Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Daniel 12:10
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
10. The ‘time of the end’ characterized: it will be an age of trial and probation, in which many will come out purified and ennobled, while others will only have their wickedness confirmed.
Many shall cleanse themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined ] by their sufferings, and their constancy under temptation, their characters will be ennobled and refined (cf. Dan 11:35). The two reflexives are not to be pressed unduly; but they imply that the martyrs, by their deliberate acceptance of suffering, are, to a certain degree, the agents in the purification of their characters.
but the wicked shall do wickedly ] The trial will have no effect upon them, beyond giving them further opportunities of doing wickedly, and so confirming them in their wickedness.
none of the wicked shall understand i.e. act with understanding but they that be wise shall understand ] shall act with understanding. The wicked act blindly, not perceiving the consequences of their wickedness; the ‘wise,’ the religious teachers of the nation (the same word as in Dan 12:3, Dan 11:33; Dan 11:35), shew insight into the ways and providence of God. For ‘understand,’ cf. Psa 49:20; Psa 82:5, Hos 4:14.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Many shall be purified – In future times. That is, as the connection would seem to require, there will be a system introduced by which many will become purified, and made holy. Daniel might hope and expect that under the arrangements which God would make, many of the human race would be cleansed from sin. To what he would apply this we cannot determine, but it is a great truth of immense importance in regard to the human family, that, before the end, or the consummation, many will be made holy.
And made white – White is the emblem of innocence or purity, and hence, the term is so often applied to the righteous. They have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, they shall walk before me in white, etc. Hence, the angels are represented as appearing in white raiment. The meaning here is, that many on the earth would be made holy before the end would come. The mind of Daniel was thus directed onward to one of the most glorious truths pertaining to future times – that multitudes of the human race would be redeemed, and would be prepared for a holy heaven.
And tried – Tried as in a furnace; that is, they will be subjected to persecutions, and to various other forms of suffering, that will test the strength of their faith, and the nature of their religion. This language, also, is of a general character, and would in itself apply to the times of Antiochus, but it is also fitted to describe what would occur in other ages. Perhaps the meaning is, that it would be a prominent thing in the future, in introducing the triumphs of religion; and in preparing the people of God for heaven, that they would be subjected to various forms of trial. There have been facts enough of this kind in the history of the church to justify this description, and to show that it would be a marked feature in spreading religion on the earth, that its friends would be persecuted. But the wicked shall do wickedly. They will continue to do wickedly. Notwithstanding all the judgments that will come upon men; notwithstanding all that will be done to purify the people of God, and, notwithstanding the fact that many will be of a different character – will be purified and made white, and tried, yet it will be a truth still, that there will be wicked men upon the earth, and that they will act out their nature.
This remark seems to have been thrown in by the angel to prevent the impression which Daniel might possibly get from what was said, not only that the true religion would generally prevail, but that wickedness would wholly cease in the earth. Such a time, perhaps, we are not authorized to look for; while we may hope and believe that there will be a period when the worship of God will pervade the world, and will supersede all other forms of worship, yet we have no reason to expect that every individual of the human family at any one time will be converted, and that none of the remains of the apostasy will be seen on the earth. There will be wicked men still, and they will act out their nature, despite all that is done to save them, and despite the fact that religion will have the ascendency in the hearts and lives of the great mass of mankind. For an illustration of this, see the notes at Rev 9:20-21; notes at Rev 20:7.
And none of the wicked shall understand – This, also, is a general declaration. It means, that none of the wicked would understand the import of these prophecies, or the true nature of religion. Their depravity of heart would prevent it; their purpose to lead a wicked life would so cloud their understandings, and pervert their moral judgments, that they would have no correct appreciation of the government of God, and the nature of the Divine plans and dispensations. Compare the notes at 1Co 2:14. The fact here asserted has been always true, and always will be, that sin prevents a clear perception of Divine truth, and that wicked men have no appropriate views of the plans and purposes of God. To comprehend religion aright a man needs a pure heart; and no one under the influence of depraved feelings, and corrupt propensities and appetites, can expect to have a just appreciation of what is good. Doubtless it will be found to be true in the days of millennial glory, when the true religion shall spread over the world, and when the earth shall be filled with light, that there will be wicked men who will have no correct understanding of the nature of religion, and whose minds will be blind to all the evidences of the truth of revelation which shall be diffused around them. No man, unless he is converted, has any proper conception of the beauty of religion.
But the wise shall understand – They who serve God and love him, and who, therefore, come under the denomination of the truly wise. See the notes at Dan 12:3. The meaning is, that religion – the love of God and a pure heart – will qualify them to perceive the import of Divine truth; to appreciate what is revealed, and to obtain a just view of passing events – or to understand the signs of the times. Humble and sincere piety – a heart and mind made pure and clear by the influence of Divine truth – is the best preparation for understanding the works and ways of God. Compare the notes at 1Co 2:9-12, 1Co 2:14-15.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Dan 12:10
And none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
A Virtuous Mind the Best Help to Understand True Religion
To seek a mans true and final interest, by parting with some present and inconsiderable advantages for the sake of more and much greater ones to come, is the proper act of wisdom; and the general character of folly is the purchasing of soma trivial present benefit at the hazard of much better and more valuable things in reversion. Folly is but another name for sin. To understand may be taken in two senses. Either the understanding of particular providences, or the understanding the true nature of religion in general. Consider the text, according to the latter interpretation. The proposition they contain is this–A virtuous disposition of mind is the beat help, and a vicious inclination the greatest hindrance, to a right understanding of the doctrine of true religion. What is there in the nature of things themselves, and what there is in the positive appointment of God, which makes a virtuous disposition so great a help, and a vicious inclination so great a hindrance, to a right understanding in matters of religion.
1. There is something in the nature of things themselves, something in the very frame and constitution of the mind of man, something in the nature and tendency of all religious truths, which helps to verify the general proposition. In a mind virtuously disposed, there is a native agreeableness to the principles of true religion; in like manner as in a healthful body the organs are fitted to their proper objects; and as in the frame of the material world, everything is suited to its proper use and employment. In the study of every human science there is some particular previous temper, some certain predisposition of mind, which makes men fit for that particular study, and apt to understand it with easiness and delight; generally and specially, a love to that particular science, and a high esteem of its value and usefulness. The same holds true in proportion in religious matters likewise. A general love of virtue, an equitable, fair, and charitable spirit, and a just sense of the necessity and reasonableness of obeying Gods commands, is the first principle and beginning of religion. Practice and experience in the course of a virtuous life, and in the obedience of Gods commands, is in continuance the best information and perpetual improvement of a mans understanding and judgment in the knowledge of Divine truths. He that keepeth the law of the Lord, getteth the understanding thereof, says the wise Son of Sirach. He that practises what he knows, improves his knowledge continually by that practice. By actions, even more than by speculation and study, is the understanding of practical truths enlarged. There is a spirit and a life in the discourse of a righteous man, proceeding from the sincerity of an upright heart, which no skill or art can imitate. In religion, there is no man truly wise and knowing but he that has lived like a Christian, instead of disputing about it. On the other hand, a vicious disposition blinds mens eyes, corrupts their principles, and subverts their judgments. It prejudices men against the truth, and causes them even to hate it, and become professed enemies to it. Now we consider what there is in the positive appointment and constitution of God, by which we are assured that none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise (righteous) shall understand.
1. In general, God will take care that righteous and piously-disposed persons shall attain to so much understanding as is necessary for their own particular salvation.
2. By the secret influence and assistance of His Holy Spirit, God will peculiarly direct and enlighten those that are truly sincere. But where there is a vicious inclination, and an affection to wickedness, there mens minds are not only blinded by the natural consequence of such a disposition, but God moreover withdraws His Spirit from them, and the Holy Ghost will not dwell in a heart that takes pleasure in unrighteousness. Indeed,, God justly permits wicked men, when they obstinately refuse to hear Him, to be deceived by the Evil One to their own destruction. From what has been said, we may infer:
(1) That wicked men have no reason to complain for their not being able to understand religion, and infidels no excuse for their not believing it.
(2) From hence appears the reason of our Saviours speaking so much in parables.
(3) We may observe how it comes to pass that faith ,which is generally looked upon us an act of the understanding, and so not in our own power, is yet in the New Testament always required and insisted upon as a moral virtue. The reason is, because faith, in the Scripture sense, is not barely an act of the understanding, but a mixt act of the will also, consisting very much in that simplicity and unprejudicedness of mind which our Saviour calls receiving the Kingdom of God as a little child.
(4) There is then no need of an infallible guide on earth, or of an unerring Church. All necessary truth is sufficiently made known in Scripture.
(5) Yet this must be so understood as to be a security, not against all, but against fatal mistakes. The best and most pious persons may in many things err, but their errors cannot be dangerous, or of final ill consequence; for in things absolutely necessary to salvation the wicked only can be void of understanding. (S. Clarke, D. D.)
Ability to Understand Moral rather than an Intellectual Quality
This passage seems to warrant three inferences of importance.
(1) That though God for certain reasons saw fit to give this revelation of the future to Daniel at a certain date, He did not intend it to be understood for centuries; since, whatever may be the exact limits of the time of the end, it could not include more than the course of this dispensation, the commencement of which was several centuries distant when Daniel wrote.
(2) That even when in the lapse of ages the men, nine of this prophecy should become apparent to some, even when knowledge should be increased, and the wise understand, it was the will of God that it should still remain a dark mystery to others, that none of the wicked should understand.
(3) That the comprehension or ignorance of this prophecy, when the time for its being understood at all arrived, would depend rather on the moral than on the intellectual state of those who should study it. The wise alone should understand it; the wicked should not. (H. Grattan Guiness.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 10. Many shall be purified] During the interim, the great work of God’s providence and grace shall be carried on in the salvation of men; who, in the midst of trials, temptations, and difficulties, shall be purified and made white-be fully saved from their sins.
None of the wicked shall understand] Because they are wicked, and will continue in their sins, the eyes of their understanding shall be closed, and their hearts hardened; so that they shall not see the light of the glorious Gospel.
But the wise] Those who open their hearts to God, that he may pour in his light, shall understand the things that make for their peace.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Of this purging and purifying you heard before, Dan 11:35; the meaning is, the great afflictions of the church are to prepare them, by taking away their filth, for the Bridegroom, as gold and silver are tried and refined.
None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand: they shall be blinded, they know not what they do, viz. they shall not be bettered by the word, or rod, or any warnings of God, but be hardened to their ruin; but the godly shall be taught of God to understand the ways of Gods providence, foretold by the prophets, for this is it they are always minded of and commended for; particularly in this kind of wisdom:
1. Because it is obscure.
2. Because they are concerned greatly to know their safety, and Gods honour lies in it.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. There is no need of a fullerexplanation as to the time; for when the predictions so fargiven shall have come to pass, the godly shall be “purified”by the foretold trials and shall understand that the end is at hand;but the wicked shall not understand, and so shall rush on to theirown ruin (Da 11:33-35)[MAURER]. The “end”is primarily, of Antiochus’ persuasion; antitypically, the end ofAntichrist’s. It is the very clearness in the main which rendersnecessary the obscurity. The fulfilment of God’s decree is not a merearithmetical problem which the profane may understand by arithmeticalcalculations, but a holy enigma to stimulate to a faithful observanceof God’s ways, and to a diligent study of the history of God’s people[AUBERLEN]. To this Christrefers (Mt 24:15), “Whosereadeth, let him understand.“
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Many shall be purged, and made white, and tried,…. Though Christ does not give, in plain, clear, and explicit terms, an answer to the above question, when, and how, and what would be the end of the church’s troubles and afflictions; yet he here points out the use of them, which for the present should be chiefly attended to; and, when duly considered, would be a means of causing the saints to endure them with more patience and cheerfulness: many should be hereby made more pure and holy, and more free from their spots, their chaff, and their dross; their corruptions, and the power of them, weakened; their graces tried, and become more bright and shining; and they themselves a greater ornament to the religion they profess: hereby they should be “purified”, or cleansed from the chaff of their sins; or be separated, as the chaff is by the fan, from hypocrites and ungodly men, who would not be able to endure persecution for the sake of the Gospel: and “be made white”; as cloth is by the fuller; freed both from their own spots in their garments, being led to the blood of Christ to wash their garments, and make them white therein; which afflictions may be the means of guiding them to, under the direction of the blessed Spirit; and from such persons who were spots in their feasts of love: and “be tried”, as gold and silver in the furnace, and so be rid of their own dross, and of the wicked of the earth, who are like unto it; see the note on Da 11:35.
But the wicked shall do wickedly; go on in a course of sin, and be never the better for the afflictive dispensations of Providence; these either mean formal professors, that turn apostates from the faith, and become openly wicked livers; or the profane world in common; and particularly furious persecutors of the saints: such as each of these there will be till the end of things come; see Re 22:11:
and none of the wicked shall understand; neither the doctrines of the Gospel spiritually and experimentally; nor the providences of God, and what he is doing in the world; and particularly not the prophecy of this book, and especially what has been just delivered:
but the wise shall understand; more or less of each of these things, such as are wise unto salvation; that search the Scriptures, seek to God by prayer, and are much in meditation, and make use of every help for the understanding of divine things, and even of these prophecies; and especially towards the close of time, as the accomplishment of them draws near.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The first clause of this verse is interpreted from Dan 11:35. The being purified is effected through tribulation and affliction, which the people shall endure to the end. The prophecy shall serve for the gaining of this object. It is true, indeed, that this perfection shall not be attained by all; they that are ungodly shall remain ungodly still, and therefore they do not come to the understanding of the words which all the wise shall gain. and stand in such distinct relation to the ( I understood not), Dan 12:8, that they must be taken in the same sense in both places, i.e., not to have insight in general, but by supplying as the object from Dan 12:8, to have understanding of the prophecy. This is denied of the wicked or the godless. Only the wise shall gain it. Thus the angel says to Daniel for the purpose of calming him regarding his non-understanding: – Calm thyself, Daniel, if thou dost not understand these words. The prophecy shall be preserved for all times to the end of the days. These times shall bring many tribulations, to purify thy people; and though by these afflictions all shall not be converted, but the wicked shall remain wicked still and shall not understand the prophecy, yet the wise shall be purified and made white by the afflictions, and the longer they are tried the better shall they learn to understand the prophecy. Thus, though thou thyself understandest it not, yet it shall be a source of great blessing to the people of God, and in all times, even unto the end, they shall have more and more an understanding of it.
Thus has Kliefoth rightly presented the meaning of both verses, and in confirmation of this interpretation has referred to 1Pe 1:10, 1Pe 1:12, where, with reference to the passage before us (cf. Hengstenberg, Beitrag. i. p. 273f.), it is said that the prophets received the prophecies of the end not for themselves alone, but much rather for “ us,” for those who come after.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
Again, the angel mentions the persecutions which were at hand for the purpose of arming the faithful for the approaching conflicts. We know from other sources how tender and weak our minds naturally are, for as soon as any cause for fear arises, before it comes to blows, we fall down lifeless through terror. As, therefore, our natural imbecility is so great, we necessarily require many stimulants to patience, and to urge us to contend with earnestness, and never to yield to any temptations. This is the reason why the angel announces the necessity for such multiplied purification’s, to cleanse them, as wheat from chaff; to whiten them, as cloth by the fuller; and to melt them, as metal to be separated from dross. First of all, as I have previously explained, he admonishes Daniel and all the pious of the future state of the Church, to lead them to prepare and gird themselves for battle, and to gather up their unconquered fortitude, since the condition of life set before them is that of forcing their way through the midst of troubles. This is one point. Again, the angel shews the practical utility of this kind of life, which might otherwise seem too bitter. We naturally refuse the cross because we feel it contrary to our disposition, while God shews the pious that nothing can be more profitable to them than a variety of afflictions. This is a second point. But afflictions by themselves might possibly consume us, and hence we are cast into a furnace. Now, then, could we expect these sufferings to promote our salvation, except God changed their nature in some wonderful way, as their natural tendency is to effect our destruction? But while we are melted down, and whitened, and cleansed, we perceive how God consults for our welfare by pressing us with his cross and causing us to submit to adversity. Now, thirdly, the angel shews the insufficiency of one single act of cleansing, and our need of many more. This is the object of this numerous heaping together of words, they shall be cleansed, and whitened, and melted down, or poured forth. He might have embraced the whole idea in a single word; but, as through our whole lives God never ceases to test us in various ways, the angel heaps together these three words to shew the faithful their need of continual cleansing as long as they are clothed in flesh; just as garments which are in daily use have need of continual washing. However snowy a mantle may be, it becomes soiled immediately when used for even a single day; requiring constant ablution to restore it to its original purity. Thus we are brought in contact with the defilement’s of sin; and as long as we are pilgrims in this world, we necessarily become subject to constant pollution. And as the faithful also are infected with the contagion of numerous iniquities, they require daily purification’s hi different ways. We ought, then, diligently to notice these three distinct processes.
The angel afterwards adds, The impious will act impiously, and will never understand anything; but the prudent will be ever endued with intelligence Here he wishes to fortify the pious against a stumbling block in their way, when they see the profane despisers of God exulting in every direction, and defying God to his face. When the faithful see the world so full of the impious, they seem to be indulging so freely in lust as if there were no God in heaven’ time they are naturally subject to grievous sorrow and distress. To prevent this trial from agitating their minds, the angel announces how the impious should conduct themselves impiously; implying, — there is no reason why thou, O Daniel, or the rest of the righteous, should depend upon the example of others; Satan will cunningly set before you whatever obstacles may draw you into the contempt of God, and the abyss of impiety, unless you are remarkably cautious; but let not the conduct of the impious cause either you or the rest of the pious to stumble. Howsoever they conduct themselves, do you stand invincible. He afterwards assigns a reason for their behavior — they understand nothing, they are perfectly blinded. But what is the source of this blindness? Their being given over to a reprobate sense. If any one should see a blind man fall, and should cast himself down after this blind man, would he be excusable? Surely his blindness was the cause of his perishing so miserably, but why does the other person destroy himself willingly? Whenever we see the impious rushing furiously on to their destruction, while God is admonishing them that their blindness proceeds from Satan, and that they are given over to a reprobate mind, are we not doubly mad if we willingly follow them? The cause then of this impious behavior on the part of the wicked, is added with good reason; namely, they understand nothing. Meanwhile, the faithful are recalled to the true remedy, and the angel subjoins, But the prudent shall understand, meaning they shall not permit themselves to be implicated in the errors of those whom they see entirely devoted to their own destruction. Lastly, the angel points out to us the true remedy which will prevent Satan from drawing us off towards impiety, and the impious from infecting us with their evil examples, if we earnestly apply ourselves to the pursuit of heavenly doctrine. If, therefore, we heartily desire to be taught by God and to become his true disciples, the instruction which we derive from him will snatch us from destruction. This is the true sense of the passage. It afterwards follows, —
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(10) Many shall be purified.See Notes on Rev. 22:11, and comp. Dan. 11:35. The words imply that all shall be fulfilled, the time of persecution shall certainly arise, the righteous will be purified, while the wicked will become apostates. The wise (see Dan. 11:33), and they only, will understand the true meaning and profit of tribulation as it is set forth in this prophecy.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. See note Dan 11:35. R.V. reads, “Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined.” The human will must always act conjointly with the divine in the struggle for purity. (Compare Rev 7:14.) Some Scripture texts emphasize the manward side of salvation and others the God-ward side. (Compare Act 3:19; Jas 5:20.) In this particular case it is the suffering for God’s cause which is to be the purifying agent. (Compare Heb 2:10.)
None of the wicked shall understand No sufferings can purify those who “do wickedly,” and such men cannot understand the meaning of these divine chastisements.
But the wise These shall understand now that the truth has been revealed to Daniel by God’s angel. Perhaps the phrases of this revelation were made so peculiarly enigmatical in order that the wicked and the careless should not understand.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Dan 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Ver. 10. Many shall be purified, and made white, &c., ] q.d., It is enough for thee to know, and that I should now tell thee, quales sint futuri homines postremi saeculi, what kind of folk there shall be towards the end of the world. Some shall be good people, and they shall meet with hard measure, but all shall be for the best unto them in the end. See Dan 11:35 . Others shall be as bad, and so desperately set upon sinning that they shall mind nothing else – no, not when these prophecies are fulfilled – but be “destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hos 4:6 Infatuati seducentur, et seducti iudabuntur; being infatuated they shall be seduced, and being seduced they shall be judged, as Augustine’s note is on 2Th 2:10 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
tried = refined.
wicked . . . wickedly . . . wicked = lawless . . . lawlessness . . . lawless. Hebrew. rasha’. App-44.
understand. The Maskilim of Dan 12:3.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Dan 12:10
Dan 12:10 ManyH7227 shall be purified,H1305 and made white,H3835 and tried;H6884 but the wickedH7563 shall do wickedly:H7561 and noneH3808 H3605 of the wickedH7563 shall understand;H995 but the wiseH7919 shall understand.H995
Dan 12:10
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Many people through the centuries are going to come to righteousness and they are going to suffer persecution as well. Daniel is being told here that a considerable span of time is going to pass. Many people are going to come and go. Some will be righteous and some will be wicked.
The wicked will continue to be present and would not understand these things, having no real interest to do so. Such was the case then and such is the case today; 1Co 1:18-20, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
many shall be
A prophecy describing the moral state of the world from Daniel’s day to the time of the end. Cf. Mat 13:24-30; Mat 13:36-43; Mat 13:47-49.
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
shall be: Dan 11:35, Psa 51:7, Isa 1:18, Eze 36:25, Zec 13:9, 1Co 6:11, 2Co 7:1, Tit 2:14, Heb 12:10, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:22, Rev 3:18, Rev 7:13, Rev 7:14, Rev 19:8, Rev 19:14
but the wicked: 1Sa 24:13, Isa 32:6, Isa 32:7, Eze 47:11, Hos 14:9, Rom 11:8-10, 2Th 2:10-12, Rev 9:20, Rev 9:21, Rev 16:11, Rev 22:11
but the wise: Dan 11:33, Dan 11:35, Psa 107:43, Pro 1:5, Pro 2:1-5, Mar 4:11, Luk 24:25, Joh 7:17, Joh 8:47, Joh 18:37, 1Co 2:10-16, 1Jo 5:20
Reciprocal: Job 7:18 – try Psa 14:2 – any Psa 119:144 – understanding Pro 21:8 – but Ecc 3:22 – who Isa 8:16 – among Isa 44:18 – cannot Hos 4:14 – therefore Mal 3:3 – sit Joh 10:6 – they understood not Rev 3:10 – to try Rev 13:18 – Here
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Dan 12:10. While the man or angel would cot go into all the details of the things predicted, yet Daniel was given some further information as to what would happen in the course of the “dark ages.” Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried by the per-secutions of the dark ages. None of the wicked shall understand refers to the blindness of the Roman clergy, and the same is predicted by Paul in 2Th 2:11.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Dan 12:10. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried See chap. Dan 11:35, where the same words are found, but in different order. They are words of general and ordinary use, expressive of the purification intended to be produced in the minds of men by afflictions. If we would ascertain their import, the first word is borrowed from wheat, which is cleansed from the chaff; the second from cloth, which is whitened by the fuller; and the third from metal, tried and separated from its dross by goldsmiths. I would refer the whole, says Wintle, to the righteous, who, it is here foretold, should be cleansed by various tribulations and trials; but the like discipline would have no effect on the wicked: see Rev 22:11. Their wickedness would blind their minds, so that they would not understand, nor attend to these predictions, which the wise, that is, the considerate and divinely enlightened, should understand; should be fully instructed in themselves, and so should be able to teach them to others: see Wintle.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The troubles coming on the earth, and especially on the Jews, will cause many to turn to the Lord and experience spiritual purification through faith. The "wicked," however, will continue to "act wickedly," and will not understand what is happening (cf. 1Co 2:14; Rev 13:10). The wise, "who have insight" because they pay attention to divine revelation, will understand what is happening. In the Old Testament, and in Scripture generally, a wise person is one who lives in the light of divine revelation, and a fool is one who ignores it. This verse provides motivation to pay attention to what God has revealed and to study it carefully. It should also help us to avoid thinking, naïvely, that the passing of time and the fulfillment of prophecy will cause bad people to change their ways. Humankind will not get better and better, in spite of what postmillennialists and social evolutionists believe (2Ti 3:13).