Commentary on Daniel, Chapter 12 · Argument method – Diverse readings
1. The Argument and Method.
THis Chapter, which conteineth the comforts and consolations ministred vntounto Daniel is deuided into three parts. 1. the conference of the Angel with Daniel, to v. 5. 2. of one of the Angels with Christ, v. 5. to v. 8. 3. of Christ himselfe with Daniel, thence to the ende of the chapter.
1. In the first part there are 4. comforts giuen vntounto Daniel. 1. one is taken from the efficient cause and author of their deliuerance, Michael shall stand vp for his people, v. 1. 2. in the second place of comfort, first the time of trouble is set forth by way of comparison, then the comfort is taken from the issue of their trouble: they which are found written in the booke of life, shall be deliuered, v. 1. 3. the third comfort is from the hope of the resurrection: they which are not temporally deliuered, shall rise vp in the ende vntounto life euerlasting. Here the resurrection is set forth. 1. in generall, many, that is all shall awake out of the dust. 2. in particular: there shall be two sorts, some shall rise to life, some to shame, v. 2. 3. of those which rise to life, some shall shine among the rest, as the brightnesse of the firmament, and as the starres, v. 3.
4. The fourth comfort is, that notwithstanding those troublesome times, yet the Church of God shall continue, and many shall seeke for the vnderstanding of this booke, which to that ende Daniel is bid to seale vp, v. 4.
2. In the second part is described. 1. the vision, that Daniel sawe, both the number, he sawe two, and the site or place of them, v. 5. 2. their speach. 1. the question mooued, vntounto whom, namely, to Christ, and what, concerning the ende. 2. the answer. 1. by whom, by him that stood vponupon the waters. 2. in what manner, by an oath with the lifting vp of both his hands. 3. what he answereth, both for the cōtinuance of the time, & for the end, v. 7.
3. In the third part, there is 1. Daniels question, with the occasion thereof, his not vnderstanding, v. 8. 2. the answer of Christ, partly denying Daniels request, the things were secret, and sealed vp, v. 9. partly giuing him satisfaction: 1. concerning the Church, wherein is shewed the ende and fruit of their afflictions, set forth by the contrarie, the frowardnes of the wicked, v. 10. and the tearme, first 1290. daies, then a 1335. v. 11. 12. 2. concerning Daniel himselfe, that he should be content: with a double promise made vntounto him, that he should presently after his death, rest from all his labours: and afterward stand vp in his lot in the resurrection.
2. The text with the diuers readings.
1. And at that time shall stand vp Michael the great Prince, which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as neuer was since there began to be a nation vntounto this time: and at that time the people shall be deliuered, eueryevery one that is found written in that booke. (in the booke. B. G. but the article is prefixed, which noteth some speciall booke)
2 And many of them which sleepe in the dustie earth (V. I. earth of dust. H. not dust of the earth. B. G.) shall awake, some to euerlasting life, and some to shame and perpetuall contempt (not to contempt, that they may see alwaies)
3 And they which instruct (cause to vnderstand. H. are teachers. V. are wise. G. B. are taught or learned. L. but the word is in the active) shall shine as the brightnes of the firmament: and they which bring many (turne many. B. G.) to righteousnes (iustifie many. H.) as the starres for euer and euer.
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut vp the words, and seale the booke vntil the time determined: (I. L. vntill the last time. V. time of the ende. H. B. not end of time. G.) many shall runne to and fro (or here and there. B. not, passe through. L. or wander vp and downe. V.) and knowledge shal be encreased. (see qu. 15.
5 ¶Then I Daniel looked, and beheld other two standing, the one on this side of the brinke of the riuer, and the other on that side of the brinke of the riuer.
6 And one said (not, I said. L.) to the man clothed in linen, which was vponupon the waters of the riuer, (aboue at the waters of the riuer. V.) How long vntounto the ende of these wonders? (not, when shall be the ende of these wonders?)
7 And I heard the man cloathed in linen, which was vponupon the waters of the riuer, when he held vp his right hand, and his left hand vntounto heauen (the heauens) and sware by him that liueth for euer, that at the appointed time, times, and a part, I. (or halfe, caeter. for cheizi, signifieth both. I. not vntounto the appointed time, whether long or short. V. he expresseth not the words) and when he hath accomplished to disperse the power (hand. H.) of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
8. And I heard, but vnderstood not: and I said Lord, what shall be the ende of these things?: (not what shall be in the ende of these things. A. P. or what shall be after this. L. acarith, here signifieth the last ende.
9. And he said, goe thy way Daniel, for the words are cloased vp and sealed, vntounto the time determined (L. I. time of the ende. H. S. B. not ende of time. G).
10. Many shall be purged (chosen. L. S. barar, signifieth both, but the first here) and made white and tried (as fire. L. S. ad.) but the wicked shall doe wickedly, neither shall any of the wicked vnderstand, but they which instruct (I. V. cause to vnderstand. H. the wise. B. G.) shall vnderstand (obserue, marke. I.)
11. And from the time that the daily. sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abhomination bringing desolation (making desolate. H. not the abhomination for desolation. L. or abhominable desolation. B. G. for (shamem) making desolate, is here a Participle) set vp, there shall be a thousand two hundreth and ninetie dayes.
12. Blessed is he that waiteth and commeth (shall come. H.) to the thousand three hundreth and fiue and thirtie dayes.
13. But goe thou thy way to the ende, (not thou Daniel to the appointed or defined time. L.) for thou shalt rest and stand vp in thy lot at the ende of dayes: the Septuag. here adde many words, there are yetdayes and houres to the fulfilling of perfection.)