Daniel 11:35

And [some] of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed.

And some of them of understanding {H7919} shall fall {H3782}, to try {H6884} them, and to purge {H1305}, and to make them white {H3835}, even to the time {H6256} of the end {H7093}: because it is yet for a time appointed {H4150}.

Even some of those with discernment will stumble, so that some of them will be refined, purified and cleansed for an end yet to come at the designated time.

Some of the wise will fall, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.

And some of them that are wise shall fall, to refine them, and to purify, and to make them white, even to the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed.

Daniel 11:35 is a pivotal verse in the prophetic book of Daniel, describing the suffering and ultimate purification of God's people during a period leading up to the "time of the end." It reveals a divine purpose behind trials and persecution, assuring believers that even in tribulation, God is actively working to refine and prepare His own.

Context of Daniel 11:35

Chapter 11 of Daniel provides one of the most detailed prophecies in the Bible, primarily outlining the conflicts between the "King of the North" (the Seleucid Empire) and the "King of the South" (the Ptolemaic Empire) following the death of Alexander the Great. While much of the chapter accurately predicted historical events, particularly leading up to the tyrannical reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (the "vile person" of Daniel 11:21), verse 35 often marks a prophetic shift. It begins to look beyond the immediate historical fulfillment to a broader, more intense period of tribulation for God's people that extends to the ultimate "time of the end," a period of eschatological significance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Purpose in Suffering: The verse clearly states that the suffering of "them of understanding" is not arbitrary but serves specific, divinely ordained purposes: "to try them, and to purge, and to make them white." This highlights God's sovereign hand in allowing trials to refine His people, much like a refiner's fire purifies metal. It underscores that even persecution contributes to spiritual growth and holiness.
  • Perseverance of the Wise: "Some of them of understanding" refers to those who possess spiritual insight and remain faithful to God amidst apostasy and persecution. Their "falling" implies suffering, stumbling, or even martyrdom. Despite their trials, their ultimate destiny is purification and vindication, demonstrating the enduring strength of faith in the face of adversity.
  • Sovereign Timing of Tribulation: The phrase "even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed" emphasizes that this period of testing and purification has a set duration. It is part of God's predetermined plan and will culminate at a specific point in history, His appointed time. This provides comfort and assurance that suffering is not endless but has a divine limit and purpose.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Understanding" (Hebrew: sakal): This word denotes wisdom, insight, and prudence, especially in discerning God's will and His prophetic timeline. It refers to those who truly grasp spiritual truths and remain faithful.
  • "Fall" (Hebrew: kashal): While it can mean to stumble, here it implies suffering, being overcome, or even death, particularly in the context of persecution or martyrdom. It indicates that even the wise will endure significant trials.
  • "Purge" (Hebrew: barar): Means to purify, cleanse, select, or refine. This process removes impurities, often through difficult circumstances.
  • "Make them white" (Hebrew: laban): To whiten, symbolizing spiritual purity, righteousness, and holiness. This is the ultimate goal of the purification process, preparing the saints for God's presence.

Cross-References & Connections

The theme of suffering leading to purification is a consistent thread throughout Scripture. For instance, 1 Peter 1:7 speaks of the testing of faith as being "much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire." Similarly, Malachi 3:3 describes the Lord sitting as a refiner and purifier of silver. The concept of "the time of the end" is further elaborated in Daniel 12:9, indicating a specific future period for the fulfillment of these prophecies.

Practical Application

For believers today, Daniel 11:35 offers profound comfort and insight. It reassures us that any trials, difficulties, or even persecution we face are not random acts of misfortune but are permitted by God for a specific, purifying purpose. Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith and character are strengthened and cleansed through adversity. This verse calls us to:

  • Persevere in Faith: Even "those of understanding" will face challenges. Our response should be steadfastness and trust in God's plan.
  • Embrace Purification: View trials as opportunities for spiritual growth, allowing God to "purge" and "make us white," conforming us more closely to His image.
  • Trust God's Timing: Recognize that all suffering has a divine limit and purpose, occurring within God's "appointed time." This provides hope and endurance.

Ultimately, Daniel 11:35 reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, using even the darkest times to prepare His people for His glorious future.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 13:9

    And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

  • Malachi 3:2

    But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

  • Malachi 3:4

    Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

  • Daniel 12:10

    Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

  • Daniel 12:11

    And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

  • Revelation 2:10

    Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

  • Revelation 7:14

    And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

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