What does Daniel 12:10 mean?

A large portion of Daniel's book is written in Aramaic: the common language of that era (Daniel 2:24—7:28). That suggests information targeted at a worldwide audience. The remainder of the prophecies are in Hebrew and seem to involve the region of Judea. In other words, they are predictions about the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. Recently, Daniel has heard prophecies from an angelic figure (Daniel 10:18–21; 12:5–7) regarding the future. These, as well, focus on Judea and the world's interactions with Israel.

For those reasons, many commentators believe this statement contrasting the wicked and the righteous is speaking of the Jewish people during the end times. Other passages indicate an evangelistic force of 144,000 Jews (Revelation 7:4–8) and the special preaching of two "witnesses" in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:3–12). Other prophetic passages suggest many Jewish people will come to faith in Christ during the last days (Zechariah 12:10; 13:1). Those who follow the Lord will experience forgiveness and fellowship with God. However, most will choose to reject Him (Zechariah 13:9).

Scripture supports applying this verse either to Israelites or to the world at large. Misunderstanding God's truth is primarily a matter of disobedience (John 5:39–40; 7:17). Despite the many supernatural events of the end times, most people will stubbornly refuse to acknowledge God (Revelation 9:20–21; 16:8–11). Even after Jesus personally rules the earth for a thousand years people will still defy Him (Revelation 20:4, 7–9). This persistence in evil should not be a surprise; it is an expected aspect of a world moving further and further from its Creator (Revelation 22:11).