Daniel 12:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days.

NIV: "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.

NASB: And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.

CSB: From the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.

NLT: From the time the daily sacrifice is stopped and the sacrilegious object that causes desecration is set up to be worshiped, there will be 1,290 days.

KJV: And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

NKJV: “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Scripture offers almost no clear, recurring details about the end times. One of the few is the mention of a seven-year period, divided into two parts of three-and-one-half-years each (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 11:2; 12:14; 13:5). In this verse, the celestial being speaking to Daniel (Daniel 10:18–21) gives timelines like those previously mentioned (Daniel 9:24–27). Earlier verses also alluded to an "abomination" and the stoppage of sacrifices in the temple (Daniel 8:13; 11:31). This is typically associated with the midpoint of the seven-year tribulation, beginning the three-and-one-half-year "great tribulation."

Many interpreters believe a powerful leader in the end times will make a treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27), leading to peace. Halfway through the seven-year agreement, however, that leader will defile the temple and turn on the Jewish people. History showed the infamous Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrating the altar in Jerusalem, and Jesus indicates this as foreshadowing what will occur in the last days (Matthew 24:15; Revelation 13:14).

The exact meaning of the days given here is not clear. Using the 360-day "prophetic" year, three-and-one-half years is 1,260 days. This verse indicates thirty days more: a "standard" month in the Hebrew calendar. The following verse, as well, offers a different number (Daniel 12:12). It's possible there may be a pause between the two halves of the tribulation as the world transitions from false peace into open tyranny. Another possibility is that the two longer times include periods after the end of the tribulation, during which a returned Jesus Christ will gather and judge all the nations of the world (Ezekiel 20:34–38; Matthew 25:31–46).

Daniel 12:5–13 completes the final prophecy given to Daniel. He sees two additional beings and hears a question about the timing of the predicted events. Daniel does not fully understand the answer and asks for clarity. Instead of more answers, he is told to return to his life. After another reference to days and times, the message ends, as does Daniel's writing.

The angelic being who has been giving Daniel insight into the future (Daniel 10:18–21) provides a few last remarks. These reiterate ideas such as resurrection, eternal fate, and salvation. Daniel asks for more clarity, but the angel simply tells him to care for the prophecies which have been given. He tells Daniel to go back to his life, reassuring him that he will experience resurrection and restoration after his death.

Daniel has been receiving information from an angelic being who appeared near the Tigris River (Daniel 10:4–6). The prophecies covered several centuries of events which were themselves centuries in Daniel's future (Daniel 11). As did prior chapters (Daniel 7—9), these interlock with other prophetic Scriptures. This chapter ends Daniel's text, leaving later prophets to record more details about the end times.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.