Daniel 12:13
But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֣ךְ
H1980
לֵ֣ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְקֵ֥ץ
at the end
H7093
לְקֵ֥ץ
at the end
Strong's:
H7093
Word #:
3 of 8
an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
וְתָנ֛וּחַ
be for thou shalt rest
H5117
וְתָנ֛וּחַ
be for thou shalt rest
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
4 of 8
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
וְתַעֲמֹ֥ד
and stand
H5975
וְתַעֲמֹ֥ד
and stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
5 of 8
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְגֹרָלְךָ֖
in thy lot
H1486
לְגֹרָלְךָ֖
in thy lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
Cross References
Revelation 14:13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.2 Corinthians 5:1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.Zechariah 3:7Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.Matthew 19:28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.Daniel 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Historical Context
Daniel was approximately 85 years old when receiving this vision (circa 536 BC). He died without seeing prophecy's complete fulfillment—Medo-Persian dominance continued, Greece and Rome lay centuries future, Messiah's coming was 500+ years away. Yet God promises Daniel personal participation through resurrection. Early Jews and Christians saw this as clear Old Testament resurrection teaching. The 'lot' (Hebrew: goral) refers to inheritance portion—Daniel will receive his appointed reward at resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the command to 'go thy way' free us from anxiety about understanding all prophetic details, focusing instead on present faithfulness?
- What does the promise 'thou shalt rest, and stand' teach about death as temporary rest before resurrection to receive eternal inheritance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The book concludes with personal promise to Daniel: 'But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.' The command 'go thou thy way' releases Daniel from anxiety about unfulfilled prophecy—his responsibility is faithfulness, not comprehensive understanding. 'Thou shalt rest' promises death as rest, not annihilation. 'Stand in thy lot at the end of the days' promises resurrection and reward—Daniel will receive his inheritance when prophecy is fulfilled. This grounds resurrection hope in concrete promise to specific individual.