of God in their lives, serving as beacons of light in a dark world. This involves both personal holiness and evangelistic efforts.

Perseverance in Faith
The promise of shining like stars forever encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of wisdom in Daniel 12:3 compare to the wisdom described in Proverbs 9:10? How can we apply this understanding in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we lead others to righteousness in our current cultural context? Reflect on practical steps you can take to influence those around you.

3. Consider the imagery of stars in the Bible. How does this metaphor enhance your understanding of the believer's role in the world?

4. How does the promise of eternal impact motivate you in your personal walk with Christ and your ministry to others?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt you were shining brightly for God. What circumstances or actions contributed to this, and how can you cultivate such moments more consistently?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 11:30
This verse speaks of the fruit of the righteous being a tree of life and the wisdom in winning souls, which parallels the idea of leading many to righteousness.

Matthew 13:43
Jesus speaks of the righteous shining like the sun in the kingdom of their Father, echoing the imagery of brightness and glory found in Daniel 12:3.

Philippians 2:15
Paul encourages believers to be blameless and pure, shining like stars in the universe, which connects to the call for the wise to shine brightly.

Sermons

As the Stars for Ever	T. De Witt Talmage, D.D.	Daniel 12:3
Becoming Stars	C. A. Salmond, M.A.	Daniel 12:3
Faithfulness Richly Rewarded	C. G. Scott.	Daniel 12:3
Glory in Reserve	E. N. Kirk, D.D.	Daniel 12:3
Heaven and Earth Reconciled	T. Adams.	Daniel 12:3
How to Win a Soul		Daniel 12:3
How to Win Souls	R.A. Torrey.	Daniel 12:3
How to Win Souls		Daniel 12:3
Righteousness	Canon W. J. Knox-Little, M.A.	Daniel 12:3
Shining as the Stars		Daniel 12:3
Soul-Saving and its Reward	S. V. Lech.	Daniel 12:3
The Christian Minister Turning Many to Righteousness	E. Jones.	Daniel 12:3
The Distinction of the Wise in Glory	Edward Pizey, B.A.	Daniel 12:3
The Glorious Reward of the Righteous	J. Benson.	Daniel 12:3
The High Reward of Those Who Turn Many to Righteousness	John, Morison, D.D.	Daniel 12:3
The Peculiar Excellency and Reward of Supporting Schools of Charity	Bishop Edmund Gibson.	Daniel 12:3
The Supreme Reward of a Devoted Life	J. M. Sherwood, D.D.	Daniel 12:3
The Work and Recompense of Christ's Ministering Servants	Isaac D. Winslow.	Daniel 12:3
The Work and the Destiny of a True Preacher	Homilist	Daniel 12:3
Wisdom Connected with its Reward	R. Finlayson B.A.	Daniel 12:3
Wise and Useful Men Will Shine in Glory	Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons	Daniel 12:3
Wise Workers	Ed. Sandercock.	Daniel 12:3
The Shining of the Clear and the Converting	H.T. Robjohns	Daniel 12:1-3
Prophetic Events in Perspective	J.D. Davies	Daniel 12:1-4
The Great Consummation	Joseph A. Seiss, D. D.	Daniel 12:1-13

People

Daniel, Michael

Places

Tigris River

Topics

Age, Brightly, Brightness, Expanse, Firmament, Forever, Heaven, Heavens, Insight, Justifying, Lead, Multitude, Numbers, Outstretched, Righteousness, Shine, Shining, Sky, Stars, Teaching, Turn, Wise

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Daniel 12:3

     4281   stars
     4284   sun
     4836   light, and people of God
     5362   justice, believers' lives
     5500   reward, God's people
     8158   righteousness, of believers
     8367   wisdom, importance of
     9315   resurrection, of believers
     9413   heaven, inheritance
     9414   heaven, community of redeemed

Daniel 12:2-3

     4010   creation, renewal
     5535   sleep, and death
     6645   eternal life, nature of

Daniel 12:2-4

5195 veil

Library

April 5. "Many Shall be Purified and Made White and Tried" (Dan. xii. 10).
"Many shall be purified and made white and tried" (Dan. xii. 10). This is the promise for the Lord's coming. It is more than purity. It is to be made white, lustrous, or bright. To be purified is to have the sin burned out; to be made white is to have the glory of the Lord burned in. The one is cleansing, the other is illumination and glorification. The Lord has both for us, but in order for us to have both, we must be put into the fire to be tried, and to be led into difficult and peculiar places …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

A New Years Message
'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 xii. 13. Daniel had been receiving partial insight into the future by the visions recorded in previous chapters. He sought for clearer knowledge, and was told that the book of the future was sealed and closed, so that no further enlightenment was possible for him. But duty was clear, whatever might be dark; and there were some things in the future certain, whatever might be problematic. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Glory of the Doctors and Confessors.
Let us now turn our eyes to another bright throng. It is composed of the Doctors and Confessors of the Church. These too, as well as the martyrs, enjoy the high honors of haven. Here we meet again the Apostles, who were filled with the Holy Ghost, and instructed the infant Church in all truth. There, too, are their worthy successors in the ministry--such men as St. John Chrysostom, St. Augustine, St. Gregory, St. Thomas, and a multitude of others--whose vast intellects were stored with the knowledge …
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

The Recovery and Revival of the Blessed Hope Itself.
In Daniel 12:4, 9, 10 we read--"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. ** And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the Time of the End. 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." [9] As we shall yet seek to show this prophecy is a composite one …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Dry Bones and the Spirit of Life
1. The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, 2. And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. 3. And He said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, Thou knowest. 4. Again He said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5. Thus …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

How to Preach the Gospel.
Text.--He that winneth souls is wise.--Proverbs xi. 30. ONE of the last remarks in my last lecture, was this, that the text ascribes conversion to men. Winning souls is converting men. This evening I design to show, I. That several passages of Scripture ascribe conversion to men. II. That this is consistent with other passages which ascribe conversion to God. III. I purpose to discuss several further particulars which are deemed important, in regard to the preaching of the Gospel, and which show …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

The Golden Calf
'And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 2. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. 3. And all the people brake off the golden …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental.
In the discussion of this subject, I shall show-- I. What constitute the sanctions of law. 1. The sanctions of law are the motives to obedience, the natural and the governmental consequences or results of obedience and of disobedience. 2. They are remuneratory, that is, they promise reward to obedience. 3. They are vindicatory, that is, they threaten the disobedient with punishment. 4. They are natural, that is, happiness is to some extent naturally connected with, and the necessary consequence of, …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Of Certain Temptations of Satan. Instructions Relating Thereto.
1. I have thought it right to speak of certain temptations I have observed to which beginners are liable--some of them I have had myself--and to give some advice about certain things which to me seem necessary. In the beginning, then, we should strive to be cheerful and unconstrained; for there are people who think it is all over with devotion if they relax themselves ever so little. It is right to be afraid of self; so that, having no confidence in ourselves, much or little, we may not place ourselves …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

Watching the Horizon
"Thy Kingdom Come." "Thou art coming! We are waiting With a hope that cannot fail; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure: Certainty shall make us strong, Joyful patience must endure. "O the joy to see Thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to Thee with glad accord! Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned! …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ's Exaltation
'Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name, &c.' Phil 2:2. We have before spoken of Christ's humiliation; we shall now speak of his exaltation. Before you saw the Sun of Righteousness in the eclipse; now you shall see it coming out of the eclipse, and shining in its full glory. Wherefore God has highly exalted him;' super exaltavit, Ambrose. Above all exaltation.' Q-28: WHEREIN CONSISTS CHRIST'S EXALTATION? A: In his rising from the dead, his ascending into …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Death by Adam, Life by Christ
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. F rom Mr. Handel's acknowledged abilities as a composer, and particularly from what I have heard of his great taste and success in adapting the style of his music to the subject, I judge, that this passage afforded him a fair occasion of displaying his genius and powers. Two ideas, vastly important in themselves, are here represented in the strongest light, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
(Revelation, Chapters vi.-viii.) "God Almighty! King of nations! earth Thy footstool, heaven Thy throne! Thine the greatness, power, and glory, Thine the kingdom, Lord, alone! Life and death are in Thy keeping, and Thy will ordaineth all: From the armies of Thy heavens to an unseen insect's fall. "Reigning, guiding, all-commanding, ruling myriad worlds of light; Now exalting, now abasing, none can stay Thy hand of might! Working all things by Thy power, by the counsel of Thy will. Thou art God! …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question
THE last day in the Temple was not to pass without other temptations' than that of the Priests when they questioned His authority, or of the Pharisees when they cunningly sought to entangle Him in His speech. Indeed, Christ had on this occasion taken a different position; He had claimed supreme authority, and thus challenged the leaders of Israel. For this reason, and because at the last we expect assaults from all His enemies, we are prepared for the controversies of that day. We remember that, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Purity and Peace in the Present Lord
PHILIPPIANS iv. 1-9 Euodia and Syntyche--Conditions to unanimity--Great uses of small occasions--Connexion to the paragraphs--The fortress and the sentinel--A golden chain of truths--Joy in the Lord--Yieldingness--Prayer in everything--Activities of a heart at rest Ver. 1. +So, my brethren beloved and longed for+, missed indeed, at this long distance from you, +my joy and crown+ of victory (stephanos), +thus+, as having such certainties and such aims, with such a Saviour, and looking for such …
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

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