This verse highlights that even amidst unprecedented global turmoil, there's a divine assurance of deliverance for God's people. The crucial detail is that this salvation isn't automatic; it's for "everyone whose name shall be found written in the book," pointing to a pre-ordained registry of faithfulness.
“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The chapter concludes the long prophetic vision of empires and conflicts, hinting at a final oppressive ruler whose reign will bring unprecedented suffering. This verse marks a shift, introducing the archangel Michael as a divine protector for God's people during this impending intense period of tribulation, assuring their ultimate deliverance for those whose names are preserved in God's record.
When all seems lost and global chaos erupts, who is on your side? Daniel 12 points to a powerful leader who stands for God's people.
The verse introduces Michael, called 'the great prince who has charge of your people.' This isn't just a generic leader; commentators suggest Michael is a chief angelic prince, sometimes even identified with Christ himself due to his role as protector and advocate.
A Celestial Guardian
History is filled with wars and suffering, but one period is described as unlike any other. What makes this 'time of trouble' so unique?
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Daniel 12:1 forewarns of a 'time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time.' This isn't just another difficult period; it's an unparalleled crisis.
Beyond Compare
In the midst of overwhelming chaos and impending doom, there's a promise of deliverance. What guarantees this rescue, and who receives it?
The climax of Daniel 12:1 is the assurance: 'But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.' This isn't random survival; it's a divinely secured salvation.
The Register of the Redeemed
Understand the original words
Mikha'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
An archangel often depicted in Scripture as a warrior-protector for God’s people, representing angelic authority over nations under God's sovereignty.
sar · Hebrew Noun
A high-ranking angelic being or a earthly ruler who holds authority; in this context, it refers to the supernatural protector of Israel.
tsarah · Hebrew Noun
A period of intense divine judgment, suffering, or historical crisis, often used in prophetic literature to describe the precursor to the final eschatological salvation.
malat · Hebrew Verb
To be saved, rescued, or set free from danger, judgment, or destruction, often implying divine intervention to preserve God's people.
sepher · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the divine record or heavenly register of those who belong to God, confirming their identity and destiny as His people.
Daniel 12:1 speaks of a 'time of trouble, such as never has been' and subsequent deliverance. While historically pointing to the intense persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes, the language also powerfully anticipates the even greater devastation of Jerusalem's destruction by the Romans, a period Jesus himself referenced.
c. 167 BC— this verse
Antiochus Epiphanes' Persecution Begins
The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempts to suppress Jewish religion and enforce Hellenistic practices, leading to widespread revolt and immense suffering.
c. 164 BC
Maccabean Revolt Successes
Led by Judas Maccabeus, the Jewish rebels achieve significant victories against Seleucid forces, eventually recapturing and rededicating the Temple.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome, under Pompey, conquers Judea, ending the Hasmonean dynasty and ushering in a new era of foreign rule.
c. AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem
During the First Jewish-Roman War, the Roman army under Titus destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy of 'a time of trouble, such as never has been'.
Jesus directly quotes and alludes to this verse when describing the unparalleled tribulation that will precede His return, highlighting the intense suffering.
Jeremiah 30:7This prophetic passage describes a 'time of distress for Jacob,' paralleling Daniel's 'time of trouble' and emphasizing God's ultimate salvation for His people despite overwhelming hardship.
Philippians 4:3This verse speaks of names being in the 'book of life,' directly echoing the concept in Daniel of deliverance for those whose names are found written in God's book.
Revelation 13:8This passage from Revelation refers to 'everyone whose name was not written in the book of life of the Lamb,' reinforcing the idea that a written record determines who is spared during times of intense trial.
Daniel 10:13This earlier passage introduces Michael as the 'great prince' who contends for Israel, providing context for his crucial role in Daniel 12:1 during a time of desperate need.
ellicottDaniel 12:1: "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."
XII. (1) At that time—i.e., in the times spoken of in Daniel 11:45, previous to the overthrow of the king. During the tribulation which precedes his overthrow, Michael (see Da…
clarkeDaniel 12:1: "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."
And at that time Michael shall stand up - Michael the archangel, as has already been observed, was ever reputed the guardian of the Jewish people. Every one that shall be foun…
This verse highlights that even amidst unprecedented global turmoil, there's a divine assurance of deliverance for God's people. The crucial detail is that this salvation isn't automatic; it's for "everyone whose name shall be found written in the book," pointing to a pre-ordained registry of faithfulness.
The chapter concludes the long prophetic vision of empires and conflicts, hinting at a final oppressive ruler whose reign will bring unprecedented suffering. This verse marks a shift, introducing the archangel Michael as a divine protector for God's people during this impending intense period of tribulation, assuring their ultimate deliverance for those whose names are preserved in God's record.
The chapter concludes the long prophetic vision of empires and conflicts, hinting at a final oppressive ruler whose reign will bring unprecedented suffering. This verse marks a shift, introducing the archangel Michael as a divine protector for God's people during this impending intense period of tribulation, assuring their ultimate deliverance for those whose names are preserved in God's record.
"“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, every…" — This verse highlights that even amidst unprecedented global turmoil, there's a divine assurance of deliverance for God's people. The crucial detail is that this salvation isn't automatic; it's for "e…
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Last reviewed October 2026
