Then I heard a holy one speakingThis 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 inJob 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 inActs 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 inDaniel 11:31 and referenced by Jesus inMatthew 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 inRevelation 11:2, and points to the ultimate hope of deliverance and vindication.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Holy OnesThese 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.
VisionThe 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 SacrificeThis 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 DesolationThis 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 HostThe 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 TimelinesRecognize 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 SinThe "transgression that causes desolation" serves as a warning about the severe consequences of sin and rebellion against God.
Perseverance in FaithDespite 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 SovereigntyThe involvement of holy ones in the vision underscores God's sovereignty and control over historical and future events.
Hope in RestorationEven in times of desolation and persecution, there is hope for restoration and renewal, as God's purposes will ultimately prevail.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 8:13?
2.What does "the vision concerning the daily sacrifice" reveal about God's holiness?
3.How can we discern God's timing in "the rebellion that causes desolation"?
4.Connect Daniel 8:13 with Matthew 24:15. How do they relate prophetically?
5.How should we respond to spiritual desolation in our personal lives today?
6.What role does prayer play in understanding visions like in Daniel 8:13?
7.What is the significance of the "holy ones" mentioned in Daniel 8:13?
8.How does Daniel 8:13 relate to the prophecy of the "transgression that makes desolate"?
9.Who are the "two holy ones" speaking in Daniel 8:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 8?
11.What is the beast described in Revelation?
12.When will the 2300 days prophecy be fulfilled?
13.If the vision was to be sealed “for many days” (Daniel 8:26), why do some interpret it as a prophecy about near-contemporary events rather than an end-times scenario?
14.What is the scientific or historical basis for interpreting the '2,300 evenings and mornings' (Daniel 8:14), and why is the meaning often disputed among scholars?What Does Daniel 8:13 Mean
Then I heard a holy one speakingDaniel is suddenly allowed to overhear an angelic conversation. Scripture frequently presents angels as God’s messengers who interact with and observe human history (Daniel 4:17;Luke 15:10). The “holy one” is therefore understood literally as an angel. Daniel’s hearing rather than seeing first underscores that revelation can come through many senses—words carry weight and clarity.
Key take-aways
• God lets His servants glimpse what is happening in the unseen realm (2 Kings 6:17;Revelation 5:11).
• The content that follows is trustworthy because it originates among heavenly beings who stand in God’s presence (Daniel 8:16; 9:21).
and another holy one said to himA second angel joins the first, asking a question that Daniel himself would have voiced. Angels, though sinless, do not know everything (1 Peter 1:12). Their inquiry shows that even they wait on God’s timing and revelation.
Cross references woven into the scene
• Angels confer about judgment and timing (Zechariah 1:9-11;Daniel 12:5-6).
• Multiple witnesses in heaven emphasize the certainty of the prophecy (Deuteronomy 19:15;Matthew 18:16).
"How long until the fulfillment of the vision"The core concern is timing. Daniel has just seen a vision that includes oppression by the “little horn” (Daniel 8:9-12). The question “How long?” echoes the cries of saints throughout Scripture (Psalm 13:1;Revelation 6:10). God’s answer in verse 14—2,300 evenings and mornings—demonstrates that He sets definite limits to evil.
Points to note
• God never leaves the duration of suffering indefinite; He appoints boundaries (Job 38:10-11;Acts 17:26).
• Prophecy often has both a near fulfillment—in this case under Antiochus IV Epiphanes—and an ultimate, end-time echo in the Antichrist (Daniel 11:36-45;2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
of the daily sacrificeThe “daily sacrifice” refers to the regular burnt offerings offered every morning and evening in the Temple (Exodus 29:38-42;Numbers 28:3-8). The little horn would interrupt this continual worship, an act seen again in future tribulation events (Daniel 9:27; 12:11).
Why this matters
• Worship is the heart of Israel’s covenant life; stopping it strikes at the nation’s relationship with God (Lamentations 1:10).
• Believers today can expect attacks on public and corporate worship, yet God preserves a remnant (Hebrews 10:25;Revelation 12:6).
the rebellion that causes desolationAlso rendered “transgression of desolation,” this points to an outrageous sin that defiles the sanctuary, later called the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31; 12:11;Matthew 24:15). Under Antiochus, a pagan altar was erected; in the future, Scripture foresees a similar desecration by the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
Highlights
• Rebellion is more than political revolt; it is spiritual defiance against God’s holiness (Isaiah 14:13-14).
• Desolation follows sin—unholy worship leaves devastation in its wake (Jeremiah 7:34).
and the surrender of the sanctuaryThe Temple itself would be “given over,” meaning God allows enemy forces to seize and defile it (Lamentations 2:7;Daniel 8:11). Though heartbreaking, this judgment is temporary and purposeful, purging idolatry and preparing for restoration (Ezra 6:14-18).
Remember
• God disciplines His people but never abandons His covenant promises (Leviticus 26:44-45).
• Loss of the sanctuary points forward to the need for a perfect, heavenly sanctuary fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 9:11-12).
and of the host to be trampled?The “host” refers to the people of God and, by extension, the angelic host aligned with them (Daniel 8:10, 24). Trampling conveys severe persecution. Antiochus slaughtered thousands; the future Antichrist will unleash global oppression (Revelation 13:7).
Applications
• Persecution of believers is real and anticipated (2 Timothy 3:12).
• God sets a limit and will vindicate His people, turning trampling into triumph (Daniel 7:21-22;Revelation 20:4).
summaryDaniel 8:13 records an angelic dialogue that mirrors human yearning: “How long, Lord?” The question encompasses the cessation of true worship, a blatant act of rebellion, the defilement of God’s house, and the crushing of His people. God answers with a precise timetable, assuring that every trial is measured and temporary. Historically fulfilled under Antiochus IV, the verse also foreshadows a final period of tribulation when similar events will reoccur. Through it all, the passage reassures believers that heaven is engaged, evil is limited, and ultimate restoration is certain.
(13)
One saint--i.e., an angel, who, however, has not been mentioned before. This part of the vision recalls
Daniel 7:16. It is implied that the angels were conversing upon the subject of this awful revelation concerning the future of God's people. Only a portion of what they said is here recorded.
The vision.--The inquiry means, "How long shall be the duration of the object of this vision, so far as it has to do with the great apostasy?"
Transgression of desolation.--Comp.Daniel 9:27. Probably these words mean the same as the "abomination that maketh desolate" (Daniel 11:31;Daniel 12:11; see1 Maccabees 1:59). . . .
Verse 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 underfoot? Our Authorized rendering is clearly mistaken; it ought not to be "saint," but "holy one," as in the Revised Version. The versions leave
palmoni, "a certain one," untranslated. Fust's suggestion, held also by Behrmann, is that this is a contraction for
paloni almoni. The renderings of the versions are worthy of note. The LXX., "And I heard one holy one speaking, and another holy one said to Phehnouni who spoke, How long shall the vision stand, and the removed sacrifice, and the sin of desolation given, and the holy place be desolate to be trodden underfoot (
εἰς καταπάτημα)
?" Here the word
στήσεται, "shall stand," is supposed by Professor Bevan to be an addition by one who did not fully comprehend the sentence. Following Gratz, Professor Bevan suggests a word,
מוּרָם (
mooram), "removed," to explain the presence of
ἡ ἀρθεῖσα -
a suggestion that appears well-founded. His further suggestion, that
sim (
שִׂם), "to set up," has been read instead of
shomaym (
שֹׁמֵם), must be due to inattention to the Greek. In it there is nothing about "set up," unless he transfers
στήσεται from its place in the beginning of the sentence to the middle, and changes it to the active voice. Equally extraordinary is the suggestion that the translators read
יצבא, instead of
וצבא. The truth is, the introduction of
ἐρημωθήσεται is probably due to a gloss or a confluence of readings. Theodotion is in close agreement with the Septuagint, save in the last clause, which he renders, "And the sanctuary and the power be trodden underfoot." The Peshitta is closer to the Massoretic, "And I heard a holy one who spake, and a holy one said to
palmoni, who spake, When shall the vision of the perpetuity (daily sacrifice?), and of sin and of corruption be completed, and the holy place and the host be trodden underfoot?" The translators must have read
shahata instead of
shomaym. "Completed,"
nesh-tlem, may have been added, as
στήσεται in the Greek, but the fact that all the versions have a word not represented in the Massoretic would indicate the probability that something has dropped out. Some part of the verb
שׂוּם is suggested by the Greek Version, whereas some portion of
שָׁלַם is suggested by the Peshitta. Daniel hears one of those watching angels who desire to look into the evolution of the Divine purpose concerning man and his salvation, asking another, "How long shall be the desolation of Jerusalem under Epiphanes?" The irregular construction here suggests corruption. We would render the speech of the angel, "How long - the vision, the sacrifice - the sin of desolation to give the sanctuary and the service to be trodden underfoot?" as if Daniel had only heard snatches of what was said; we would, we may say, omit the "and" before "sanctuary." The Septuagint translators may have omitted
צָבָא (
tzaba), thinking only of its ordinary meaning, "host," forgetful of the fact that it is used of the temple service in
Numbers 4:23. These angels are most interested in the length of time that the sanctuary shall remain desolate. This may indicate that it was evident, from the vision, that the period of desolation was a limited one. The scene presented to the imagination is striking. The seer, as he gazes on the vision appearing to him over the marsh at Susa, hears angelic voices that direct attention to what was most important to him and to his people. To the Israelites of the period of the Maccabees, the length of time that the temple service would be in abeyance was of the highest importance. It was well that they should know that the time was shortened for the elect's sake.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then I heardוָאֶשְׁמְעָ֥ה(wā·’eš·mə·‘āh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyaאֶֽחָד־(’e·ḥāḏ-)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstholy oneקָד֖וֹשׁ(qā·ḏō·wōš)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuaryspeaking,מְדַבֵּ֑ר(mə·ḏab·bêr)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueand anotherאֶחָ֨ד(’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstholyקָד֜וֹשׁ(qā·ḏō·wōš)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuaryone saidוַיֹּאמֶר֩(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto [him],הַֽמְדַבֵּ֗ר(ham·ḏab·bêr)Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdue“Howעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilelong [until the fulfillment of]מָתַ֞י(mā·ṯay)Interrogative
Strong's 4970:Extent, whenthe visionהֶחָז֤וֹן(he·ḥā·zō·wn)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2377:A sight, a dream, revelation, oracleof the daily sacrifice,הַתָּמִיד֙(hat·tā·mîḏ)Article | Adverb
Strong's 8548:Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrificethe rebellionוְהַפֶּ֣שַׁע(wə·hap·pe·ša‘)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6588:Transgressionthat causes desolation,שֹׁמֵ֔ם(šō·mêm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8074:To stun, devastate, stupefyand the surrenderתֵּ֛ת(têṯ)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setof the sanctuaryוְקֹ֥דֶשׁ(wə·qō·ḏeš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctityand of the hostוְצָבָ֖א(wə·ṣā·ḇā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635:A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaignto be trampled?”מִרְמָֽס׃(mir·mās)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4823:Trampling place, trampling
Links
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OT Prophets: Daniel 8:13 Then I heard a holy one speaking (Dan. Da Dn) 
