Charles Ellicott Commentary Daniel 8:13

"Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said unto that certain one who spake, How long shall be the vision [concerning] the continual [burnt-offering], and the transgression that maketh desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?" — Daniel 8:13 (ASV)

One saint—that is, an angel, who, however, has not been mentioned before. This part of the vision recalls Daniel 7:16. It is implied that the angels were discussing the subject of this dreadful revelation concerning the future of God’s people. Only a portion of what they said is here recorded.

The vision. —The inquiry means, “How long will be the duration of the object of this vision, insofar as it concerns the great apostasy?”

Transgression of desolation.—Compare Daniel 9:27. Probably these words mean the same as the “abomination that maketh desolate” (Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11; see 1 Maccabees 1:59).