Daniel 12:1

KJV

¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

KJV (with Strong's)

And at that time {H6256} shall Michael {H4317} stand up {H5975}, the great {H1419} prince {H8269} which standeth {H5975} for the children {H1121} of thy people {H5971}: and there shall be {H1961} a time {H6256} of trouble {H6869}, such as never was since there was a nation {H1471} even to that same time {H6256}: and at that time {H6256} thy people {H5971} shall be delivered {H4422}, every one that shall be found {H4672} written {H3789} in the book {H5612}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When that time comes, Mikha'el, the great prince who champions your people, will stand up; and there will be a time of distress unparalleled between the time they became a nation and that moment. At that time, your people will be delivered, everyone whose name is found written in the book.

Berean Standard Bible

“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.

American Standard Version

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:1 unveils a pivotal moment in eschatological history, marking the culmination of Daniel's final vision. It prophesies the decisive intervention of Michael, the angelic guardian of Israel, during an unparalleled period of global distress. Amidst this unprecedented tribulation, the verse offers a profound promise of divine deliverance for God's elect people, specifically those whose names are eternally recorded in the divine book of life, signaling their ultimate preservation and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 12:1 serves as the climactic conclusion to Daniel's final, most detailed vision, which began in [Daniel 10](/daniel/10 "Daniel's Final Vision Begins"). Chapters 10 and 11 provide an extensive prophetic panorama, detailing the unfolding conflicts between the "king of the North" and the "king of the South," interpreted by many as a sweep of historical events from the Persian Empire through the Hellenistic period, culminating in the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. However, the language in [Daniel 11:36-45](/daniel/11-36-45 "The King Who Exalts Himself") transcends historical figures, pointing to an ultimate tyrannical figure at the end of the age. Thus, [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - Michael and the Time of Trouble") directly follows this extended prophecy of escalating earthly powers and introduces the divine, supernatural intervention that brings these tumultuous events to their final resolution, immediately preceding the promise of resurrection and judgment in [Daniel 12:2-3](/daniel/12-2-3 "Resurrection and Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel received this vision during the Persian Empire, a period marked by the return of some Jewish exiles to Jerusalem. While the immediate historical context is the post-exilic era, the prophecy itself extends far into the future, touching upon the Hellenistic period and ultimately the eschatological "end of days." Culturally, the concept of angelic beings playing active roles in human history, particularly as guardians of nations or individuals, was a significant aspect of Jewish apocalyptic thought, as evidenced by the mention of Michael. The idea of a "book" containing names, often associated with divine record-keeping or predestination, also has roots in ancient Near Eastern administrative practices and is prevalent in biblical literature, symbolizing divine knowledge and covenantal relationship. The "time of trouble" draws upon a prophetic tradition of a future period of intense suffering for Israel, echoing themes found in the prophets like Jeremiah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Daniel and broader biblical eschatology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, demonstrating that even amidst the chaos of human history and the rise and fall of empires, God remains in ultimate control, dispatching His angelic agents like Michael to fulfill His purposes. Secondly, the prophecy of an **Unprecedented Tribulation** underscores the severity of the coming "time of trouble," a theme that resonates with other apocalyptic descriptions of the end times, emphasizing the global scale and unique intensity of this period. Finally, the promise of **Divine Preservation and Deliverance** for "thy people" who are "written in the book" provides a powerful message of hope and assurance, affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His ultimate act of salvation for those who belong to Him, a theme further developed in [Daniel 12:2-3](/daniel/12-2-3 "Resurrection and Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Michael (Hebrew, _Mîykâʼêl'_):** From the Hebrew words meaning "who is like God?", this name itself is a rhetorical question that points to the incomparable nature of God. In this context, Michael is identified as "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people," signifying his role as a powerful angelic guardian specifically appointed to defend Israel. His "standing up" implies a decisive, active intervention on behalf of God's people in a time of dire need, demonstrating divine protection through angelic agency.
* **trouble (Hebrew, _tsârâh'_):: This word conveys a sense of "tightness," "distress," "anguish," or "calamity." The use of _tsârâh_ here, coupled with the superlative "such as never was," emphasizes an unparalleled period of intense suffering and oppression. It speaks to a time of extreme pressure and affliction that will test humanity and God's people like no other period in history, highlighting the severity and unique nature of the coming tribulation.
* **written (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** This primitive root means "to grave," "to inscribe," "to describe," or "to write." In the context of being "written in the book," it signifies a permanent, divinely ordained record. This is not merely a casual notation but an authoritative inscription, indicating a definitive and unchangeable status of belonging to God. It speaks to divine knowledge, election, and the certainty of salvation for those whose names are thus recorded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people:"** This clause introduces the archangel Michael, Israel's specific angelic protector, whose "standing up" signifies a decisive, active intervention on behalf of God's chosen people. This action is directly linked to the culmination of the events prophesied in the preceding chapter, indicating a divine response to the escalating tribulation. Michael's role as "great prince" underscores his authority and power in the heavenly realm and his specific charge over Israel.
* **"and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time:"** This segment describes an unprecedented period of global distress and calamity. The superlative language ("such as never was") emphasizes the unique and extreme nature of this tribulation, distinguishing it from all previous historical periods of suffering. It portrays a time of unparalleled anguish and persecution that will affect humanity on a scale never before witnessed.
* **"and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."** Despite the severity of the "time of trouble," this clause offers a profound promise of divine deliverance. The "people" refers to God's covenant people, and their deliverance is assured for those "found written in the book." This "book" symbolizes God's divine record of those who truly belong to Him, signifying their spiritual election, eternal salvation, and ultimate preservation through the tribulation.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 12:1 is rich in **Apocalyptic Imagery**, a hallmark of the book of Daniel, painting a vivid picture of future events through symbolic language. The mention of Michael "standing up" is a powerful **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action to an angelic being to convey a decisive, protective intervention. The phrase "a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation" employs **Hyperbole** and **Superlative Language** to emphasize the unparalleled nature and extreme severity of the coming tribulation, underscoring its unique place in redemptive history. Furthermore, the concept of names being "written in the book" is a potent **Symbolism**, representing divine knowledge, election, and the certainty of eternal salvation for those chosen by God. This imagery provides a stark contrast between the global chaos and the secure, divinely assured destiny of the righteous.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:1 stands as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the ultimate security of God's elect. It reveals that even in the most chaotic and distressing periods of human history, God is actively engaged through His angelic agents, ensuring the protection and ultimate deliverance of His people. The "time of trouble" foreshadows a period of intense tribulation, a theme echoed throughout biblical prophecy, yet it is immediately countered by the promise of salvation for those whose names are recorded in God's eternal ledger. This provides immense comfort, assuring believers that their ultimate destiny is secure in God's hands, regardless of earthly turmoil.

* [Jude 1:9](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - Michael Contends with the Devil")
* [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 12:1 offers a dual perspective: a sobering warning of future global distress and a profound assurance of divine protection and deliverance for God's faithful. In a world often marked by uncertainty, conflict, and escalating challenges, this verse calls believers to a posture of steadfast hope and unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan. It reminds us that our ultimate security is not found in earthly circumstances or human institutions, but in our relationship with the God who knows our names and has inscribed them in His eternal book. This should inspire perseverance in faith, courage in the face of adversity, and a deep sense of gratitude for the divine promise of salvation. It also prompts us to live lives worthy of our calling, reflecting the character of Christ, as we await the full realization of God's redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of Michael's intervention encourage you in times of personal or global distress?**
* **What does it mean for your name to be "written in the book," and how does this assurance impact your daily living?**
* **In what ways can believers prepare spiritually for a "time of trouble" and remain steadfast in their faith?**

### FAQ

**What is the "time of trouble" mentioned in Daniel 12:1?**

Answer: The "time of trouble" (Hebrew: _tsârâh_) refers to an unprecedented period of intense global distress, persecution, and calamity that surpasses any suffering in human history. It is often understood in eschatological terms as the Great Tribulation, a unique period of affliction prophesied to occur before the return of Christ. This period is characterized by immense pressure and anguish, designed to test and purify God's people while also bringing judgment upon the unrighteous. Jesus Himself alluded to a similar period in [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - Great Tribulation"), stating, "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be."

**Who is Michael and what is his significance in this verse?**

Answer: Michael is identified in Daniel 12:1 as "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people," referring to Israel. He is an archangel, a chief prince, and is consistently depicted in Scripture as a powerful angelic warrior and defender, particularly associated with the protection of God's covenant people. His name, "Who is like God?", underscores his divine commission and power. In this verse, his "standing up" signifies a decisive, active, and protective intervention on behalf of Israel during the unparalleled "time of trouble." This highlights God's active involvement in human history and His use of angelic agents to fulfill His sovereign purposes, as seen also in [Revelation 12:7](/revelation/12-7 "Revelation 12:7 - Michael Fights the Dragon").

**What does it mean to be "written in the book"?**

Answer: To be "written in the book" is a powerful biblical metaphor signifying divine election, spiritual belonging, and eternal salvation. This "book" (often referred to as the Book of Life) is God's eternal record of those who are truly His, those who have been chosen for salvation and whose names are permanently inscribed in heaven. It speaks to God's foreknowledge and His covenant faithfulness. This imagery assures believers that their ultimate deliverance and eternal destiny are secure in God's hands, providing comfort and hope amidst tribulation, as also seen in [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names in the Book of Life") and [Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life and Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 12:1, while rooted in Old Testament prophecy concerning Israel, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "time of trouble, such as never was" foreshadows the intense tribulation that precedes Christ's second coming, a period He Himself warned about in the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"). Yet, amidst this unparalleled distress, the promise of deliverance for "thy people" is fully realized in Christ. He is the ultimate Deliverer, the one who triumphs over all evil and secures the salvation of His church. Michael's role as the "great prince" who stands for God's people points to Christ, the true Prince of Peace and the Head of the Church, who continually intercedes for and protects His own (as seen in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")). Furthermore, being "written in the book" is accomplished through faith in Christ; it is by His atoning sacrifice and resurrection that believers' names are eternally inscribed in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Lamb's Book of Life"). Thus, Daniel's vision of future deliverance is not merely a historical or national promise but a glorious anticipation of the universal salvation and eternal security found in Jesus, who conquers death and guarantees the resurrection and eternal life for all who are truly His, as promised in [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 30:7

Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Matthew 24:21

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Mark 13:19

For [in] those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

Revelation 16:17

¶ And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

Revelation 16:21

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

Luke 21:23

But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

Luke 21:24

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.