Daniel 8:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, "For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?"

NIV: Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, "How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled—the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, the surrender of the sanctuary and the trampling underfoot of the Lord’s people?"

NASB: Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to that particular one who was speaking, 'How long will the vision about the regular sacrifice apply, while the offense causes horror, so as to allow both the sanctuary and the army to be trampled?'

CSB: Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the speaker, "How long will the events of this vision last —the regular sacrifice, the rebellion that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and of the army to be trampled?"

NLT: Then I heard two holy ones talking to each other. One of them asked, 'How long will the events of this vision last? How long will the rebellion that causes desecration stop the daily sacrifices? How long will the Temple and heaven’s army be trampled on?'

KJV: Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

NKJV: Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, “How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?”

Daniel's vision (Daniel 8:1–2) has shown two animals symbolic of two great empires (Daniel 8:3–8). These predict the rise and fall of the Medo-Persian and Greek empires (Daniel 8:20–25). They also note the emergence of a particularly loathsome ruler: Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This passage depicts this ruler attacking God's "host," harming the sanctuary, stopping sacrifice, and denying truth (Daniel 8:12). This corresponds with Epiphanes's infamous and spiteful cruelty to the people of Israel in the 2nd century BC.

The conversation here helps introduce the next part of this passage. Still in his vision, Daniel overhears two angels conversing. Ther topic is how long this terrible situation will continue (Daniel 8:14). When they answer, it is Daniel who is enlightened. He will later seek to understand the entire vision, and the angel Gabriel will provide an explanation.

We dare not think heaven is impervious to what happens on earth. Luke 15:7 declares that there is great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. Ephesians 3:10 explains that through the Church God's manifold wisdom is revealed to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. And 1 Peter 1:10–12 says angels long to look into the salvation procured by Christ's suffering on the cross. Contrary to the thinking that perceives God as detached from events on earth, He is fully aware of them and cares deeply about His people in their sufferings. First Peter 5:7 assures believers that God cares for them.

Daniel 8:1–14 changes the written language to Hebrew, after several chapters in Aramaic. This indicates a shift in intended audience: these messages are primarily meant for the benefit of Israel. This section gives the time, place, and contents of another of Daniel's visions. Like the dream and visions of chapter 7, it concerns the time before Christ's birth. While the vision of Daniel 7 provides more detail on the final end times, the vision here includes a prophecy that appears to have dual fulfillment. After the vision, Daniel will record the meaning as given to him by the angel, Gabriel.

Daniel sees a vision, later explained to him by the angel Gabriel. A swift-moving goat overpowers a two-horned ram. This represents the conquest of Greece over Medo-Persia. Then the goat's horn shatters, replaced by four more; this predicts Alexander the Great's death and succession. Later, a ruler arises to brutally persecute God's people. This prophecy refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the temple and outlawed Jewish religious practices. It also foreshadows the end times when the Antichrist will be tied to similar events. The experience leaves Daniel temporarily bedridden.

The first 6 chapters of Daniel recorded events from his life. The final chapters record his visions of the future. The prior chapter contained a dream involving several animals, depicting powerful nations. The vision explained here also deals with conquering empires, but also touches on events to come in the end times. Daniel's next passage includes his prayer for Israel and further explanation of what will happen in the last days of human history.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.