5. What previous instruction connected with the vision of Daniel 8 was thus being more fully carried out?
“And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.” Dan. 8:16.
6. Why was further instruction concerning this vision necessary?
“And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.” Verse 27.
7. To what did Gabriel now direct Daniel's attention?
“At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee: for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Dan. 9:23.
Notes.—There is abundant evidence that the instruction in the ninth chapter of Daniel supplements and interprets the vision of the eighth chapter. Note the following facts:—
(1) Daniel did not understand the vision concerning the treading down of his people and the sanctuary, and therefore searched the prophecies anew concerning the period of captivity.
(2) He evidently made a connection between the period of seventy years mentioned by Jeremiah and the twenty-three hundred days of the vision, and he at once began to pray earnestly for the restoration of the city and the sanctuary.
(3) The angel Gabriel, who appeared to him at the first, and interpreted all the vision with the exception of the twenty-three hundred days, now appears, and again directs his attention to the vision.