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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Daniel 12:1–4. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
It is usual with the prophets, when they foretel the grievances of the church, to furnish it at the same time with proper antidotes, a remedy for every malady. And no relief is so sovereign, of such general application, so easily accommodated to every case, and of such powerful efficacy, as those that are fetched from Christ and the future state; thence the comforts here are fetched.
I.Jesus Christ shall appear his church's patron and protector:
At that time, when the persecution is at the hottest, Michael shall stand up, Dan 12:1. The angel had told Daniel what a firm friend Michael was to the church, Dan 10:21. He all along showed this friendship in the upper world; the angels knew it; but now Michael shall stand up in his providence, and work deliverance for the Jews, when he sees that their power is gone, Deu 32:36. Christ is that great prince, for he is the prince of the kings of the earth, Rev 1:5. And, if he stand up for his church, who can be against it? But this is not all: At that time (that is, soon after) Michael shall stand up for the working out of our eternal salvation; the Son of God shall be incarnate, shall be manifested to destroy the works of the devil. Christ stood for the children of our people when he was made sin and a curse for them, stood in their stead as a sacrifice, bore the cure for them, to bear it from them. He stands for them in the intercession he ever lives to make within the veil, stands up for them, and stands their friend. And after the destruction of antichrist, of whom Antiochus was a type, Christ shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, shall appear for the complete redemption of all his.
II.When Christ appears he will recompense tribulation to those that trouble his people.
There shall be a time of trouble, threatening to all, but ruining to all the implacable enemies of God's kingdom among men, such trouble as never was since there was a nation. This is applicable.
1.To the destruction of Jerusalem, which Christ calls (perhaps with an eye to this prediction) such a great tribulation as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, Mat 24:21. This the angel had spoken much of (Dan 9:26, Dan 9:27); and it happened about the same time that Christ set up the gospel-kingdom in the world, that Michael our prince stands up. Or,
2.To the judgment of the great day, that day that shall burn as an oven, and consume the proud and all that do wickedly; that will be such a day of trouble as never was to all those whom Michael our prince stands against.
III.He will work salvation for his people:
"At that time thy people shall be delivered, delivered from the mischief and ruin designed them by Antiochus, even all those that were marked for preservation, that were written among the living," Isa 4:3. When Christ comes into the world he will save his spiritual Israel from sin and hell, and will, at his second coming, complete their salvation, even the salvation of as many as were given him, as many as have their names in the book of life, Rev 20:15. They were written there before the world, and will be found written there at the end of the world, when the books shall be opened.
IV.There shall be a distinguishing resurrection of those that sleep in the dust, Dan 12:2.
1.When God works deliverance for his people from persecution it is a kind of resurrection; so the Jews' release out of Babylon was represented in vision (Eze. 37) and so the deliverance of the Jews from Antiochus, and other restorations of the church to outward prosperity; they were as life from the dead. Many of those who had long slept in the dust of obscurity and calamity shall then awake, some to that life, and honour, and comfort which will be lasting, everlasting; but to others, who, when they return to their prosperity, will return to their iniquity, it will be a resurrection to shame and contempt, for the prosperity of fools will but expose them and destroy them.
2.When, upon the appearing of Michael our prince, his gospel is preached, many of those who sleep in the dust, both Jews and Gentiles, shall be awakened by it to take upon them a profession of religion, and shall rise out of their heathenism or Judaism; but, since there will be always a mixture of hypocrites with true saints, it is but some of those who are raised to life to whom the gospel is a savour of life unto life, but others will be raised by it to shame and contempt, to whom the gospel of Christ will be a savour of death unto death, and Christ himself set for their fall. The net of the gospel encloses both good and bad. But,
3.It must be meant of the general resurrection at the last day: The multitude of those that sleep in the dust shall awake, that is, all, which shall be a great many. Or, Of those that sleep in the dust many shall arise to life and many to shame. The Jews themselves understand this of the resurrection of the dead at the end of time; and Christ seems to have an eye to it when he speaks of the resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation (Joh 5:29); and upon this the Jews are said by St. Paul to expect a resurrection of the dead both of the just and of the unjust, Act 24:15. And nothing could come in more seasonably here, for, under Antiochus's persecution, some basely betrayed their religion, others bravely adhered to it. Now it would be a trouble to them that, when the storm was over, they could neither reward the one nor punish the other; this therefore would be a satisfaction to them, that they would both be recompensed according to their works in the resurrection. And the apostle, speaking of the pious Jews that suffered martyrdom under Antiochus, tells us that though they were tortured yet they accepted not deliverance, because they hoped to obtain this better resurrection, Heb 11:35.
V.There shall be a glorious reward conferred on those who, in the day of trouble and distress, being themselves wise, did instruct many.
Such were taken particular notice of in the prophecy of the persecution (Dan 11:33), that they should do eminent service, and yet should fall by the sword and by flame; now, if there were not another life after this, they would be of all men most miserable, and therefore we are here assured that they shall be recompensed in the resurrection of the just (Dan 12:3): Those that are wise (that are teachers, so some read it, for teachers have need of wisdom, and those that have wisdom themselves should communicate it to others) shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, shall shine in glory, heavenly glory, the glory of the upper world; and those that by the wisdom they have, and the instructions they give, are instrumental to turn any, especially to turn many to righteousness, shall shine as the stars for ever and ever. Note,
1.There is a glory reserved for all the saints in the future state, for all that are wise, wise for their souls and eternity. A man's wisdom now makes his face to shine (Ecc 8:1), but much more will it do so in that state where its power shall be perfected and its services rewarded.
2.The more good any do in this world, especially to the souls of men, the greater will be their glory and reward in the other world. Those that turn men to righteousness, that turn sinners from the errors of their ways and help to save their souls from death (Jam 5:20), will share in the glory of those they have helped to heaven, which will be a great addition to their own glory.
3.Ministers of Christ, who have obtained mercy of him to be faithful and successful, and so are made burning and shining lights in this world, shall shine very brightly in the other world, shall shine as the stars. Christ is the sun, the fountain, of the lights both of grace and glory; ministers, as stars, shine in both, with a light derived from him, and a diminutive light in comparison of him; yet to those that are earthen vessels it will be a glory infinitely transcending their deserts. They shall shine as the stars of different magnitudes, some in less, others in greater lustre; but, whereas the day is coming when the stars shall fall from heaven as leaves in autumn, these stars shall shine for ever and ever, shall never set, never be eclipsed.
VI.That this prophecy of those times, though sealed up now, would be of great use to those that should live then, Dan 12:4.
Daniel must now shut up the words and seal the book because the time would be long ere these things would be accomplished: and it was some comfort that the Jewish nation, though, in the infancy of their return from Babylon, while they were few and weak, they met with obstructions in their work, were not persecuted for their religion till a long time after, when they had grown to some strength and maturity. He must seal the book because it would not be understood, and therefore would not be regarded, till the things contained in it were accomplished; but he must keep it safely, as a treasure of great value, laid up for the ages to come, to whom it would be of great service; for many shall then run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Then this hidden treasure shall be opened, and many shall search into it, and dig for the knowledge of it, as for silver. They shall run to and fro, to enquire out copies of it, shall collate them, and see that they be true and authentic. They shall read it over and over, shall meditate upon it, and run it over in their minds; discurrent - they shall discourse of it, and talk it over among themselves, and compare notes about it, if by any means they may sift out the meaning of it; and thus knowledge shall be increased. By consulting this prophecy on this occasion they shall be led to search other scriptures, which shall contribute much to their advancement in useful knowledge; for then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord, Hos 6:3. Those that would have their knowledge increased must take pains, must not sit still in slothfulness and bare wishes but run to and fro, must make use of all the means of knowledge and improve all opportunities of getting their mistakes rectified, their doubts resolved, and their acquaintance with the things of God improved, to know more and to know better what they do know. And let us here see reason to hope that,
1.Those things of God which are now dark and obscure will hereafter be made clear, and easy to be understood. Truth is the daughter of time. Scripture prophecies will be expounded by the accomplishment of them; therefore they are given, and for that explication they are reserved. Therefore they are told us before, that, when they do come to pass, we may believe.
2.Those things of God which are despised and neglected, and thrown by as useless, shall be brought into reputation, shall be found to be of great service, and be brought into request; for divine revelation, however slighted for a time, shall be magnified and made honourable, and, above all, in the judgment of the great day, when the books shall be opened, and that book among the rest.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
9 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The person who loves God shall arrive at such excellence as even to see God, and hear his word and from the hearing of his discourse be glorified to such an extent that others cannot behold the glory of his countenance.
"And they that be wise shall shine." And the Lord has said the same thing in the Gospel: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun."
Quick, flee from sin, think at once of death, for it is written, “The prudent person treats sin harshly, and the face of ascetics will shine like the sun.”
Gabriel speaks to Daniel.… Therefore the most holy Gabriel foretold that the saints should shine like the stars: for his sacred name did witness to them, that they might understand the truth. Nor is a resurrection only declared for the martyrs but for all people, righteous and unrighteous, godly and ungodly, that every one may receive according to his desert. For God, says the Scripture, “will bring every work to judgment.”
This body shall rise, but it will not abide in its present condition but as an eternal body. No longer will it, as now, need nourishment for life or stairs for its ascent, for it will become spiritual, a marvelous thing, beggaring description. “Then shall the just,” it is said, “shine forth like the sun and the moon and like the splendor of the firmament.” God, foreknowing human unbelief, has given to the smallest worms to emit from their bodies beams of light in the summer, that natural fluorescence might be a parable of what we expect.… He who makes the worm shine luminously will much more illumine the just person. Therefore we shall rise again, all with eternal bodies, though not all with like bodies. A just person will receive a heavenly body, to dwell worthily with the angels, whereas the sinner will receive an eternal body and so never be consumed, though it burn eternally in fire.
Death … is entered on for a time and then … is put aside. He has shown, too, that the course of the life that is to be after death will be better than that which before death is passed in pain and sorrow. For the life after death is compared with the stars, while our life here is condemned to misery.
Is he not good, who exalted the earth to heaven, so that, just as the bright companies of stars reflect his glory in the sky, as in a mirror, so the choirs of apostles, martyrs and priests, shining like glorious stars, might give light throughout the world.
Verses 1-3. "But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who stands for the children of thy people, and a time shall come such as never occurred from the time that nations began to exist even unto that time. And at that time shall thy people be saved, even everyone who shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some unto life everlasting, and others unto reproach, that they may behold it always. But those who are instructed shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that instruct many as to righteousness, as the stars for all eternity." Up until this point Porphyry somehow managed to maintain his position and impose upon the credulity of the naive among our adherents as well as the poorly educated among his own. But what can he say of this chapter, in which is described the resurrection of the dead, with one group being revived for eternal life and the other group for eternal disgrace? He cannot even specify who the people were under Antiochus who shone like the brightness of the firmament, and those others who shone like the stars for all eternity. But what will pigheadedness not resort to? Like some bruised serpent, he lifts up his head as he is about to die, and pours forth his venom upon those who are themselves at the point of death. This too, he declares, was written with reference to Antiochus, for after he had invaded Persia, he left his army with Lysias, who was in charge of Antioch and Phoenicia, for the purpose of warring against the Jews and destroying their city of Jerusalem. All these details are related by Josephus, the author of the history of the Hebrews. Porphyry contends that the tribulation was such as had never previously occurred, and that a time came along such as had never been from the time that races began to exist even unto that time. But when victory was bestowed upon them, and the generals of Antiochus had been slain, and Antiochus himself had died in Persia, the people of Israel experienced salvation, even all who had been written down in the book of God, that is, those who defended the law with great bravery. Contrasted with them were those who proved to be transgressors of the Law and sided with the party of Antiochus. Then it was, he asserts, that these guardians of the Law, who had been, as it were, slumbering in the dust of the earth and were cumbered with a load of afflictions, and even hidden away, as it were, in the tombs of wretchedness, rose up once more from the dust of the earth to a victory unhoped for, and lifted up their heads, rising up to everlasting life, even as the transgressors rose up to everlasting disgrace. But those masters and teachers who possessed a knowledge of the Law shall shine like the heaven, and those who have exhorted the more backward peoples to observe the rites of God shall blaze forth after the fashion of the stars for all eternity. He also adduces the historical account concerning the Maccabees, in which it is said that many Jews under the leadership of Mattathias and Judas Maccabaeus fled to the desert and hid in caves and holes in the rocks, and came forth again after the victory (I Macc. 2.) These things, then, were foretold in metaphorical language as if it concerned a resurrection of the dead. But the more reasonable understanding of the matter is that in the time of the Antichrist there shall occur a tribulation such as there has never been since nations began to exist. For assume that Lysias won the victory instead of being defeated, and that he completely crushed the Jews instead of their conquering; certainly such tribulation would not have been comparable to that of the time when Jerusalem was captured by the Babylonians, the Temple was destroyed, and all the people were led off into captivity. And so after the Antichrist is crushed and destroyed by the breath of the Savior's mouth, the people written in God's book shall be saved; and in accordance with the merits of each, some shall rise up unto eternal life and others unto eternal shame. But the teachers shall resemble the very heavens, and those who have instructed others shall be compared to the brightness of the stars. For it is not enough to know wisdom unless one also instructs others; and the tongue of instruction which remains silent and edifies no one else can receive no reward for labor accomplished. This passage is expressed by Theodo-tion and the Vulgate edition in the following fashion: "And those who understand shall shine forth like the radiance of the firmament, and many of the righteous like the stars forever and ever." Many people often ask whether a learned saint and an ordinary saint shall both enjoy the same reward and one and the same dwelling-place in heaven. Well then, the statement is made here, according to Theodotion's rendering, that the learned will resemble the very heavens, whereas the righteous who are without learning are only compared to the brightness of the stars. And so the difference between learned godliness and mere godly rusticity shall be the difference between heaven and the stars.
“And the wise will shine.…” And the Lord says in the holy Gospels, “Then the righteous will shine like the sun.” “And from their many righteous deeds, they will shine like the stars forever and ever.” The most upright above all will be compared with the brightness of the firmament and with the light of the sun itself. Those who are less than these (that is what he means by the word “many”) will imitate the luster of the stars, sending down this light forever. So also Paul distinguished the ranks of the godly: “The glory of the sun is one kind, the glory of the moon another, and the glory of the stars yet another, for star differs from star in glory.”
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Summary
Daniel 12:3 offers a profound promise of eternal glory and recognition to two distinct groups: those who possess spiritual wisdom and understanding, and those who actively lead others to a righteous relationship with God. Set against the backdrop of end-time tribulation and resurrection, this verse serves as a powerful beacon of hope, emphasizing that faithful discernment and impactful spiritual service will be eternally rewarded with a brilliance likened to the celestial bodies, signifying lasting honor and divine vindication.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the climactic final vision given to Daniel, specifically in the twelfth chapter, which details events leading up to the end times. Preceding Daniel 12:3 are prophecies concerning a time of unprecedented global distress, a "time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation" (Daniel 12:1), followed by a clear declaration of a universal resurrection, where some will awaken to "everlasting life" and others to "shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2). Immediately following this stark contrast, Daniel 12:3 provides a specific promise of eternal reward for those who demonstrate spiritual insight and engage in evangelistic efforts, offering a hopeful counterpoint to the preceding grim predictions and providing motivation for faithfulness amidst the anticipated turmoil.
Historical & Cultural Context
Daniel's prophecies, though looking far into the future, are rooted in the historical and cultural milieu of the Babylonian and Persian empires. The concept of wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah) was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with divine insight, practical skill, and moral uprightness. The imagery of shining celestial bodies (firmament, stars) was a common motif in ancient cosmology, representing divine power, permanence, and glory. In Jewish thought, stars could symbolize leaders, righteous individuals, or even angels (Numbers 24:17; Revelation 1:20). The "firmament" (רָקִיעַ, raqia') was understood as the expanse of the sky, a visible, glorious dome, often associated with God's creative power as seen in Genesis 1:6-8. The promise of eternal reward for righteousness and for turning others to it would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood divine judgment and the importance of covenant faithfulness.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. It underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Future Hope, assuring believers that even in times of intense tribulation, God's ultimate plan includes vindication and glory for His faithful servants. It highlights the theme of Spiritual Wisdom and Discernment, emphasizing that true wisdom is not merely intellectual but involves understanding God's prophetic word and living in accordance with His will, particularly in challenging times. Crucially, it amplifies the theme of Evangelism and Discipleship, placing immense value on the work of leading others to righteousness, suggesting that impacting lives for God's kingdom has eternal, radiant consequences. This theme is foundational to the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for all people to come to repentance and knowledge of Him, as seen in passages like 2 Peter 3:9.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
(שָׂכַל, sâkal), meaning "to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent; consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly." In this context, "wise" refers to those who possess spiritual discernment, understanding God's ways, His prophetic plan, and His will, particularly in the face of tribulation. It implies not just intellectual knowledge but practical, righteous living guided by divine insight.
(זָהַר, zâhar), a primitive root meaning "to gleam; figuratively, to enlighten (by caution); admonish, shine, teach, (give) warn(-ing)." This word conveys the idea of radiating light, brilliance, and glory. It suggests a visible manifestation of honor and divine approval, reflecting the glory of God Himself. The shining is a reward and a recognition of their spiritual wisdom and impact.
(צָדַק, tsâdaq), a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense); cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness)." This term refers to moral rectitude, conformity to God's standards, and a right standing with Him. "Turning many to righteousness" means leading them to a state of moral and spiritual uprightness, often implying conversion, repentance, and living in obedience to God's commands.
Verse Breakdown
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament;"
This clause promises a glorious eternal reward for those who possess spiritual wisdom. The "wise" are those who understand God's truth, especially His prophetic plan, and live accordingly. Their reward is to "shine," indicating a radiant, visible glory, likened to the "brightness of the firmament" (the expanse of the sky). This imagery suggests a vast, enduring, and divinely ordained brilliance, signifying their eternal honor and participation in God's glory.
"and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."
This second clause extends the promise of eternal glory to those who actively engage in leading others to a right relationship with God. "Turning many to righteousness" refers to evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual leadership that results in people embracing God's moral and spiritual standards. Their reward is to shine "as the stars," an image conveying permanence, multitude, and celestial honor. The phrase "for ever and ever" emphasizes the eternal, unending nature of this glory, far surpassing any earthly achievement or recognition.
Literary Devices
Daniel 12:3 is rich in Imagery and Simile, creating vivid pictures of eternal reward. The comparison of the wise to the "brightness of the firmament" employs a Simile to convey a sense of vast, encompassing, and enduring brilliance. Similarly, the Simile "as the stars" for those who lead others to righteousness evokes the imagery of countless, eternally radiant points of light, suggesting both their multitude and their lasting glory. The use of "firmament" and "stars" are powerful Metaphors for divine order, permanence, and celestial honor. The phrase "for ever and ever" functions as a form of Hyperbole to emphasize the absolute and unending nature of the promised reward, transcending all temporal limitations and underscoring the infinite value of spiritual wisdom and soul-winning.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Daniel 12:3 stands as a powerful testament to the eternal value of spiritual wisdom and evangelistic labor. It reveals God's profound appreciation for those who not only understand His truth but also actively participate in His redemptive plan by guiding others toward righteousness. This promise of an eternal, radiant glory underscores the eschatological hope for the faithful, assuring them that their efforts in a fallen world are not in vain but are eternally significant in God's eyes. It connects the pursuit of divine wisdom with active service, suggesting that true spiritual insight naturally leads to a desire to see others brought into a right relationship with God.
Reflection and Application
Daniel 12:3 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a deep, spiritual wisdom that transcends mere intellectual knowledge, urging us to seek understanding of God's Word and His purposes, especially concerning the times we live in. This wisdom is not for personal hoarding but for guiding righteous living and equipping us to navigate challenges and discern truth from error. Furthermore, the verse places immense value on the work of leading others to Christ. The promise of shining "as the stars for ever and ever" serves as a powerful motivator for evangelism and discipleship, reminding us that there is no greater eternal investment than helping someone come to righteousness and grow in faith. Our faithfulness in seeking wisdom and our efforts to share the Gospel have eternal consequences, assuring us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain and will be honored with an unparalleled, lasting glory in eternity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the wise" refer to in this verse?
In Daniel 12:3, "the wise" (Hebrew: maskilim, from sâkal) refers to those who possess spiritual discernment and understanding, particularly concerning God's prophetic plan and His will, especially in times of tribulation. It's not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep spiritual insight that leads to righteous action and faithfulness to God's truth. These are individuals who understand the times and know what God's people ought to do, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:32.
What is the significance of "turning many to righteousness"?
"Turning many to righteousness" signifies the crucial work of evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual leadership. It means actively influencing others to embrace God's moral and spiritual standards, leading them to repentance, faith, and a right standing with God. This involves sharing the Gospel, teaching God's Word, and modeling a righteous life, ultimately guiding individuals into a saving relationship with the Lord. This aligns with the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Daniel 12:3 speaks of the eternal reward for the wise and those who turn many to righteousness, its ultimate fulfillment and the very possibility of such righteousness are found in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, "the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24), who perfectly understood and fulfilled the will of God. It is through His atoning sacrifice that humanity can be "turned to righteousness," for He "made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Those who are "wise" in Daniel's context are those who recognize God's truth, and in the New Testament, this wisdom culminates in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate "star," the "bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:16), whose glory surpasses all others. The shining of the saints is a reflection of His glory, a participation in His resurrection life, and a testament to His redemptive work. Thus, the promise of eternal brilliance for the wise and soul-winners is ultimately a promise of sharing in the radiant glory of Christ, who is the source and sustainer of all true wisdom and righteousness, and the One who turns countless multitudes to God (John 12:32).