What is the meaning of Daniel 12:7? The man dressed in linen “And the man dressed in linen” (Daniel 12:7) recalls the radiant figure Daniel saw earlier (Daniel 10:5–6). Linen in Scripture consistently points to purity and priestly service (Exodus 28:39; Revelation 19:8). The appearance of this majestic messenger underscores that God’s revelation comes through holy, trustworthy means. His presence links Daniel’s final vision to earlier chapters, assuring continuity in God’s prophetic program. Who was above the waters of the river The messenger stands “above the waters of the river,” the same Tigris Daniel mentioned in 10:4. Elevated above the current, he pictures sovereignty over the nations often symbolized by restless seas (Psalm 93:3–4; Revelation 17:15). The vantage point also recalls Ezekiel’s vision of the glory of God over the expanse (Ezekiel 1:25–26), stressing that heaven rules even when earthly events seem chaotic. Raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven Lifting both hands doubles the solemnity of the oath (Deuteronomy 32:40) and matches the mighty angel’s gesture in Revelation 10:5–6. In court language, one hand is enough to swear truth; two hands signal absolute certainty. Heaven is invoked as the ultimate witness, reminding Daniel—and us—that prophecy is not human speculation but divine guarantee. Swear by Him who lives forever The oath is “by Him who lives forever,” the eternal, self-existent God (Psalm 90:2; Revelation 4:9–10). Because God’s life is endless, His word cannot fail (Numbers 23:19). The messenger ties the timing of end-time events to the character of God Himself, anchoring hope in His unchanging nature. It will be for a time, and times, and half a time This phrase appears earlier in Daniel 7:25 and later in Revelation 12:14, matching 42 months or 1,260 days (Revelation 11:2–3; 13:5). Taken literally, it speaks of three and one-half years—the last half of the seventieth “week” in Daniel 9:27. • A defined, limited period: evil’s rampage is real yet restricted. • An answer to “How long?” (Daniel 12:6): God’s timetable is precise, not indefinite. • Harmony with Jesus’ “great tribulation” of limited days for the elect’s sake (Matthew 24:21–22). When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered Israel’s strength will be broken before deliverance arrives (Leviticus 26:18–19; Zechariah 14:2; Luke 21:24). This chastening drives the nation to depend wholly on the LORD (Hosea 5:15). The verse anticipates the climactic persecutions under the coming world ruler (Daniel 8:24; Revelation 12:17), yet it assures that God sets the boundary: evil exhausts itself but cannot annihilate God’s people. All these things will be completed Completion points to the fulfillment of every prophetic detail (Daniel 12:1–3; Revelation 11:15). • Tribulation ends. • Resurrection and reward follow. • Messiah’s kingdom dawns. The phrase guarantees that history is moving toward an ordained conclusion, not an endless cycle. summary Daniel 12:7 unfolds a solemn heavenly oath assuring that the final tribulation will last a literal three and one-half years, during which Israel’s self-reliance is crushed. Yet the same oath promises that God’s plan will reach full completion right on schedule. The vision reassures believers that the God who lives forever rules the timetable, limits evil, and will bring every prophecy to perfect fulfillment. |
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