DANIEL 8:26C SHUT THOU UP THE VISION - TWO TEMPLE CLEANSINGS
Updated: Dec 26, 2022
CHAPTER 26 C
The last two phrases of Daniel 8:26 do not refer to the same word translated "vision" as the first phrase regarding the Evening and the Morning. We will learn which vision Daniel is told to shut up and that it would stay that way until the “time of the end.” We will look at the appointed time in which God said He would make people to understand the vision and get the message out and see another hint there which points us to the closing scenes of the time of the end. Then we will look at the two cleansing of the sanctuary messages during the time of the end.
Daniel 8:26 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.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
To “shut thou up the vision” means to keep it a secret or hidden. See the meaning of the Hebrew words “wherefore shut thou up” from the Strong’s Concordance.
סָתַם çâtham, saw-tham'; or שָׂתַם sâtham; (Numbers 24:15), a primitive root; to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret:—closed up, hidden, secret, shut out (up), stop. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H5640&t=KJV
And what Hebrew word translated in the King James Bible as “vison” are we talking about? Please note that this is an example text where the English translators took the liberty of translating two different words from the Hebrew as vision. They refer, however, to two different things. You can review that in our Bible Study discussion regarding Daniel 8:15 in which both these different Hebrew words translated “vision” are first used together. Below I have shared from the Strong’s Concordance the different Hebrew words translated vision, H4758 and H2377.
And the vision H4758 of the evening H6153 and the morning H1242 which was told H559 is true: H571 wherefore shut thou up H5640 the vision; H2377 for it shall be for many H7227 days. H3117
https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/dan/8/26/ss1/s_858001
The second Hebrew word translated as “vision” in Daniel 8:26 is the Hebrew word “chazown” which is numbered H2377 in the Strong’s Concordance, and which means dream or revelation or oracle.
חָזוֹן châzôwn, khaw-zone'; from H2372; a sight (mentally), i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle:—vision.https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H2377&t=KJV
The words “wherefore shut thou up the vision” are referring to the 2300-day vision of Daniel 8:1-13. These words could also be translated “Keep secret or hidden the revelation of the 2300-day prophecy, for it shall be for many days.”
This injunction is given to Daniel again in Daniel 12:4 regarding the whole book of Daniel. Here we are also given a time for when the words would be understood, that time being “the time of the end.”
Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-12/
With the invention of automobiles, vehicles for flying , marine vehicles, computers, internet, cell phones, etc. in the last century and a half, we certainly see the fulfillment of this prophecy. This is the age of information. With a click of the button on our phones we can look up information about anything and have it in seconds. With a flight, we can be on the other side of the world in a day. With satellite imaging we can see what is happening anywhere around the world.
This “time of the end” is also mentioned in reference to the 2300-day prophecy in Daniel 8:17.
Daniel 8:17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision (H2377).
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
It is important to understand that the vision (H4758) or appearance of the Mighty Man was not the vision being shut up or sealed. Daniel 8:16, Daniel was to understand the vision (H4758) or appearance of the Mighty Man. In Daniel 9:22-23 we find Gabriel giving him understanding by giving him the explanation of the appearance of the Mighty Man. In Daniel 10:1 we find that he admits to understanding the appearance of the Mighty Man vision.
Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision (H4758).
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-9/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-10/
In Daniel 10, though Daniel understood the vision of the appearance of the Mighty Man, He did not understand the 2300-day vision other than that it was a great war. This is referred to in Daniel 10:1 where the 2300-day vision is referred to as “the thing” and then by the phrase, “the time appointed was long” meaning the battle or controversy was great or long. The 2300-day prophecy is one of war or battle. He still needed help to understand this prophecy in Daniel 10:14 and was given Daniel chapter 11 and 12 as the explanation. But in Daniel 12:8 we find that Daniel still did not understand.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-10/
Daniel 10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision (H2377) is for many days.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-10/
Daniel 12:8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-12/
But in Daniel 11:35 we are told the time of the end is “for a time appointed.” And in the same verse is another hint as to when the time appointed will be.
Daniel 11:35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-11/
The time is “appointed” because the onset of “the time of the end” is specifically predicted. We find the start date of the 2300-day prophecy in Daniel 9 to be the same as for the Seventy-week prophecy of Daniel 9 and the command to build and restore Jerusalem which was most fully accomplished in 457 BC with Artexerxes king of the Medes and Persians. Again using “the day for a year principal” 457 BC + 2300 years future = 1844 AD (1844 + 457 -1 due to no zero year).
All of this is explained in detail in the chapter 17A on Daniel 8:17.
An analysis of Daniel 11:33-35 gives us another clue. This is talking about a time of persecution. This persecution is the catalyst to cause being made white or made sanctified or purified.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-11/
Persecution is part of the final portion of the 2300-day prophecy (Daniel 8:10,13-14). We know this period lasted 1260 years during the Papal rule of the Little Horn or Leopard-like beast power (Revelation 13:5,7; Daniel 7:21,25).
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
Daniel 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;…..
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-7/
The clue in Daniel 11:35 for our study is that the “time of the end” is at “a time appointed” which starts following this historical and prophetic time of persecution. This historical time of persecution literally was the catalyst that created the need for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The cleansing of the sanctuary is making the sanctuary right or righteous again. Remember that people are what composes the temple of God. Their cleansing, in this case, is represented by the people who are in white robes which the Bible says is the righteousness of the saints (Revelation 19:7). Righteousness by faith in the merits of Christ alone was the concept the reformers were discovering that led them to recognize the Papal system of worship was contrary to God’s system of worship. We know from history that the 1260 year of papal reign was from 538 AD til 1798 AD, when the reigning papal (church/state) pontiff was taken captive by the French. At this time all persecution by the papal power ceased because the papacy lost state power.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-11/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-19/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-11/
It is important to understand this sanctuary cleansing was predicted in Revelation 11. But after the 1260 years, the Gentile world would also be included in the message of cleansing.
We have also previously discussed the prophetic time period of the “host to be trodden underfoot” as seen in chapter 13 on Daniel 8:13.
Revelation 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles (Romans 11:25, Luke 21:24, Daniel 8:13,10): and the holy city (Hebrews 12:22-24) shall they tread under foot forty and two months (Luke 21:24; Revelation 13:2-7; Daniel 7:25 time when power given to the beast or papacy).
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-11/
The forty-two months or time, times and dividing of times is equal to the same three-and-a-half year period of prophetic time. In Luke 21:24 it is also called the “times of the Gentiles”. Here are a few verses talking about this period in both Daniel and Revelation and in other New Testament books.
Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-7/
Revelation 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem (meaning those who compose Christiandom) shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Luke-Chapter-21/
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Romans-Chapter-11/
We know from historical account that the papacy (a persecuting church/state power) ruled from 538 AD til 1798 AD or exactly 1260 years.
Now read Daniel 8:13-14 together to understand that after the 1260-year period of the transgression of desolation there would be a cleansing of the sanctuary temple or a justifying or making right of the sanctuary. The year 1844 which is 46 years after 1798, makes perfect sense. It was in this year that Christians, disappointed (Revelation 10:1&11) after looking for the second coming of Christ as the fulfilment of the 2300 days, began to understand more fully the little book of Daniel (Revelation 10:2/Daniel 12:9). The message of the cleansing or making right of the sanctuary would go to the whole Gentile world. It would regard the hour of His judgment (the cleansing or justification of the sanctuary) as concerns the unchanging, everlasting Gospel; and the fall and character of the beast of Revelation 13 (man of sin of 2 Thessalonians 2, little horn of Daniel 7 and little horn of Daniel 8). This message is encapsulated as the first two angel’s messages of Revelation 14:6-8.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-14/
This completed the first sanctuary cleansing message of the 2300-day prophecy of Daniel 8.
But just as this whole prophecy is repeated at the very close of time, there another prophetic cleansing of the sanctuary.
The people who are made white through persecution are also mentioned in the fifth seal of Revelation 6. But here we see mentioned the current and the former period of persecution. Those made white in the first persecution are not those in the final persecution mentioned in Revelation 6:11, but are those who suffered persecution during the 1260 year reign of the papacy talked about in Revelation 12:6,14; Revelation 13:5,7. However, typical for our study, according to Revelation 6:11, this persecution is to be repeated at the close of time.
Revelation 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-6/
However, we do find another people dressed in white at the very close of time. And they do come out of great tribulation or persecution. In other words, persecution is again the catalyst that makes them white. Do not miss that those who compose this group are also the servants of God. They compose the 144,000 or the Sealed of God as well.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-7/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-7/
It is the sealed of God who follow the Lamb withersoever he goeth. That means they follow Him to the cross. They are those who have not committed fornication with the queen of Babylon. They are virgins. They are pure, without guile or fault before God’s throne because they wear the robe of the righteousness of Christ. Their sanctuary is cleansed by the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-7/
25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Luke-Chapter-9/
Jesus had a lot to say about the people who wear the wedding garment provided by Jesus Christ. And He also had something to say about those who do not. In the parable of the marriage feast, given in Matthew 22, He tells us that those who are originally invited to the marriage, reject the invitation, take His servants who were sent to invite them, and persecute and even kill them. These, Christ says, are not worthy to come to the wedding and are destroyed. After this persecution, He sends more servants to go out into the highways and bid others to the marriage. And they do as they are told gathering both good and bad guests. All guests are provided a wedding garment, the garment of righteousness. But one guest is found not wearing his. He is cast out into outer darkness. In other words, by his own refusal to wear the provided wedding robe, he is separated from the light and life of God forever.
Matthew 22:1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
14For many are called, but few are chosen.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-22/
TWO TEMPLE CLEANSINGS
During the Ministry of Jesus there were two temple cleansings. His three and a half years of ministry began with an invitation to a wedding and his miraculous Provision of wine representative of the blood of Christ in John 2. But it also commenced with his indignation and a cleansing of the temple (John 2:13-17). The first temple cleansing took place at the very start of his ministry. This temple cleansing by Christ rid the temple of the buyers and sellers. The focus of cleansing was to rid the temple of the idea that salvation could be bought or sold. Jesus, was the free Gift of God to our world. His salvation could not be bought or sold, only accepted.
John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/John-Chapter-2/
The second indignation of Christ and temple cleansing took place at the end of the ministry of Christ but at the beginning of the week of the cross. It too focused on ridding the temple of the buyers and sellers but Jesus states that they had taken it one step further in that now they were also thieving from the people and God. In John 10:10 He tells us that the thief cometh not, but for to steal and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly. This temple cleansing focused upon returning the temple to be a house of prayer for all people. Jesus the Gift of Salvation was waiting to be accepted by all people. He would provide all with His righteousness. After the thieves left, He then healed all the blind and lame who came giving them that more abundant life. The result was the songs of perfect praise (prayer) to God by the children.
Working through the power of darkness, the priests and rulers would soon put Christ on the cross, attempting to kill and destroy Him and so steal the Savior from the world. But the cross is what would assure the salvation of man. Through the experience of the wrath of God against sin which would expose Christ to the wrath of Satan in the circumstance surrounding the cross, Jesus would die victorious over sin and death and would be raised again to provide us His salvation! Jesus would cleanse the soul temple of its thievery and pollution once and for all!
14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-21/
In the same way there were two temple cleansings during the ministry of Christ, there are two temple cleansings during the proclaiming of the three angel’s messages of Revelation 14.
The first temple cleansing was focused on getting rid of the buyers and sellers that had accumulated during the 1260 year of Papal reign. Salvation was a gift not to be bought or sold by the merit or works of man. This message was called righteousness by faith and was begun by the reformers. This message was encapsulated in the first and second angel’s messages of Revelation 14:6-11.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-14/
Similarly, during the proclamation of the third angel’s message with the power and glory of the angel of Revelation 18:1 there will be another call to come out of fallen Babylon because she again made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication (Revelation 18:2). Again, the buyers and sellers of salvation will be cast out. This time the thieves will be discovered and cast out also. This time the spiritually blind and lame will have opportunity to come to the house of prayer for all people and have opportunity to be healed. This time the whole world will praise their Father God for His character and mighty works (Revelation 18:1).
Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-18/
Notice that in Revelation 18:2-4, the earth is invited to come out of Babylon because she has fallen. They are to come out so they do not receive of her plagues. This is the second and third angel’s message of Revelation 14:8-13 which warns the world not to worship the beast and his image and receive the mark of the beast and partake of the wine of the wrath of God which is the seven last plagues.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-14/
Revelation 15:1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-15/
When Jesus entered the temple to cleanse it, He was filled with jealous indignation or you could say the wrath of God. In the seven last plagues are filled up the wrath of God. These two temple cleansings are depictive of the cleansing of the temple in “the time of the end” at the end of the world.
Please review chapter 14 D regarding when the Gentile world is measured, judged or cleansed.
Please review chapter 19 regarding the indignation or wrath of God and wrath of Satan.
The 2300-day prophecy of Daniel 8 is now understood. The vision is no longer shut up or sealed. There is another time of persecution coming. That persecution will be the catalyst that perfects the people of God in the same way that the experience of the sufferings of Christ perfected him. These people will receive the Seal of God. At the same time, those who choose to consent to the persecution of the people of God will also be marked as those who choose the Mark of the beast. They will suffer the wrath of God without mercy talked about in the Third angel’s message of Revelation 14. Remember at the second temple cleansing during the ministry of Christ he cast out the thieves. We choose our Lord. Whether we choose the thief or the true Shepherd of the Sheep. When Christ comes into His House or temple the thief is already there, but is then exposed.
Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
Who is your Lord? How are you serving Him? Will you receive the Seal of God or the Mark of the Beast?