Daniel 8 – Unveiling Prophecy: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Visions of Kingdoms

Executive Summary ✨

Daniel Chapter 8 presents a complex and powerful vision given to Daniel, centered around a ram and a goat, symbolizing the kingdoms of Medo-Persia and Greece, respectively. This prophecy extends beyond these historical empires, foreshadowing the rise of a “little horn” representing a future oppressive power that will defile the sanctuary and persecute God’s people. This commentary, rooted in Coptic Orthodox tradition, explores the rich symbolism, historical context, and spiritual implications of Daniel’s vision, connecting it to broader biblical themes of divine sovereignty, the struggle against evil, and the ultimate triumph of God’s Kingdom. We will delve into the interpretations of the Church Fathers, drawing connections to the New Testament and offering practical applications for understanding and navigating the challenges of our own time. Unveiling Prophecy: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Visions of Kingdoms shows us God’s power and guidance!

Daniel 8 unveils a dramatic prophetic vision, offering insights into the rise and fall of empires and the enduring nature of God’s sovereignty. This chapter serves as a crucial point in understanding the sweep of biblical prophecy and its relevance to our lives. Let us explore its depths, guided by the wisdom of the Church and the light of the Holy Spirit.

Commentary Sections 📖

Daniel 8:1-2

בִּשְׁנַ֣ת שָׁלוֹשׁ֮ לְמַלְכוּת֙ בֵּלְשַׁאצַּ֔ר חָז֛וֹן נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלַ֖י אֲנִ֣י דָנִיֵּ֑אל אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הַנִּרְאָ֣ה אֵלַ֖י בַּתְּחִלָּֽה׃ וָאֶרְאֶ֣ה בֶֽחָזוֹן֒ וַֽיְהִי֙ בִּרְאֹתִ֔י וַֽאֲנִ֖י בְּשׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַבִּירָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּמְדִינַ֣ת עֵילָ֔ם וָאֶרְאֶ֥ה בֶֽחָזוֹן֙ וַֽאֲנִ֖י הָיִ֥יתִי עַל־אוּבַ֥ל אוּלָֽי׃ (Daniel 8:1-2, Hebrew)

In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after the one that appeared to me the first time. I saw in the vision, and it so happened while I was looking, that I was in Shushan the citadel, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision that I was beside the Ulai Canal. (Daniel 8:1-2, NKJV)

Commentary: Daniel 8:1-2 sets the stage for the vision. The dating “in the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar” places this vision after the events of Daniel 7. The mention of Shushan (Susa), the capital of Elam, is significant. While Daniel was likely in Babylon, the vision transported him to Susa, indicating the geographical scope of the prophecy. This reinforces the idea that God’s plan encompasses not just Israel, but the entire world. Understanding the urban planning of Susa, including its defensive structures and waterways, helps appreciate the setting of Daniel’s vision. Consider how our own surroundings can shape our understanding and experience of divine revelation.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, interpreting similar prophetic visions, writes: “Θεὸς γὰρ οὐ τόπους, ἀλλὰ διαθέσεις ἐπισκοπεῖ.” (“For God does not look at places, but at dispositions.” – *Commentary on Isaiah*, PG 70:345). This reminds us that even in a foreign land, God can reveal Himself to those with a pure heart.

Spiritual Application: Even when we feel displaced or far from our spiritual home, God can meet us and reveal His will. We should cultivate a receptive heart, regardless of our circumstances.

Daniel 8:3-4

וָֽאֶשָּׂ֤א עֵינַי֙ וָאֵ֔רֶא וְהִנֵּה־אַ֙יִל֙ אֶחָ֣ד עֹמֵד֮ לִפְנֵ֣י הָאֻבָל֒ וְל֛וֹ קְרָנָ֖יִם וְהַקְּרָנַ֣יִם גְּבֹה֑וֹת וְהָֽאַחַת֙ גְּבֹהָ֣ה מִן־הַשֵּׁנִ֔ית וְהַגְּבֹהָ֖ה עֹלָ֥ה בָאַֽחֲרוֹנָֽה׃ רָאִ֤יתִי אֶת־הָאַ֙יִל֙ מְנַגֵּ֣חַ יָ֔מָּה וְצָפֹ֖נָה וְנֶ֑גְבָּה וְכָל־חַיָּ֛ה לֹֽא־תַעֲמֹ֥ד לְפָנָ֖יו וְאֵין־עוֹשֶׂ֣ה מִיָּד֔וֹ וְעָשָׂ֖ה כִרְצֹנ֑וֹ וְהִגְדִּֽיל׃ (Daniel 8:3-4, Hebrew)

Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. I saw the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward, so that no animal could withstand him; nor was there any that could deliver from his hand, but he did according to his will and became great. (Daniel 8:3-4, NKJV)

Commentary: The ram with two horns represents the Medo-Persian Empire. The two horns, one higher than the other, symbolize the two kingdoms, Media and Persia, with Persia eventually becoming the dominant power. The ram’s westward, northward, and southward conquests reflect the historical expansion of the Persian Empire. This highlights the theme of worldly power and its limits. The inability of any animal to withstand the ram underscores the empire’s military might. We can see in this the fleeting nature of earthly dominance. The use of the term “animal” also connects to Daniel’s earlier vision of beasts representing kingdoms, highlighting their brutal and instinctual nature, in contrast to the Kingdom of God. We can explore the use of “animal” in other biblical passages to deepen our understanding. Using services from dohost could provide more information on this topic.

Patristic Insight: St. Hippolytus of Rome comments on this passage, stating, “The ram signifies the kingdom of the Persians, whose power extended over many nations.” (*Commentary on Daniel*, Fragment 2).

Spiritual Application: Worldly power is fleeting. True strength lies in humility and obedience to God, not in military might or political dominance.

Daniel 8:5-7

וַאֲנִ֤י הָיִיתִי֙ מֵבִ֔ין וְהִנֵּה֙ שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים֙ בָּא֙ מִן־הַמַּעֲרָ֔ב עַל־פְּנֵ֥י כָל־הָאָ֖רֶץ וְלֹ֣א נָגַעַ֣ בָאָ֑רֶץ וְהַשָּׂעִיר֙ קֶ֣רֶן חָזָ֔ה בֵּ֥ין עֵינָ֖יו׃ וַיָּבֹא֙ עַד־הָאַ֔יִל בַּֽעַל֙ הַקְּרָנַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָאִיתִ֣י עֹמֵד֮ לִפְנֵ֣י הָאֻבָל֒ וַיָּ֤רָץ אֵלָיו֙ בַּֽחֲמַת־כֹּחֽוֹ׃ וּרְאִיתִ֗יו מַגִּיעַ֙ אֵ֣צֶל הָאַ֔יִל וַיִּתְמַרְמַ֥ר עָלָ֖יו וַיַּ֣ךְ אֶת־הָאַ֔יִל וַיְשְׁבֹּר֙ אֶת־שְׁתֵּ֣י קְרָנָ֔יו וְלֹֽא־הָיָ֥ה כֹֽחַ֙ בָּאַ֔יִל לַעֲמֹ֖ד לְפָנָ֑יו וַֽיַּשְׁלִיכֵ֤הוּ אַ֙רְצָה֙ וַֽיִּרְמְסֵ֔הוּ וְלֹֽא־הָיָ֥ה מַצִּ֖יל לָאַ֥יִל מִיָּדֽוֹ׃ (Daniel 8:5-7, Hebrew)

And as I was considering, suddenly a male goat came from the west, across the surface of the whole earth, without touching the ground; and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. Then he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing beside the river, and ran at him with furious power. And I saw him confronting the ram; he was moved with rage against him, attacked the ram, and broke his two horns; there was no power in the ram to withstand him. Then he cast him down to the ground and trampled him, and there was no one that could deliver the ram from his hand. (Daniel 8:5-7, NKJV)

Commentary: The male goat coming from the west, “without touching the ground,” represents the speed and decisiveness of Alexander the Great’s conquest of the Persian Empire. The “notable horn between his eyes” symbolizes Alexander himself. The swift and decisive victory of the goat over the ram illustrates the rapid decline of the Persian Empire and the ascendancy of Greece. This highlights the temporal nature of earthly kingdoms. Consider the ecological impact of Alexander’s military campaigns, highlighting the interconnectedness of human actions and the environment. The violence of the goat against the ram prefigures the wars and conflicts that would characterize the Hellenistic period.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom, while not specifically addressing Daniel 8, speaks of the dangers of worldly ambition: “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (*Homilies on Matthew*, Homily 55). This echoes the theme of the fleeting nature of earthly power seen in Daniel’s vision.

Spiritual Application: We should not be consumed by ambition or the pursuit of worldly success. Our focus should be on seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness.

Daniel 8:8

וְהַשָּׂעִיר֙ הַצָּפִ֔יר הִגְדִּ֖יל עַד־מְאֹ֑ד וּכְעָצְמ֔וֹ נִשְׁבְּרָה֙ הַקֶּ֣רֶן הַגְּדֹלָ֔ה וַתַּעֲלֶ֛נָה אַרְבַּ֥ע קְרָנ֖וֹת תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ לְאַרְבַּע֙ ר֝וּח֣וֹת הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ (Daniel 8:8, Hebrew)

Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in place of it four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven. (Daniel 8:8, NKJV)

Commentary: “The large horn was broken” refers to the premature death of Alexander the Great. The “four notable ones” represent the division of his empire among his four generals: Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy. This division led to constant warfare and instability in the region. This illustrates the fragmentation that often follows great worldly power. This also reflects the vanity of earthly ambition, as Alexander’s empire, built on such great conquest, quickly crumbled after his death. Consider how this fragmentation affected the Jewish people and their relationship with the surrounding powers.

Patristic Insight: Eusebius of Caesarea notes, “Alexander, when he had conquered Asia, died at Babylon; and his kingdom was divided among four of his friends.” (*Ecclesiastical History*, Book 8, Chapter 8). This provides historical corroboration of the events described in the prophecy.

Spiritual Application: Even the greatest human achievements are ultimately temporary. We should focus on building a lasting legacy rooted in faith and love, not in worldly power.

Daniel 8:9-12

וּמִן־אַחַ֤ת מֵהֶם֙ יָצָא֙ קֶ֣רֶן אַחַ֔ת מִצְּעִירָ֖ה וַתִּגְדַּ֣ל יֶֽתֶר־אֶל־הַנֶּ֣גֶב וְאֶל־הַמִּזְרָ֔ח וְאֶל־צְבִֽי׃ וַתִּגְדַּ֖ל עַד־צְבָ֣א הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם וַתַּפֵּל֙ מִן־הַצָּבָ֣א וּמִן־הַכּוֹכָבִ֔ים וַתִּרְמְסֵֽם׃ וְעַד־שַׂר־הַצָּבָא֙ הִגְדִּ֔יל וּמִמֶּ֛נּוּ הוּרַ֥ם הַתָּמִ֖יד וְהֻשְׁלַךְ֙ מְכֹ֣ון קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃ וְצָבָא֙ תִּנָּתֵ֣ן עַל־הַתָּמִ֔יד בְּפֶ֖שַׁע וְתַשְׁלֵ֣ךְ אֱמֶת־אַרְצָ֑ה וְעָשָׂ֖תָה וְהִצְלִֽיחָה׃ (Daniel 8:9-12, Hebrew)

And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. (Daniel 8:9-12, NKJV)

Commentary: The “little horn” that arises from one of the divisions of Alexander’s empire is often interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid ruler who persecuted the Jews, desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem, and suppressed Jewish religious practices. This persecution is foreshadowed in the “casting down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground,” which symbolizes the persecution of God’s people. The “taking away of the daily sacrifices” and the “casting down of the place of His sanctuary” refer to Antiochus’s defilement of the Temple. The “Glorious Land” is, of course, Israel. Considering the geopolitical dynamics of the region during Antiochus’ reign enhances our appreciation for the challenges faced by the Jewish people. The use of celestial imagery (“host of heaven,” “stars”) highlights the spiritual dimension of the conflict, suggesting that the persecution is not merely a political struggle but a battle against spiritual forces of evil.

Patristic Insight: St. Jerome, in his commentary on Daniel, identifies the “little horn” as Antiochus Epiphanes and interprets the desecration of the Temple as a foreshadowing of the Antichrist. (*Commentary on Daniel*, Chapter 8). This highlights the typological connection between historical events and future prophecies.

Spiritual Application: We must be vigilant against those who seek to undermine our faith and desecrate what is holy. We must stand firm in our commitment to God, even in the face of persecution.

Daniel 8:13-14

וָאֶשְׁמְעָ֣ה אֶחָד־קָדֹשׁ֮ מְדַבֵּר֒ וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֶחָד־קָדֹשׁ֙ לַֽמְפַלְפֵּ֣ל הַֽמְדַבֵּ֔ר עַד־מָתַ֛י הֶחָזֹ֥ון הַתָּמִ֖יד וּפֶ֣שַׁע שֹׁמֵ֑ם לָתֵת־קֹ֤דֶשׁ וְצָבָא֙ מִרְמָ֔ס׃ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔י עַד־עֶ֥רֶב בֹּ֖קֶר אַלְפַּ֣יִם וּשְׁלֹ֣שׁ מֵא֑וֹת וְנִצְדַּ֖ק קֹֽדֶשׁ׃ (Daniel 8:13-14, Hebrew)

Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, “How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?” And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” (Daniel 8:13-14, NKJV)

Commentary: The question “How long?” expresses the longing for the end of the persecution and the restoration of the sanctuary. The answer, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed,” provides a specific timeframe for the duration of the desecration. The exact interpretation of this timeframe has been debated, but it points to a limited period of suffering before God’s intervention. This connects to the broader theme of theodicy – the justification of God in the face of evil. The restoration of the sanctuary prefigures the ultimate cleansing and renewal of all creation. Consider the different interpretations of the “2300 days” and their implications for understanding the timing of prophetic events. This passage offers hope in the midst of suffering.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in his writings against Arianism, emphasizes the importance of upholding the truth even when it is opposed by powerful forces. This resonates with the themes of perseverance and faithfulness in Daniel 8.

Spiritual Application: Even in times of great trial and persecution, we can have hope in God’s promise of eventual deliverance and restoration.

Daniel 8:15-19

וַיְהִי֩ בִּרְאֹתִ֨י אֲנִ֤י דָנִיֵּאל֙ אֶת־הַֽחָזֹ֔ון וָאֲבַקֵּ֖שׁ בִּינָ֑ה וְהִנֵּ֤ה עֹמֵד֙ לְנֶגְדִּ֔י כְּמַרְאֵ֖ה גָּֽבֶר׃ וָאֶשְׁמַ֨ע קֹול־אָדָ֜ם בֵּ֣ין אוּלָ֗י וַיִּקְרָא֙ וַיֹּאמַ֔ר גַּבְרִיאֵ֖ל הָבֵ֣ן לְהַלָּז֙ אֶת־הַמַּרְאֶֽה׃ וַיָּבֹא֙ אֶל־צִדִּ֣י וּבְבֹאֹ֔ו נִבְעַ֖תִּי וָאֶפְּלָ֣ה עַל־פָּנָ֑י וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלַ֔י הָבֵ֛ן בֶּן־אָדָ֔ם כִּ֥י לְעֵת־קֵ֖ץ הֶֽחָזֹֽון׃ וּבְדַבְּרֹ֣ו עִמִּ֔י נִרְדַּ֥מְתִּי עַל־פָּנַ֖י אָ֑רְצָה וַיִּגַּע־בִּי֙ וַיַּֽעֲמִדֵ֣נִי עַל־עָמְדִֽי׃ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הִנְנִ֤י מֹודיעֲךָ֙ אֵת֩ אֲשֶׁר־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה בְּאַֽחֲרִית֙ הַזַּעַ֔ם כִּ֥י לְמֹועֵ֖ד קֵֽץ׃ (Daniel 8:15-19, Hebrew)

Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me, “Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end.” Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me, and stood me up. And he said, “Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be. (Daniel 8:15-19, NKJV)

Commentary: Daniel’s seeking of understanding underscores the importance of prayer and study in interpreting prophecy. The appearance of Gabriel, the angel, highlights the divine origin of the vision. Gabriel’s role is to clarify the vision, emphasizing the limitations of human understanding without divine guidance. Daniel’s fear and prostration demonstrate the overwhelming nature of divine revelation. The phrase “time of the end” suggests that the events foreshadowed in the vision have implications beyond the immediate historical context. This passage shows us that God speaks to those who seek Him in humility. The need for angelic guidance reminds us of the unseen spiritual realities that influence earthly events.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory Palamas, in his defense of hesychasm, emphasizes the importance of inner stillness and contemplation for receiving divine revelation. This resonates with Daniel’s seeking of understanding in a state of humility and receptivity.

Spiritual Application: We should approach the study of Scripture with humility, seeking God’s guidance through prayer and contemplation. We should be open to receiving divine revelation, even when it is challenging or overwhelming.

Daniel 8:20-22

הָאַ֙יִל֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָאִ֔יתָ בַּ֖עַל הַקְּרָנָ֑יִם מַלְכֵ֖י מָדַ֥י וּפָרָֽס׃ וְהַשָּׂעִיר֙ הַצָּפִ֔יר מֶ֖לֶךְ יָוָ֑ן וְהַקֶּ֣רֶן הַגְּדֹלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר בֵּ֥ין עֵינָיו֙ ה֣וּא הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ הָרִאשֹֽׁון׃ וְנִשְׁבְּרָ֔ה וַתַּעֲמֹ֙דְנָה֙ אַרְבַּ֣ע תַּחְתֶּ֔יהָ אַרְבַּ֥ע מַלְכֻיֹּ֖ת תַּעֲמֹ֑דְנָה מִן־הַגֹּ֖וי וְלֹ֥א בְחֵילֹֽו׃ (Daniel 8:20-22, Hebrew)

The ram which you saw, having the two horns—they are the kings of Media and Persia. And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 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 his power. (Daniel 8:20-22, NKJV)

Commentary: Gabriel’s interpretation confirms the symbolic meaning of the ram and the goat: the ram represents the Medo-Persian Empire, and the goat represents the kingdom of Greece. The “large horn” is Alexander the Great, and the four horns that arise after his death represent the four kingdoms that emerged from his empire. This explicit interpretation underscores the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy. The phrase “but not with his power” emphasizes the diminished strength and unity of the successor kingdoms compared to Alexander’s empire.

Patristic Insight: These verses are frequently cited by patristic writers as evidence of the divine inspiration of the book of Daniel and the reliability of biblical prophecy.

Spiritual Application: We can have confidence in the truthfulness and accuracy of biblical prophecy. God’s word is trustworthy and reliable.

Daniel 8:23-25

וּבְאַֽחֲרִית֙ מַלְכוּתָ֔ם בִּתְמֹּ֖ם הַפֹּשְׁעִ֑ים יַעֲמֹ֣ד מֶֽלֶךְ־עַז֙ פָּנִ֔ים וּמֵבִ֖ין חִידֹֽות׃ וְעָצַ֨ם כֹּחֹ֜ו וְלֹ֣א בְחֵילֹ֗ו וְיַשְׁחֵת֙ בְּנִפְלָאֹ֔ות וְהִצְלִ֖יחַ וְעָשָׂ֑ה וְהִשְׁחִית֙ עֲצוּמִ֔ים וְעַם־קְדֹושִֽׁים׃ וְעַל־שִׂכְלֹו֙ וְהִצְלִ֣יחַ מִרְמָ֔ה בְּיָדֹ֖ו וְיַגְדִּ֣יל בִּלְבָבֹ֑ו וּבְשַׁלְוָה֙ יַשְׁחִ֣ית רַבִּ֔ים וְעַל־שַׂר־שָׂרִ֖ים יַעֲמֹ֑ד וּבְאֶ֥פֶס יָ֖ד יִשָּׁבֵֽר׃ (Daniel 8:23-25, Hebrew)

And in the latter time of their kingdom,
When the transgressors have reached their fullness,
A king shall arise,
Having fierce features,
Who understands sinister schemes.
His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power;
He shall destroy fearfully,
And shall prosper and thrive;
He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.
Through his cunning
He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule;
And he shall exalt himself in his heart.
He shall destroy many in their prosperity.
He shall even rise against the Prince of princes;
But he shall be broken without human means. (Daniel 8:23-25, NKJV)

Commentary: This passage describes the character and actions of the “little horn,” often interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes. He is described as “having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes,” highlighting his cunning and ruthlessness. His power, though “mighty,” is “not by his own power,” suggesting that he is an instrument of evil forces. He “destroys the mighty, and also the holy people,” emphasizing his persecution of the Jews. However, his ultimate fate is that he will “be broken without human means,” indicating God’s intervention and ultimate victory over evil. These verses also foreshadow the coming of the Antichrist. This description mirrors many of the characteristics associated with the Antichrist in later prophetic literature. The phrase “fullness of the transgressors” suggests a culmination of wickedness that precedes divine judgment. This reinforces the idea that evil has limits and that God will eventually intervene to bring about justice.

Patristic Insight: St. Irenaeus, in his writings against Gnosticism, warns against those who seek to deceive and corrupt the truth. This resonates with the description of the “little horn” in Daniel 8.

Spiritual Application: We must be discerning and vigilant against those who seek to deceive us and undermine our faith. We must trust in God’s ultimate victory over evil, even when it seems overwhelming.

Daniel 8:26-27

וּמַרְאֵ֤ה הָעֶ֙רֶב וְהַבֹּ֙קֶר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נֶֽאמַר־ה֔וּא אֱמֶ֖ת הִ֑יא וְאַתָּ֣ה סְתֹּר֙ הַֽחָזֹ֔ון כִּ֥י לְיָמִ֖ים רַבִּֽים׃ וַאֲנִ֣י דָנִיֵּאל֩ נֶֽחֱלֵ֨יתִי וְנֶֽאֱנַשְׁתִּי֮ יָמִים֒ וָאָק֗וּם וָאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙ אֶת־מְלֶ֣אכֶת הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ וְנִשְׁתֹּומַ֖ם עַל־הַמַּרְאֶ֑ה וְאֵ֥ין מֵבִֽין׃ (Daniel 8:26-27, Hebrew)

And the vision of the evenings and mornings
Which was told is true;
Therefore seal up the vision,
For it refers to many days in the future.”
And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and did my king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it. (Daniel 8:26-27, NKJV)

Commentary: The affirmation that “the vision…is true” reinforces the reliability of God’s word. The command to “seal up the vision” indicates that its full understanding will be revealed in the future. Daniel’s physical and emotional distress highlights the burden and impact of receiving divine revelation. Despite his distress, Daniel resumes his duties, demonstrating his commitment to serving God and his king. Daniel’s struggle to understand the vision emphasizes the need for humility and perseverance in seeking divine wisdom. The statement that “no one understood it” underscores the mysterious and often perplexing nature of prophecy.

Patristic Insight: The emphasis on the truthfulness of the vision echoes the consistent affirmation of the reliability of Scripture by the Church Fathers.

Spiritual Application: We should approach prophecy with humility, recognizing that its full understanding may not be immediately apparent. We should trust in God’s word, even when it is difficult to understand, and continue to serve Him faithfully in our daily lives.

Subtopic Sections 💡

Here are some key reflections on Daniel 8:

• Divine Sovereignty: The vision underscores God’s sovereign control over the rise and fall of empires, demonstrating that He is the ultimate ruler of history.
• The Nature of Worldly Power: The vision reveals the fleeting and ultimately limited nature of worldly power, contrasting it with the eternal power of God’s Kingdom.
• The Struggle Against Evil: The vision highlights the ongoing struggle between good and evil, foreshadowing the persecution of God’s people and the desecration of holy things.
• The Hope of Deliverance: The vision offers hope in the midst of suffering, promising that God will eventually intervene to cleanse the sanctuary and deliver His people.
• The Importance of Discernment: The vision calls for discernment and vigilance against those who seek to deceive and undermine our faith.
• The Call to Faithfulness: The vision challenges us to remain faithful to God, even in the face of persecution and adversity.

FAQ ❓

Q: What is the main message of Daniel 8?

A: The main message of Daniel 8 is that God is sovereign over history and that He will ultimately triumph over evil. The vision reveals the rise and fall of empires and the ongoing struggle between good and evil, offering hope in the midst of suffering.

Q: Who is the “little horn” in Daniel 8?

A: The “little horn” is primarily interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid ruler who persecuted the Jews and desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem. However, it also foreshadows the coming of the Antichrist.

Q: How does Daniel 8 relate to the New Testament?

A: Daniel 8 relates to the New Testament by foreshadowing the persecution of Christians and the defilement of the Church by the Antichrist. It also underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God in the face of adversity.

Q: What is the significance of the “2300 days” in Daniel 8:14?

A: The exact interpretation of the “230