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Daniel Chapter 8 |
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In this vision a historical person is introduced. His name is Antiochus Epiphanes. (I have included an addendum of this man.) Antiochus and the "antichrist" share certain characteristics and exploits. The vision itself reveals Antiochus with implications to the “antichrist,” but the interpretation of the vision concerns the “antichrist”" with parallels to Antiochus. Both have in common certain sinister deeds. This vision is about only two of the four empires previously presented. They are the Medo-Persian and the Grecian, with most of the vision dedicated to the Greek Empire.
Introduction
The vision in this chapter concerned things in the near future of Daniel and his people, and things of the far future (the end times). This vision came to Daniel 2 years after his vision in chapter 7.
The Vision
The vision is recorded in verses 3 through 14. There are three segments in the vision.
The Ram
Verses 3 and 4.
The vision begins with the image of a Ram with two horns, one being greater than the other. This represents the Medo-Persian Empire, and corresponds to the Bear with three ribs in his mouth of chapter seven. (See note on 7:20)
The relative positions of the compass from the seat of the Medo-Persian Empire are as follows: in the west is Babylon, in the north, Lydia (ancient Asia), and in the south, Egypt. It is an interesting to observe how the Holy Spirit has used the term “beast” to represent other Gentile nations or peoples.
The Goat.
Verses 5 through 7.
The phase “touched not the ground” (meddled not the ground) seems to indicate that the progress of the goat was initially unmolested, or uncontested. The He Goat is the Grecian Empire; the one notable horn is Alexander the Great. (It is reported that when Alexander and his forces came to Judea that the Jews showed him this prophecy in Daniel concerning him. The story goes that Alexander was flattered and treated the Jews with respect, dealing kindly with them.)
This “goat,” the Grecian Empire, moved with great fury and violence. According to history, in just three major battles the Greeks carried everything before them and became masters of the world.
The Little Horn
Verses 8 through 12.[1]
At the height of the Grecian Empire's power, Alexander the Great died at the relatively young age of 33. Here is a footnote of interest to us as concerning the application of the term “world.” When Alexander made his last great conquest, he lamented over his sadness that there was nothing (or nowhere) else in the world for him to conqueror. This gives us an indication of how the people of these times thought of the world and what was meant when they spoke of the world. To them it was not a global concept but rather what they knew in their day. This application of the term “world” should still hold for us today in attempting to understand the concept of the term “world” in prophecy.
Six horns are mentioned: the great horn (Alexander the Great), four following horns in place of the first horn, and finally the last little horn. The terminology of the last horn is similar to the “little horn” which came up among the ten horns in chapter seven. One difference between chapter seven and this vision is that this little horn comes forth out of one of the four as opposed to arising from among the four. (The little horn of chapter seven came up among the ten horns.) Historically this little horn is that person called Antiochus Epiphanes. But, because the same phrase (little horn) is used in both visions this gives us an indication that both Antiochus Epiphanes and the “antichrist” are referenced together (See the notes in chapter seven). That is, Antiochus is a minor fulfillment of the vision while the “antichrist” is the actual prophetic subject.
This little horn expanded its power in three points of the compass omitting the fourth point, the north. This indicates is that he was in or from the north initially. The central reference of these points of the compass is Judea. The term “the pleasant land” is usually regarded as Judea, the land of Israel.
The actions of Antiochus caused many of the priests and even two High Priests to apostatize from their faith in God and their religion, Judaism. Many of them frankly sold out for comfort, wealth and to gain favor with this despot. This has been historically documented. The “host of heaven” is used often and the most sensible interpretation of this phrase is that it applies to the Jews. Hence, “the stars” and “some of the host” applies to the priests and to the people.
Notice that this little horn exaggerated, and glorified himself, but others refused him honor. The Prince of the host is God. Hence, he glorified, exalted, himself even to the measure of God. He desecrated the Temple and caused The Temple worship service to be discontinued.
The host is a military force he set over the Temple to put an end to the daily sacrifice, to transgress against the worship, and truth was “cast down to the ground.” What this man of sin did and undertook accomplished with great effect and success.
The Interpretation
The Conversation.
Verses 13 & 14.
A conversation takes place between two saints (holy ones). It begins with a question, “How long is the vision of the continual (sacrifice) as taken away, and the transgression which astounds, for both sanctuary and host to be given over to be trampled underfoot?” The answer was given to Daniel, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” The term “cleansed” has been translated by one source as “vindicated,” i.e., “Then shall the sanctuary be vindicated.”
This question-and-answer has puzzled folks ever since it has been recorded. There have been many different attempts and explanations given as to its exact meaning, especially in light of the answer in verse 14. I have not seen any opinions expressed about these “two thousand and three hundred days” in my studies, which give an adequate comprehensive explanation without contradiction. Although many try. All that can be said is that it will be fulfilled in its time, and then the meaning will be clear.
Gabriel's Explanation.
Verses 15 through 26.
This is the first mention of the Archangel, Gabriel, in the Bible.
Verse 17 in the King James has this translation, “for at the time of the end shall be the vision.” But, more literally it is, “to the time of the end belongs the vision.” This vision, while having a fulfillment in Antiochus, is really meant for the end of this age or the end of this time. Perhaps that is why we cannot have a discernment of the 2,300 days (in verse 14), since the clock has yet to begin.
For verse 19 it is more literally, “I am causing you to know, that which shall come to pass in the after part of the indignation, for at an appointed time shall be an end.” The meaning is that Gabriel is giving knowledge of the events of the final phase of this indignation. Specifically, there is an appointed time for the end. This appointment in time has been set by God. It is the end of this (our) age, the end of the age of the Gentiles, the end of the “antichrist” and his horrible works, and the end of Israel's tribulation, blindness, and rejection.
Verse 20 is the interpretation of the Ram. Ref. verses 3,4. This ram is representative of the Medo-Persian Empire. The previous visions began with the Babylonian Empire, but now the vision begins with the Medo-Persian Empire. The Babylonian Empire had only a short period of existence in these prophecies and apparently is being ignored as having any further relevance in the vision.
The two horns of the ram harmonize with the silver breast and arms of Nebuchadnezzar image (chapter 2). As with the Bear in the previous vision (chapter seven) rising on one side, here, one of the two horns is higher, more significant than the other. This would be the mightier of the two peoples, the Persians.
Verse 21, the Goat, and the Great Horn. Ref. verse 5. That great horn, the first horn, is Alexander the Great, the first king of the Grecians.
Verse 22, the four horns, which are next to follow the first horn. Ref. verse 8. These four kingdoms are the four horns of verse 8. After the death of Alexander the Empire was divided in monarchies between four of his most powerful Generals. Each took possession of a different geographical area of the Empire and formed their own kingdoms within the empire. Verse 8 calls the division, “toward the four winds of heaven.” (Incidentally, anciently the “goat” was the national emblem of Macedonia. The same is also true of the “ram” being a national symbol of the Medes and Persians.) The four Generals each had power in their own right but did not stand in the power of Alexander, nor did they possess the greatness of his power. Here is how the empire was broken down into the four kingdoms/kings:
Cassander took Macedonia,
Lysimachus took Thrace, Western Bithynia, Lower Phrygia, Mysia andLydia,
Seleucus took the remainder of Asia Minor and the East including Syria and Assyria.
Ptolemy took Egypt.
Verses 23, 24 and 25. These prophecies are of the “antichrist.” Each verse needs to be examine for the descriptions they present of the “antichrist”.
Verse 23:
“in the latter time of their kingdom . . .” The “their”" are the four kings of verse 22. While these kings may have long since died, their kingdoms have passed on to other hands, i.e. the Roman Empire. But at the last breath of their existence this king of Fierce countenance come.
“when the transgressors (or the transgressions) are come to the full . . .” When transgressors have filled up their measure . . . It is not unusual for God to let sin and sinners run their course to their fullest before He brings His judgment upon them, and then destroy with a mighty hand. He did this with Edom, Moab and the kingdoms of the land of Canaan before Joshua.
“a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.” His presence will be fierce (some expositors have remarked that just being in his personal presence will be a fearful, fierce experience). He will be skillful in enigmas or mysteries; he will have great intelligence in perplexing, difficult things. Apparently he will provide answers to impossible situations and issues, i.e., such as one who can bring peace when it seems impossible.
Verse 24:
“And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power . . .” His strength
shall be mighty but not through his own strength; the source of his strength comes from some one or something apart from himself or outside from himself. Looking in the New Testament we see that the source of power and strength for the “antichrist” is Satan. Satan is the empowering one to the Son of Perdition.
“and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people . . .” Literally, “and wonderful things will he destroy,
and succeed (prosper) and act (or execute) with effect, - and will destroy mighty ones, and the people of holy ones.”
Verse 25:
“And through his policy (cunning) also he shall cause craft (deceit) to prosper (succeed) in his hand; and he shall magnify himself (in his heart he exerts himself), and by peace (careless or false security) shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” The Prince of princes is Christ. His (the “antichrist”) destruction comes not by the hand of man, but by God's hand. Some interpret the meaning of “by peace” to be that he will conquer through the means of making peace treaties and then breaking them. This was Hitler's initial mode of operation just prior to WWII. (See chapter 11 verse 40.)
Verse 26:
“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.”
Here is a more applicable translation of the last part of this verse: “and thou, hide thou the vision, for [it is] after many days.” For the vision will not be fulfilled for many days, or years, yet to come. They, the days, have still yet to come even in our time, which is now over 2,500 years since Daniel had the revelation.
Comments and summary
Things are going to get little complex from this point forward. But, with careful attention to details we can make pretty good sense of it all. Looking ahead, there is more revelation about this little horn of verse 9. Chapter 11 speaks of the “Antichrist” as well as another man. This other man is a lesser type of the “antichrist,” but the Man of Sin will duplicate much of what he does with a far greater intensity. So this “type” of the “antichrist” and his works are important to our study. Both of these persons are covered in chapter 11, but for now this “little horn” is applicable to The Man of Sin, the “antichrist.”
A highlight is that in chapter 7 we saw a “little horn” coming from among the ten horns of the last empire beast. This was clearly the “man of Sin.” But in this chapter we see a “little horn” coming out of one of the four horns of the Grecian Empire, the third beast. Are they the same? We must assume they are in their essence by their descriptions and actions. What does this reveal? It reveals that from the same geographic area of the “ram” Empire and the fourth “terrible beast” (Roman Empire) the “antichrist” will come.
The summary of the actions and personality of the “antichrist.”
To begin, the events of the vision concerning the “antichrist” occur at the end of this present “age.” Observe the terminology used:
verse 17, "for at the time of the end shall be the vision.”
verse 19, “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.”
verse 23, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors (or the transgressions) are come to the full....”
verse 26, “And the vision . . . shall be for many days.”
The End is mentioned with great emphasis. Here are some of the things we know about the end or things, which shall end:
Daniel's prophecies shall be consummated
The time of Israel's blindness; the time of Israel's being cut off and their grafted back into the root
The Church age and the church herself will be completed in her “building up”
The time of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled, no longer can they distress or have any influence on the “promised land”
The time of Israel's tribulation or Jacob's trouble will end
The Great Tribulation will end; the destruction of the forces of evil and Satan shall have run their course and are terminated, and
The curse placed on creation from the fall of Adam shall be ended. This does not speak of the beginning of the many things the end of this age will usher in. That is another study.
The evidence of the “antichrist” so far is very descriptive. Yet there is still more to come about him and his actions. First, his origin will come from the area of the Grecian – Roman Empire. Chapter 11 puts it as Syria. Second, this is what he will accomplish
He is a destroyer; he will destroy many of the Jews
He will cause to fall, apostate, many of their leaders
He will cause the worship of God to cease
He will desecrate the Temple of God
He will cast down the truth
He will make faithfulness to God almost impossible
Whatever he sets his hand to do he accomplishes with great success
His presence (apparently his personal demeanor) is ferocious, violent, and savage
He will have great intelligence and understanding
His strength or power is awesome and supernatural
All that he sets his will to do will flourish (shall prosper)
He will be very active, and he will be achieving, performing (practicing) many things
He has a clear policy, aim or goal to accomplish
He is cunning; He shall cause deceit and shall cause it to be believed
He will exalt himself, and will cause himself to be exalted.
A host, a large army shall be given him; He will destroy in an astonishing manner, and will destroy wonderful things; He shall conquer some by false peace, very likely through treaties, He shall defy even God and make himself as God.
[1] I have provided special notes on Antiochus Epiphanes, and the History of Judea under the Grecian (Hellenistic) period (as apart of chapter 11's study).
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This page last updated September 14, 2004 at 10:21am
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