Blessed is he who waitsThis phrase emphasizes the virtue of patience and endurance. In the biblical context, waiting often implies trusting in God's timing and promises. The concept of being "blessed" is reminiscent of the Beatitudes in
Matthew 5, where Jesus pronounces blessings on those who exhibit certain godly characteristics. The idea of waiting is also seen in
Isaiah 40:31, where those who wait on the Lord renew their strength. This waiting is not passive but involves active faith and perseverance through trials.
and reaches the end
The phrase suggests a journey or a period of trial that must be endured. In the context of Daniel, this likely refers to a time of tribulation or testing. The end signifies the completion of a prophetic timeline, which is a common theme in apocalyptic literature. This echoes the perseverance of the saints mentioned inRevelation 14:12, where endurance is linked to keeping faith in Jesus.
of the 1,335 days.
The specific number of days is part of a prophetic timeline that has intrigued scholars and theologians. It follows the mention of 1,290 days in the previous verse, suggesting a period of waiting beyond a significant event. Historically, this has been interpreted in various ways, including literal and symbolic understandings. Some see it as a period of purification or a time leading to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. The number may also connect to the broader eschatological themes in Daniel, where precise timeframes are used to convey God's sovereign control over history.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DanielA prophet and the author of the Book of Daniel, who receives visions and prophecies about the future of Israel and the end times.
2.
The 1,335 DaysA prophetic period mentioned in
Daniel 12:12, which follows the 1,290 days mentioned in the previous verse. This period is often interpreted in eschatological contexts.
3.
End TimesThe broader context of
Daniel 12 involves prophecies concerning the end times, including the resurrection and final judgment.
Teaching Points
Endurance in FaithThe verse highlights the importance of waiting and enduring through trials. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's timing and promises.
Blessing of PerseveranceThe "blessed" state of those who reach the end of the 1,335 days underscores the reward for perseverance. Christians are reminded that enduring faith leads to spiritual blessings and fulfillment of God's promises.
Understanding Prophetic TimelinesWhile the exact meaning of the 1,335 days may be debated, the focus should be on the assurance that God has a divine timeline. Believers are called to trust in His sovereign plan.
Hope in the End TimesThe verse provides hope for the future, encouraging believers to look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate victory over evil.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 12:12?
2.How does Daniel 12:12 encourage perseverance in your current spiritual journey?
3.What is the significance of "1,335 days" in understanding God's prophetic timeline?
4.How can Daniel 12:12 inspire hope during times of waiting and uncertainty?
5.Connect Daniel 12:12 with other scriptures about enduring faith and patience.
6.How can you apply the promise of blessing in Daniel 12:12 today?
7.What is the significance of the 1,335 days mentioned in Daniel 12:12?
8.How does Daniel 12:12 relate to end-time prophecy?
9.Why is the blessing in Daniel 12:12 given to those who wait?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 12?
11.Why are there 1260, 1290, and 1335 days in Tribulation?
12.Why does Daniel 12:11–12 specify two different periods (1,290 days and 1,335 days) without a clear explanation for the discrepancy?
13.Did Jesus cleanse the temple the same day he entered Jerusalem? Yes (Matthew 21:12) or No, he waited until the next day (Mark 11:1-17)?
14.Is there a right time for every action?What Does Daniel 12:12 Mean
Setting inDaniel 12Daniel 12 opens with “a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then” (Daniel 12:1). Gabriel is describing the climactic period often called the Great Tribulation (cf.Matthew 24:21;Revelation 7:14). Verses 1–3 move quickly from the distress to resurrection and reward, then verses 4–13 circle back to the timeline.Daniel 12:11–12 gives two numbers beyond the familiar 1,260 days (three-and-a-half years inDaniel 7:25;Revelation 11:3; 12:6; 13:5). Verse 12 reads, “Blessed is he who waits and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.”
Timeframes Introduced: 1,260, 1,290, 1,335• 1,260 days: the second half of the seventieth week (Daniel 9:27) when the “abomination of desolation” stands in the holy place (Daniel 11:31;Matthew 24:15).
• 1,290 days: thirty days past the 1,260. “From the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days” (Daniel 12:11).
• 1,335 days: forty-five more days, for a total of seventy-five days beyond the 1,260.
The Additional Thirty Days: Cleansing after DesolationA literal reading sees the abomination removed at Christ’s visible return (Matthew 24:29–30;Revelation 19:11–21). The extra thirty days allow for:
• Removal of the defiled altar and any idols (cf.2 Chronicles 29:16–17, where Hezekiah’s cleansing of the temple took sixteen days).
• Mourning and national repentance in Israel (Zechariah 12:10–14).
• Judgment of surviving nations, often called the “sheep and goats” judgment (Matthew 25:31–46).
The Extra Forty-Five Days: Transition into the KingdomAfter cleansing, forty-five more days prepare for Messiah’s earthly reign (Revelation 20:4–6). Possible events:
• Restoration and re-consecration of the millennial temple (Ezekiel 40–43).
• Allocation of tribal inheritances (Ezekiel 47:13–48:29).
• Setting governmental structures in place with resurrected saints sharing authority (Luke 19:17;Revelation 2:26-27).
The Blessing Pronounced“Blessed is he who waits and reaches the end of the 1,335 days” (Daniel 12:12). Those who survive all seventy-five post-tribulation days:
• Enter the messianic kingdom alive, experiencing its peace, health, and prosperity (Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:6-9).
• Avoid the judgments that fall on the Beast and the rebellious (Revelation 19:20-21).
• Witness the fulfillment of covenant promises to Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-34;Romans 11:26-27).
Encouragement for Believers• God’s calendar is precise; nothing delays His plan (Galatians 4:4;Acts 17:26).
• Perseverance is rewarded. The admonition to “wait” mirrors Jesus’ call to endure to the end (Matthew 24:13;Revelation 14:12).
• No suffering is meaningless. Temporary affliction leads to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
summaryDaniel 12:12 promises a special blessing for those who patiently persevere through the worst period of human history and live to see Christ establish His kingdom. The 1,260-day tribulation ends at His return; thirty days appear to cleanse what the Antichrist defiled, and forty-five more finalize kingdom arrangements. Those who reach day 1,335 step into the long-promised age of righteousness and peace. The verse calls every generation to steadfast faith, confident that God keeps time perfectly and rewards those who hold fast until His plan is complete.
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Blessed is he.--Last words to Daniel. He shall rest in the grave, and stand up in his own lot at the end of the days.
Verse 12. -
Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirtydays. None of the versions occasion any remark.
Blessed is he that waiteth. It might be rendered,
Oh the blessed-nesses of him that waiteth! This implies that forty-five days or years after the unknown event that terminates the twelve hundred and ninety days, another event of yet more surpassing interest, and fraught with yet greater benefit, shall occur. It seems most natural to regard this period as including in it that which precedes, though there is no grammatical reason why this period should not commence at the expiry of the twelve hundred and ninety days. In the latter case we are fully more at sea than before.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Blessed [is]אַשְׁרֵ֥י(’aš·rê)Interjection
Strong's 835:Happiness, interjection, how happy!he who waitsהַֽמְחַכֶּ֖ה(ham·ḥak·keh)Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2442:To adhere to, to awaitand reaches the endוְיַגִּ֑יעַ(wə·yag·gî·a‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5060:To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strikeof the 1,335אֶ֕לֶף(’e·lep̄)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 505:A thousanddays.לְיָמִ֕ים(lə·yā·mîm)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A day
Links
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OT Prophets: Daniel 12:12 Blessed is he who waits and comes (Dan. Da Dn)