Text: Daniel 12:3
OT Text Referred to: Isaiah 53:11
Subject: lead many to righteousness
Source: Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament (1866)
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Longitudinal Theme
Anchor Text: Isa 52:13-53:12 — The Suffering Servant
Significance: Isaiah 53:11 declares that the Servant "will justify many" (יַצְדִּיק... לָרַבִּים, yatsdiq... larabbim), bearing their iniquities. Daniel 12:3 echoes this precise phrase: "those who lead many to righteousness" (מַצְדִּיקֵי הָרַבִּים, matsdiqei harabbim), using the same root צדק (tsadeq) with the same object "the many" (רַבִּים, rabbim). The verbal parallel is among the most precise in the prophetic corpus. Daniel extends the Servant's justifying work to the community of the wise (maskilim) who participate in the Servant's mission by leading others to righteousness through their faithful witness, even unto death. Their reward — shining like stars — corresponds to the Servant's exaltation (Isa 52:13).