Daniel 12:8

I understood not. In the introductory verse of this vision (Daniel 10:1) Daniel states that he “had understanding of the vision.” In the course of the vision the prophet was assured by the angel that he had come to make him “understand” (Daniel 10:14). The revelation that followed was given in literal language. Now after the time element of 1260 years had been introduced in answer to the question, “How long?” Daniel confessed, “I understood not.” The part of this vision that Daniel did not understand, then, would seem to be the time element. He was praying for the speedy restoration of the Temple (see on Daniel 10:2 — an immediate problem). He seemed unable to fit the time element into his conception of an early deliverance for his people.

End. Though he had already been commanded to seal this part of the revelation (verse 4), the aged prophet still desired to know more of its meaning.