The Vision of the Ram And The Goat Daniel 8

Introduction In Daniel 2 and 7 we studied visions describing four kingdoms Daniel 8 relates another vision of the Ram and the Goat The two kingdoms of chapter eight are the same as two of the four kingdoms studied earlier

I. The Vision Described – 8:1-14

Date of the vision – 8:1 [1] In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.

Dan. 8:2 [2] And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

The two-horned ram – 8:3-4 The horns were high – one higher than the other The ram pushed westward, northward, southward He became great – none could withstand him

The one-horned male goat – 8:5 Coming suddenly from the west Not touching the ground With a notable horn between his eyes

The goat defeats the ram – 8:6-7 With furious power the goat attacked the ram and broke his two horns The ram was trampled

The goat became great – but then his horn is broken – 8:8 The large horn was broken Four notable ones came up in its place

A little horn comes out of the 4 with great power – 8:9-12 It became exceedingly great Toward the south and east Toward the Glorious Land He exalted himself

By this powerful horn: The daily sacrifices were taken away The place of His (God’s) sanctuary was cast down Daily sacrifices were opposed

Conversation between two holy ones – Dan. 8:13-14 [13] Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? [14] And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

II. The vision interpreted – Daniel 8:15-27

Gabriel sent to explain the vision – 8:15-19 A voice from the banks of the Ulai instruct Gabriel to explain the vision Gabriel comes near an Daniel falls on his face in fear Daniel is told to stand on his feet

“The vision belongeth to the time of the end” (v. 17)

Gabriel explains the vision – 8:20-26 The two-horned ram = The kings of the Medo-Persian kingdom (See verses 2-3) Larger horn may represent Persia’s greater influence The expansion of the kingdom illustrated by pushing westward, northward, and southward

The one-horned male goat Represents the Kingdom of Greece (Came from the West) Large horn = It’s first king – Alexander the Great

Speed of the goat agrees with Alexander's conquests

The broken horn and four horns – 8:22 Alexander died at age 33 His empire was divided between his four generals

The little horn – 8:23-25 [23] And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. [24] And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

[25] And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

This most likely refers to Antiochus Epiphanes, ruler of Syria When he conquered Jerusalem he set up an image in the temple – offered swine flesh upon the altar – forbade circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, having a copy of the Scriptures

Daniel 8:26 [26] And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. These things were to occur many days in the future

The effect upon Daniel Daniel 8:27 [27] And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.

Lessons

1. Christians today need not despair when tribulations come upon us God’s plans cannot be overthrown by man – we must learn to trust in God and in His providential care

2. Daniel was very grieved concerning the suffering of others We too should be deeply moved for the sufferings of others We should be deeply concerned about the danger lost souls are in

Conclusion The purpose of the vision was to prepare the people of Daniel for what was to come We need to prepare ourselves and help others be prepared for whatever may come upon us

Proverbs 3:5-7 [5] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. [7] Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.