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.
And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.
Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.
I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.
And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.
And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.
And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.
Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.
And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?
And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.
And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.
And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.
The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.
And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
Daniel 8 presents another of Daniel's profound prophetic visions, building upon the themes introduced in earlier chapters. While the first six chapters of Daniel primarily recount events from his life, the latter chapters unveil visions of the future. This chapter, like Daniel 2 and Daniel 7, deals with the rise and fall of empires, but it also peers into the distant future, touching upon events related to the end times. This vision, received during the reign of King Belshazzar (Daniel 8:1; see Daniel 7:1), offers remarkable accuracy in its historical fulfillment, providing compelling evidence for the inspiration and inerrancy of God's Word. Daniel's subsequent prayer for Israel and further revelations about the last days (Daniel 9) provide even more context for the events described here.
The Ram and the Goat (Daniel 8:1-8)
The vision unfolds on the banks of the Ulai Canal in the province of Elam, within the Babylonian empire (Daniel 8:2). Daniel sees a ram with two prominent horns, standing in the fortress city of Susa (Daniel 8:2-3). The ram, representing the Medo-Persian Empire (Daniel 8:20), charges powerfully to the west, north, and south, facing no opposition (Daniel 8:4). The two horns symbolize the dual nature of the empire, composed of Media and Persia, with the later-appearing horn signifying Persia's eventual dominance. This image echoes the earlier visions of the multi-metal statue (Daniel 2:32) and the bear with raised side (Daniel 7:5), all representing the Medo-Persian power.
Suddenly, a male goat appears from the west, moving with incredible speed, barely touching the ground (Daniel 8:5). This detail is a symbol of lightning speed of movement and conquest. The goat possesses a conspicuous, large horn between its eyes (Daniel 8:5), and represents the kingdom of Greece (Daniel 8:21), specifically Alexander the Great. With great fury, the goat smashes the ram, breaks its two horns, defeats it, and establishes itself as the new world power (Daniel 8:6-7). This vividly portrays Alexander's swift and decisive defeat of the Persian Empire, marking the rise of the "third kingdom" (see Daniel 2:39; 7:6).
However, at the height of its power, the goat's large horn is broken, and in its place, four other horns emerge, pointing in different directions (Daniel 8:8). This symbolizes the division of Alexander's empire among his four generals after his sudden death. These four successors ruled over different regions of the conquered territory.
The Little Horn and the Desecration (Daniel 8:9-14)
From one of these four horns emerges a "little horn" (Daniel 8:9). This horn grows exceedingly great and directs its fury against Israel and even attempts to exalt itself to the level of the "Prince of the host," God Himself (Daniel 8:9-11). This figure bears resemblance to the "little horn" described in Daniel 7:8, 24-26 (often associated with the Antichrist). However, the details provided in Daniel 8, along with later passages, strongly suggest that this refers, at least in part, to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a brutal Seleucid ruler who emerged from the divided Greek Empire.
Antiochus Epiphanes invaded Israel with the intention of "Hellenizing" the Jewish people, forcing them to adopt Greek customs, dress, and religion. He halted the daily sacrifices in the temple for 2,300 evenings and mornings, or 1,150 days (Daniel 8:13-14), from 168-165 BC. Furthermore, he slaughtered thousands of Jews and desecrated the temple in Jerusalem by erecting a statue of the Greek god Zeus and sacrificing a pig on the altar.
Eventually, a group of Jews, led by Judas Maccabeus, defeated the Seleucid forces and cleansed the temple. This rededication of the temple is commemorated today by Jews during the festival of Hanukkah (meaning "dedication").
The vision raises the question of how long this desecration will last, with a voice declaring that the sanctuary will be restored after 2,300 evenings and mornings (Daniel 8:13-14). Interpreters debate the precise meaning of this timeframe. Some view it as a literal period, corresponding roughly to the time between Antiochus' arrival in Jerusalem (170 BC) and the temple's restoration (164 BC). Others interpret "evenings and mornings" to represent daily sacrifices, suggesting that the desecration lasted long enough to prevent 1,150 days' worth of morning and evening sacrifices. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the prophecy holds true.
Gabriel's Interpretation (Daniel 8:15-27)
Desiring greater understanding, Daniel seeks further clarification. A voice commands the angel Gabriel to explain the vision (Daniel 8:16). This marks the first instance in Scripture where an angel is mentioned by name. Gabriel later appears in the Gospel of Luke, announcing the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ (Luke 1:19, 26).
Overwhelmed by the presence of the angel, Daniel falls into a state of submission and possibly even faints (Daniel 8:17-18). This reaction is common among those who encounter angels in Scripture (see, e.g., Daniel 10:8-9; Luke 1:12; Revelation 19:10; 22:8). Gabriel helps Daniel regain his senses before revealing the vision's meaning.
Gabriel explains that the vision pertains to "the time of the end" (Daniel 8:17, 19), encompassing the period from the beginning of the times of the Gentiles until Christ's second coming. The ram represents the kings of Media and Persia (Daniel 8:20), while the goat symbolizes the king of Greece (Alexander the Great) (Daniel 8:21). The four horns represent the four leaders, including Antiochus Epiphanes (see Daniel 8:9-14), who divided Alexander’s kingdom (Daniel 8:22).
The prophecy also points towards a ruler who will arise near the end of Greek dominance, known for death and persecution against God's people. This can be seen in Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the late 2nd century BC, who outlawed aspects of Jewish faith, blasphemed God, and desecrated the temple. But it also appears to have a dual fulfillment, mirroring depictions of the end times and the rise of the Antichrist, empowered by Satan (Revelation 13:1-4), who will ultimately be defeated by the return of Christ (Revelation 19:11-16). Antiochus serves as a historical foreshadowing of the Antichrist.
Despite receiving this profound insight, Daniel doesn't fully comprehend the vision's implications. He understands that his people will face terrible suffering, including the defilement of their religious practices. The shock of the vision and the realization of the impending catastrophes leave Daniel physically and emotionally drained, causing him to fall ill for several days (Daniel 8:27). Yet, like Israel, Daniel recovers and resumes his responsibilities, demonstrating resilience and faith in the face of adversity.
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.
And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.
Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.
I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.
And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.
And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.
And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.
Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.
And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?
And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.
And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.
And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.
The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.
And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
Daniel 8 presents another of Daniel's profound prophetic visions, building upon the themes introduced in earlier chapters. While the first six chapters of Daniel primarily recount events from his life, the latter chapters unveil visions of the future. This chapter, like Daniel 2 and Daniel 7, deals with the rise and fall of empires, but it also peers into the distant future, touching upon events related to the end times. This vision, received during the reign of King Belshazzar (Daniel 8:1; see Daniel 7:1), offers remarkable accuracy in its historical fulfillment, providing compelling evidence for the inspiration and inerrancy of God's Word. Daniel's subsequent prayer for Israel and further revelations about the last days (Daniel 9) provide even more context for the events described here.
The Ram and the Goat (Daniel 8:1-8)
The vision unfolds on the banks of the Ulai Canal in the province of Elam, within the Babylonian empire (Daniel 8:2). Daniel sees a ram with two prominent horns, standing in the fortress city of Susa (Daniel 8:2-3). The ram, representing the Medo-Persian Empire (Daniel 8:20), charges powerfully to the west, north, and south, facing no opposition (Daniel 8:4). The two horns symbolize the dual nature of the empire, composed of Media and Persia, with the later-appearing horn signifying Persia's eventual dominance. This image echoes the earlier visions of the multi-metal statue (Daniel 2:32) and the bear with raised side (Daniel 7:5), all representing the Medo-Persian power.
Suddenly, a male goat appears from the west, moving with incredible speed, barely touching the ground (Daniel 8:5). This detail is a symbol of lightning speed of movement and conquest. The goat possesses a conspicuous, large horn between its eyes (Daniel 8:5), and represents the kingdom of Greece (Daniel 8:21), specifically Alexander the Great. With great fury, the goat smashes the ram, breaks its two horns, defeats it, and establishes itself as the new world power (Daniel 8:6-7). This vividly portrays Alexander's swift and decisive defeat of the Persian Empire, marking the rise of the "third kingdom" (see Daniel 2:39; 7:6).
However, at the height of its power, the goat's large horn is broken, and in its place, four other horns emerge, pointing in different directions (Daniel 8:8). This symbolizes the division of Alexander's empire among his four generals after his sudden death. These four successors ruled over different regions of the conquered territory.
The Little Horn and the Desecration (Daniel 8:9-14)
From one of these four horns emerges a "little horn" (Daniel 8:9). This horn grows exceedingly great and directs its fury against Israel and even attempts to exalt itself to the level of the "Prince of the host," God Himself (Daniel 8:9-11). This figure bears resemblance to the "little horn" described in Daniel 7:8, 24-26 (often associated with the Antichrist). However, the details provided in Daniel 8, along with later passages, strongly suggest that this refers, at least in part, to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a brutal Seleucid ruler who emerged from the divided Greek Empire.
Antiochus Epiphanes invaded Israel with the intention of "Hellenizing" the Jewish people, forcing them to adopt Greek customs, dress, and religion. He halted the daily sacrifices in the temple for 2,300 evenings and mornings, or 1,150 days (Daniel 8:13-14), from 168-165 BC. Furthermore, he slaughtered thousands of Jews and desecrated the temple in Jerusalem by erecting a statue of the Greek god Zeus and sacrificing a pig on the altar.
Eventually, a group of Jews, led by Judas Maccabeus, defeated the Seleucid forces and cleansed the temple. This rededication of the temple is commemorated today by Jews during the festival of Hanukkah (meaning "dedication").
The vision raises the question of how long this desecration will last, with a voice declaring that the sanctuary will be restored after 2,300 evenings and mornings (Daniel 8:13-14). Interpreters debate the precise meaning of this timeframe. Some view it as a literal period, corresponding roughly to the time between Antiochus' arrival in Jerusalem (170 BC) and the temple's restoration (164 BC). Others interpret "evenings and mornings" to represent daily sacrifices, suggesting that the desecration lasted long enough to prevent 1,150 days' worth of morning and evening sacrifices. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the prophecy holds true.
Gabriel's Interpretation (Daniel 8:15-27)
Desiring greater understanding, Daniel seeks further clarification. A voice commands the angel Gabriel to explain the vision (Daniel 8:16). This marks the first instance in Scripture where an angel is mentioned by name. Gabriel later appears in the Gospel of Luke, announcing the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ (Luke 1:19, 26).
Overwhelmed by the presence of the angel, Daniel falls into a state of submission and possibly even faints (Daniel 8:17-18). This reaction is common among those who encounter angels in Scripture (see, e.g., Daniel 10:8-9; Luke 1:12; Revelation 19:10; 22:8). Gabriel helps Daniel regain his senses before revealing the vision's meaning.
Gabriel explains that the vision pertains to "the time of the end" (Daniel 8:17, 19), encompassing the period from the beginning of the times of the Gentiles until Christ's second coming. The ram represents the kings of Media and Persia (Daniel 8:20), while the goat symbolizes the king of Greece (Alexander the Great) (Daniel 8:21). The four horns represent the four leaders, including Antiochus Epiphanes (see Daniel 8:9-14), who divided Alexander’s kingdom (Daniel 8:22).
The prophecy also points towards a ruler who will arise near the end of Greek dominance, known for death and persecution against God's people. This can be seen in Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the late 2nd century BC, who outlawed aspects of Jewish faith, blasphemed God, and desecrated the temple. But it also appears to have a dual fulfillment, mirroring depictions of the end times and the rise of the Antichrist, empowered by Satan (Revelation 13:1-4), who will ultimately be defeated by the return of Christ (Revelation 19:11-16). Antiochus serves as a historical foreshadowing of the Antichrist.
Despite receiving this profound insight, Daniel doesn't fully comprehend the vision's implications. He understands that his people will face terrible suffering, including the defilement of their religious practices. The shock of the vision and the realization of the impending catastrophes leave Daniel physically and emotionally drained, causing him to fall ill for several days (Daniel 8:27). Yet, like Israel, Daniel recovers and resumes his responsibilities, demonstrating resilience and faith in the face of adversity.