Daniel 8:13

“Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?”

Context:To understand Daniel 8:13 better, let’s look at the context. The book of Daniel contains visions and prophecies given to the prophet Daniel during the Babylonian exile. In this particular chapter, Daniel receives a vision of a ram and a goat, which represent the kingdoms of Medo-Persia and Greece, respectively. The vision also includes a horn that rises from the goat and becomes great, symbolizing a powerful king.

The question about the vision:In verse 13, Daniel hears a conversation between two saints or angels. One saint asks another how long the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, transgression of desolation, the sanctuary, and the host will last. This question refers to the duration of the events depicted in the vision, particularly the oppression and desecration of the holy people and their place of worship.

The daily sacrifice and transgression of desolation:The mention of the “daily sacrifice” refers to the regular burnt offerings that were part of the Jewish worship in the temple. The “transgression of desolation” refers to a period of desecration or profanation of the sanctuary, during which the temple and the holy people would be trampled underfoot. This likely points to a time of great tribulation and persecution.

The answer and its interpretation:The question in verse 13 is not directly answered in this verse. However, in the subsequent verses (Daniel 8:14-26), the angel Gabriel appears to Daniel and provides an explanation of the vision. Gabriel reveals that the vision pertains to future events, including the rise of a powerful king who will wage war against the saints and cause desolation.

Fulfillment and historical interpretation:From a historical perspective, the vision in Daniel 8 is often understood as referring to the Greek king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who reigned from 175 to 164 BC. Antiochus IV launched a fierce persecution against the Jewish people, desecrating the temple and prohibiting the Jewish religious practices. This historical fulfillment serves as a partial interpretation of the vision.

Prophetic implications:While the vision in Daniel 8 finds a historical fulfillment in the actions of Antiochus IV, it also has broader prophetic implications. Some interpret the vision as foreshadowing future events, particularly the rise and actions of the Antichrist. The exact meaning and timeline of these events remain debated among biblical scholars.

In summary, Daniel 8:13 raises a question about the duration of the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the transgression of desolation, and the oppression of the sanctuary and the holy people. The vision refers to a time of tribulation and desecration, with historical fulfillment found in the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The broader prophetic implications of the vision extend to future events and are subject to interpretation.