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Later in this chapter, Daniel asks for an explanation and the angel
Gabriel appears (Dan. 8:15-19). The angel Gabriel starts by explaining
that the ram symbolizes the empire of Medo-Persia.
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The
ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of
Media and Persia. (NASB) Dan. 8:20 |
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The Ram had two horns since the leadership of this empire included
both Medes and Persians. Darius was the Mede (Daniel 5:31; 9:1) and
Cyrus was the Persian (Dan. 6:28; 10:1). History says this empire
was a Persian Empire and this is consistent with the Bible. It says
that Cyrus assumed control after Darius.
The Ram expanded its empire as it moved
west, then north, and finally south. It was powerful and did as it
pleased. That is consistent with ancient history. It is also interesting
that a fourth century historian recorded that the Persian kings would
wear the head of a ram as he rode in front of his troops (Ammianus
Marcellinus 19.1). This shows the ram refers to Medo-Persia.
Empire of Greece.
The visions continue and Daniel next sees a male goat rushing
from the west.
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While
I was observing, behold, a male goat was coming from the west
over the surface of the whole earth without touching the ground;
and the goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes. And he
came up to the ram that had the two horns, which I had seen
standing in front of the canal, and rushed at him in his mighty
wrath. And I saw him come beside the ram, and he was enraged
at him; and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns, and
the ram had no strength to withstand him. So he hurled him to
the ground and trampled on him, and there was none to rescue
the ram from his power. (NASB) Dan. 8:5-7
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The goat has a horn between his eyes. Once again the angel Gabriel
explains.
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And
the shaggy goat represents the kingdom of Greece, and the large
horn that is between his eyes is the first king. (NASB) Dan.
8:21 |
The
goat symbolizes the first king of the empire of Greece. History tells
us the king is Alexander the Great, the military general. Some have
claimed that Daniel is recorded history. If so, why not give us the
name of Alexander the Great? But if it is prophecy, this is all we
need to know. |
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