What does Daniel 12:7 mean?
After a celestial being (Daniel 10:18–21) delivers a long series of prophecies (Daniel 11:2—12:4), Daniel sees two more figures. These stand on either side of the Tigris River (Daniel 12:5). Someone—most likely one of these two beings—asks the figure above the water about when the predicted events will end (Daniel 12:6).The messenger, likely Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; 10:18–21; Luke 1:26), makes it clear that what he says is absolute truth. He "swears," meaning he vows or promises on behalf of someone. In this case, the object is God Himself: the eternal "I am" (Exodus 3:14; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 90:2). Raising his hands, and Daniel mentioning each hand individually, adds to the drama and weight of the statement.
According to the linen-clad figure, the events in question will end after "a time, times, and half a time." This same phrasing was used in Daniel's earlier prophetic dream (Daniel 7:1, 25). It is also repeated in the book of Revelation (Revelation 12:6, 14). This is generally interpreted to mean three-and-one-half years, or forty-two months (Revelation 13:5). Most interpreters believe this is a reference to a time referred to as the "great tribulation." This is the second half of a crucial seven-year period during the end times (Matthew 24:21). Along those lines, many interpreters see a violation of a prior treaty (Daniel 9:27) at the midpoint of this seven years, triggering this period of unprecedented suffering. That would correspond to the "shattering" of the people and their strength (Daniel 8:24).
Daniel has heard these words but does not fully comprehend them. He will ask for more information, though truly little will be given (Daniel 12:8).