Daniel 8:19

and said, "Behold, I will make known to you what will happen in the latter time of wrath, because it concerns the appointed time of the end.

Study Bible

He said
This phrase introduces the speaker, who is the angel Gabriel. In the context of Daniel 8, Gabriel is sent by God to provide understanding to Daniel regarding the vision he has seen. The use of "He said" emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. Gabriel, whose name means "God is my strength," serves as a messenger of God, highlighting the importance of the revelation that follows.

I am going to tell you
This phrase indicates a promise of revelation and understanding. Gabriel assures Daniel that he will receive an explanation of the vision. The act of telling implies a transfer of divine knowledge, which is a recurring theme in the book of Daniel. It underscores the idea that God communicates with His people and provides insight into His plans.

what will happen
This phrase points to the prophetic nature of the message. It suggests that the vision concerns future events, which is a common characteristic of apocalyptic literature. The phrase reassures the reader that God is sovereign over history and that He reveals His plans to His servants.

at the final period of wrath
This phrase refers to a specific time in the future characterized by divine judgment and wrath. The "final period" suggests an eschatological context, pointing to the end times. The "wrath" indicates God's righteous anger against sin and rebellion. This period is often associated with the culmination of God's judgment before the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

for it concerns the appointed time of the end
This phrase emphasizes the certainty and divine timing of the events described. The "appointed time" suggests that God has a predetermined plan for history, and the "end" refers to the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes. This assurance of God's control over the future provides hope and encouragement to believers, affirming that despite present challenges, God's plan will ultimately prevail.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
The prophet who receives the vision and interpretation. He is a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness and wisdom.

2. Gabriel
The angel who provides the interpretation of the vision to Daniel. Gabriel is one of the few angels named in the Bible and often serves as a messenger of God.

3. The Vision
Refers to the prophetic vision Daniel receives, which includes symbolic representations of future kingdoms and events.

4. The Latter Time of the Indignation
This phrase refers to a future period of God's wrath or judgment, often interpreted as relating to the end times.

5. The Appointed Time of the End
This indicates a specific, divinely determined period when the events of the vision will come to pass.

Teaching Points

Understanding Prophetic Timelines
Recognize that God's timing is precise and purposeful. The "appointed time of the end" reminds us that God is sovereign over history and future events.

The Role of Angels
Gabriel's role as a messenger highlights the importance of divine revelation and the assistance of angels in understanding God's plans.

Faithfulness in Uncertainty
Like Daniel, we are called to remain faithful and seek understanding, even when faced with complex and future-oriented prophecies.

Preparation for the End Times
The prophecy encourages believers to live with an awareness of the end times, fostering a sense of urgency and readiness in our spiritual lives.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
The vision and its interpretation reassure us that God is in control, even when the future seems uncertain or daunting.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the "appointed time of the end" influence your perspective on current world events?

2. In what ways can we, like Daniel, seek to understand God's revelations and apply them to our lives today?

3. How does the role of Gabriel in this passage enhance your understanding of the spiritual realm and its interaction with humanity?

4. What practical steps can you take to prepare spiritually for the "latter time of the indignation"?

5. How do other scriptures about the end times, such as those in Revelation or Matthew, deepen your understanding of Daniel 8:19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 12:4, 9
These verses also speak of the "time of the end," providing further context and emphasizing the sealed nature of the prophecy until the end times.

Revelation 11:18
This verse discusses the time of God's wrath and judgment, paralleling the "latter time of the indignation" mentioned in Daniel.

Matthew 24:15-16
Jesus refers to the "abomination of desolation" spoken of by Daniel, connecting the prophecy to future events.