Daniel 12:1

¶ 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.

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}.

"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.

“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.

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

Daniel 12:1 opens the final, climactic section of Daniel's prophecies, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous yet ultimately triumphant events of the end times. This verse provides profound insights into divine protection, a period of unprecedented global distress, and the ultimate deliverance of God's faithful people.

Context

This verse is part of Daniel's final vision, spanning chapters 10-12, which details a long-term prophecy concerning the future of Israel and the world. The phrase "at that time" refers to the culmination of the events described in Daniel 11, which outlines a complex sequence of historical and future conflicts, often interpreted as leading up to the very end of the age. It sets the stage for the resurrection and judgment described in the verses immediately following, underscoring the apocalyptic nature of this revelation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection by Michael: The appearance of Michael, described as "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people," highlights God's active involvement in protecting His chosen people, Israel, during a period of immense global turmoil. Michael is consistently portrayed in scripture as a powerful angelic warrior, specifically linked to the defense of Israel.
  • Unprecedented Time of Trouble: The prophecy speaks of a "time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation." This language emphasizes a period of unparalleled global distress, often associated with the concept of the Great Tribulation described by Jesus and other New Testament authors. It signifies a period of intense persecution and calamity that will affect the entire world.
  • Deliverance of the Righteous: Amidst this unparalleled distress, a promise of deliverance is given: "thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." This refers to those whose names are recorded in God's Book of Life, signifying their eternal salvation and divine preservation through faith.

Linguistic Insights

  • Michael: The name Michael (Hebrew: מִיכָאֵל, Mika'el) means "Who is like God?" He is depicted as an archangel or "chief prince" (Daniel 10:13), a celestial defender specifically assigned to Israel. His standing up signifies a decisive action or intervention on behalf of God's people.
  • Time of Trouble: The Hebrew term for "trouble" is tsarah (צָרָה), which conveys distress, anguish, and calamity. The superlative phrase "such as never was" (לֹא נִהְיָתָה, lo nihyatah) powerfully underscores the unique and extreme nature of this future period of global suffering.
  • Written in the book: This imagery of a heavenly "book" or scroll containing the names of the righteous is found throughout Scripture, symbolizing divine knowledge and predestination of those who are truly God's (Psalm 69:28, Philippians 4:3).

Practical Application

Daniel 12:1 offers both a sobering warning and a profound source of hope. While it points to a future time of unprecedented global distress, it also firmly assures believers of God's unwavering protection and ultimate deliverance. For those who are "written in the book" through faith in Christ, there is an assurance that even in the darkest hours, divine intervention will prevail. This verse encourages perseverance, reminding us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's sovereign plan and His ultimate salvation, knowing that true deliverance is promised to those who belong to Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.