Daniel 8

Daniel's Vision of the Ram and the Goat

1 In 1 the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me - to me, Daniel - after the one that appeared to me a the first time. 2 I saw in the vision, and it so happened while I was looking, that I was in b Shushan, 2 the 3 citadel, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision that I was by the River Ulai. 3 Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was c higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. 4 I saw the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward, so that no animal could 4 withstand him; nor was there any that could deliver from his hand, d but he did according to his will and became great.

5 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 e horn between his eyes. 6 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. 7 And I saw him confronting the ram; he was moved with rage against him, 5 attacked the ram, and broke his two horns. There was no power in the ram to withstand him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled him; and there was no one that could deliver the ram from his hand. 8 Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in place of it f four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven.

9 g And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, h toward the east, and toward the i Glorious Land. 10 j And it grew up to k the host of heaven; and l it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 m He even exalted himself as high as n the Prince of the host; o and by him p the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of 6 His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, q an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast r truth down to the ground. He s did all this and prospered. 13 Then I heard t 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 7 of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?" 14 And he said to me, "For two thousand three hundred 8 days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed."

The Interpretation of the Vision

15 Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and u was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me v one having the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard a man's voice w between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, x "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision." 17 So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and y fell on my face; but he said to me, "Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end."

18 z Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep with my face to the ground; a but he touched me, and stood me upright. 19 And he said, "Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; b for at the appointed time the end shall be. 20 "The ram which you saw, having the two horns - they are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 "And the 9 male goat is the 10 kingdom 11 of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes c is the first king. 22 d "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 its power. 23 "And in the latter time of their kingdom,
When the transgressors have reached their fullness,
A king shall arise,
e Having fierce 12 features,
Who understands sinister schemes.
24 His power shall be mighty, f but not by his own power;
He shall destroy 13 fearfully,
g And shall prosper and thrive;
h He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.
25 "Through i his cunning
He shall cause deceit to prosper under his 14 rule;
j And he shall exalt himself in his heart.
He shall destroy many in their prosperity.
k He shall even rise against the Prince of princes;
But he shall be l broken without human means.
26 "And the vision of the evenings and mornings
Which was told is true;
m Therefore seal up the vision,
For it refers to many days in the future."

27 n And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king's business. I was 15 astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.

  1. Cross References
    Daniel 7:1
    In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.
  2. Cross References
    Nehemiah 1:1
    The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel.
    Esther 1:2
    In those days when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the citadel.
    Esther 2:8
    So it was, when the king's command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king's palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women.
  3. Cross References
    Daniel 7:5
    "And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: 'Arise, devour much flesh!'
  4. Cross References
    Daniel 5:19
    And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down.
  5. Cross References
    Daniel 8:8
    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 8:21
    And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes is the first king.
    Daniel 11:3
    Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.
  6. Cross References
    Daniel 7:6
    After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.
    Daniel 8:22
    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 its power.
    Daniel 11:4
    And when he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken up and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not among his posterity nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be uprooted, even for others besides these.
  7. Cross References
    Daniel 11:21
    And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue.
  8. Cross References
    Daniel 11:25
    He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him.
  9. Cross References
    Psalms 48:2
    Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King.
  10. Cross References
    Daniel 11:28
    While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land.
  11. Cross References
    Isaiah 14:13
    For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north.
    Jeremiah 48:26
    Make him drunk, Because he exalted himself against the LORD. Moab shall wallow in his vomit, And he shall also be in derision.
  12. Cross References
    Revelation 12:4
    His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.
  13. Cross References
    2 Kings 19:22
    Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? Agains...
    2 Kings 19:23
    By your messengers you have reproached the Lord...
    2 Chronicles 32:15 - 17
    'Now therefore, do not let Hezekiah deceive you...
    Isaiah 37:23
    Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? Agains...
    Daniel 8:25
    Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to pr...
    Daniel 11:36
    Then the king shall do according to his own wil...
    Daniel 11:37
    He shall regard neither the God of his fathers ...
  14. Cross References
    Joshua 5:14
    So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?
  15. Cross References
    Ezekiel 46:14
    And you shall prepare a grain offering with it every morning, a sixth of an ephah, and a third of a hin of oil to moisten the fine flour. This grain offering is a perpetual ordinance, to be made regularly to the LORD.
    Daniel 11:31
    And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.
    Daniel 12:11
    And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.
  16. Cross References
    Exodus 29:38
    Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs of the first year, day by day continually.
  17. Cross References
    Daniel 11:31
    And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.
  18. Cross References
    Psalms 119:43
    And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
    Isaiah 59:14
    Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands afar off; For truth is fallen in the street, And equity cannot enter.
  19. Cross References
    Daniel 8:4
    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 11:36
    Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.
  20. Cross References
    Daniel 4:13
    I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven.
    Daniel 4:23
    And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him'.
    1 Peter 1:12
    To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven - things which angels desire to look into.
  21. Cross References
    1 Peter 1:10
    Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you.
  22. Cross References
    Ezekiel 1:26
    And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it.
  23. Cross References
    Daniel 12:6
    And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?
    Daniel 12:7
    Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.
  24. Cross References
    Daniel 9:21
    Yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering.
    Luke 1:19
    And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.
    Luke 1:26
    Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth.
  25. Cross References
    Ezekiel 1:28
    Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking.
    Ezekiel 44:4
    Also He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; so I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD; and I fell on my face.
    Daniel 2:46
    Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him.
    Revelation 1:17
    And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, " Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.
  26. Cross References
    Daniel 10:9
    Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.
    Luke 9:32
    But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.
  27. Cross References
    Ezekiel 2:2
    Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me.
    Daniel 10:10
    Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
    Daniel 10:16
    And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, "My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength.
    Daniel 10:18
    Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.
  28. Cross References
    Habakkuk 2:3
    For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.
  29. Cross References
    Daniel 11:3
    Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.
  30. Cross References
    Daniel 11:4
    And when he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken up and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not among his posterity nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be uprooted, even for others besides these.
  31. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 28:50
    A nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young.
  32. Cross References
    Revelation 17:13
    These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.
  33. Cross References
    Daniel 11:36
    Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.
  34. Cross References
    Daniel 7:25
    He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.
  35. Cross References
    Daniel 11:21
    And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue.
  36. Cross References
    Daniel 8:11 - 13
    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.
    Daniel 11:36
    Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.
    Daniel 12:7
    Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.
  37. Cross References
    Daniel 11:36
    Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.
    Revelation 19:19
    And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
    Revelation 19:20
    Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
  38. Cross References
    Job 34:20
    In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; The people are shaken and pass away; The mighty are taken away without a hand.
    Lamentations 4:6
    The punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people Is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown in a moment, With no hand to help her!
  39. Cross References
    Ezekiel 12:27
    "Son of man, look, the house of Israel is saying, 'The vision that he sees is for many days from now, and he prophesies of times far off.'
    Daniel 12:4
    "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
    Daniel 12:9
    And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
    Revelation 22:10
    And he said to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
  40. Cross References
    Daniel 7:28
    "This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart."
    Daniel 8:17
    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.
    Habakkuk 3:16
    When I heard, my body trembled; My lips quivered at the voice; Rottenness entered my bones; And I trembled in myself, That I might rest in the day of trouble. When he comes up to the people, He will invade them with his troops.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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