Book of Daniel - Chapter 8 - Verse 17

When the verse says, "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," it is describing a prophetic encounter between the prophet Ezekiel and a heavenly being. In this verse, Ezekiel is overwhelmed by fear at the sight of the being and falls to his face. The being then reassures Ezekiel, calling him son of man and telling him to understand the vision that is being revealed to him. This encounter is a common theme in prophetic literature, where a human messenger is chosen to receive and communicate divine messages. The phrase "at the time of the end shall be the vision" suggests that the vision is meant to provide insight into future events, particularly those related to the end times. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and interpreting divine messages, even when they may be intimidating or difficult to comprehend.

In this verse, the phrase "understand, O son of man" carries significant theological implications. "Son of man" is a title used repeatedly throughout the Bible, often in reference to the prophets or to Jesus himself. By using this title, the speaker is reminding the listener of their humanity and mortality, emphasizing the need for humility and reverence in the face of divine revelation. This phrase also underscores the importance of understanding the message being conveyed. The speaker is urging the listener to grasp the significance of the vision being revealed, especially in light of the approaching "time of the end". This phrase highlights the urgency and gravity of the message, signaling a time of judgment and fulfillment of prophecy. It serves as a call to action for the listener to pay careful attention and discern the deeper meaning behind the vision. Through this theological interpretation and word study, we gain insight into the weight and importance of the message being delivered, urging readers to approach the text with reverence and understanding.