Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In my opinion, the reference is to a universal resurrection. The word "many" (as I see it) is not meant in the cited passage to be a word of comparison or contrast (that is, emphasizing the difference between a larger number and a smaller number, where most will be resurrected but some will not), but is used to describe the magnitude of the number of those who will be resurrected (similar to saying, for example, that many (that is, a great number of) people were converted to Christianity by the apostles' preaching).

November 02 2019 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

There are 2 resurrections—the resurrection of the “just” and then later the resurrection of the.“unjust” (Acts 24:15). First, “those who have done good” will come forth and then “those who have done evil” (John 5:29). John informs us that these 2 resurrections are separated by “a thousand years.” The “first resurrection” is before the thousand years (Rev. 20:6). This is the resurrection of the saved who “lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years” (Rev. 20:4). But, “the rest of the dead [the unsaved] did not live again until the thousand years were finished” (Rev. 20:5). So, the first resurrection is partial, consisting only of the saved, and the second resurrection completes the picture, resurrecting all the rest, namely, the unsaved. 

See the Ryrie Study Bible note here at Daniel 12:2, page 1243.

Warren Wiersbe says "Awaking" is an image of Resurrection; (Ps. 139:18; Isa 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 11:11; 1 Thess. 5:10)

So, yes, the resurrection of Daniel 12:2 is both partial (first the saved) and then 1000 years later, the rest of the dead, i.e. the unsaved, making it universal. 

FYI: NET ©	
Many of those who sleep in the dusty ground will awake – some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting abhorrence. 1 

NET © Notes	
1 sn This verse is the only undisputed reference to a literal resurrection found in the Hebrew Bible.

Personal Reflection/Application: 
Daniel 12:1-3 speaks of resurrection. If God will raise us from the dead and give us eternal life, what should be our response be in this life now? How can we be sure that our resurrection is a reality?

Daniel 12:3 says, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” 

As the poet said, 

They shall shine as bright as the stars, 
In the firmament jeweled with light;
And they that turn many to righteousness
As the stars forever bright.

November 03 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report