Daniel 12:7

And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, "It will be for a time, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed."

Study Bible

And the man dressed in linen
The man dressed in linen is often identified as a heavenly being, possibly an angel, due to the description of his attire, which is similar to the priestly garments described in Exodus 28. Linen is associated with purity and holiness, indicating the divine nature of the messenger. This figure is reminiscent of the man in linen seen in Daniel 10:5-6, who is described with a dazzling appearance, suggesting a connection to divine revelation.

who was above the waters of the river
The location above the waters of the river suggests a position of authority and control over chaos, as water often symbolizes chaos in biblical literature. This imagery is similar to the Spirit of God hovering over the waters in Genesis 1:2. The river, likely the Tigris, is a significant geographical feature in the region, emphasizing the importance of the vision's setting.

raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven
Raising both hands toward heaven is a gesture of solemn oath-taking, indicating the seriousness and certainty of the message being delivered. This act of swearing by heaven is a powerful affirmation of the truth of the prophecy, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:40, where God Himself raises His hand to heaven.

and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever
Swearing by "Him who lives forever" underscores the eternal nature of God, who is the ultimate authority and witness to the oath. This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and unchanging nature, as seen in passages like Revelation 10:6, where a similar oath is made by an angel.

saying, “It will be for a time, and times, and half a time.
The phrase "a time, and times, and half a time" is a cryptic expression often interpreted as a period of three and a half years. This timeframe is significant in apocalyptic literature, appearing in Daniel 7:25 and Revelation 12:14, symbolizing a period of tribulation and testing for God's people. It reflects the idea of a divinely appointed period of suffering that will ultimately lead to deliverance.

When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered
The shattering of the power of the holy people refers to a time of intense persecution and suffering for the faithful. This concept is echoed in Daniel 8:24, where the persecution of the saints is described. The breaking of their power signifies a period of testing and purification, aligning with the theme of refining and purifying God's people found throughout scripture.

all these things will be completed.”
The completion of "all these things" points to the fulfillment of God's prophetic plan. This phrase indicates that the trials and tribulations faced by the holy people are part of a larger divine purpose that will culminate in the establishment of God's kingdom. It echoes the assurance found in Daniel 9:24, where the prophecy outlines the ultimate redemption and restoration of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man Clothed in Linen
This figure is often interpreted as an angelic being or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. He is described as being above the waters, symbolizing authority and purity.

2. The Waters of the River
The river is often seen as a symbol of chaos or the nations. The man standing above it signifies dominion over these elements.

3. Raising Hands Toward Heaven
This gesture is a solemn oath, indicating the seriousness and certainty of the message being delivered.

4. Him Who Lives Forever
This refers to God, emphasizing His eternal nature and sovereignty over time and events.

5. Time, Times, and Half a Time
This phrase is a prophetic period often interpreted as three and a half years, symbolizing a period of trial or tribulation.

Teaching Points

Certainty of God's Plan
The raising of hands and the oath signify the absolute certainty of God's prophetic timeline. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty and timing.

Endurance Through Tribulation
The period of "time, times, and half a time" suggests a finite period of suffering. Christians are encouraged to endure, knowing that trials have an end.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The man above the waters symbolizes God's control over the chaos of nations. Believers can find peace in God's ultimate authority.

The Shattering of Power
The shattering of the holy people's power indicates that human strength is insufficient. Dependence on God is essential for spiritual victory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the image of the man clothed in linen above the waters influence your understanding of God's authority over chaos in your life?

2. In what ways can the concept of "time, times, and half a time" encourage you during personal trials or global events?

3. How does the act of raising hands toward heaven as an oath impact your view of the promises found in Scripture?

4. What parallels can you draw between the shattering of the holy people's power and moments in your life where you felt powerless?

5. How can the connections between Daniel 12:7 and other scriptures like Revelation 10:5-7 and Matthew 24:21-22 deepen your understanding of God's prophetic timeline?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 10:5-7
This passage also describes an angel raising his hand to heaven and swearing by God, indicating the fulfillment of God's mystery.

Daniel 7:25
The phrase "time, times, and half a time" is used here as well, referring to a period of persecution for the saints.

Matthew 24:21-22
Jesus speaks of a time of great tribulation, which can be connected to the period described in Daniel.