Dei Break
Daniel 7:1 - 8:27
Daniel's visions, like those of John in Revelation, are not only highly symbolic, but also concern the times to come. Men have been trying to decipher their complete meaning for centuries. While there are different interpretations as to what kingdoms the beasts coming from the sea may represent and whom the little horn might symbolize, some things about "apocalyptic" writing are clear.
The major focus in apocalyptic literature is God's supremacy. If you sidestep the obvious interest and vivid descriptions, and look at who is in control, a clear message appears. God is in control. What stirred the waters of the sea? Though the beasts instantly capture our imaginations, it was the winds of heaven under God's control that stirred the water.
In verse 9, God takes the stage as the Judge of the scene. Daniel's vision is reminiscent of Ezekiel's first vision of God, full of wheels and flames. Verses 11 and 12 point out the authority of God over the scene.
To those of us on this side of the death and resurrection of Christ, verses 13 and 14 are clearly a prophecy of the Ruler who would overshadow all others.
Those who try to envision the end of our present world often explore this chapter of Daniel. Whatever history the symbolic writings picture, we know absolutely from the visions recorded in God's word that we have nothing to fear, for He will be in control of it all. We should not set these visions aside as merely symbolic with no historical foundation, however. Daniel and John were not alone in their descriptions of the end of history. Jesus also taught about the events that will lead to His return.
Most scholars believe that chapter 8 refers to Alexander the Great, the families of the four generals who inherited his empire, and one of their descendants. That descendant was apparently Antiochus Epiphanes IV, whose cruel rule over the Jews finally ended in revolt. His supporters called him Epiphanes ("the Illustrious One"), but the Jews nicknamed him Epimanes ("the Madman"). At the end of his rule, the Jews restored the temple that Antiochus had defiled with sarcastic and false worship, and celebrated the first Hanukah (164 or 163 B.C.)
Because Daniel is told that this vision refers to the end of time (vs.19), some believe that Antiochus was only one fulfillment of Daniel's vision, and that there will be at least one more that fits the story. Others believe that verse 19 refers to the end of that period of history which was followed by the rise of Rome and the birth of Christ. Time will tell.
Comments