Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical Reference: The Vision of the Evenings and Mornings is found in the Book of Daniel, specifically in
Daniel 8:1-27. This vision is one of the prophetic revelations given to Daniel during the reign of King Belshazzar of Babylon.
Context and Content: In the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, Daniel received a vision while in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam. The vision involved a ram with two horns, a goat with a prominent horn, and the subsequent rise of a little horn. The ram, representing the kings of Media and Persia, was powerful and unstoppable until the goat, symbolizing the kingdom of Greece, attacked it. The goat's large horn, representing the first king, was broken, and four notable horns arose in its place, signifying the division of the Greek Empire after Alexander the Great's death.
The little horn that emerged from one of these four horns grew exceedingly great, reaching toward the south, the east, and the Beautiful Land (Israel). This horn magnified itself against the host of heaven and the Prince of the host, disrupting the daily sacrifice and casting truth to the ground.
The "Evenings and Mornings": The phrase "evenings and mornings" appears in
Daniel 8:14, where it is stated, "He said to me, 'It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be properly restored.'" This period of 2,300 days has been the subject of much interpretation and debate among scholars and theologians. It is often understood as a prophetic timeline concerning the desecration and eventual restoration of the temple in Jerusalem.
Interpretation and Significance: The vision was interpreted for Daniel by the angel Gabriel, who explained that it pertained to "the time of the end" (
Daniel 8:17). The vision is seen as a prophecy concerning the rise and fall of empires and the persecution of God's people. The little horn is commonly identified with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king known for his severe persecution of the Jews and desecration of the Second Temple, which included the cessation of the daily sacrifices.
From a conservative Christian perspective, the vision is often viewed as a foreshadowing of future events, with Antiochus serving as a type of the Antichrist, who will arise in the last days. The desecration of the temple and the interruption of worship are seen as prefiguring the ultimate rebellion against God that will occur before the final restoration and establishment of God's kingdom.
Theological Themes: 1.
Sovereignty of God: The vision underscores God's control over the rise and fall of empires and His ultimate plan for history.
2.
Perseverance of the Saints: Despite persecution and trials, God's people are called to remain faithful, trusting in His promise of restoration and deliverance.
3.
Prophetic Fulfillment: The vision serves as a testament to the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and the unfolding of His divine purposes.
Historical Fulfillment: Historically, the events described in the vision align with the period of Hellenistic influence over the Jewish people, particularly during the reign of Antiochus IV. The Maccabean Revolt and the subsequent rededication of the temple, celebrated as Hanukkah, are seen as the historical fulfillment of the prophecy's immediate context.
Application for Believers: The Vision of the Evenings and Mornings encourages believers to remain vigilant and faithful, recognizing that God is in control of history and that His promises will be fulfilled. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by God's people and the assurance of ultimate victory through divine intervention.