What does Daniel 8:18 mean?
In the prior verse, Daniel was approached by the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–17). The Bible records several encounters between angels and people, and virtually all of them record some expression of fear (Matthew 28:5; Luke 1:12–13; 2:9–10; Acts 10:3–4). Daniel fell flat on his face, possibly in submission or respect.This verse suggests Daniel may have passed out, only to be revived by the angel's touch. The same may apply to a later encounter connected to one of Daniel's visions (Daniel 10:8–10). The prophet Ezekiel had a similar experience. When he saw the glory of the Lord, Ezekiel fell on his face and heard a voice speaking (Ezekiel 1:28). The prophet was ordered to stand (Ezekiel 2:1).
Daniel 8:15–27 includes the angel Gabriel's explanation of Daniel's vision, along with Daniel's reaction. The symbols Daniel saw predict the end of the Medo-Persian empire, the rise and fall of Alexander the Great, and the emergence of a tyrant who persecutes the Jewish people. Though the prophecy has been "explained" Daniel doesn't fully grasp everything that's going to occur. What he's told is disturbing enough to keep him bedridden for several days.
Daniel sees a vision, later explained to him by the angel Gabriel. A swift-moving goat overpowers a two-horned ram. This represents the conquest of Greece over Medo-Persia. Then the goat's horn shatters, replaced by four more; this predicts Alexander the Great's death and succession. Later, a ruler arises to brutally persecute God's people. This prophecy refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the temple and outlawed Jewish religious practices. It also foreshadows the end times when the Antichrist will be tied to similar events. The experience leaves Daniel temporarily bedridden.
