Gabriel concludes: "And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days." The reference to "evening and morning" recalls verse 14's 2,300 sacrifices, emphasizing the vision's reliability. "Is true" (Hebrew: emet, אֱמֶת) means faithful, certain, trustworthy—not merely factually accurate but absolutely dependable. Divine revelation carries inherent truthfulness; God's word is utterly reliable.
"Shut thou up the vision" (Hebrew: setom hama reh, סְתֹם הַמַּרְאֶה) means seal or preserve it—not hide but carefully preserve for future generations. The vision wasn't for Daniel's generation alone but for "many days" ahead—the 383 years until Antiochus's persecution. This teaches that Scripture addresses multiple generations; prophecy given to one era serves believers centuries later. God's word transcends temporal limitations, remaining relevant across millennia.
This principle applies to all Scripture. Words written to ancient Israel instruct modern believers; prophecies fulfilled historically still teach spiritual truth; Old Testament promises find ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Bible's enduring relevance stems from its divine origin—human words become obsolete, but God's word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). This demands careful preservation and transmission of Scripture, treating it as the priceless treasure it is.
Historical Context
Daniel received this vision around 551 BC; Antiochus persecuted Jews 167-164 BC—383 years later. The vision remained "shut up" (carefully preserved) through Babylonian, Persian, and early Greek periods until its fulfillment. Jewish communities preserved Daniel's prophecy, which encouraged them during Maccabean persecution—they recognized their suffering had been predicted and would end on divine schedule. This validated Daniel's prophetic authority and strengthened covenant faith during extreme testing. Careful Scripture preservation enabled future generations to recognize fulfilled prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
How does the vision's 383-year relevance demonstrate Scripture's trans-generational applicability and enduring authority?
What does the command to 'shut up' (preserve) the vision teach us about careful Scripture transmission and preservation?
In what ways should recognizing that biblical prophecy addresses multiple generations shape how we read and apply Scripture today?
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Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel concludes: "And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days." The reference to "evening and morning" recalls verse 14's 2,300 sacrifices, emphasizing the vision's reliability. "Is true" (Hebrew: emet, אֱמֶת) means faithful, certain, trustworthy—not merely factually accurate but absolutely dependable. Divine revelation carries inherent truthfulness; God's word is utterly reliable.
"Shut thou up the vision" (Hebrew: setom hama reh, סְתֹם הַמַּרְאֶה) means seal or preserve it—not hide but carefully preserve for future generations. The vision wasn't for Daniel's generation alone but for "many days" ahead—the 383 years until Antiochus's persecution. This teaches that Scripture addresses multiple generations; prophecy given to one era serves believers centuries later. God's word transcends temporal limitations, remaining relevant across millennia.
This principle applies to all Scripture. Words written to ancient Israel instruct modern believers; prophecies fulfilled historically still teach spiritual truth; Old Testament promises find ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Bible's enduring relevance stems from its divine origin—human words become obsolete, but God's word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). This demands careful preservation and transmission of Scripture, treating it as the priceless treasure it is.