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?

Then I heard {H8085} one {H259} saint {H6918} speaking {H1696}, and another {H259} saint {H6918} said {H559} unto that certain {H6422} saint which spake {H1696}, How long shall be the vision {H2377} concerning the daily {H8548} sacrifice, and the transgression {H6588} of desolation {H8074}, to give {H5414} both the sanctuary {H6944} and the host {H6635} to be trodden under foot {H4823}?

Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the speaker, "How long will the events of the vision last, this vision concerning the regular offering and the transgression which is so appalling, that allows the sanctuary and the army to be trampled underfoot?"

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?”

Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said unto that certain one who spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the continual burnt-offering, and the transgression that maketh desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

Daniel 8:13 (KJV) records a pivotal moment in Daniel's vision, where two angelic beings converse about the duration of a devastating period. This verse encapsulates the prophet's, and indeed, the people's deep concern over the desecration of the sanctuary and the suffering of God's people.

Context of Daniel 8:13

Chapter 8 of Daniel describes a vision involving a ram and a goat, symbolizing the Medo-Persian and Greek empires, respectively. From the Greek empire, a "little horn" emerges, which grows exceedingly great and attacks the "pleasant land," the sanctuary, and the "host of heaven." This "little horn" is widely interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who historically persecuted the Jews in the 2nd century BC. He notoriously halted the daily sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple and set up an idol, causing immense suffering. The question posed by the angelic beings in Daniel 8:13 reflects the urgency and despair surrounding this period of oppression and spiritual defilement. This vision provides a historical backdrop, but also points to future events, echoing themes found in other prophetic books.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Oversight: The conversation between the "saints" (angelic beings) underscores that even in times of great tribulation, God's heavenly hosts are aware of and concerned with earthly events.
  • Desecration and Suffering: The verse highlights the profound pain caused by the cessation of the "daily sacrifice" (Hebrew: hat-tāmîd, the regular burnt offering) and the "transgression of desolation." This refers to the act of rebellion or apostasy that leads to the desecration of sacred space and the oppression of God's people.
  • Longing for Deliverance: The question, "How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation...?" expresses a deep yearning for the end of suffering and the restoration of proper worship. This theme of divine timing and the ultimate end of tribulation is central to apocalyptic literature.
  • Prophetic Foreshadowing: While immediately applicable to Antiochus Epiphanes, many scholars see this event as a type or foreshadowing of the future "abomination of desolation" mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 24:15 and Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, pointing to a climactic end-time event.

Linguistic Insights

The term "saint" (Hebrew: qadosh) in this context refers to holy ones, specifically angels, who are privy to God's divine plans and purposes. The phrase "transgression of desolation" (Hebrew: pesha shomem) vividly describes an act of rebellion or sin that causes utter ruin and devastation, particularly in a spiritual sense. The idea of the sanctuary and host being "trodden under foot" (Hebrew: ramas) signifies extreme disrespect, oppression, and subjugation, a common biblical metaphor for conquest and humiliation.

Reflection and Application

Daniel 8:13 offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all history, even when evil seems to triumph. The "how long" question resonates with anyone experiencing prolonged hardship or witnessing injustice in the world. This verse encourages us to:

  • Trust God's Timing: Just as an answer was given in Daniel 8:14, God has an appointed time for every season of tribulation.
  • Stand Firm in Faith: Even when sacred values or institutions are attacked, our faith should remain steadfast, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate His people and His truth.
  • Pray for Justice: The angelic conversation models a concern for justice and the end of desolation, prompting us to intercede for those who suffer and for the restoration of righteousness.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while evil may have its day, its duration is limited by divine decree, and God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration will prevail.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 11:2

    But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.

  • Luke 21:24

    And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

  • Revelation 6:10

    And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

  • Daniel 9:27

    And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

  • Daniel 4:13

    I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

  • Daniel 11:31

    And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

  • 1 Peter 1:12

    Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

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