‘And those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.'
This is not indicating where they will go, but what they will be revealed to be. ‘Those who are wise', that is those who have understanding and have demonstrated it by their lives and faithfulness to God's covenant. ‘As the brightness of the firmament.' Daniel may have in mind a glorious day when the whole of the sky is shining with the glory of the sun. Their lives will be glorious. Having been raised by God, and having been refined in the fire of trial, their future is glorious. Others would refer it to the glory of the moon and stars in the night sky.
‘Those who turn many to righteousness.' This does not refer to the famous names (although if they are faithful they will be included), but to all who participate in the forward-going of God's purposes. For each who is faithful plays his full part in the work of turning many to righteousness. And he who is in any way unfaithful hinders that work.
‘Turn many to righteousness', that is, to faithfulness to the covenant, to lives that thereby reflect the glory of God.
‘As the stars for ever and ever.' This is no kingdom age. This is the everlasting future. All would be familiar with the glorious heavenly lights illuminating a dark night. They had shone as stars in the darkness of the world, now they would shine as stars for ever.