Daniel 8:1-27

THE VISION OF A RAM AND A GOAT

Keywords 8:17

As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. "Son of man," he said to me, "understand that the vision concerns the time of the end."

 

1. Daniel’s second vision (1-14)

About two years after his previous vision, Daniel had another involving a goat

and a ram. The ram was one great earthly power, but the goat was even more so,

destroying all things in its path, throwing truth to the ground and challenging the

rule of God. The Lord’s people were given over. It meant desolation, and even the

sanctuary was surrendered. But Daniel heard the word of “a holy one speaking.”

All this rebellion and tragedy had its appointed time in God.

 

2. The meaning of the vision (15-27)

Daniel wanted to discern what God was doing. He learned that the powers he

witnessed were those of this world indeed, but at the same time the kingdoms

were instruments of God’s wrath. All things, even human power, are in God’s hand.

In the end, Daniel was appalled by the vision and found it beyond understanding.

Still he held to it as he went about the king’s business.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to have vision and hold on to you in this fearsome world.

One Word Have God’s vision