What is the meaning of Daniel 8:13? Then I heard a holy one speaking Daniel is suddenly allowed to overhear an angelic conversation. Scripture frequently presents angels as God’s messengers who interact with and observe human history (Daniel 4:17; Luke 15:10). The “holy one” is therefore understood literally as an angel. Daniel’s hearing rather than seeing first underscores that revelation can come through many senses—words carry weight and clarity. Key take-aways • God lets His servants glimpse what is happening in the unseen realm (2 Kings 6:17; Revelation 5:11). • The content that follows is trustworthy because it originates among heavenly beings who stand in God’s presence (Daniel 8:16; 9:21). and another holy one said to him A second angel joins the first, asking a question that Daniel himself would have voiced. Angels, though sinless, do not know everything (1 Peter 1:12). Their inquiry shows that even they wait on God’s timing and revelation. Cross references woven into the scene • Angels confer about judgment and timing (Zechariah 1:9-11; Daniel 12:5-6). • Multiple witnesses in heaven emphasize the certainty of the prophecy (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16). "How long until the fulfillment of the vision" The core concern is timing. Daniel has just seen a vision that includes oppression by the “little horn” (Daniel 8:9-12). The question “How long?” echoes the cries of saints throughout Scripture (Psalm 13:1; Revelation 6:10). God’s answer in verse 14—2,300 evenings and mornings—demonstrates that He sets definite limits to evil. Points to note • God never leaves the duration of suffering indefinite; He appoints boundaries (Job 38:10-11; Acts 17:26). • Prophecy often has both a near fulfillment—in this case under Antiochus IV Epiphanes—and an ultimate, end-time echo in the Antichrist (Daniel 11:36-45; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). of the daily sacrifice The “daily sacrifice” refers to the regular burnt offerings offered every morning and evening in the Temple (Exodus 29:38-42; Numbers 28:3-8). The little horn would interrupt this continual worship, an act seen again in future tribulation events (Daniel 9:27; 12:11). Why this matters • Worship is the heart of Israel’s covenant life; stopping it strikes at the nation’s relationship with God (Lamentations 1:10). • Believers today can expect attacks on public and corporate worship, yet God preserves a remnant (Hebrews 10:25; Revelation 12:6). the rebellion that causes desolation Also rendered “transgression of desolation,” this points to an outrageous sin that defiles the sanctuary, later called the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15). Under Antiochus, a pagan altar was erected; in the future, Scripture foresees a similar desecration by the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:4). Highlights • Rebellion is more than political revolt; it is spiritual defiance against God’s holiness (Isaiah 14:13-14). • Desolation follows sin—unholy worship leaves devastation in its wake (Jeremiah 7:34). and the surrender of the sanctuary The Temple itself would be “given over,” meaning God allows enemy forces to seize and defile it (Lamentations 2:7; Daniel 8:11). Though heartbreaking, this judgment is temporary and purposeful, purging idolatry and preparing for restoration (Ezra 6:14-18). Remember • God disciplines His people but never abandons His covenant promises (Leviticus 26:44-45). • Loss of the sanctuary points forward to the need for a perfect, heavenly sanctuary fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 9:11-12). and of the host to be trampled? The “host” refers to the people of God and, by extension, the angelic host aligned with them (Daniel 8:10, 24). Trampling conveys severe persecution. Antiochus slaughtered thousands; the future Antichrist will unleash global oppression (Revelation 13:7). Applications • Persecution of believers is real and anticipated (2 Timothy 3:12). • God sets a limit and will vindicate His people, turning trampling into triumph (Daniel 7:21-22; Revelation 20:4). summary Daniel 8:13 records an angelic dialogue that mirrors human yearning: “How long, Lord?” The question encompasses the cessation of true worship, a blatant act of rebellion, the defilement of God’s house, and the crushing of His people. God answers with a precise timetable, assuring that every trial is measured and temporary. Historically fulfilled under Antiochus IV, the verse also foreshadows a final period of tribulation when similar events will reoccur. Through it all, the passage reassures believers that heaven is engaged, evil is limited, and ultimate restoration is certain. |
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