Daniel 12:8

"I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him who lives forever that it will be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have finished breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things will be finished."

Key Reflection

In Daniel 12:8, the vision describes an angel swearing by the eternal God, indicating that a period of tribulation and persecution for the "holy people" is coming to an end after a specific duration—“a time, times, and a half”—which suggests a significant but finite period. This prophecy underscores the certainty of God's sovereignty over history and the eventual resolution of suffering for His people.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And I heard, but I understood not -He understood not the full significance of the language employed - “a time, and times, and an half.” This would make it probable that there was something more intended than merely three years and a half as the period of the continuation of these troubles. Daniel saw, apparently from the manner of the angel, as well as from the terms which he used, that there was something mystical and unusual in those terms, and he says, therefore, that he could not understand their full import. Then said I, O my Lord -A term of civil address. The language is such as would be used by an inferior when respectfully addressing one of superior rank.

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