Daniel 12:5

¶ Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.

Then I Daniel {H1840} looked {H7200}, and, behold, there stood {H5975} other {H312} two {H8147}, the one {H259} on this side {H2008} of the bank {H8193} of the river {H2975}, and the other {H259} on that side of the bank {H8193} of the river {H2975}.

Then I, Dani'el, looked; and I saw in front of me two others, one on this bank of the river and the other on its other bank.

Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank.

Then I, Daniel, looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on the brink of the river on this side, and the other on the brink of the river on that side.

Context

Daniel 12:5 is a descriptive verse within Daniel's final and most extensive prophetic vision, often referred to as the "great vision" (Daniel 10-12). Following a detailed revelation of future events, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and the tribulation leading up to the end times, Daniel once again focuses on the setting of this divine encounter. This scene is part of the extensive and profound final vision given to Daniel, which began by the great river Hiddekel (Tigris), where he also encountered the man clothed in linen, likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or a high-ranking angelic being.

Key Themes

  • Divine Spectacle and Witness: The appearance of "other two" figures, distinct from the primary divine messenger, emphasizes the solemnity and importance of the revelation. Their presence on opposite sides of the river suggests a formal setting, perhaps as witnesses or participants in the ensuing dialogue regarding the unfolding of God's prophetic plan.
  • Preparation for Crucial Information: This verse serves as a dramatic setup for the pivotal question posed in the very next verse (Daniel 12:6) concerning the timing of the end of these wonders. The scene is being meticulously arranged for the transmission of vital eschatological understanding.
  • Angelic Involvement in Prophecy: The Bible frequently portrays angelic beings as messengers and participants in God's redemptive and prophetic activities (e.g., Revelation 1:1). Their presence here underscores the supernatural origin and significance of Daniel's vision.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "other two" is shenayim acherim (שְׁנַיִם אֲחֵרִים), simply meaning "two others." This confirms they are distinct from the primary figure, the "man clothed in linen," who was standing "upon the waters of the river" (Daniel 12:6). Their placement "on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side" creates a visual symmetry and a sense of encompassing the prophetic scene, suggesting a comprehensive view or a formal deliberation.

Significance and Application

While seemingly a simple descriptive verse, Daniel 12:5 is crucial for understanding the context of the powerful questions and answers that follow. It reminds us that God's prophetic revelations are not haphazard but are carefully orchestrated and witnessed by heavenly beings. For believers today, this verse reinforces the reliability and divine authority behind the prophecies of Daniel, particularly those concerning the end of the age and Christ's return. The scene sets the stage for a deeper exploration of God's sovereign control over history and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 10:10

    ¶ And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands.

  • Daniel 10:4

    And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which [is] Hiddekel;

  • Daniel 10:6

    His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

  • Daniel 10:16

    And, behold, [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

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