דניאל, פרק י״ב, פסוק ח׳

Even after receiving direct prophetic visions, the exact timeline of future redemption can remain a mystery to the prophet himself. Daniel openly admits that although he heard the prophecy from the angel, he could not grasp its precise meaning. The primary approach among commentators is that his confusion stems from the obscure calculations of time mentioned earlier in the vision, which were presented in vague terms that defied clear interpretation. This candid admission reveals that Daniel himself did not know the exact moment when the ultimate redemption would arrive [אבן עזרא].

Driven by this lack of clarity, Daniel turns directly to the angel speaking with him [מצודת דוד] to ask for the ultimate outcome of these events. His inquiry is primarily understood as a request to clarify the end point of the mysterious timelines that were just hinted to him. Alternatively, his question can be seen as focusing on the fate of the world's nations. In this view, Daniel is asking about the final destiny of the guardian angels of the nations who appeared standing by the river, seeking to know what will ultimately happen to the various peoples under their influence [מלבי״ם].