Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, "How long until the fulfillment of the vision of the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host to be trampled?" Then I heard a holy one speaking,A heavenly messenger speaks within Daniel’s vision, showing that the events unfolding on earth are fully known in God’s court. Angels serve God’s purposes in revealing, interpreting, and carrying out His decrees, as Gabriel later does for Daniel (Daniel 9:21). Dan 12:5-7 Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there,… and another holy one said to him, The exchange between these holy beings emphasizes the gravity of the oppression facing Jerusalem and the certainty of God’s appointed answer. Heaven is not indifferent to the suffering of God’s people or the profanation of His worship. Rev 7:13-14 Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,”… “How long until the fulfillment of the vision The question seeks the divinely determined limit of the crisis. Daniel is shown not an uncontrolled disaster but a period bounded by God’s sovereignty, leading toward judgment on the oppressor and restoration for the faithful. Hab 1:2-4 How long, O LORD, must I call for help… of the daily sacrifice, The daily burnt offerings, commanded in Exodus 29:38–42, expressed Israel’s continual worship and dependence upon the Lord. Their removal under Antiochus IV Epiphanes struck at the center of covenant life in Jerusalem. Exo 29:38-42 This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar… the rebellion that causes desolation, Antiochus’s desecration of the temple involved idolatry, persecution, and the pressure placed upon Jews to abandon God’s law. Daniel later describes this assault on true worship as an abomination that brings desolation (Daniel 11:31), a pattern Jesus also connects with future tribulation (Matthew 24:15). Mat 24:15-16 So when you see standing in the holy place… and the surrender of the sanctuary God permitted the temple to fall into enemy hands for a time, yet its defilement did not cancel His covenant or overturn His purposes. The sanctuary would be cleansed and worship restored, demonstrating that no earthly ruler can permanently overthrow what God has consecrated. 2Ch 36:17-19 So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans,… and of the host to be trampled?” God’s people, including those who remained faithful amid persecution, were treated with contempt and violence. Their suffering was real, but the question itself points beyond oppression to God’s coming vindication and the end of the tyrant’s power. Luk 21:24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive… Persons / Places / Events 1. Holy OnesThese are likely angelic beings, possibly Gabriel and another unnamed angel, who are discussing the vision given to Daniel. Their conversation highlights the divine interest and involvement in the unfolding of prophetic events. 2. Vision The vision refers to the prophetic revelation given to Daniel, which includes the cessation of the regular sacrifice and the desecration of the sanctuary. 3. Regular Sacrifice This is the daily offering made in the Jewish temple, which is central to the worship practices of Israel. Its cessation signifies a major disruption in religious life. 4. Transgression that Causes Desolation This phrase refers to a significant sin or rebellion that leads to the desecration of the temple, often associated with the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a historical figure who desecrated the Jewish temple. 5. Sanctuary and Host The sanctuary is the holy place of worship, and the host likely refers to the people of God or the angelic forces associated with them. Both are subjected to being "trampled," indicating persecution and desecration. Teaching Points Understanding Prophetic TimelinesRecognize that God's prophetic timeline is precise and purposeful. The question "How long?" reflects a desire to understand God's timing and plan. The Impact of Sin The "transgression that causes desolation" serves as a warning about the severe consequences of sin and rebellion against God. Perseverance in Faith Despite the trampling of the sanctuary and host, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's ultimate plan for restoration. Divine Sovereignty The involvement of holy ones in the vision underscores God's sovereignty and control over historical and future events. Hope in Restoration Even in times of desolation and persecution, there is hope for restoration and renewal, as God's purposes will ultimately prevail. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the conversation between the holy ones in Daniel 8:13 help us understand the nature of divine communication and revelation?2. In what ways does the cessation of the regular sacrifice impact the spiritual life of Israel, and what parallels can we draw for our own spiritual practices today? 3. How can we identify and guard against "transgressions that cause desolation" in our personal lives and communities? 4. What lessons can we learn from the historical fulfillment of this prophecy that can be applied to our understanding of future prophetic events? 5. How does the theme of perseverance in the face of persecution in Daniel 8:13 encourage us in our current spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 9:27This verse also speaks of the cessation of sacrifice and the abomination that causes desolation, providing further context to the events described in Daniel 8:13. Matthew 24:15 Jesus refers to the "abomination of desolation" spoken of by Daniel, indicating its future significance and fulfillment beyond the historical events of Antiochus IV. Revelation 11:2 This passage describes the trampling of the holy city for a set period, echoing the themes of desecration and persecution found in Daniel 8:13.
People Belshazzar, Daniel, Elam, Gabriel, JavanPlaces Babylon, Elam, Greece, Media, Persia, Susa, UlaiTopics Allow, Appalment, Apply, Army, Astonishment, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Causes, Causing, Continual, Crushed, Daily, Desolate, Desolation, Disobedience, Ears, Fear, Foot, Fulfilled, Giving, Holy, Horror, Host, Makes, Maketh, Numberer, Offering, Particular, Rebellion, Regular, Sacrifice, Saint, Sanctuary, Spake, Speaking, Spoke, Surrender, Talking, Till, Trampled, Transgression, Treading, Trodden, Unclean, Underfoot, Vision, Voice, WonderfulDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 8:1-147259 promised land, later history Library Abram's Horror of Great Darkness. "And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him." If we consider the sketch, given us in scripture, of the life of this patriarch, we shall find that few have had equal manifestations of the divine favor. But the light did not at all times shine on him. He had his dark hours while dwelling in this strange land. Here we find an horror of great darkness to have fallen upon him. The language used to describe his state, on this occasion, … Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects Questions. Watching the Horizon The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua. The Apocalypse. The Harbinger Daniel Links Daniel 8:13 NIVDaniel 8:13 NLT Daniel 8:13 ESV Daniel 8:13 NASB Daniel 8:13 KJV Daniel 8:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |



