Daniel 12:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Daniel 12:13
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.
Chapter Context
Daniel 12 is a apocalyptic and narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, creation, fellowship. Written during the Babylonian and Persian periods (c. 605-530 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Demonstrates faithful living under foreign rule during the Babylonian and Persian empires.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Daniel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Daniel 12:13
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Daniel 12:3, Zechariah 3:7, Matthew 19:28, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Revelation 14:13