Daniel 12:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?”

NIV: One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, 'How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?'

NASB: And someone said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, 'How long will it be until the end of these wonders?'

CSB: One of them said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the water of the river, "How long until the end of these wondrous things? "

NLT: One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, 'How long will it be until these shocking events are over?'

KJV: And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?

NKJV: And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?”

This extensive vision (Daniel 11:2—12:4) came to Daniel through a heavenly messenger. This being is most likely the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; 10:18-21; Luke 1:26).He appeared above the Tigris River. Now, near the end of the message, two new figures appear (Daniel 12:5).

Daniel hears a question being directed towards the figure above the river. Presumably, this is spoken by one of the two newly mentioned beings. It echoes the question posed in an earlier vision (Daniel 8:13): what is the timeline of these events? Most likely, this is a reference to the most recent series of predictions (Daniel 11:36—12:4). It may also be a general question about when all the prophesied events would occur. However, the precise mention of "the end" makes that option unlikely.

The celestial being above the Tigris will provide an answer which is extremely specific in one sense, and very vague in another (Daniel 12:7).

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.

Accessed 4/28/2024 5:13:51 PM