Daniel 8:13

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?"

Study Bible

Then I heard
The phrase "Then I heard" indicates a transition in Daniel's vision, where he moves from seeing to hearing. This shift emphasizes the importance of the message that follows. In the Hebrew text, the verb "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and perceiving. This suggests that Daniel is not merely a passive observer but is actively engaged in comprehending the divine revelation being presented to him.

a holy one speaking
The term "holy one" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) refers to a celestial being, likely an angel, given the context of the vision. In the biblical narrative, angels are often messengers of God, conveying His will and purposes. The presence of a "holy one" underscores the sacredness and divine origin of the message. This aligns with the conservative Christian view that God uses His heavenly hosts to communicate with humanity, ensuring that His plans are revealed and understood.

and another holy one said to him
The introduction of "another holy one" speaking to the first suggests a dialogue between celestial beings. This interaction highlights the communal nature of the heavenly realm, where angels work in concert to fulfill God's purposes. The Hebrew word for "said" (אָמַר, amar) is often used in Scripture to denote authoritative speech, indicating that the message being conveyed is of great significance and should be heeded.

How long
The question "How long" reflects a common biblical theme of seeking understanding about the duration of suffering or divine judgment. This phrase resonates with the cries of the faithful throughout Scripture who yearn for God's intervention and the restoration of righteousness. It echoes the human desire for hope and assurance that God is in control and that His justice will ultimately prevail.

will the vision of the daily sacrifice
The "vision of the daily sacrifice" refers to the regular offerings made in the temple, which were central to Jewish worship and covenant relationship with God. The Hebrew term for "daily" (תָּמִיד, tamid) signifies continuity and constancy, emphasizing the importance of these sacrifices in maintaining spiritual order and connection with God. The disruption of this practice symbolizes a profound spiritual crisis and a direct challenge to divine authority.

the rebellion that causes desolation
This phrase describes a significant act of defiance against God, resulting in desolation or devastation. The "rebellion" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha) implies a deliberate and willful transgression, often associated with idolatry or apostasy. The "desolation" (שֹׁמֵם, shomem) suggests a state of ruin and abandonment, highlighting the severe consequences of turning away from God. This serves as a warning of the destructive power of sin and the need for repentance and faithfulness.

and the surrender of the sanctuary
The "surrender of the sanctuary" indicates the loss of control over the holy place, which was the center of Jewish worship and identity. The Hebrew word for "surrender" (נָתַן, natan) can also mean "to give" or "to deliver," suggesting that this is not merely a passive loss but an active handing over, possibly due to divine judgment. This reflects the theme of God's sovereignty, where even in times of trial, His purposes are being fulfilled.

and of the host to be trampled
The "host" refers to the people of God, who are depicted as being "trampled," a metaphor for oppression and persecution. The imagery of trampling (רָמַס, ramas) conveys a sense of violence and humiliation, yet it also points to the resilience and ultimate vindication of God's people. This phrase serves as a reminder of the trials faced by the faithful and the assurance that God will ultimately deliver and restore His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Holy Ones
These 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 Timelines
Recognize 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 9:27
This 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.