Daniel - Caput 8

Daniel 8.1 Anno tertio regni Baltassar regis, visio apparuit mihi. Ego Daniel, post id quod videram principio, Daniel 8.2 vidi in visione mea, cum essem in Susis castro, quod est in Aelam regione; vidi autem in visione esse me super portani Ulai. Daniel 8.3 Et levavi oculos meos, et vidi: et ecce aries unus stabat ante paludem, habens cornua excelsa, et unum excelsius altero atque succrescens. Postea Daniel 8.4 vidi arietem cornibus ventilantem contra occidentem, et contra aquilonem, et contra meridiem, et omnes bestiae non poterant resistere ei, neque liberari de manu ejus; fecitque secundum voluntatem suam, magnificatus est. Daniel 8.5 Et ego intelligebam: ecce autem hircus caprarum veniebat ab occidente super faciem totius terrae, et non tangebat terram; porro hircus habebat cornu insigne inter oculos suos. Daniel 8.6 Et venit usque ad arietem illum cornutum, quem videram stantem ante portam, et cucurrit ad eum in impetu fortitudinis suae. Daniel 8.7 Cumque appropinquasset prope arietem, efferatus est in eum, et percussit arietem, et comminuit duo cornua ejus, et non poterat aries resistere ei; cumque eum misisset in terram, conculcavit, et nemo quibat liberare arietem de manu ejus. Daniel 8.8 Hircus autem caprarum magnus factus est nimis, cumque crevisset, fractum est cornu magnum et orta sunt quatuor cornua subter illud per quatuor ventos caeli. Daniel 8.9 De uno autem ex eis egressum est cornu unum modicum, et factum est grande contra meridiem, et contra orientem, et contra fortitudinem. Daniel 8.10 Et magnificatum est usque ad fortitudinem caeli; et dejecit de fortitudine, et de stellis, et conculcavit eas. Daniel 8.11 Et usque ad principem fortitudinis magnificatum est, et ab eo tulit juge sacrificium, et dejecit locum sanctificationis ejus. Daniel 8.12 Robur autem datum est ei contra juge sacrificium propter peccata, et prosternetur veritas in terra: et faciet, et prosperabitur. Daniel 8.13 Et audivi unum de sanctis loquentem; et dixit unus sanctus alteri nescio cui loquenti: Usquequo visio, et juge sacrificium, et peccatum desolationis quae facta est, et sanctuarium, et fortitudo conculcabitur? Daniel 8.14 Et dixit ei: Usque ad vesperam et mane, dies duo millia trecenti; et mundabitur sanctuarium. Daniel 8.15 Factum est autem cum viderem, ego Daniel, visionem, et quaererem intelligentiam, ecce stetit in conspectu meo quasi species viri. Daniel 8.16 Et audivi vocem viri inter Ulai; et clamavit, et ait: Gabriel, fac intelligere istam visionem. Daniel 8.17 Et venit, et stetit juxta ubi ego stabam; cumque venisset pavens corrui in faciem meam; et ait ad me: Intellige, fili hominis, quoniam in tempore finis complebitur visio. Daniel 8.18 Cumque loqueretur ad me, collapsus sum pronus in terram; et tetigit me, et statuit me in gradu meo, Daniel 8.19 dixitque mihi: Ego ostendam tibi quae futura sunt in novissimo maledictionis, quoniam habet tempus finem suum. Daniel 8.20 Aries, quem vidisti habere cornua, rex Medorum est atque Persarum. Daniel 8.21 Porro hircus caprarum, rex Graecorum est; et cornu grande, quod erat inter oculos ejus, ipse est rex primus. Daniel 8.22 Quod autem fracto illo surrexerunt quatuor pro eo, quatuor reges de gente ejus consurgent, sed non in fortitudine ejus; Daniel 8.23 et post regnum eorum, cum creverint iniquitates, consurget rex impudens facie, et intelligens propositiones. Daniel 8.24 Et roborabitur fortitudo ejus, sed non in viribus suis; et supra quam credi potest, universa vastabit, et prosperabitur, et faciet. Et interficiet robustos, et populum sanctorum Daniel 8.25 secundum voluntatem suam, et dirigetur dolus in manu ejus; et cor suum magnificabit, et in copia rerum omnium occidet plurimos; et contra principem principum consurget, et sine manu conteretur. Daniel 8.27 Et ego Daniel langui, et aegrotavi per dies; cumque surrexissem, faciebam opera regis, et stupebam ad visionem, et non erat qui interpretatur.

Daniel : Caput 8

The Vision of the Ram and the Goat in Daniel 8

Chapter 8 of the book of Daniel presents us with a prophetic vision rich in symbolism, describing the conflict between empires through the image of the ram and the goat. This prophecy, while rooted in the past, offers us insight into future events and the spiritual struggles that mark our history.

Symbols and the Conflict between Empires

In this vision, the animals represent political and spiritual powers clashing. The ram, symbolizing Medo-Persian power, is confronted by the goat, representing Greece. This conflict illustrates the rise of an arrogant ruler, known as the "little horn," who opposes the "Prince of Princes." This chapter reminds us that despite appearances, ultimate victory belongs to God.

A Call to Perseverance

This prophetic vision encourages us to persevere in times of oppression. It reminds us that, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity, God remains sovereign and watches over His people. The promise of His victory strengthens us and inspires us to keep the faith.

Biblical Passages Illuminating the Themes of Daniel 8

Revelation 12:4

"His tail swept a third of the stars of heaven with it and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, to devour her child as soon as it was born." » This image from Revelation echoes Daniel's vision, where the "little horn" knocks down certain stars, symbolizing the powers that oppose God.

1 Maccabees 1:10

"From them came a wicked descendant, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus, who had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the 137th year of the Greek empire. » This apocryphal text provides a historical context for Daniel's prophecy, shedding light on the "insolent king" and his actions against God's people.

Hebrews 11:34

"They quenched the power of fire and escaped the edge of the sword; they drew strength from weakness; they became strong in battle and put foreign armies to flight." » This passage evokes the struggles of the Maccabees, which resonate with Daniel's vision, highlighting the strength God gives his people in the face of adversity.

Luke 21:24

"They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all nations. Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." » Jesus alludes to Daniel's prophecies, evoking the oppression of Jerusalem and the hope of future redemption.

2 Thessalonians 2:8

"Then that wicked one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the manifestation of his coming." The apostle Paul seems to echo Daniel's prophecy concerning the fall of the "insolent king," affirming Christ's sovereignty over all things.

Conclusion

Daniel's visions remind us of the importance of remaining vigilant and steadfast in our faith. As we meditate on these passages, we are encouraged to see beyond present trials and place our trust in God, who guarantees final victory over all forms of oppression.