Daniel 8:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As for the ram that you saw with the two horns, these are the kings of Media and Persia.

NIV: The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.

NASB: The ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia.

CSB: The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.

NLT: The two-horned ram represents the kings of Media and Persia.

KJV: The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.

NKJV: The ram which you saw, having the two horns— they are the kings of Media and Persia.

This begins an explanation of Daniel's vision (Daniel 8:1–2), given by the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:16). One of the first images Daniel saw was a male sheep—a ram—with two slightly different horns (Daniel 8:3–4). This animal was powerful and ran unchecked. Gabriel explains that this depicts the Medo-Persian empire. In this context, the "kings" and the "kingdom" are effectively one and the same.

The two parts of this kingdom, Media and Persia, were always somewhat distinct. This is reflected in other prophetic images (Daniel 2:32; 7:5). Over time, the later-arising Persians overtook and assimilated the Medes. Eventually the name "Media" became irrelevant and the kingdom came to be known as "Persia." Persia made great conquests north, west, and south of its origins. Their armies were infamously massive. The empire eventually included Babylonia, Mesopotamia, Syria, Asia Minor, Colehis, Armenia, Iberia, Palestine, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Libya.

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.

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 4/28/2024 10:44:54 AM