Daniel 12:1-3 belongs with the prophecies of chapter eleven. These verses contrast the deep sufferings of Israel, during the Great Tribulation, with the rescue and deliverance that God has promised to them. Blessings and rewards are promised to those who suffered faithfully. Though different kinds of resurrection are revealed in Scripture, we may all take comfort in the fact of a happy resurrection with reward for those who truly love and trust the Lord (Revelation 14:13; 22:12).

Daniel 12:4, 9 alerts us to the fact that the visions and revelations, being given to Daniel, are ending. They are sealed (i.e. officially complete and secured for all posterity). They are also sealed in the sense that the full understanding of them will not be clear until a later time. Even Jesus referred to a future time that people would understand Daniel’s prophecies (Matthew 24:15-16). Daniel has been intently searching and seeking for more understanding since Daniel chapter 9. Though God’s answer to Daniel is complete, Daniel still has questions (Daniel 12:8). Prophecy is like that. The more you know, the more you are able to see things that you do not know. Your hunger increases. Hopefully, the hunger draws you closer to the Lord, not just closer to prophetical doctrine (I John 3:1-3 cp. Hosea 6:3).

Daniel 12:5-7 reveals two angels standing on either side of the Tigris River talking to a man standing on the water, clothed in white linen. This amazing man is the same one mentioned in Daniel 10:5-6. He is probably a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The discussion is about the fulfillment of promises made to Israel: the blessings which shall come after the three and a half years of tribulation that they shall experience.

Daniel 12:10 reveals a pattern which God will follow throughout all time, regardless of what prophetic time-period we are living:

• “Many shall be purified and made white, and tried / refined…” Only those who have trusted Christ and have been washed by His blood will be made righteous (John 14:6; Matthew 26:28; Acts 4:12; I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Timothy 2:5-6; I Peter 1:3-7, 18-25; Revelation 1:5-6; 5:9-10).
• “…The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand…” Man in his natural state is unwilling and unable to seek God and change his ways. He also cannot know and understand the things which come from God’s heart, mind and Spirit (Jeremiah 13:23; Romans 3:10-18; I Corinthians 2:14; II Timothy 3:13).
• “…But the wise shall understand.” God gives understanding to His people. Their God-given discernment will preserve them, guiding them in the right way in which they should walk (John 10:27-28; 16:13; I Corinthians 2:9-16; I John 5:20).

Daniel 12:11-12 are mysterious blessings. If you remember that the length of time in which the Antichrist turns against Israel, takes over the temple and erects an image of himself is three and a half years (1260 days). However, God declares that the image is going to stay up for a total of 1290 days (30 more days, after the Antichrist is destroyed and cast into the lake of fire – See Revelation 19:20). God has not revealed to us the purpose of the extra 30 days. Neither do we understand what actually happens after 1335 days, but it is supposed to be a great blessing. It will have meaning, when it is supposed to have meaning, to those for whom it is intended. God loves surprises!

Daniel 12:13 shows that Daniel will get to rest. He has done his job well and will be rewarded at the appointed time. You and I are to serve the Lord now and to be faithful with what He has given us. We may also look forward to eternal joy and satisfaction. See Psalm 17:15; Romans 8:16, 28-30; I Corinthians 15:51-58; II Timothy 4:1-8.

What to do next:

• For a chronological follow-up, you can read Ezra and Nehemiah to see what happens next in the story-line of Israel’s history.
• For a prophetical follow-up, you can read the book of Revelation. Some have called Revelation, “Daniel Chapter Thirteen!” You will notice by contrast that when the book of Revelation was written, it was not to be sealed (i.e. Revelation is an “unveiling” or “revealing” of truths that were previously hidden from our understanding. See Daniel 12:4, 9 cp. Revelation 1:1-3; 22:10).

Here are other portions of Scripture that provide good follow-up after studying the book of Daniel: Matthew (especially chapters 13; 24-25 cp. Luke 21); I Thessalonians (chapters 4-5); II Thessalonians (chapters 1-2); II Peter (chapter 3); Romans (chapters 10-11); I Corinthians (chapter 15); II Corinthians (chapter 3).