Daniel 8:13 — English NIRV 1996 - Copyrighted only for Website
Then I heard a holy angel speaking. Another holy angel spoke to him. He asked, "How long will it take for the vision to come true? The daily sacrifices will be stopped. Those who refuse to obey God will be destroyed. The temple will be handed over to an enemy. And some of the stars will be stomped on."
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from Daniel chapter 8, one angel asks another how long a vision about the daily sacrifices will last, which includes a time when the sanctuary and the people of God are being trampled upon.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing in a park and some bullies come to ruin your game. A friend wonders aloud, 'How long will this keep happening?' That's like what these angels are saying about a place where people pray getting messed up by bad things.
Historical Background
Daniel wrote this book around the sixth century B.C., while in exile in Babylon. He is having visions that deal with future events affecting God’s people and their relationship with Him, reflecting concerns of his time and audience.
Living It Out Today
Today, we might ask how long a difficult situation will last, like a tough project at work or dealing with a health issue. This verse reminds us to seek understanding and comfort in times when our spiritual lives feel disrupted.
It means being stepped on or treated disrespectfully, like when someone tramples over your feelings.
Why are the angels talking about sacrifices?
In ancient times, sacrifices were a way to show devotion and ask for forgiveness. The vision talks about a time when these important practices are disrupted.
How can we relate this to our modern lives?
We might face situations where our religious freedom is threatened or our spiritual life feels disturbed. This verse shows that even in such times, seeking understanding and hope from God's Word can be comforting.
What are 'the sanctuary and the host' mentioned here?
The sanctuary refers to a place of worship, like a temple, while 'host' likely means the people of God. The verse suggests these are being affected by evil forces or actions.
