THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The voice of a man cried out, saying, "Gabriel, provide understanding of this vision." Consider the responsibilities of angels and archangels. Is there any power greater than theirs?
Daniel 8:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
And I heard the voice of a man between Ulai: and he called, and said: Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
וָאֶשְׁמַ֥ע קוֹל־אָדָ֖ם בֵּ֣ין אוּלָ֑י וַיִּקְרָא֙ וַיֹּאמַ֔ר גַּבְרִיאֵ֕ל הָבֵ֥ן לְהַלָּ֖ז אֶת־הַמַּרְאֶֽה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Jerome of Stridon
I heard a voice in the midst of Ulai, calling out and saying: Gabriel, provide understanding of this vision to him. He approached and stood by the spot where I was positioned. Upon his arrival, I was filled with fear and fell face down. The figure who instructed Gabriel to clarify the vision for Daniel is regarded by the Jews as Michael. Given that the vision pertains to the conflicts and reigns of kings or the succession of kingdoms, this responsibility is appropriately attributed to Gabriel, who is seen as the chief of battles. The name Gabriel translates to the strength or power of God. Thus, at the moment when the Lord was to be incarnated to wage war against demons and conquer the world, Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and Mary (Luke 1).
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In the Psalms, we find a proclamation of the Lord's triumph: Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle—He is the King of glory (Psalm 24:8-10). When healing is required, Raphael is dispatched, signifying care or healing, as seen in the Book of Tobit (Tobias). Furthermore, when blessings are promised to the people, and a need for propitiation arises, Michael is sent, whose name means Who is like God, indicating that true healing comes from God alone. He said to me: Understand, O son of man, that this vision will come to pass at the end of time, etc. Since Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah frequently find themselves in the presence of angels, they are reminded of their human frailty and are referred to as sons of men, ensuring they recognize their humanity.
Theodoret of Cyrus
The Prophet became aware that another was communicating in human terms, and the figure before him, whom he identified as Gabriel, instructed him to explain to the Prophet the enigmatic sign of the revelation. From this direction, we can infer that the one giving the command is indeed the Lord.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Luke 1:26And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth,
- Luke 1:19And the angel answering, said to him: I am Gabriel, who stand before God and am sent to speak to thee and to bring thee these good tidings.
- Dan 12:5And I, Daniel, looked, and behold as it were two others stood: one on this side upon the bank of the river, and another on that side, on the other bank of the river.
- Dan 12:7And I heard the man that was clothed in linen, that stood upon the waters of the river, when he had lifted up his right hand, and his left hand to heaven, and had sworn by him that liveth for ever, that it should be unto a time, and times, and half a time. And when the scattering of the band of the holy people shall be accomplished, all these things shall be finished.
- Dan 8:2Saw in my vision when I was in the castle of Susa, which is in the province of Elam: and I saw in the vision that I was over the gate of Ulai.
- Rev 22:16I, Jesus, have sent my angel, to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and stock of David, the bright and morning star.
- Heb 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?
- Dan 10:21But I will tell thee what is set down in the scripture of truth: and none is my helper in all these things, but Michael your prince.