Daniel 8:14

He said to me, "It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be properly restored."

Study Bible

He said to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from a divine or angelic being to Daniel. In the context of Daniel 8, the speaker is the angel Gabriel, who is tasked with explaining the vision to Daniel. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the Old Testament to denote authoritative speech. This highlights the importance and certainty of the message being delivered. In a broader scriptural context, divine communication often serves to reveal God's plans and purposes, emphasizing His sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine will.

It will take
This phrase introduces a prophetic timeline, indicating a period that must elapse before a significant event occurs. The Hebrew verb "הָיָה" (hayah) is used here, which means "to be" or "to become." This suggests a process or a period of waiting that is divinely ordained. In the context of biblical prophecy, time periods often serve to test faith and patience, reminding believers of God's perfect timing and the fulfillment of His promises.

2,300 evenings and mornings
This specific time period has been the subject of much interpretation and debate among scholars and theologians. The phrase "evenings and mornings" likely refers to the daily sacrifices in the Jewish temple, which were offered twice a day. The Hebrew words "עֶרֶב" (ereb) for evening and "בֹּקֶר" (boqer) for morning emphasize the regularity and continuity of worship practices. Historically, this period is often associated with the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes and its subsequent cleansing. Theologically, it underscores the theme of God's faithfulness in restoring true worship and His ultimate victory over evil.

then the sanctuary
The "sanctuary" refers to the holy place of worship, specifically the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. The Hebrew word "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh) signifies something that is set apart, sacred, and dedicated to God. In the historical context of Daniel, the sanctuary had been defiled by foreign powers, symbolizing the spiritual and physical oppression of God's people. The restoration of the sanctuary is a powerful image of God's redemptive work and His commitment to dwell among His people.

will be properly restored
The phrase "properly restored" conveys the idea of returning something to its rightful state or condition. The Hebrew root "צָדַק" (tsadaq) means to be just, righteous, or in the right. This restoration is not merely a physical rebuilding but a spiritual renewal and vindication. It points to God's justice and the re-establishment of His order. In a broader theological sense, it foreshadows the ultimate restoration of all things through Christ, where God's kingdom is fully realized, and His glory is manifest.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
A prophet and the author of the Book of Daniel, who receives visions and interpretations from God.

2. The Sanctuary
Refers to the holy place of worship for the Israelites, likely the temple in Jerusalem, which is central to Jewish worship and sacrificial practices.

3. 2,300 Evenings and Mornings
A prophetic period mentioned in Daniel's vision, often interpreted as a time of desecration and subsequent restoration of the sanctuary.

4. Gabriel
The angel who later in the chapter provides Daniel with the interpretation of the vision, though not directly mentioned in verse 14.

5. Antiochus IV Epiphanes
A historical figure often associated with the desecration of the temple, fulfilling the prophecy of the 2,300 days.

Teaching Points

Understanding Prophetic Timelines
The 2,300 evenings and mornings challenge us to study and understand God's prophetic timeline, encouraging us to trust in His sovereign plan.

The Importance of the Sanctuary
The restoration of the sanctuary highlights the importance of worship and maintaining the purity of our spiritual lives.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
Just as the sanctuary was promised restoration, God is faithful to restore and renew our lives when we turn to Him.

Vigilance Against Desecration
The desecration of the sanctuary serves as a warning to guard against spiritual compromise and to uphold the sanctity of our faith.

Hope in Fulfillment
The prophecy's fulfillment assures us that God's promises are true, providing hope and encouragement for future restoration and redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of Antiochus IV Epiphanes help us interpret the prophecy of the 2,300 days?

2. In what ways can the concept of the sanctuary being restored apply to our personal spiritual lives today?

3. How do the themes of desecration and restoration in Daniel 8:14 connect with the New Testament teachings on Christ's redemptive work?

4. What lessons can we learn from the prophecy of the 2,300 days about God's timing and our patience in waiting for His promises?

5. How can we apply the vigilance against spiritual desecration in our daily walk with God, as suggested by the events in Daniel 8?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 16
Discusses the Day of Atonement, which is significant for understanding the concept of the sanctuary being cleansed or restored.

Hebrews 9
Explores the idea of Christ as the ultimate high priest, offering a once-for-all sacrifice, which connects to the theme of the sanctuary's restoration.

Revelation 11
Describes the measuring of the temple and the concept of a period of tribulation, which can be related to the 2,300 days of Daniel.

Matthew 24
Jesus speaks of the "abomination of desolation," which ties back to the desecration of the temple prophesied in Daniel.