דניאל, פרק י״ב, פסוק י״א

The mystery of the end of days and the exact time of redemption form the heart of this prophetic vision. It presents a hidden timeline that begins with a deep spiritual and historical crisis and stretches into a long period of waiting. An angel reveals a specific window of time tied to both destruction and hope, using the daily Temple service and the rule of foreign nations as key markers. The timeline begins at a tragic turning point: the moment the daily sacrifice in the Temple was abolished [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Commentators differ on exactly when this defining event occurred. One perspective places it during the era of the Second Temple [מצודת דוד], noting that the sacrifices ceased about three and a half years before the building was actually destroyed [אבן עזרא]. Another view argues that this refers to the destruction of the First Temple during Daniel's own lifetime [יוסף אבן יחיא]. However, a contrasting approach points out that the First Temple was completely burned to the ground without any idol being set up inside it. Therefore, the end of the daily sacrifice must be traced back to an earlier era, specifically to the reign of the wicked Queen Athaliah, who cut off public funding for the offerings [מלבי״ם]. Regardless of the exact date, the stopping of the daily sacrifice was done intentionally to make room for foreign worship in the holy site [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This replacement was a disgusting idol, a statue as silent and still as a stone [מצודת דוד], entirely empty of any true knowledge or awareness [יוסף אבן יחיא].

From this point of spiritual crisis, the vision shifts to a specific count of one thousand two hundred and ninety days. While there is some uncertainty regarding whether these are literal days or represent a different measure of time [מצודת דוד], the primary approach among commentators is that they symbolize long years of hardship and exile. These years are measured from the moment the daily sacrifice was removed until the eventual arrival of the Messiah [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This extended era is characterized by intense suffering for Israel, particularly under the rule of Ishmael, since the majority of the exiled people live in those lands. Only after this painful period concludes will the redeemer finally arrive [אבן עזרא].

Tracing this timeline historically offers a striking connection. Counting one thousand two hundred and ninety years from the days of Queen Athaliah leads directly to the era when the Emperor Julius granted the Jews permission to rebuild the Temple. At that time, a genuine opportunity for redemption appeared. Yet, because of the people's sins, a devastating earthquake and a great fire from heaven destroyed the new construction and killed many. Since that tragically missed opportunity, the wait continues for the final redemption. Ultimately, a time will come when the nations of the world will recognize the righteousness of Israel and the holiness of their Torah, and they will never oppress them again [מלבי״ם].