Daniel – Chapter 12

Old Testament • 13 Verses

Chapter Summary

Daniel 12 opens with the words: "But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall come, such as never…" The chapter centers on Daniel and Michael. Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and God's protection and deliverance. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall come, such as never was from the time that nations began, even until that time. And at that time shall thy people be saved, every one that shall be found written in the book.

2And many of those that sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake: some unto life everlasting, and others unto reproach, to see it always.

3But they that are learned, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that instruct many to justice, as stars for all eternity.

4But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time appointed: many shall pass over, and knowledge shall be manifold.

5And I, Daniel, looked, and behold as it were two others stood: one on this side upon the bank of the river, and another on that side, on the other bank of the river.

6And I said to the man that was clothed in linen, that stood upon the waters of the river: How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?

7And I heard the man that was clothed in linen, that stood upon the waters of the river, when he had lifted up his right hand, and his left hand to heaven, and had sworn by him that liveth for ever, that it should be unto a time, and times, and half a time. And when the scattering of the band of the holy people shall be accomplished, all these things shall be finished.

8And I heard, and understood not. And I said: O my lord, what shall be after these things?

9And he said: Go, Daniel, because the words are shut up, and sealed until the appointed time.

10Many shall be chosen, and made white, and shall be tried as fire: and the wicked shall deal wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the learned shall understand.

11And from the time when the continual sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination unto desolation shall be set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred ninety days.

12Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh unto a thousand three hundred thirty-five days.

13But go thou thy ways until the time appointed: and thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot unto the end of the days.

Important Verses in Daniel 12

“But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall come, such as never was from the time that nations began, even until that time. And at that time shall thy people be saved, every one that shall be found written in the book.”

Daniel 12:1

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time appointed: many shall pass over, and knowledge shall be manifold.”

Daniel 12:4

“And I heard, and understood not. And I said: O my lord, what shall be after these things?”

Daniel 12:8

“Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh unto a thousand three hundred thirty-five days.”

Daniel 12:12

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Daniel was written with the faithful under persecution, assured that God's kingdom will prevail in view. Chapter 12 of 14 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Daniel and Michael appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall…" It concludes: "But go thou thy ways until the time appointed: and thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot unto the end of the days. " Read against its original backdrop, Daniel combines court stories of heroic fidelity—the fiery furnace, the lions' den—with apocalyptic visions of God's kingdom triumphing over the empires of the world. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Set in the 6th century BC; final form about 165 BC during the Maccabean persecution.

Who Wrote It

Traditions of Daniel, a Jewish exile at the Babylonian court; final form by a later inspired author

When It Was Written

Set in the 6th century BC; final form about 165 BC during the Maccabean persecution

Catholic Commentary

In this 13-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of faithfulness in exile and apocalyptic hope. A pivotal line is verse 1: "But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall come, such as never was from the time…" The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of faithfulness in exile and apocalyptic hope. Daniel's visions point to Christ's kingdom (CIC 664). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 721).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

Daniel3 mentionsMichael1 mention

Reflection for Today

The late section of Daniel—Chapter 12 of 14—opens a particular moment in the story of faithfulness in exile and apocalyptic hope.

According to Catholic teaching, Daniel's visions point to Christ's kingdom (CIC 664). This chapter especially highlights the role of the sacraments in sanctification, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 2683).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 113) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Daniel Chapter 12 about?

Daniel 12 contains 13 verses. It opens with "But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall…" and closes with "But go thou thy ways until the time appointed: and thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot unto the end of the days. ". The book as a whole is court narrative and apocalyptic visions (with deuterocanonical sections).

What is a key verse in Daniel 12?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall come, such as never was from the time that nations began,…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Daniel Chapter 12?

This chapter mentions Daniel, Michael.

Who wrote Daniel and when?

Traditions of Daniel, a Jewish exile at the Babylonian court; final form by a later inspired author. Set in the 6th century BC; final form about 165 BC during the Maccabean persecution.

Related Chapters

1 Chronicles 5Shares people and themes with this chapterNehemiah 10Shares people and themes with this chapterEzekiel 14Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael

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