Why is the oath by the man in linen significant in Daniel 12:7? Identification of the Man in Linen Daniel calls him “the man dressed in linen… above the waters of the river” (Daniel 12:7; cf. 10:5-6). Linen garments mark priestly or divine service (Exodus 28:39-42; Ezekiel 9:2-3). His radiant appearance, flaming eyes, and voice “like the sound of a multitude” parallel the Theophany of Revelation 1:13-16, encouraging many commentators to see a pre-incarnate appearance of the Messiah who mediates revelation (cf. John 1:18). Immediate Literary Context Daniel’s final vision (chapters 10-12) answers the prophet’s distress over Israel’s future. Chapter 12 seals the message with two witnesses: the man in linen above the river and two other angelic figures on either bank (12:5). Biblical law requires two or three witnesses to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15), underscoring the certainty of the oath about to be sworn. The Gesture of Both Hands Raised Most biblical oaths are taken with one hand lifted (Genesis 14:22-23; Revelation 10:5-6). Raising both hands heightens solemnity, declaring total commitment of the oath-giver’s power and authority. The position “above the waters” evokes Genesis 1:2, reinforcing His sovereignty over creation itself. Ancient Near-Eastern Oath Practice Swearing “by Him who lives forever” (Daniel 12:7) reflects Near-Eastern legal formulas where a deity guarantees fulfillment on pain of divine retribution (cf. Atra-hasis tablet III). In Scripture, God says, “I lift My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever” (Deuteronomy 32:40). The man in linen employs Yahweh’s own self-attestation, equating His authority with God’s eternal life. Invocation of the Eternal Name The title “Him who lives forever” anchors the oath in God’s immutable nature (Psalm 90:2; Hebrews 13:8). Because God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2), the prophecy’s fulfillment is as certain as God’s existence. The resurrection promise of verse 2 rests on that same foundation. Temporal Formula: “Time, Times, and Half a Time” The oath locks the prophetic timetable to “a time, times, and half a time,” echoed in Daniel 7:25 and Revelation 12:14. In Hebrew idiom “moʿed” (time) commonly designates a single year; thus the phrase signals three-and-a-half years—a symbolic half of seven, the biblical number of completeness. The period forecasts the climax of tribulation until “the power of the holy people has been shattered,” after which deliverance and resurrection occur (12:1-2). Echoes in Other Canonical Books Revelation 10:5-7 cites an angel lifting his hand to heaven and swearing “there will be no more delay,” directly modeling Daniel 12:7. Hebrews 6:16-18 explains that God swears oaths “so that… we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” Daniel’s oath functions the same way—binding divine intent to unbreakable promise. Guarantee of Resurrection and Vindication Daniel 12:2-3 proclaims bodily resurrection and everlasting reward or shame. Verse 7’s oath validates that hope, ensuring the prophecy is not figurative sentiment but impending reality, later confirmed by Christ’s historically attested resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). First-century creeds (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3-5) and multiple eyewitness sources demonstrate the pattern: divine oath → prophetic word → literal fulfillment. Covenantal Assurance and Faithfulness The “shattering” of Israel anticipates Rome’s A.D. 70 destruction, yet the oath assures survival of God’s covenant people. In Scripture, apparent defeat precedes redemptive breakthrough (cf. Joseph in Genesis 50:20; the Cross in Acts 2:23-24). This pattern instills confidence in persecuted communities: God’s sworn timetable cannot be thwarted. Christological Reading As High Priest, Christ mediates the divine oath (Hebrews 7:20-22). His own resurrection within “three days” mirrors the three-and-a-half-year paradigm—suffering followed by vindication. The lifted hands anticipate nailed hands later raised in blessing at the ascension (Luke 24:50-51), sealing redemption with priestly authority. Eschatological Certainty and Believer’s Hope Because the oath rests on God’s eternal life, the end-time sequence is non-negotiable. World events align with a schedule established before creation (Isaiah 46:9-10). For believers, this transforms fear into perseverance, motivating holiness and evangelism (2 Peter 3:11-13). Theological Weight in Canonical Structure Daniel 12:7 bridges Old Testament prophecy and New Testament apocalypse, uniting salvation history. The oath is the hinge on which the books of Daniel and Revelation connect, framing the Bible’s grand narrative: creation, fall, redemption, consummation. Practical Application for the Church 1. Trust Scripture’s promises—God has staked His own life on their fulfillment. 2. Endure tribulation with the knowledge that it has a fixed limit. 3. Proclaim the resurrection boldly; it is guaranteed by the same oath-keeping God. 4. Worship with lifted hands, echoing the man in linen’s posture, acknowledging divine sovereignty over time and history. In sum, the oath by the man in linen is significant because it is a divine, priestly, Christ-centered guarantee that the appointed tribulation will end, the covenant people will be vindicated, and the resurrection hope is irrevocably secured. |
    |