Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Daniel 12:3

3. wise--(Pr 11:30). Answering to "they that understand" (Da 11:33, 35), the same Hebrew, Maskilim; Israelites who, though in Jerusalem when wickedness is coming to a head, are found intelligent witnesses against it. As then they appeared worn out with persecutions (typically, of Antiochus; antitypically, of Antichrist); so now in the resurrection they "shine as the brightness of the firmament." The design of past afflictions here appears "to make them white" (Mt 13:43; Re 7:9, 14).

turn ... to righteousness--literally, "justify," that is, convert many to justification through Christ (Jas 5:20).

stars--(1Co 15:41, 42).