Daniel 12:8
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Daniel 12 concludes the final vision (chapters 10-12), received during Cyrus's third year (10:1), around 536 BC. Daniel was approximately 85 years old. This vision concerned the future suffering and ultimate triumph of God's people, spanning from Daniel's day through the intertestamental period, Greek rule, Roman occupation, and beyond to final resurrection.
The detailed prophecies about future kingdoms would have staggered Daniel. He foresaw persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the abomination of desolation, and patterns extending to the end of the age. Daniel's confusion mirrors our own when faced with prophecy's complexity.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you maintain humble submission to God's word while honestly acknowledging aspects you don't fully understand?
- How does Daniel's example of persistent inquiry balanced with patient trust guide your approach to difficult theological questions?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse captures Daniel's honest response to apocalyptic revelation. The Hebrew shamati ("I heard") indicates he clearly received the message, but lo avin ("I understood not") reveals his inability to comprehend its full meaning. Daniel models intellectual humility—even after receiving direct divine revelation, he acknowledges the limits of his understanding. His question "what shall be the end of these things?" seeks clarification about the final outcome.
This verse teaches several crucial truths about divine revelation:
The response Daniel receives (verses 9-13) indicates that full understanding must await "the time of the end." Some truths are sealed until their appointed time of fulfillment.
This teaches that God reveals what we need when we need it.