What significance does the "man clothed in linen" hold in Daniel 12:6? Setting the Scene in Daniel 12 Daniel 12 opens with Daniel standing on the bank of the Tigris (cf. 10:4) while two other heavenly beings appear, and one asks a question “to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river” (12:6). The focus instantly shifts to this central figure. Identifying the Man Clothed in Linen • Same description appears earlier: “I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man dressed in linen” (10:5). • His appearance in 10:5-6—blazing face, eyes like torches, voice like a multitude—parallels Revelation 1:13-16, a vision of the exalted Christ. • Unlike the other angels beside the river’s banks, he stands “above the waters,” echoing God’s supremacy over chaos (Genesis 1:2; Psalm 29:10). • He raises both hands and swears by the eternal One (12:7), something only the highest authority in the vision would do (Hebrews 6:13). All these clues point to a pre-incarnate appearance of the Messiah, rather than a created angel. Symbolism of the Linen Garment • Linen was the garment of priests (Exodus 28:42) and the high priest on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:4), signifying purity and mediation. • Angels executing judgment also appear in linen (Ezekiel 9:2-3), blending purity with judicial authority. • In Revelation 15:6, “the seven angels having the seven plagues… were dressed in clean, shining linen,” showing a continuity of imagery: holiness, righteousness, and divine commission. Position Above the Waters • Water in Scripture often represents masses of people or chaotic forces (Isaiah 17:12-13; Revelation 17:15). • Standing above the river pictures sovereign control over history and nations. • His elevated stance allows Him to oversee the entire prophetic panorama Daniel is receiving. His Role in Daniel 12:6-7 • He receives the question, “How long until the end of these wonders?” (12:6). • By lifting both hands and swearing by “Him who lives forever,” He guarantees the reliability of the answer (12:7). • The timeframe—“a time, times, and half a time”—sets the countdown for Israel’s future distress and ultimate deliverance (12:1). • His oath underscores that every word will unfold exactly as spoken (Isaiah 55:11). Theological Significance • Mediator: As priestly figure, He bridges the gap between the heavenly realm and Daniel, the prophet on earth (1 Timothy 2:5 foreshadowed). • Revealer: He alone provides the precise timeline, reinforcing that end-time events are under divine appointment, not human speculation. • Judge and Deliverer: Linen links Him to sacrificial atonement; standing above the waters links Him to final judgment (John 5:22, 27). Why It Matters Today • Confidence in Prophecy: The One who swore the oath is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His timelines can be trusted. • Assurance of Sovereignty: History flows under the feet of the Man in linen; no turmoil escapes His control. • Hope of Deliverance: The priestly garment reminds believers that the One who presides over judgment also provided atonement (Hebrews 7:26-27). |
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