Daniel 12:13

KJV

But go thou thy way till the end [be]: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

KJV (with Strong's)

But go thou thy way {H3212} till the end {H7093} be: for thou shalt rest {H5117}, and stand {H5975} in thy lot {H1486} at the end {H7093} of the days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, go your way until the end comes. Then you will rest and rise for your reward, at the end of days."

Berean Standard Bible

But as for you, go on your way until the end. You will rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”

American Standard Version

But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest, and shalt stand in thy lot, at the end of the days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:13 concludes the book with a profound personal assurance from the divine messenger to the aged prophet Daniel. After receiving a series of complex and often unsettling visions concerning the future, the end times, and the ultimate destiny of Israel, Daniel is instructed to continue living faithfully until his appointed time. This final word promises him a future rest from his earthly labors and trials, culminating in a secure and divinely appointed place in the resurrection at the culmination of history, providing a powerful message of hope and divine faithfulness amidst the grand eschatological panorama.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 12:13 serves as the epilogue to the book of Daniel, specifically concluding the extensive prophetic revelations given in chapters 10-12. This final chapter describes the "time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation" ([Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - The Time of Trouble")), the resurrection of the dead to everlasting life or everlasting contempt ([Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection of the Dead")), and the ultimate destiny of the wise and the wicked. After Daniel expresses confusion and asks about the outcome of these things ([Daniel 12:8](/daniel/12-8 "Daniel 12:8 - Daniel Asks About the Outcome")), he is told that the words are "sealed till the time of the end" ([Daniel 12:9](/daniel/12-9 "Daniel 12:9 - Words Sealed Until the End")). Amidst these grand, often overwhelming eschatological pronouncements, Daniel 12:13 shifts focus to a deeply personal word of comfort and promise directly to Daniel, reassuring him of his individual future and secure place in God's ultimate plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel lived during a pivotal period of Israelite history, spanning the Babylonian exile and the early Persian Empire. He served in the courts of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus, witnessing the fall of one empire and the rise of another. This context of foreign domination and the scattering of his people heavily influenced the themes of divine sovereignty and future restoration found throughout his prophecies. The concept of "lot" (Hebrew: _gôwrâl_) would have resonated with the Israelite understanding of inheritance, particularly the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes by lot, as described in [Joshua 14-19](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14-19 - Division of the Land"). This cultural understanding imbued the word with a sense of secure, divinely appointed possession or destiny. The "end of the days" (Hebrew: _qêts hayyamim_) was a developing eschatological concept in Second Temple Judaism, referring to the culmination of the present age and the inauguration of God's righteous reign, often associated with the coming of the Messiah and the resurrection.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. It highlights **Divine Assurance and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's personal care for His servants even amidst global turmoil and complex prophecies. The promise of "rest" and "standing in one's lot" points to **Eschatological Hope and Resurrection**, affirming a future beyond death where the righteous will receive their appointed inheritance. It underscores the theme of **Perseverance and Obedience**, as Daniel is instructed to "go thy way" – to continue living faithfully – until the end. Finally, it reinforces the overarching theme of **God's Sovereign Control over History**, assuring Daniel that despite the unfolding of difficult future events, God's ultimate plan for His people and for individuals like Daniel is secure and culminates in glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** From H3212, this primitive root means "to walk" literally or figuratively, or "to carry." In this context, "go thy way" is an imperative, instructing Daniel to continue his life's journey, to persevere in his faithful conduct and service until the appointed time. It implies a continuation of his present course, not a cessation of activity, but a patient endurance.
* **rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** From H5117, this root signifies "to settle down," "repose," or "cease from work or trouble." It conveys a sense of peace and cessation from the burdens and anxieties that Daniel experienced through his visions and life's trials. This "rest" is widely interpreted as the peace of death, a temporary repose before the ultimate resurrection.
* **lot (Hebrew, _gôwrâl'_):** From H1486, this word literally refers to a pebble used for casting lots, and by extension, the portion or destiny determined by lot. Figuratively, it denotes an assigned portion, inheritance, or destiny. In Daniel 12:13, it signifies Daniel's specific, secure, and divinely appointed place or inheritance in the eschatological kingdom, a guaranteed share in the future blessings of God's people.
* **end (Hebrew, _qêts'_):** From H7093, this word means "an extremity" or "conclusion." It is used twice in the verse, referring to the "end" of Daniel's life and the "end of the days," signifying the ultimate culmination of historical time and the inauguration of the eternal state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But go thou thy way till the end [be]:"** This opening clause is a divine command and encouragement to Daniel. "Go thy way" instructs him to continue living out his life with faithfulness and integrity, fulfilling his earthly course. The phrase "till the end" refers to the end of his life, implying that he should not be troubled by the incomprehensibility of the visions but rather trust in God's timing and sovereignty.
* **"for thou shalt rest,"** This is the first part of the divine promise to Daniel. The "rest" (Hebrew: _nûwach_) signifies a cessation from his labors, the anxieties of his prophetic burden, and the troubles of earthly life. It is commonly understood as the peace of death, a temporary repose before the ultimate awakening.
* **"and stand in thy lot"** This phrase speaks to Daniel's future resurrection and his secure place in God's eternal plan. "Stand" (Hebrew: _ʻâmad_) implies rising up, being established, or taking one's place. "Thy lot" (Hebrew: _gôwrâl_) refers to his divinely appointed inheritance or portion. This is not a random assignment but a guaranteed, secure, and personal share in the blessings of the eschatological kingdom.
* **"at the end of the days."** This final phrase specifies the timing of Daniel's standing in his lot. "The end of the days" (Hebrew: _qêts hayyamim_) is a technical eschatological term referring to the culmination of human history, the final period leading into God's eternal reign, and the time of the general resurrection. It connects Daniel's personal destiny to the broader cosmic and historical plan of God revealed throughout the book.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Personal Address** and **Direct Command** ("But go thou thy way") immediately establish an intimate and comforting tone, shifting from the vast, impersonal prophecies to a direct word of assurance for Daniel. The use of **Eschatological Language** ("till the end," "at the end of the days") firmly places Daniel's personal destiny within the grand sweep of God's ultimate plan for history, reinforcing the book's overarching theme of divine sovereignty. The concept of "rest" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely physical repose but a deeper spiritual peace and cessation from earthly toil and tribulation, often understood as the peace found in death before resurrection. Similarly, "stand in thy lot" is a powerful **Metaphor** for Daniel's resurrection and his secure, divinely appointed inheritance, drawing on the cultural understanding of land allocation by lot in ancient Israel to convey certainty and possession in the future kingdom. The verse's structure, moving from a present command to a future promise, creates a sense of **Hope and Resolution**, providing a comforting conclusion to a book filled with challenging visions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:13 offers a profound theological statement about God's faithfulness to His servants and the ultimate hope of the righteous. It affirms the reality of an individual, personal destiny within God's grand redemptive plan, assuring Daniel that his faithful endurance will be met with a guaranteed future. The promise of "rest" and "standing in his lot" points directly to the biblical doctrine of resurrection and the secure inheritance awaiting believers. This verse underscores that while God's purposes unfold on a cosmic scale, He remains intimately concerned with the individual, providing comfort and assurance for those who persevere in faith. It bridges the Old Testament's developing understanding of the afterlife with the New Testament's clearer revelation of resurrection and eternal life, serving as a powerful testament to the enduring hope of God's people across all ages.

* [Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Promise of Rest for God's People")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Suffering in the New Jerusalem")
* [1 Corinthians 15:52](/1_corinthians/15-52 "1 Corinthians 15:52 - The Resurrection at the Last Trumpet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 12:13 offers a timeless message of profound encouragement and hope for all believers. Just as Daniel was called to continue faithfully in his way despite the overwhelming nature of the visions and the uncertainty of the future, so too are we called to persevere in our walk with God. This verse reminds us that our present faithfulness, even amidst trials, confusion, or the burden of understanding God's complex plans, is not in vain. The promise of "rest" speaks to the ultimate peace that awaits us, whether it be the rest of death or the final cessation of all earthly struggles in the presence of God. More significantly, the assurance of "standing in thy lot at the end of the days" provides a powerful anchor for our hope: a secure, divinely appointed place in God's eternal kingdom. This truth empowers us to live with purpose, knowing that our ultimate destiny is not determined by earthly circumstances but by God's unwavering promise. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting that our labor in the Lord is never wasted and that a glorious, personal inheritance awaits those who endure to the end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's instruction to "go thy way" apply to your own life and current challenges?**
* **What does the promise of "rest" signify for you personally, both in this life and beyond?**
* **In what ways does the assurance of a "lot" or secure inheritance at the "end of the days" strengthen your faith and perseverance?**
* **How does the personal nature of this promise to Daniel encourage you about God's care for individuals amidst His grand cosmic plans?**

### FAQ
**What does "rest" (H5117, _nûwach_) mean for Daniel in this context?**

Answer: For Daniel, "rest" primarily refers to the cessation of his earthly labors, anxieties, and the burdens of his prophetic ministry, particularly as he was an old man at this point. It is widely understood as the peace of death, a temporary repose in the grave. This "rest" is not an end to his existence but a transitional state before his ultimate resurrection, as indicated by the subsequent promise to "stand in thy lot at the end of the days." It signifies a release from the toil and trouble of mortal life, a peaceful slumber awaiting the divine awakening.

**What is implied by "stand in thy lot at the end of the days"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful affirmation of Daniel's future resurrection and his secure place in God's eternal kingdom. "Stand" (H5975, _ʻâmad_) implies rising up, being established, or taking one's rightful position. "Thy lot" (H1486, _gôwrâl_) signifies a divinely appointed portion or inheritance, much like the land inheritance given to the tribes of Israel in [Joshua](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance"). Therefore, Daniel is promised that he will be resurrected and will receive his specific, secure, and guaranteed share in the blessings of God's final, eternal reign. "At the end of the days" (H7093, _qêts_ H3117, _yôwm_) unequivocally points to the culmination of history and the general resurrection, linking Daniel's personal destiny to the ultimate eschatological events described earlier in [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Life or Contempt").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 12:13, though an Old Testament promise to a faithful prophet, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "rest" promised to Daniel foreshadows the true and eternal rest offered to all believers in Christ, who is our Sabbath rest ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Entering God's Rest")). Jesus Himself invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Furthermore, the promise that Daniel will "stand in thy lot at the end of the days" is fully realized through Christ's triumphant resurrection, which guarantees the resurrection of all who believe in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Our "lot" or inheritance is no longer a physical portion of land but an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance kept in heaven for us, secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection")). The "end of the days" is inaugurated by Christ's first coming and will be consummated at His glorious return, when He will raise the dead and establish His eternal kingdom, ensuring that all who are "in Christ" will indeed stand in their secure and glorious lot with Him forever ([John 6:40](/john/6-40 "John 6:40 - Everyone Who Looks to the Son and Believes in Him Shall Have Eternal Life")). Thus, Daniel's personal assurance becomes a universal hope, grounded in the finished work and future reign of the Messiah.

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

Revelation 14:13

¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Zechariah 3:7

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

Daniel 12:3

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Matthew 19:28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.