Gabriel Interprets The Vision
October 27, 2020
Commentary
Even though Daniel was able to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams he could not interpret this dream so he earnestly sought for its meanings. Gabriel was sent to give the meaning of the vision to Daniel (vv. 15-16). He was a heavenly messenger God used to explain Daniel’s visions (9:21). As the angel appeared, Daniel fell down in fear before him (v. 17) and went into a deep sleep (v. 18). The interpreting angel identifies this great ram as the Medo-Persion empire which was to follow Babylon to the scene of world power. Although he identifies it historically, he also uses certain suggestive phrases which indicate that there is also to be a far distant fulfillment. For instance he says that it will apply to “the time of the end” (v. 17, “the last end of the indignation” (v. 19), and “the time appointed the end” (v. 19). The two horns of the ram are the kings of Media and Persia (v. 20).
The “rough” (he) goat describes the rise of the Grecian empire under Alexander the Great (v. 21). He conquered the land of Persia and then swept south and defeated Egypt by the age of 33. He went on to Babylon where he indulged himself in a great drunken feast and died from a combination of malaria and acute alcoholism. Though conquer of the world he was unable to conquer his own passions. At this point Alexander’s kingdom’s was divided among four of his generals (v. 22). Gabriel said that from among one of the four kings would come a powerful ruler who would gain this authority by trickery and political maneuvering (v. 23). This king is known as Antiochus Epiphanes who can be described as a “madman.” What was prophesied was literally fulfilled through him (vv. 24-27). However, this prophesy also looks to be future and characterizes the Anti-Christ who will rule with mighty power. In the end he will be destroyed by a special visitation from God.
Application
When given leadership responsibilities I must always go to the Lord and seek wise counsel.
Daniel 8:15– 27 (NET)
15 While I, Daniel, was watching the vision, I sought to understand it. Now one who appeared to be a man was standing before me. 16 Then I heard a human voice coming from between the banks of the Ulai. It called out, “Gabriel, enable this person to understand the vision.” 17 So he approached the place where I was standing. As he came, I felt terrified and fell flat on the ground. Then he said to me, “Understand, son of man, that the vision pertains to the time of the end.” 18 As he spoke with me, I fell into a trance with my face to the ground. But he touched me and stood me upright.
19 Then he said, “I am going to inform you about what will happen in the latter time of wrath, for the vision pertains to the appointed time of the end. 20 The ram that you saw with the two horns stands for the kings of Media and Persia. 21 The male goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is the first king. 22 The horn that was broken and in whose place there arose four others stands for four kingdoms that will arise from his nation, though they will not have his strength. 23 Toward the end of their rule, when rebellious acts are complete, a rash and deceitful king will arise. 24 His power will be great, but it will not be by his strength alone. He will cause terrible destruction. He will be successful in what he undertakes. He will destroy powerful people and the people of the holy ones. 25 By his treachery he will succeed through deceit. He will have an arrogant attitude, and he will destroy many who are unaware of his schemes. He will rise up against the Prince of princes, yet he will be broken apart—but not by human agency. 26 The vision of the evenings and mornings that was told to you is correct. But you should seal up the vision, for it refers to a time many days from now.”
27 I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up and again carried out the king’s business. But I was astonished at the vision, and there was no one to explain it.