Gabriel’s Message: For the Time of the End
Daniel 8:17b But he said to me, “Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end.”
Gabriel is talking to Daniel while he is prostrate. Gabriel’s point is to reveal understanding and clarity.
Then Gabriel refers to Daniel as a “son of man”. This term has many applications. One, it refers to the humanity of an individual. Translated, it literally means “son of Adam”. Two, God uses this title frequently when addressing the prophet Ezekiel. The term is often associated as a calling card for a prophet. Lastly, Jesus frequently identified Himself as the “son of man”. This phrase is used over 80 times in the New Testament in reference to Christ. The term points to the humanity of Jesus and His office as a prophet.
Gabriel indicates the time point of the vision.
“…the vision is for the time of the end.”
Daniel 8:18 And when he had spoken to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground. But he touched me and made me stand up.
Apparently Daniel was shaken to the point of a “deep sleep” by Gabriel’s approach and words. Daniel had not changed his physical position. He remained prostrate, until Gabriel helped him up off the ground.
Daniel 8:19 He said, “Behold, I will make known to you what shall be at the latter end of the indignation, for it refers to the appointed time of the end.
In Gabriel’s introduction to Daniel, it is stated three times. This vision is about the end.
This time will not be pleasant. The time is translated and described in English as the “indignation”. This word does not do justice for the definition in Hebrew. The word is zaam. Other translations could include angry, rage, or fury. If a person is zaam, they are upset to the point of frothing at the mouth.
Challenging times are coming…
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