Daniel 12:13

13. Notwithstanding all the mysteries which he cannot even yet grasp the prophet can now be at peace, knowing that, however dark the present may be, the future shall be bright, and he shall stand with the other saints at the end. (Compare Daniel 8:17; Daniel 8:19; Daniel 11:29; Daniel 11:35; Daniel 11:40; Daniel 12:1; Daniel 12:4; Daniel 12:6; Daniel 12:9.) He might not understand all the mysteries hidden in “the time of the end,” but he could trust Him who did understand them all. And, however long this aged prophet should rest in the grave before that final triumphant end should come, nevertheless he should not fail to stand in the lot which Jehovah should give him there among the stars of heaven (Daniel 12:1-3; Daniel 12:10; compare Jeremiah 13:25). Thus the angel “sang the prophet to sleep” and went his way.

In this exposition many things have been left unexplained. The writer feels like saying, with Calvin, “I am no thaumaturge to undertake their solution.” It is better to leave a question open than to settle it contrary to the real meaning which the Spirit of Prophecy put into it. The exact meaning of many passages in Daniel no man knows. Those who claim most boldly to know are generally those who know least. Though much is left unsettled, “natheles let every diligent reder knowe hymselfe miche to have profited, if he but the cheif principalls understand, although it be but menely; and use the same with hys own godly exercise” (Geo. Jaye, 1545).