Daniel 8:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As for the horn that was broken, in place of which four others arose, four kingdoms shall arise from his nation, but not with his power.

NIV: The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.

NASB: The broken horn and the four horns that came up in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from his nation, although not with his power.

CSB: The four horns that took the place of the broken horn represent four kingdoms. They will rise from that nation, but without its power.

NLT: The four prominent horns that replaced the one large horn show that the Greek Empire will break into four kingdoms, but none as great as the first.

KJV: Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.

NKJV: As for the broken horn and the four that stood up in its place, four kingdoms shall arise out of that nation, but not with its power.

Daniel's vision (Daniel 8:1–2) has included a prophecy about the rise of Alexander the Great. This was depicted in an earlier dream as a four-winged leopard (Daniel 7:6). In this vision, it is a fast-moving goat with a prominent horn which defeats its rival (Daniel 8:5–7). However, after the victory, the goat's horn shatters and four new horns arise, pointing in all directions (Daniel 8:8).

These are predictions about the Greek empire founded and left behind by Alexander the Great. Under Alexander, the Greeks conquered with astonishing speed. Yet he died around 323 BC with no established heir. The vast kingdom was split into four under four of his advisors: Lysimachus, Seleucus, Cassander, and Ptolemy. None of these had the same power or influence as would a unified empire.

From this arrangement, another leader would arise. Daniel's vision portrays this figure as evil and destructive (Daniel 8:9–12). The symbolism predicts a late ruler of the Greeks as well as the events of the far-future end times (Daniel 8:23).

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 5/2/2024 4:45:10 AM