Daniel 8:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first.

NIV: In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, had a vision, after the one that had already appeared to me.

NASB: In the third year of the reign of Belshazzar the king, a vision appeared to me, Daniel, subsequent to the one which appeared to me previously.

CSB: In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after the one that had appeared to me earlier.

NLT: During the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, saw another vision, following the one that had already appeared to me.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me—to me, Daniel—after the one that appeared to me the first time.

Two years after his first vision (Daniel 7:1), Daniel received another prophecy. The first occurred in Belshazzar's first year as king (Daniel 5:1). The one reported here came to Daniel in Belshazzar's third year. Both visions occurred before the handwriting on the wall in Belshazzar's palace (Daniel 5:30–31).

Daniel's writing began in Hebrew, switching to Aramaic in the middle of an early verse (Daniel 2:4). Aramaic was the commercial language spoken mainly in that region of the ancient Middle East. Here, at the start of chapter 8, the language returns to Hebrew. This difference is significant: the Aramaic portion deals primarily with the Gentiles; the Hebrew portion deals mainly with the Jews of the nation of Israel.

The military conflicts described in chapter 8 involve Palestine, with reference to daily sacrifices, the temple, and Israel's Messiah. The second vision came to Daniel while he was awake, whereas the first vision came to him while he was asleep and dreaming. Some Bible teachers estimate Daniel received this second vision in 551 BC.

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.

The first 6 chapters of Daniel recorded events from his life. The final chapters record his visions of the future. The prior chapter contained a dream involving several animals, depicting powerful nations. The vision explained here also deals with conquering empires, but also touches on events to come in the end times. Daniel's next passage includes his prayer for Israel and further explanation of what will happen in the last days of human history.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.

Accessed 11/21/2024 8:54:32 AM