What does Daniel 8:21 mean?
Gabriel, an angel (Daniel 8:16), continues to explain Daniel's recent vision (Daniel 8:1–2). The second animal Daniel saw was a goat moving at incredible speed (Daniel 8:5). Gabriel explains that this symbolizes the kingdom of Greece and its first king, Alexander the Great. Earlier prophecies depicted this nation using bronze (Daniel 2:32) or as a four-winged leopard (Daniel 7:6). Daniel sees this goat rapidly attacking the ram (Daniel 8:6–7) and overpowering it. This represents the ferocity and speed of Alexander's conquests.Although Alexander's father, Philip of Macedonia, consolidated most of the Greek people under one government, Alexander is regarded as the Grecian Empire's first king. Alexander conquered Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. His army's speed and military prowess rendered the Persians helpless. After rapidly expanding his territory, Alexander died suddenly and his kingdom was divided among four successors (Daniel 8:8, 22).