What does Daniel 8:6 mean?
In his prophetic vision (Daniel 8:1), Daniel sees a male goat moving at incredible speed (Daniel 8:5). This new arrival attacks the animal Daniel had first seen, a ram (Daniel 8:3–4). The goat charges at the ram with violent intent.This picture dramatically previews what happened under Alexander the Great. His forces first attacked the Persians at the Granicus River in Asia Minor, which is modern Turkey, around May, 334 BC. A year and half later, approximately November 333 BC, Alexander battled Persian forces at Issus near the northeastern tip of the Mediterranean Sea. The great speed of Alexander's conquest was alluded to in Daniel's earlier vision (Daniel 7:6). An angel will explain this vision to Daniel (Daniel 8:7–8, 21–22).
Daniel's prophecy regarding the Greek and Persian conflict is so accurate that critics of the Bible claim the portrayal is written later and falsely attributed to Daniel. But there is no compelling reason to doubt the dating or author of this writing. The description of the conflict is accurate because God's Word is inspired and inerrant. It is true in every respect. Jesus fully endorsed the Scriptures in His High Priestly Prayer. Addressing the Father, Jesus said, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17).
Daniel 8:1–14 changes the written language to Hebrew, after several chapters in Aramaic. This indicates a shift in intended audience: these messages are primarily meant for the benefit of Israel. This section gives the time, place, and contents of another of Daniel's visions. Like the dream and visions of chapter 7, it concerns the time before Christ's birth. While the vision of Daniel 7 provides more detail on the final end times, the vision here includes a prophecy that appears to have dual fulfillment. After the vision, Daniel will record the meaning as given to him by the angel, Gabriel.
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.
