Daniel 12

Chapter Summary

Daniel 12 begins with a description of a time of great distress for Israel, but also a time of deliverance and salvation (Daniel 12:1). The chapter then shifts to a discussion of the resurrection of the dead, where the righteous will be raised to eternal life and the wicked to eternal shame (Daniel 12:2-3). The prophet is then told to seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush back and forth and knowledge will increase (Daniel 12:4). The chapter concludes with a vision of two angels standing on either side of the Tigris River, who ask how long it will be until the end of these wonders, and are told that it will be for a time, times, and half a time (Daniel 12:5-7). The prophet is then given a final message of encouragement and hope, and is told to go his way until the end, when he will rise to receive his reward (Daniel 12:8-13).

Context for the Chapter

Daniel 12 is the final chapter of the book of Daniel, and concludes the prophet's visions and messages. The chapter is closely tied to the preceding chapters, which describe the rise and fall of various empires and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The chapter's themes of resurrection and eternal life are also closely tied to the broader biblical narrative, and are fulfilled in Christ's resurrection and will be fully realized at his return.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Daniel 12, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of wisdom and righteousness. We are encouraged to lead others to righteousness, and to trust in God's deliverance and salvation. We are also reminded of the ultimate reward of the righteous, who will shine like the stars in the heavens.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Daniel 12 is about the final restoration of Israel and the resurrection of the dead. The righteous will shine like the stars, while the wicked will face eternal shame. We are encouraged to live a life of wisdom and righteousness, and to trust in God's deliverance and salvation, as seen in Daniel 12:1-3.

Voices from the Church

“The resurrection of the dead is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith, and is closely tied to the gospel message.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The contrast between the righteous and the wicked is a stark one, and is seen throughout Scripture. The righteous will shine like the stars, while the wicked will face eternal shame.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Time of Distress and Deliverance (Daniel 12:1) — The chapter begins with a description of a time of great distress for Israel, but also a time of deliverance and salvation.
2. The Resurrection of the Dead (Daniel 12:2-3) — The chapter then shifts to a discussion of the resurrection of the dead, where the righteous will be raised to eternal life and the wicked to eternal shame.
3. The Sealing of the Book (Daniel 12:4) — The prophet is then told to seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush back and forth and knowledge will increase.
4. The Vision of the Angels (Daniel 12:5-7) — The chapter then describes a vision of two angels standing on either side of the Tigris River, who ask how long it will be until the end of these wonders.
5. The Final Message of Encouragement (Daniel 12:8-13) — The chapter concludes with a final message of encouragement and hope, and the prophet is told to go his way until the end, when he will rise to receive his reward.

Core Doctrines

The Resurrection of the Dead

The chapter teaches that the resurrection of the dead is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith, and is closely tied to the gospel message.

The Importance of Wisdom and Righteousness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of wisdom and leading others to righteousness, which is a key aspect of the Christian life.

The Deliverance and Salvation of God's People

The chapter begins with a description of a time of great distress for Israel, but also a time of deliverance and salvation.

The Ultimate Reward of the Righteous

The chapter teaches that the righteous will shine like the stars in the heavens, and will receive their reward at the end of time.

Lessons from Daniel 12

1. The Importance of Trusting in God's Deliverance — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's deliverance and salvation, even in times of great distress and hardship.
2. The Value of Wisdom and Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of wisdom and leading others to righteousness, which is a key aspect of the Christian life.
3. The Ultimate Reward of the Righteous — The chapter teaches that the righteous will shine like the stars in the heavens, and will receive their reward at the end of time.
4. The Importance of Living a Life of Hope and Encouragement — The chapter concludes with a final message of encouragement and hope, and reminds us to live our lives in light of the promise of eternal life.
5. The Necessity of Enduring Until the End — The chapter reminds us that we must endure until the end, when we will rise to receive our reward and shine like the stars in the heavens.

Themes from Daniel 12

1. The Theme of Resurrection and Eternal Life — The chapter teaches that the resurrection of the dead is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith, and is closely tied to the gospel message.
2. The Theme of Wisdom and Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of wisdom and leading others to righteousness, which is a key aspect of the Christian life.
3. The Theme of Deliverance and Salvation — The chapter begins with a description of a time of great distress for Israel, but also a time of deliverance and salvation.
4. The Theme of Ultimate Reward — The chapter teaches that the righteous will shine like the stars in the heavens, and will receive their reward at the end of time.
5. The Theme of Hope and Encouragement — The chapter concludes with a final message of encouragement and hope, and reminds us to live our lives in light of the promise of eternal life.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the main theme of Daniel 12, and how does it relate to the broader biblical narrative?
2. How does the chapter's description of the resurrection of the dead relate to the gospel message?
3. What is the importance of wisdom and righteousness in the Christian life, and how can we apply this to our daily lives?
4. How does the chapter's emphasis on the deliverance and salvation of God's people relate to our own experiences of hardship and struggle?
5. What is the ultimate reward of the righteous, and how can we live our lives in light of this promise?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Daniel 12

	Sermon	Description
	Anaheim Talk by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that war in the Middle East is inevitable and that the stage is set for it. He believes that the word of God is more up to date than tomorro
	Revival Series 1 - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prayer and the distractions that can prevent us from truly focusing on God. He highlights the materialistic and comfortable
	Strengthen Me Just Once - Alternate 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine experience with God that requires sacrifice and dedication. He compares the pursuit of spiritual anointin
	Jude #5 - Michael, Satan and the Body of Moses by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of apostasy and highlights three basic marks of apostasy: defiling the flesh, despising dominion, and railing at dignities. The serm
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:1-1:8 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Daniel and its relevance to the end times. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are historical and the last
	Jude #6 - Cain, Balaam and Korah by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward degeneration of individuals who profess to be Christians but do not bear fruit. He uses poetic language to describe this degenera
	Genesis #04 Ch. 1:19-2:3 Life After It's Own Kind by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker discusses various topics related to the design and complexity of the world. They mention the Aswan Dam and its ecological disaster, comparing it to Isai
	(Mount Vernon) Daniel by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a wise and righteous life. He uses the example of a man who behaved wisely because of God's presence with him. The s
	Knowing What to Do by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the overall purpose of God in history when discussing current events in the light of the Bible. He uses the
	Persecution, Affliction, and Tribulation by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to travel and preach across America. He acknowledges the support and organization of Denny, Jackie, Hannah, and

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Daniel 12

Matthew Henry's commentary on Daniel 12 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's deliverance and salvation, even in times of great distress and hardship. He highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, and notes that the righteous will shine like the stars in the heavens, while the wicked will face eternal shame. Henry also emphasizes the importance of wisdom and righteousness, and notes that the prophet is given a final message of encouragement and hope, reminding him to live his life in light of the promise of eternal life, as seen in Daniel 12:1-3. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?