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Four
Generals.
The vision goes on to accurately predict what history says happened.
The vision says that after the horn (Alexander the Great) was broken,
four horns took over the empire.
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Then
the male goat magnified himself exceedingly. But as soon as
he was mighty, the large horn was broken; and in its place there
came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven.
(NASB) Dan. 8:8 |
We have already learned that a horn symbolizes a king. This means
these four horns are four kings and that is the explanation given
by the angel Gabriel later in the chapter.
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And
the broken horn and the four horns that arose in its place represent
four kingdoms which will arise from his nation, although not
with his power. (NASB) Dan. 8:22 |
Ancient historians tell us that Alexander the Great’s four generals
divided his empire and assumed control of different parts. His four
generals were Lysimachus, Cassander, Seleucus, and Ptolemy. Lysimachus
received Thrace and most of Asia Minor. Cassander obtained Macedonia
and Greece. Ptolemy was given Egypt, Palestine, Cilicia, Petra, and
Cyprus while Seleucus controlled the rest of Asia: Syria, Babylon,
Persia, and India.
Very
Little Horn. The vision continues and predicts that from
one of these kings a very small horn will arise.
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And
out of one of them came forth a rather small horn which grew
exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward
the Beautiful Land. (NASB) Dan. 8:9 |
We
need to ask why does the vision keep going? The answer is simple.
God is sending a message to those who will listen. The message is,
“I have spoken.” Once again God gives us an explanation
through Gabriel.
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And
in the latter period of their rule, when the transgressors have
run their course, a king will arise Insolent and skilled in
intrigue.(NASB) Dan. 8:23
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This little horn comes to power near the end of the empire. He is
Antiochus Epiphanes. He is related to Seleucus I Nicator. |
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