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 a holy one speaking
This phrase introduces a celestial being, likely an angel, engaging in conversation. In the context of Daniel, angels often serve as messengers or interpreters of divine visions. The presence of a "holy one" underscores the sacred nature of the vision and its interpretation. Angels are frequently depicted in Scripture as God's messengers, as seen in Daniel 9:21 and Luke 1:19.

and another holy one said to him
The dialogue between two holy ones suggests a heavenly council or discussion, emphasizing the importance of the vision. This mirrors other biblical instances where divine beings confer, such as in Job 1:6. The interaction highlights the complexity and significance of the vision, requiring divine insight for understanding.

“How long until the fulfillment of the vision
This question addresses the timing of prophetic events, a common concern in apocalyptic literature. The inquiry reflects a desire for understanding God's timeline, similar to the disciples' question in Acts 1:6. The emphasis on "fulfillment" indicates that the vision is part of God's sovereign plan, awaiting completion.

of the daily sacrifice
The daily sacrifice refers to the continual offerings made in the Jerusalem Temple, central to Jewish worship and covenant relationship with God. The interruption of these sacrifices signifies a severe disruption in religious practice, as seen during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the Temple (1 Maccabees 1:41-64).

the rebellion that causes desolation
This phrase points to a specific act of defiance against God, resulting in desolation. Historically, this is linked to the abomination of desolation prophesied in Daniel 11:31 and referenced by Jesus in Matthew 24:15. It symbolizes profound spiritual and physical desecration, often associated with idolatry and persecution.

and the surrender of the sanctuary
The surrender of the sanctuary indicates a loss of control over the holy place, leading to its defilement. This event is historically tied to the desecration of the Second Temple by foreign powers. The sanctuary's surrender is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, symbolizing judgment and the need for eventual restoration (Ezekiel 7:20-22).

and of the host to be trampled?”
The "host" likely refers to God's people, Israel, who suffer oppression and persecution. The imagery of trampling conveys severe affliction and subjugation, reminiscent of the oppression under Antiochus IV and later Roman persecution. This phrase echoes the trials faced by the faithful, as seen in Revelation 11:2, and points to the ultimate hope of deliverance and vindication.

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.