What is the context?
As Daniel seeks understanding, a figure appears before him and a voice commands Gabriel to explain the vision. Daniel falls facedown in fear as Gabriel approaches.
Gabriel tells him that the vision concerns the time of the end. Daniel falls into a deep sleep, but the messenger touches him and helps him stand. He is to learn what will occur in the latter time of wrath, at the appointed end.
The explanation comes to a man who is overwhelmed by what he has seen. Daniel’s role is to receive and preserve what God makes known, including events that lie beyond his immediate experience.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley understands the appointed end here in relation to the end of Antiochus’s oppression. Gaebelein sees the language also pointing beyond Antiochus toward a final period of trouble before Christ’s return.
The difference concerns how far the vision reaches. Both readings recognize that the end is appointed by God rather than decided by the persecuting ruler.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.