Charles Ellicott Commentary Daniel 12

At that time — that is, in the times spoken of in Daniel 11:45, before the overthrow of the king. During the tribulation which precedes his overthrow, Michael comes to stand up in aid of the people.

A time of trouble — This is the tribulation spoken of in Matthew 24:21-22, which follows, as it does in the Book of Daniel, the wars, rumors of wars, and uprisings of various nations. (See Matthew 24:6-7.) It should be observed that the mere presence of Michael does not avert the times of trouble. He helps God’s people during the time of their trouble. On the mode in which the intensity of the tribulation is described, compare Jeremiah 30:7.

Written in the book — Compare Daniel 7:10; Philippians 4:3; and see Note on Exodus 32:32.

Many ... that sleep in the dust.— Literally, Many sleepers in the land of dust. The word “sleep” is applied to death (Jeremiah 51:39; compare to 1 Thessalonians 4:14); while “dust” is used for the grave (Psalms 22:29).

Some difficulty is presented by the use of the word “many” where “all” would have been expected. Theodoret explains it from Romans 5:15, where he observes “many” stands for “all.” It is, however, more in accordance with the language to suppose that the word “many” implies a contrast, apparently between the many who sleep in the dust and the comparatively small number of those who are alive and remain. (See John 5:28 and following). It should be noted that this passage not only teaches the doctrine of a general resurrection, which had already been incidentally revealed by Daniel’s contemporary, Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:1–4), but also the facts of eternal life, and a resurrection of the unjust as well as of the just.

Shame and everlasting contempt.— The latter word occurs only in this passage and Isaiah 66:24, where see the Note. For the use of the word “shame,” .

They that be wise.— Compare Matthew 13:43, Notes. “The wise” are the same as those that understand who were spoken of in Daniel 11:33, meaning those who by their own righteousness—that is, by their faithfulness to their covenant with God—had set a bright example to the others, as in Daniel 11:35.

Such is the consolation offered for the support of those who will witness the tribulation of the last days. (See Notes on Matthew 24:0 and the parallel passages.)

Shut up the words.— The revelation, which commenced in Daniel 10:20, now draws towards a close, and the prophet receives a further revelation respecting the time of the end. The revelation continues to be called by the same name, “the words,” as in Daniel 10:1; and now the prophet is told that the book in which this revelation is written must be placed in a safe and secure place, for the need for it will be felt in “the time of the end,” that is, in the time when the fulfillment makes the meaning of the prophecy clear and unambiguous.

Many shall run to and fro.— The verb “to run” is used in Jeremiah 5:1 of searching for knowledge. In this sense it is used of the eyes of the Lord (Zechariah 4:10). In the same sense it is used in this verse. Many will anxiously search in this book for knowledge of the manner of God’s dealings with His people, and will derive comfort and understanding from it.

Other two. — Two heavenly beings are now seen by the prophet. As the absence of the article shows he had not seen them before, St. Jerome supposes them to be the angels of Persia and Greece, but of course it is impossible to identify them.

The river — i.e., the Hiddekel, as in Daniel 10:4, though a different word for “river” is used, which is generally employed to designate the Nile. For the reason of the choice of this word, see the next Note.