This chapter contains Daniel’s ‘second vision’ and a partial interpretation. Just like the last vision, parts were already fulfilled, have now been fulfilled, and have yet to be fulfilled.
“When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man… So [Gabriel] came near where I stood… he said to me, ‘Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end.’ 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… but seal up the vision, for it refers to many days from now.’ And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.” (v15, 17, 19, 26-27 abr)
This vision, like the first one, depicts powerful earthly rulers / kingdoms, in the past, (Daniel’s) present, and our future. The future earthly ruler is the one known as the antichrist who rules prior to Jesus’ Millennial Kingdom.
My takeaway is how Daniel reacted to the vision. At first, he seeks to understand it. The angel Gabriel interprets some of the vision, though he cautions Daniel three times that “the vision is for the time of the end”, “it refers to many days from now”, and he instructs Daniel to “seal up the vision”. At the end of the chapter, Daniel who was still appalled and perplexed at the vision’s meaning, importantly “rose and went about the king’s business”.
There are many future-prophecy passages in the Bible which are heated topics of debate because their meaning cannot be fully known (and therefore not agreed upon). My suggestion is that we take Daniel’s approach: recognize that we cannot fully understand all of God’s future plans, and ‘go about our King’s business’ in the mean time. It’s great to have studies / discussions on ‘end times’, but ultimately, such activities should not distract us from doing Christ’s kingdom work in the present.
Father God, our All-Knowing and All-Powerful King, Your ways are above ours, and Your thoughts are beyond our full comprehension. Thank you for granting us understanding in the areas we need it, and for helping us to remain focused on our King’s business. May we bring you honor and glory in all we say and do, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training