Daniel 8:17's "The Time of the End"

The “end” is mentioned several times in Daniel, but not one time does it refer to things that pertain to the end of this present world order (7:26, 28; 8:17, 19; 11:6, 27, 35, 40; 12:4, 6, 8, 9, 13).

Daniel is shown things to come that will bring an end to the Jewish economy governed by the Law of Moses.

In its place the Kingdom of Jehovah would be governed by a new covenant with Christ as the mediator (see Hebrews).

The desecration caused by Antiochus related to events that would occur during the days of the Kingdom when there would be another “desolation” brought upon the Temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14).

Not only would the Temple be destroyed, bringing to en end the animal sacrifices of the Jewish economy, but also the new spiritual temple of Jehovah would be tested.

The suffering of “the holy people” under Antiochus parallels the similar experience of Christians when the Roman Caesars ordained themselves to be worshipped as “god” and persecuted all who refused (Revelation 13:15-17).