121 "Now at that time Michael , the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people , will arise . And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time ; and at that time your people , everyone who is found written in the book , will be rescued . 2 " Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake , these to everlasting life , but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt . 3 "Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven , and those who lead the many to righteousness , like the stars forever and ever . 4 "But as for you, Daniel , conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time ; many will go back and forth , and knowledge will increase ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 12:1-4
Commentary on Daniel 12:1-4
(Read Daniel 12:1-4)
Michael signifies, "Who is like God," and his name, with the title of "the great Prince," points out the Divine Saviour. Christ stood for the children of our people in their stead as a sacrifice, bore the curse for them, to bear it from them. He stands for them in pleading for them at the throne of grace. And after the destruction of antichrist, the Lord Jesus shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and He shall appear for the complete redemption of all his people. When God works deliverance from persecution for them, it is as life from the dead. When his gospel is preached, many who sleep in the dust, both Jews and Gentiles, shall be awakened by it out of their heathenism of Judaism. And in the end the multitude that sleep in the dust shall awake; many shall arise to life, and many to shame. There is glory reserved for all the saints in the future state, for all that are wise, wise for their souls and eternity. Those who turn many to righteousness, who turn sinners from the errors of their ways, and help to save their souls from death, James 5:20, will share in the glory of those they have helped to heaven, which will add to their own glory.