Does Daniel 12:7 Have A Connection To The End-Time Resurrection of Daniel 12:2?
No.
There are some people who are in doctrinal error (known as Covenant Eschatologists) who assert that Daniel 12:2 and Daniel 12:7 support their false idea that the final "resurrection" occurred in A.D. 70. Daniel 12:7 states: "And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished."
The “holy people” in this verse refers to the Old Testament Jews (as will be shown soon). However, these false teachers state that when the power of the holy people comes to an end would be finalized by the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, then all these things (including the resurrection of verse two) would be finished. We will show this to be false for several reasons.
First, Daniel 10-12 is one large section of text. It can be broken down into three parts:
(1) Daniel 10:1 - 11:1, Daniel saw a vision of a heavenly figure.
(2) Daniel 11:2 - 12:3, Daniel heard a word of revelation about the future.
(3) Daniel 12:4-13, Daniel received final instructions and encouragement. These three parts help us think about Daniel 12:2 and Daniel 12:7 in their respective sections. Daniel 12:7 is not including Daniel 12:2 when it states “all these things shall be finished” (as will be shown below).
Second, Daniel 12:2 is the last part of the revelation Daniel receives. Jesus alludes to the end-time resurrection in John 5:28-29 and locates it at the point of final resurrection when all the dead (both righteous and wicked) will be raised and judged. Daniel 12:7 is a reference to a prophecy about the future suffering of God's people (from Daniel's perspective) who were suffering under the persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes and does not necessarily refer to the second return of Christ at all (in keeping with the respective sections of the text).
Third, Daniel 12:7a states: “Then 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 shall be for a time, times, and half a time.” Daniel learns that the events comprising Daniel 11:2ff. will be "for a time, times, and half a time” - this plays on the word "time" (where 3 ½ years sometimes is used). Earlier in Daniel 7:25, the saints will suffer for that period of time too, suggesting that the language of "time, times, and half a time" is a reference to a temporary period of suffering (3 ½ is half of the number 7 and usually refers to an action that is imperfect, incomplete, or temporary). This is a figurative number (cf. Revelation 12:14) that stands for a short indefinite period of time that will be full of distress and persecution. It will not last forever - which gives a ring of hope to those who are trying to survive through these hard times.Epiphanes' persecution did not last forever.
Notice Daniel 12:8-12: “Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?” [Notice Daniel's question. He still wants to know more. Now take note to the angel's answer.] And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.”
The angel is referring back to what is going to happen during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
It was during the time of the Maccabees and the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes that the Jews needed to consult the book of Daniel to recognize that they needed to be faithful to God. Those who were faithful would be purified, made white, and refined. Those who kept on committing sin would not consider the information in the book of Daniel because they were foolish and refuse to listen to the word of God.
“And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”
Antiochus IV's decree to abolish the burnt offerings was issued on what would be according to our calendar May 25, 168 B.C. The burnt offerings were resumed on December 25, 165 B.C. That would cover what would be known as “the times, time, and half a time”.
To what does the time reference concerning 1,335 days refer? It could be referencing forty-five days after the rededication of the temple, or it could refer to the completion of a protective wall built around the temple to protect it against further attempts to defile it, or it could possibly signify the death of Antiochus IV.
“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”
We see a subtle hint in this prophecy, namely, that Daniel 12:1,2 is referring to more than just a figurative resurrection that would occur during the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. It is also referring to the physical resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked that will take place at the end of time when Jesus returns (John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58).
When Daniel dies, his spirit will be separated from his body (James 2:26). Those who are faithful to God will rest in paradise while awaiting the day of judgment (Luke 16:19-31). God states that Daniel will arise and be given an inheritance in the eternal new creation – heaven (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1,2).
In Daniel 12:7b, we also learn that "when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished." So the suffering is of Jews (who were faithful to the Mosaic covenant), and it will come to an end. Daniel 12:7 has in mind the overall prophecy in Daniel 11:2-12:1, which speaks to the future (from Daniel's perspective) suffering of God's people during the Maccabean period, particularly the awful years of 167-164 B.C. when Antiochus IV Epiphanes imposed widespread persecution and martyrdom (Daniel 11:21-45). So Daniel 12:7 was fulfilled when the persecution under Antiochus IV came to an end. The “power” was shattered that was persecuting the Jewish faithful at that time (which has nothing to do with the A.D. 70 destruction of the city of Jerusalem).
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