Daniel 12

When those things happen, the great angel Michael, who protects the Israelites, will help them. The Israelites will have more trouble than they have had since they became a nation until now. But at that time, God will rescue every one of his people whose name he has written in his book.

Many people who have died and who are in graves in the ground will become alive again. Some of them will live eternally with God, but God will condemn others forever. \*

Those who have done what is wise will shine as brightly as the sky. And those who have helped others to live right will shine like stars forever.

But as for you, Daniel, do not tell anyone what I have told you. You may write this down, but seal the scroll so that no one opens it and reads it until it is time for these things to start happening. People will go to different places trying to find out what is going to happen.” \*

{When that angel finished speaking,} I, Daniel, looked up, and I saw two other angels. One angel was standing on my side of the river, and the other angel was standing on the opposite side.

One of them called to the angel who had been speaking to me, who was wearing linen clothes. He was above the river. That other angel asked him, “How long will it be until these amazing events end?” \*

The angel wearing linen clothes who was above the river raised both of his hands toward the sky. I heard him solemnly swear by God, who lives forever, that it would be for a time, times, and half a time. For a while, God’s holy people will lose their power. But when that time is over, these other events will also end. \*

I heard what he said, but I did not understand it. So I asked, “Sir, what will be the result of all these events?”

He replied, “Daniel, no one will be able to understand what this message means until the time of these events. So just continue to live your life now. \*

Many people will make sure that they live in a way that honors God greatly. But wicked people will continue to do wicked things. None of them will understand what is happening, but wise people will understand.

There will be 1,290 days after the northern king prevents the priests from offering the regular sacrifices to God each morning and evening and puts something disgusting in the temple that makes it unclean. \*

God will greatly bless those who remain loyal to him until 1,335 days are over.

But as for you, Daniel, you will die before these things happen. But when the world ends, you will live again, and God will reward you. So for now, just continue to live the rest of your life.”