Daniel 12:12

Daniel 12:12 (KJV): "Blessed [is] he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days."

This verse concludes a series of prophetic time statements given to Daniel regarding the end times and the fate of Israel. It offers a final pronouncement of blessing upon those who endure through a specific period of tribulation.

Context

Daniel Chapter 12 describes a time of intense trouble unprecedented in history, leading up to the resurrection and the final destiny of the righteous and the wicked. Verses 11 and 12 provide specific, though often debated, time periods (1290 and 1335 days) following the removal of the daily sacrifice and the setting up of the abomination that makes desolate. This verse focuses on the latter period, promising a blessing to those who persevere and reach its conclusion.

The context is the end of a long period of suffering and purification for God's people, as mentioned earlier in this chapter (see Daniel 12:1 regarding the great time of trouble and Daniel 12:10 regarding the purification of the wise).

Key Themes

• The Blessing of Endurance: The core message is that a specific blessing awaits those who patiently endure through a defined period of difficulty. This highlights the value God places on perseverance and faithfulness.
• Waiting and Patience: The verse emphasizes the act of "waiting." This isn't passive idleness but active endurance, maintaining faith and hope during challenging times, trusting in God's ultimate plan and timing.
• Specific Time Periods: The mention of "the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days" points to a distinct period within end-time prophecy. While interpretations vary on the exact meaning and fulfillment of these numbers, they signify that the period of waiting has a defined end, leading to a blessed state.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "blessed" is 'ashrey (אֲשְׁרֵי). It signifies a state of happiness, well-being, or fortunate condition. It's the same word used frequently in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 1) and the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, describing the joyful state of those who are in right relationship with God or who act according to His will. Here, it specifically links this state of blessedness to enduring and reaching the end of the prophetic period.

Practical Application

While the specific duration of 1335 days relates to a future prophetic period, the principle of the verse is timeless: there is a divine blessing for those who faithfully wait and endure through trials. Believers are often called to be patient in tribulation and to wait for God's timing and promises to unfold. This verse encourages perseverance, reminding us that enduring faith is valued by God and leads to a state of blessedness, whether in this life or in the age to come.

Reflection

Daniel 12:12 serves as an encouragement to those facing difficult times, particularly in the context of end-time events. It promises a special blessing for those who remain faithful and endure to the end of a specific, challenging period, highlighting the importance of patience and perseverance in God's plan.