Daniel 12

Deliverance and awakening

1“At that time Michael will arise, the great prince who stands over your people. There will be a time of distress unlike any since a nation first existed. But at that time your people will escape—everyone found written in the book. 2Many who sleep in the dusty ground will wake, some to everlasting life and others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3The discerning will shine like the brightness of the expanse, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. 4But you, Daniel, close up the words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will go to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”

The final questions

5Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing, one on each bank of the river. 6One asked the man dressed in linen, who was above the river’s waters, “How long until these astonishing things come to an end?” 7I heard the man dressed in linen, above the river’s waters. He raised his right and left hands to heaven and swore by the one who lives forever: “For a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people’s power is finished, all these things will be completed.” 8I heard but did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” 9He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. 10Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand; the discerning will understand. 11From the time the regular offering is removed and the abomination that devastates is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12Happy is the one who waits and reaches the 1,335 days. 13But you, go on to the end. You will rest, then stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”