Daniel 12:6

And [one] said to the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, How long [shall it be to] the end of these wonders?

And one said {H559} to the man {H376} clothed {H3847} in linen {H906}, which was upon {H4605} the waters {H4325} of the river {H2975}, How long shall it be to the end {H7093} of these wonders {H6382}?

One of them asked the man dressed in linen who was above the water of the river, "How long will these wonders last?"

One of them said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long until the fulfillment of these wonders?”

And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?

Daniel 12:6 records a critical question asked by one of the angelic figures present during Daniel's final vision. The question is directed at the majestic "man clothed in linen," who stands upon the waters of the river, likely the Tigris, where Daniel received this extensive prophecy. The core of the inquiry is about the duration of the extraordinary and often difficult events (the "wonders") that have been revealed to Daniel, particularly those detailed in chapter 11 concerning future conflicts and tribulations.

Context

This verse is situated at the very end of Daniel's prophecies, specifically following the detailed account of future historical events, conflicts, and the rise and actions of powerful figures leading up to a time of great trouble. The scene involves Daniel, the man clothed in linen (introduced earlier in Daniel 10:5-6), and two other unnamed figures standing on the banks of the river. The questioner is one of these two, seeking clarity on the timeline of the complex and tumultuous events just described, often interpreted as relating to the end times and the tribulation period.

Key Themes

  • Inquiry about Timing: The central theme is the human, or perhaps angelic, desire to know "how long" suffering, tribulation, and the fulfillment of prophecy will last.
  • Divine/Angelic Authority: The question is posed to the "man clothed in linen," a figure of significant authority and purity, often seen as representing a divine messenger or even a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.
  • The Mystery of God's Timing: While the question is asked, the subsequent verses show that the precise timing remains largely sealed or understood only by God, a common theme regarding end-times prophecy (see Acts 1:7).
  • The Nature of "Wonders": The "wonders" refer to the extraordinary, difficult, and often terrible events foretold, highlighting the intensity of the period leading to the end.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "man clothed in linen" (Hebrew: ish levushim badim) uses terms associated with priestly garments and divine presence, emphasizing purity and authority. This figure is distinct from the two questioners. The word "wonders" (Hebrew: pela'ot) implies extraordinary or difficult things, aligning with the complex and often disturbing events described in the preceding chapters.

Reflection & Application

This verse resonates with the persistent human curiosity about the future and the timing of significant events, especially those involving hardship and change. While we are given signs and prophecies, Daniel 12:6 reminds us that the exact timeline often remains within God's knowledge. The focus for believers is not primarily on calculating dates but on understanding the nature of the events, remaining faithful during times of trouble, and looking forward to the ultimate deliverance and resurrection promised later in the chapter. The question "How long?" is valid, but the answer often points us back to trusting in God's sovereign plan and enduring with hope.

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.

  • Ezekiel 9:2

    And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them [was] clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.

  • Daniel 8:13

    Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

  • Zechariah 1:12

    Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?

  • Zechariah 1:13

    And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me [with] good words [and] comfortable words.

  • Daniel 8:16

    And I heard a man's voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision.

  • Daniel 10:5

    Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

  • 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.

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