One of them said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long until the fulfillment of these wonders?" One of them said to the man dressed in linen,Two angelic beings stood on opposite banks of the river, and one addressed the glorious figure Daniel had previously seen in linen. The man dressed in linen bears marks of heavenly holiness and priestly authority, recalling the garments appointed for Israel’s priests. His position and authority in the vision identify him as a divine messenger, and his description closely connects him with the majestic figure who appeared to Daniel by the Tigris in Daniel 10:5–6. Dan 10:5-6 I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man… who was above the waters of the river, The man’s place above the river reveals sovereign authority over creation and history. The Tigris provided the setting for Daniel’s vision, yet the figure standing above its waters showed that earthly kingdoms, turbulent events, and the passing course of time remain under God’s rule. Psa 29:3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;… “How long until the fulfillment of these wonders?” The question seeks the appointed end of the unprecedented distress, resurrection, judgment, and deliverance revealed in Daniel 11–12. God’s servants do not deny the certainty of His promises; they seek to understand the time established by His sovereign purpose. The answer that follows confirms that the period of suffering has a fixed limit and that God will bring His people to final deliverance. Dan 8:13-14 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Man Clothed in LinenThis figure is often interpreted as a heavenly being, possibly an angel or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. He stands above the waters of the river, symbolizing authority and divine insight. 2. The Two Others These are two additional figures standing on either side of the river. Their presence emphasizes the importance of the revelation being given and the solemnity of the moment. 3. The River The river, likely the Tigris, serves as a setting for this vision. Water often symbolizes life, chaos, or transition in biblical literature. 4. Daniel The prophet who receives this vision. He is a faithful servant of God, seeking understanding of the future of his people. 5. The End Times The context of this passage is eschatological, dealing with the end of days and the final deliverance of God's people. Teaching Points Divine Authority and RevelationThe man clothed in linen represents God's authority and the certainty of His plans. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty over history and the future. The Importance of Understanding Prophecy Daniel's inquiry and the response he receives highlight the value of seeking understanding of God's plans. Christians are encouraged to study Scripture diligently to discern God's will. Faithfulness in Uncertainty Daniel's example teaches us to remain faithful and prayerful, even when the future seems uncertain. Trust in God's ultimate deliverance is crucial. The Role of Angels The presence of heavenly beings in this vision reminds us of the spiritual realm's involvement in earthly affairs. Believers should be aware of the spiritual battle and the support they have from God's messengers. Hope in the End Times The promise of deliverance and resurrection in the end times provides hope and encouragement for believers facing trials and persecution. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the presence of the man clothed in linen in Daniel 12:6 enhance our understanding of divine authority and revelation?2. In what ways can the imagery of the river in Daniel's vision be related to other biblical themes of transition and life? 3. How does the interaction between Daniel and the heavenly figures in this passage encourage us to seek understanding of God's prophetic word? 4. What parallels can be drawn between Daniel's vision and the apocalyptic imagery found in the book of Revelation, and how do these connections deepen our understanding of end times prophecy? 5. How can the hope of deliverance and resurrection in Daniel 12 inspire believers to remain faithful in the face of modern-day challenges and uncertainties? Connections to Other Scriptures Revelation 10The imagery of a mighty angel standing on the sea and the land parallels the man clothed in linen, suggesting a connection between Daniel's vision and the apocalyptic visions in Revelation. Matthew 24 Jesus' discourse on the end times echoes themes found in Daniel, such as tribulation and the ultimate deliverance of the faithful. Ezekiel 9 The man clothed in linen appears in Ezekiel as well, marking those who mourn over sin, which connects to the theme of divine judgment and protection.
People Daniel, MichaelPlaces Tigris RiverTopics Astonishing, Clothed, Dressed, Flood, Fulfilled, Linen, River, Stream, Till, Waters, WondersDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 12:6-7Library April 5. "Many Shall be Purified and Made White and Tried" (Dan. xii. 10). "Many shall be purified and made white and tried" (Dan. xii. 10). This is the promise for the Lord's coming. It is more than purity. It is to be made white, lustrous, or bright. To be purified is to have the sin burned out; to be made white is to have the glory of the Lord burned in. The one is cleansing, the other is illumination and glorification. The Lord has both for us, but in order for us to have both, we must be put into the fire to be tried, and to be led into difficult and peculiar places … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth A New Years Message The Glory of the Doctors and Confessors. The Recovery and Revival of the Blessed Hope Itself. The Dry Bones and the Spirit of Life How to Preach the Gospel. The Golden Calf Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental. Of Certain Temptations of Satan. Instructions Relating Thereto. Watching the Horizon Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament Christ's Exaltation The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus. Death by Adam, Life by Christ A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question Purity and Peace in the Present Lord Links Daniel 12:6 NIVDaniel 12:6 NLT Daniel 12:6 ESV Daniel 12:6 NASB Daniel 12:6 KJV Daniel 12:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |



