Introduction: Daniel 12 — From Conflict to Deliverance

Daniel 12 is the climax of the Book of Daniel. After centuries of prophetic history in Daniel 2, 7, 8, and 11, this final chapter lifts our eyes beyond earthly conflict to God’s ultimate intervention.

This chapter reveals:

• Michael standing up for His people
• The time of trouble such as never was
• The resurrection of the righteous and the wicked
• The sealing of the faithful
• The certainty of eternal reward

Ellen G. White writes:

“The prophecy of Daniel points out the scenes through which the world is now passing.”
— Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 14

Daniel 12 assures us that history does not end in chaos—but in Christ’s victory.

Daniel 12:1 — Michael Stands Up

“At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people.”

“Michael” is understood by Seventh-day Adventists to be Christ Himself, the Commander of heaven’s armies.

Ellen G. White affirms:

“Michael is Christ.”
— The Desire of Ages, p. 421

This verse marks:

• The close of Christ’s mediatorial work
• The beginning of final deliverance
• The transition from mercy to judgment executed

Daniel 12:1 (continued) — The Time of Trouble

“There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was…”

This refers to the final crisis after probation closes.

Ellen G. White describes it vividly:

“When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth.”
— The Great Controversy, p. 614

Yet the verse ends with hope:

“At that time thy people shall be delivered.”

Daniel 12:2 — The Resurrection Foretold

“Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…”

This prophecy points to:

• A special resurrection before Christ’s second coming
• The righteous who died in faith
• The wicked who rejected Christ

Ellen G. White explains:

“All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the grave.”
— The Great Controversy, p. 637

Daniel 12:3 — The Reward of the Faithful

“They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament…”

Faithfulness and soul-winning are highlighted.

Key lesson: God values those who lead others to righteousness.

Daniel 12:4 — Knowledge Increased at the Time of the End

“Shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.”

This does not mean Daniel would never be understood—but that full understanding would come later.

Adventists identify 1798 as the beginning of the “time of the end.”

Ellen G. White states:

“The book of Daniel was unsealed in 1840–1844.”
— The Great Controversy, p. 356

Daniel 12:5–6 — How Long Shall It Be?

Two heavenly beings ask how long the final events will last.

This reflects humanity’s longing for deliverance.

Daniel 12:7 — Time, Times, and Half a Time

“It shall be for a time, times, and an half…”

This refers to:

• 1,260 prophetic years
• Papal persecution (AD 538–1798)
• Consistent with Daniel 7 and Revelation 12

God limits persecution—and keeps His promises.

Daniel 12:8–9 — Understanding Comes Gradually

Daniel does not fully understand everything—but obeys anyway.

God values faithful trust, even when understanding is partial.

Daniel 12:10 — The Wise and the Wicked

“The wise shall understand; but the wicked shall not understand.”

Understanding prophecy is not just intellectual—it is moral and spiritual.

Ellen G. White notes:

“Only those who have purified their souls… can understand the prophecies.”
— The Great Controversy, p. 605

Daniel 12:11–12 — End-Time Time Periods

These verses reference additional prophetic time periods that confirm:

• God’s control of final events
• The testing of God’s people
• The blessing of patient endurance

Daniel 12:13 — Daniel’s Rest and Resurrection

“Go thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.”

Daniel is assured:

• Rest in death
• Resurrection at the end
• Eternal inheritance

This verse closes the book with peace and certainty.

Summary of the Entire Book of Daniel

The Book of Daniel reveals:

• God rules history (Daniel 2)
• Faithfulness under pressure (Daniel 1–6)
• Judgment and vindication (Daniel 7–8)
• The Messiah and the cross (Daniel 9)
• Spiritual warfare (Daniel 10)
• End-time conflict (Daniel 11)
• Final deliverance (Daniel 12)

Ellen G. White summarizes:

“In the annals of human history, the growth of nations… appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; but in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside.”
— Prophets and Kings, p. 499

Book of Daniel — Overview Chart

Continue Your Study in the Book of Daniel

• Daniel 7 — Judgment & the Son of Man
• Daniel 8 — The Sanctuary & Judgment Hour
• Daniel 9 — Messiah & Covenant
• Daniel 10 — Spiritual Warfare
• Daniel 11 — Final Conflict
• Daniel 12 — Deliverance & Resurrection

Conclusion: God Wins. His People Are Delivered.

Daniel 12 assures us:

• Evil has an end
• Faithfulness matters
• Resurrection is certain
• Christ reigns forever

The story does not end in fear—but in glory.

From Daniel to Revelation — One Message, One Hope

Daniel ends where Revelation begins.

What Daniel sealed, Revelation unseals.

Ellen G. White declares:

“The books of Daniel and Revelation are one.”
— Testimonies to Ministers, p. 114

Next Study Series: The Book of Revelation

👉 Continue to the next series:
The Book of Revelation Explained: How God Reveals the Final Battle Between Good and Evil

Upcoming studies include:

• Revelation 1 — Jesus Among the Churches
• Revelation 2–3 — Messages to God’s End-Time Church
• Revelation 12–14 — The Final Conflict
• Revelation 21–22 — New Earth & Eternal Hope