דניאל, פרק ח׳, פסוק י״ט

An angelic vision offers a message of hope by defining the limits of divine anger, assuring that suffering and disaster have a clear, defined endpoint. Daniel is promised a revelation of what will occur at the very close of this period of wrath. Commentators offer different perspectives on the specific nature of this anger. Some suggest it refers to God's anger toward Israel during the oppressive rule of the Greeks and Antiochus, a period of severe trial that ultimately concludes when the Hasmoneans purify the Temple [אבן עזרא]. Conversely, other scholars view this as a broader reference to the prolonged days of exile, specifically the final exile brought upon the people of Israel due to their sins [מצודת דוד, יוסף אבן יחיא].

Regardless of the specific historical scope, the core promise remains that the hardship will not last forever. Even though this period of exile and suffering may span many days [רש״י], there is a destined conclusion that will eventually be revealed for all to see [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A crucial distinction is made between a regular period of time and an appointed time. A regular period represents a natural flow of events that might shift or change depending on the actions of the people. An appointed time, however, is a moment firmly established and promised by God through prophecy. Because it is a divine promise, this endpoint is absolute and predetermined. It cannot be altered, ensuring that the positive conclusion will inevitably arrive exactly when He has ordained it [מלבי״ם].