Daniel 8:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I heard a voice amid the Ulai calling out, “Gabriel, explain this vision to him.” He approached and stood where I was. When he arrived, fear overtook me, and I fell to my face. The figure who instructed Gabriel to clarify the vision for Daniel is regarded by the Jewish tradition as Michael. Because the vision pertains to the conflicts and reigns of kings, or the succession of empires, this role is appropriately allocated to Gabriel, the commander of heavenly warfare. The name Gabriel translates to the strength or power of God. Thus, when the Lord was to be born to wage war against the demonic forces and secure victory over the world, Gabriel was sent to Zacharias and Mary (Luke 1). The Psalms celebrate the Lord's triumph: “Who is this King of glory?

The prophet declares that he approached and stood beside me. Upon his arrival, fear overtook him, causing him to fall to the ground. This experience serves powerfully to challenge the pride of Eunomius, who presumes to understand the true nature of God. If even a prophet, in the presence of angelic beings acknowledged for their might, could not withstand such awe, what could be more sinful or loathsome than those who assert they grasp the very essence of the Divine? Now, let us focus on the matter at hand. The angel instructed me, “Be vigilant, O son of man, for the vision extends to the end of time." Gabriel reminds me that these events will not occur immediately; rather, they will unfold after many years. Indeed, following the completion of a specified period, every one of these happenings will come to fruition.