Daniel 8: Colliding Kingdoms & the Coming Man of Sin

Bible Study Series: Daniel, Babylon and the End Times

Daniel Chapter 8 Lesson:  Colliding Kingdoms & the Coming Man of Sin

by I Gordon

Welcome again! We saw in Daniel chapter 7 that God gave Daniel a vision of the four coming world empires. In Daniel chapter 8 before us today, two of those kingdoms are discussed in more detail and will go head-to-head. While chapter 7 focused predominantly on the Roman empire and its form in the last days leading up to the return of Jesus, this chapter focuses on the kingdoms of Medo-Persia and Greece. This is one of those chapters that critics say must have been written after the event. 'It is too detailed' they say. 'No one can declare what is to come!' Well, no man can, but God can and does over and over again in His word! He reveals it so that we can test whether He truly is God! And for that matter, He challenges all other so-called 'gods' to do likewise!¹

This study will look at what God has declared about these two world empires, but more importantly it will focus on a particular character mentioned in the chapter whose ultimate fulfilment is still to come! So we'll explore:

• Daniel's vision of the shaggy goat and the two horned ram - who or what are these pointing to?
• The great world leader that seemingly had it all - yet without God was empty and lost it all
• The rise of the little horn - who does this point to in the last days?
• We close with an application for our own lives from Daniel's response to all that he had seen

The two horned ram versus the shaggy goat

Dan 8:1-8 In the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, I, Daniel, had a vision, after the one that had already appeared to me. (2) In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal. (3) I looked up, and there before me was a ram with two horns, standing beside the canal, and the horns were long. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. (4) I watched the ram as he charged toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and none could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great. (5) As I was thinking about this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. (6) He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and charged at him in great rage. (7) I saw him attack the ram furiously, striking the ram and shattering his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him; the goat knocked him to the ground and trampled on him, and none could rescue the ram from his power. (8) The goat became very great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.

Now as a bit of background, the year is likely 551 B.C and Daniel is in the third year of King Belshazzar's reign. Babylon is still the ruling world power but is on the decline. Once again, God gives Daniel a vision and Daniel sees himself in Susa viewing a strange kind of battle. While Susa was relatively insignificant at this time², a century later the Persian king Xerxes would build a royal palace there, from which the events recorded in the book of Esther would take place (Est 1:2).

So in his vision, Daniel sees a two horned ram that no animal could stand against. It went north, west and south. It went whereever it pleased and was totally powerful and dominant. Well, totally dominant that is until it came across the shaggy goat with the prominent horn! Never mess with them right? To cut a long story short, the goat smashed this previously invincible ram and trampled all over it. The goat then became 'numero uno' but at the height of its power its prominent horn was broken off and four lesser horns grew up. Right... you all clear on that then? Easy-peesy yeah? As the Bible isn't usually a book about animal welfare, or animal warfare for that matter, let's have a look at what this all means. And thankfully we don't need to guess because the answer and interpretation of this vision is given to Daniel later in the chapter. So we'll jump ahead a little to verse 15 and look at that interpretation now.

So just who is this shaggy horned goat then? 

Dan 8:15-22 While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there before me stood one who looked like a man. (16) And I heard a man's voice from the Ulai calling, "Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision." (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." (18) While he was speaking to me, I was in a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and raised me to my feet. (19) He said: "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end. (20) The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. (21) The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. (22) The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.

The interpretation of our mysterious vision is given by none other than Gabriel himself. Now we need to remember that at this stage Babylon was the world empire so the information that Daniel was about to receive couldn't even be called 'hot off the press'. This was news before it had even occurred! And that certainly would sell a few papers! Gabriel tells Daniel that the two horned ram stands for the kingdom of the Medes and the Persians. You will remember from Daniel chapter 7 that they were represented by the beast resembling a bear that was raised up on one side. In like manner, the kingdom is seen in this chapter having one horn larger than the other. Both pictures indicate that within this kingdom, Persia would grow larger and would come to dominate the Medes.

Now we know from both secular history and the book of Daniel that this was the kingdom that captured Babylon and became the next world empire. No one could defeat the Medes and the Persians... well, until that shaggy horned goat came along! This, Gabriel tells us, is the prominent king of Greece and history records this king to be Alexander the Great . J. Vernon McGee writes about how this took place:

 'Xerxes was the last great ruler of Persia, and he made a foray against Europe, against Greece. He moved with an army of 300,000 men and their families. The Greeks were smart - they didn't go out to meet him. Instead, they waited until he got to Thermopylae, which was a narrow pass into which he could not fit a big army. Since one Greek soldier was equal to at least ten of the Medo-Persians, who were not a trained and disciplined army as the Greeks were, the Greeks gained the victory at Thermopylae. They decimated that tremendous Persian army as it attempted to advance through the pass a few soldiers at a time. And then at Salamis, Xerxes' fleet of three hundred vessels was destroyed by a storm. When word was brought to him that his fleet had been destroyed, he went down to the sea, took off his belt, and beat the waves with it - they had destroyed his fleet! I would say that that was not the action of an outstanding and intelligent man, by any means.'
J. Vernon McGee

So the rise of Greece, seen in this goat, again corresponds with the vision given in the preceding chapter where Daniel was shown a beast like a four winged leopard (Greece) coming next after the beast like a bear (Medo-Persia). In this vision, as we read in verses 1-8, the goat is seen charging across the earth without touching the ground. Like the leopard with wings from chapter 7, this emphasizes the speed at which Alexander the Great moved his Greek army to conquer the ancient world. The goat attacked the ram with such force that it shattered both of the ram's horns. Horns speak of strength and points to what Alexander the Great did to the then dominant world empire of the Medes and the Persians. Dr Renald Showers records that he was able 'to crush the mighty Medo-Persian kingdom in about three years (334-331 BC).'³

And yet, we read something else surprising. Gabriel told Daniel that 'at the height of its power, the prominent horn of the goat was broken and four other horns took its place.' Now you probably know the story... but at the ripe old age of 32, Alexander the Great died and his kingdom was divided between his four generals (Ptolemy, Seleucus, Lysimachus and Cassander). J. Vernon McGee again comments well on Alexander the Great, writing: 

'We are told that when he came to power, the whole world was under the heel of Alexander the Great. Tradition says that he sat down and wept because there were no more worlds to conquer - he had conquered the then-known world. However, in the midst of his vast projects, he was seized by a fever after a nightlong drinking bout, and he died in Babylon in the year 323 B.C. at the age of thirty-two. 'When he was strong, the great horn was broken." All three of these empires - the Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, and the Graeco-Macedonian - went down in a drunken orgy... The great empire of Alexander the Great went down because he was an alcoholic. He conquered the world, but he could not conquer Alexander the Great.

Gaining the world... yet having nothing

So as a quick application, it is interesting to see that these world leaders, like Alexander the Great, could have the whole world and still have nothing. He was said to have wept when there was nothing left to conquer and was left empty, desperately trying to comfort himself in the bottle. Jesus reminds us of the truth in a very telling question, asking:

Mat 16:26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

We certainly don't want to be like that. Many look up to so-called movie stars and rock stars in today's world, thinking they have it all, only to find that they actually live empty and often broken lives. King Nebuchadnezzar was able to learn what really matters in life through being humbled greatly by God. But Alexander never got to learn this important message, dying young and depressed. Again, may we learn what really matters and live for that which lasts in eternity. 

Let's now return to verse 9 in Daniel 8 to see who would come next after Alexander the Great's kingdom was divided between his four generals.

And a little horn shall rise... who is it?

Dan 8:9-14 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. (10) It grew up to the host of heaven and caused some of the host and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it trampled them down. (11) It even magnified itself to be equal with the Commander of the host; and it removed the regular sacrifice from Him, and the place of His sanctuary was thrown down. (12) And on account of transgression the host will be given over to the horn along with the regular sacrifice; and it will fling truth to the ground and perform its will and prosper. (13) Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to that particular one who was speaking, "How long will the vision about the regular sacrifice apply, while the transgression causes horror, so as to allow both the holy place and the host to be trampled?" (14) He said to me, "For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the holy place will be properly restored."

As Daniel watched, a fifth horn began to arise. It started from small beginnings but eventually grew right into the heavens. This horn exalted itself, moved towards Israel, the Beautiful Land, and desecrated the Jewish temple. We are even given the exact period of time for which this desecration would last - 2,300 evenings and mornings. This period of time has led some to claim it is speaking of 2,300 years⁴ and have come up with all kinds of wild theories, yet the scripture is clear that it is speaking of mornings and evenings - that is, days. Now, this is where things get interesting. There is no doubt from both its context and history that this little horn is the infamous Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus had a small beginning but through bribery and corruption became the king in the Seleucid division of the Greek empire. He attacked many around him but reserved his full hatred for the nation of Israel. The Jewish temple was desecrated, as prophesied, for 2,300 days (from Sep 6^th, 171 BC to Dec 25^th, 165 BC). The true worship of the God of Israel was substituted and sacrifices and offerings to the Greek gods were made from within the temple.

So as I said, the context is certainly about Antiochus and this was fulfilled in history. But scholars disagree whether the interpretation given by Gabriel involves Antiochus alone. Listen again to what is written here about this horn: 'It grew up to the host of heaven and caused some of the host and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it trampled them down. (11) It even magnified itself to be equal with the Commander of the host.' Many, and I would agree, see that the interpretation propels us yet forward to another of whom Antiochus is but a small reflection . It draws parallels with the activity of both the spirit behind his actions (Satan) and his coming world leader⁵ whose hatred and destruction of the Jews shall surpass all before him in history. This is not uncommon in scripture. For example:

• Isaiah 14:3-23, speaks about the fall of the "King of Babylon" but progresses far further than just the natural earthly king in verses 12-17 to explain the spirit behind this king - namely Satan.
• Ezekiel 28:1-12 addresses the "prince of Tyre" but moves on to speak of the 'king of Tyre' in verses 11-29 and the language again is far greater than any earthly king but addresses the downfall of Satan.

So here too, in Daniel 8:9-25 we see the description start with Antiochus Epiphanes but progress on to speak of another coming in the power of Satan at the end of this age. This one is:

• The 'little horn' of Daniel chapter 7. 
• The 'man of sin' and the 'son of destruction' in 2 Thess 2:3 
• The 'beast' of Revelation 13. 
• Or, as he is more commonly known, he is the Antichrist of 1 John 2:18 

Antiochus Epiphanes is the greatest type of the coming Antichrist that there is in scripture. Adolf Hitler is probably the best type of the Antichrist that there is outside of scripture. And this connection will be covered in more detail when we study Daniel 11. But let's have a look at Gabriel's interpretation and see what light is shed upon both Antiochus, and the man of whom he is but a type, the coming Antichrist.

The coming king of fierce countenance

Dan 8:23-25 In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. (24) He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. (25) He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. 

Gabriel's description of the coming king denotes an incredibly clever and deceptive man whose power is not of natural means. 

A modern man of sin

Before looking at the traits of this coming one, think again about the one we have all heard of from the last century - Adolf Hitler. Hitler was heavily into the occult and mastered deception. He loved lies and his ability to deceive, which came from the father of lies (John 8:44). When Hitler looked threatening in 1938, England's Prime Minister Chamberlain met with Hitler and an Anglo-German peace accord was signed. But Hitler loved to say one thing and do another. As Chamberlin left that meeting, Hitler is reported to have said 'there goes a worm of a man.' Chamberlin returned from that meeting jubilant, clutching the signed agreement and declaring to all the now famous and naïve line 'there will be peace in our time.' Hitler was awarded the 1938 Time Magazine 'Man of the year'. Which is nearly on the same level of stupidity as when Yasser Arafat won the Nobel Peace prize! One year later, in 1939, Hitler's true intentions were shown and World War II began. And thank goodness for Britain, and the world, that God had the right man to oppose him with Chamberlin being replaced by Winston Churchill!

So lets now compare the prophecies of this coming world leader whom both Antiochus and Hitler foreshadowed. Look at how the prophecies of this man from Daniel align perfectly with New Testament revelation about him. 

Conclusion

Daniel 8:26-27 "The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future." (27) I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.

After this vision Daniel was exhausted! He lay ill for several days and was astonished and appalled at what he saw. In these verses, and in many others, God has revealed the end from the beginning. The vision of the end is astonishing. It can be appalling. But it is also encouraging. For God has not only revealed the destruction of the Antichrist but also the victory of His Son! And because of this we have hope. We know who wins! We can turn and read the end of the book and be completely assured of the wonderful plan that God has to bring about the return and reign of the King of Kings. Rest assured that God declares the end from the beginning and His word cannot fail. Just make sure that you have made your peace with Him and are on the right side!

Application: The King's Business

As a final application of this passage, the last point to note is that Daniel, having seen this epic vision which exhausted him for several days, finally rose up and went about the king's business. So as we conclude, let me ask you - are you doing that? Are you going about the King's business? God doesn't give prophecy simply to make us knowledgeable of what is to come. That is part of it but He wants it to have an effect on how we live our lives. Here are five reasons that God gives Bible prophecy:

1. To glorify Jesus Christ! - The purpose of prophecy is to bring glory to Jesus Christ! Revelation 19:10 "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." 
2. To strengthen our faith - Through Bible prophecy we can see that the God of the Bible is the true God and knows all things beforehand! Isaiah 46:9-10 "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." Romans 15:4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."
3. To give tremendous hope for the future - Who can not know what God has planned for those that love Him and not be filled with hope? Revelation 21:4 tells is that "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." 
4. To make us ready for His return - Jesus spoke over and over about the need to watch and be ready. Matthew 24:44 "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." 
5. To increase holiness in our lives today - Knowing what is to come in the future should motivate us to be set apart for the Lord today. 2 Peter 3:10-11 "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief... Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." 1Jn 3:2-3 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. (3) And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

So may our study of Bible prophecy propel us further in doing so. May we be set apart for His use. May we see what is coming and be further encouraged in 'getting up and going about the king's business' in the current day. I don't want to state the obvious here... but I will - Our King is the King of kings and we will never lose out by serving Him!

Well next time we begin what has been called the most pivotal chapter in Bible prophecy. The famous, Daniel chapter 9. Until then... God bless!

FOOTNOTES