Daniel 12:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They will be selected, and they will receive instruction, and many shall face temptation. This indicates that the Apostles will be chosen from among the Jewish people, and a great number will be led to baptism. The Jews, who were responsible for Christ's death, will encounter temptation and will face severe consequences. The unruly women will act without restraint, and the wicked will remain in ignorance. This echoes the words: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34). However, those who perform righteous deeds will come to comprehend the Lord of the ages through the mysteries revealed by the prophets and by discerning the signs present in their time.

I heard it, yet I couldn’t comprehend, so I asked my lord, What will occur after this? He replied, Go, Daniel, for the words are concealed and sealed until the time of their fulfillment. Many will be called and will be tried and refined as if through fire; however, the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of the wicked will comprehend this, but those who are learned will grasp its meaning. The prophet seeks to understand what he has witnessed, or more accurately, what he has heard, desiring to know the truth about the future. He has learned of various conflicts and battles among kings and numerous events, yet he does not know their specific names.

The angel explains that there is a purpose behind my use of obscurity in these statements, almost as if they carry a seal of their own. Sacred truths should not be disclosed to everyone indiscriminately; rather, those with understanding will perceive them through the divine wisdom bestowed upon them. In contrast, those who dwell in sin and corruption will be unable to grasp the essence of these teachings. When the prophesied events unfold, the meanings will be made unmistakably clear. At that time, the righteous will be distinct from the wicked, for all will be tested by the flames. Blessed Paul articulates this by stating, "Every work shall be revealed: the day shall be revealed: for it shall be revealed by fire; and every work, as it is, shall be tempted by fire" (1 Cor. 3:13).