“Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing on opposite banks of the river. One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, “How long will it be until these shocking events are over?” The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took a solemn oath by the One who lives forever, saying, “It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.” I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, “How will all this finally end, my lord?” Daniel 12:5-8
Daniel was still observing the scene by the side of the river, as in chapter 10, when he saw two individuals on its banks. It may be assumed that the river is the Tigris. These individuals were probably angelic creatures, in keeping with Daniel’s experiences in chapter 10. One of them asked the important question of how long it would be until these things were fulfilled. In response to his question, Daniel was told once again that the revelation given to him was official and unchangeable and would remain so until the time of the end. The primary purpose of the revelation was to inform those who would live in that time. The confirming interpretation of history and prophecy fulfilled would be necessary before the final prophecies could be understood. However, in partial answer to Daniel’s question, he was told that the time of the end will result both in the purification of the saints and the manifestation of the evil in the human heart. Likewise, understanding the events of the end times will be possible for “the wise,” but “none of the wicked shall understand.” The understanding of prophecy especially requires spiritual insight and the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Even though the Scriptures describe in great detail the time of the end, it is obvious that the wicked will not avail themselves of this divine revelation. But it will be a source of comfort and direction to true believers in God. Divine revelation is often given in such a way that its meaning is hidden to the unregenerate even though it is understandable by those who are spiritually minded.”