Daniel Chapter 8 · Verse 19
And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.
Original Language Analysis
מוֹדִֽיעֲךָ֔
Behold I will make thee know
H3045
מוֹדִֽיעֲךָ֔
Behold I will make thee know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 11
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּאַחֲרִ֣ית
what shall be in the last end
H319
בְּאַחֲרִ֣ית
what shall be in the last end
Strong's:
H319
Word #:
7 of 11
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
הַזָּ֑עַם
of the indignation
H2195
הַזָּ֑עַם
of the indignation
Strong's:
H2195
Word #:
8 of 11
strictly froth at the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) fury (especially of god's displeasure with sin)
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Habakkuk 2:3For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.Revelation 17:17For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.Daniel 11:27And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.
Historical Context
Daniel's audience faced questions: How long will judgment last? Has God forgotten His promises? Gabriel's answer—judgment has a fixed end—encouraged covenant hope. For Babylonian exiles, the seventy-year period was nearly complete (9:2). For later Jews under Antiochus, this vision promised that persecution would end precisely on schedule (2,300 evenings and mornings). Church history confirms the pattern—every persecution has ended, often exactly when God predetermined. This builds confidence in divine sovereignty and covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that indignation has an appointed end encourage faithfulness during suffering?
- What does God's predetermined timing for judgment's end teach us about His sovereignty over seemingly chaotic historical events?
- In what ways does Christ's first and second coming bracket the 'appointed time' of the church age, defining our present experience?
Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel's announcement "I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation" interprets the vision's time frame. "Indignation" (Hebrew: za'am, זַעַם) means divine wrath or anger—God's justified response to covenant breaking. The phrase "last end" (Hebrew: acharit, אַחֲרִית) means "latter time" or "final outcome." Gabriel reveals that the vision concerns not merely future political events but the completion of God's judgment on His people's disobedience.
"For at the time appointed the end shall be" emphasizes divine sovereignty over history. The Hebrew mo'ed (מוֹעֵד, "appointed time") refers to fixed, predetermined periods. God hasn't left history to chance; He has appointed specific times for judgment and deliverance. This comforts suffering believers—persecution isn't random but operates within divinely set boundaries. Evil prospers only as long as God permits, and He has predetermined its end.
Theologically, this reveals God's covenant faithfulness. Israel's exile wasn't divine abandonment but covenant discipline with a predetermined end. Similarly, the church's tribulation has appointed limits. Christ's first coming inaugurated the "last days" (Hebrews 1:2), beginning the end of indignation. His return will complete it, ending all persecution forever. Living in this "already but not yet" tension, believers trust God's appointed times, knowing all suffering is temporary and purposeful.