Daniel describes a profound moment when he observes a heavenly figure and receives a prophetic timeline: “I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed” (v.7). The “man dressed in linen,” appearing above the waters, is often understood to be an angelic being delivering a message from the eternal God. The river mentioned here is traditionally believed to be the Tigris (Daniel 10:4), which flows from the mountains of eastern Turkey through modern-day Iraq and was a prominent waterway relevant to Daniel’s visions. By raising both hands toward heaven, this figure solemnly testifies that the declared period—described as “a time, times, and half a time”—signals a delineated span of great tribulation that would conclude when “the power of the holy people” is finally broken, revealing the end of a divinely appointed season.
Historically, this prophecy is written by Daniel, a prominent prophet of the sixth century BC (approximately 605-536 BC), who was taken captive during the Babylonian exile. Though Daniel was most likely in his later years when receiving this final revelation, his longstanding faith and devout life made him a prime vessel for receiving God’s message of future fulfillment. Many scholars see a parallel between this mysterious time frame and the visions of John in Revelation (Revelation 12:14), suggesting a culmination of end-times events. The imagery of an angel holding up both hands in this oath-like gesture is reminiscent of a direct heavenly pronouncement, indicating the utmost certainty of this prophecy.
The content emphasizes that God’s sovereign plan will unfold precisely on His timetable, no matter how perilous or lengthy the wait may seem. For those who look ahead, this segment hints at a final, decisive intervention by the Most High, pointing ultimately to God’s ultimate redemption of His people, a hope ultimately and more fully revealed in Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:15). “Shattering the power of the holy people” can be understood as the culmination of intense earthly trials that refine and test God’s faithful, laying the groundwork for His final restoration.
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Daniel 12:7 meaning
Daniel describes a profound moment when he observes a heavenly figure and receives a prophetic timeline: “I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed” (v.7). The “man dressed in linen,” appearing above the waters, is often understood to be an angelic being delivering a message from the eternal God. The river mentioned here is traditionally believed to be the Tigris (Daniel 10:4), which flows from the mountains of eastern Turkey through modern-day Iraq and was a prominent waterway relevant to Daniel’s visions. By raising both hands toward heaven, this figure solemnly testifies that the declared period—described as “a time, times, and half a time”—signals a delineated span of great tribulation that would conclude when “the power of the holy people” is finally broken, revealing the end of a divinely appointed season.
Historically, this prophecy is written by Daniel, a prominent prophet of the sixth century BC (approximately 605-536 BC), who was taken captive during the Babylonian exile. Though Daniel was most likely in his later years when receiving this final revelation, his longstanding faith and devout life made him a prime vessel for receiving God’s message of future fulfillment. Many scholars see a parallel between this mysterious time frame and the visions of John in Revelation (Revelation 12:14), suggesting a culmination of end-times events. The imagery of an angel holding up both hands in this oath-like gesture is reminiscent of a direct heavenly pronouncement, indicating the utmost certainty of this prophecy.
The content emphasizes that God’s sovereign plan will unfold precisely on His timetable, no matter how perilous or lengthy the wait may seem. For those who look ahead, this segment hints at a final, decisive intervention by the Most High, pointing ultimately to God’s ultimate redemption of His people, a hope ultimately and more fully revealed in Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:15). “Shattering the power of the holy people” can be understood as the culmination of intense earthly trials that refine and test God’s faithful, laying the groundwork for His final restoration.