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Reading & Devotional Guide: Daniel 8

11.14.2024

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Click here to listen to this week’s episode of Further In, in which members of the Passion City Church DC team discuss the passage of scripture we’re studying and consider how to apply the truths of God’s word to our lives.

 


 

This Week’s Reading: Daniel 8, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13 & 17

Before you read…

 

Daniel 8 takes us deeper into Daniel’s prophetic visions, this time with more specific focus. Unlike the broad, sweeping panorama of world empires in Daniel 7, this chapter zooms in on two significant kingdoms: Persia and Greece. The vision in Daniel 8 occurred in the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, roughly two years after the vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7. At this moment, Daniel is around 70 years old, serving faithfully despite the turbulent shifts in political power around him. 

 

– Read Daniel 8 –

 

What did I just read?

In Daniel 8, Daniel receives a vision that unfolds while he is at the fortress of Susa, a significant center for the Persian Empire (8:2). This vision centers around a ram and a goat, representing specific kingdoms that will dominate the scene of history.

 

The Ram (8:3-4). Daniel sees a ram with two horns, one longer than the other, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire. The longer horn indicates Persia’s dominance over Media. This ram charges west, north, and south, conquering with unstoppable force—a picture of the expansive power of the Medo-Persian Empire.

 

The Goat (8:5-8). Suddenly, a goat with a prominent horn between its eyes charges swiftly from the west. The goat is so fast that it never touches the ground. This goat represents Greece, with the prominent horn symbolizing Alexander the Great. The goat’s swift movement speaks to Alexander’s rapid and decisive victories over Persia. But at the height of its power, the horn breaks, symbolizing Alexander’s sudden death. In its place, four smaller horns arise, indicating the division of Alexander’s empire into four regions led by his generals.

 

The Little Horn (8:9-12; 22-25). From one of these four horns, another “little horn” emerges, growing exceedingly great toward the south, the east, and the “glorious land” (that is Israel). This horn represents a future ruler who will defy God, attack His people, and desecrate His temple. Historians agree that this figure is Antiochus IV Epiphanes– the Greek king who brutally persecuted the Jewish people and desecrated the temple in 167 BC. While this prophecy was fulfilled in Antiochus IV Epiphanes, it also foreshadows a future figure, often seen as a precursor to the figures described in the New Testament (2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13).


Meditations

  1. God Foresees History

Daniel 8 reveals God’s precise knowledge of future events. He knows the rise and fall of empires and the actions of kings long before they happen. The LORD is never surprised by the twists of history or the schemes of rulers– He sees it all and works through it all to accomplish His purposes.

 

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God’s foresight and sovereignty?

 

  1. The Tension of Perspective

Daniel’s vision exposes the tension of living between present realities and future prophecies. Heavenly perspective brings weightiness to his everyday life. Although Daniel was troubled by the vision, he faithfully continued his duties (8:27). This reminds us that while we may feel the weight of future concerns, we’re called to stay faithful in the present. God gives us glimpses of the future not to paralyze us, but to prepare us.


Reflection: How can you stay focused on what God has called you to today, even as you long for His future promises?


Prayer

Lord,

You are the One who sees the end from the beginning.  

Help me trust You with the unknowns of my life.  

Forgive me for doubting Your plans. 

Strengthen me to stand firm, even when times are difficult.  

I long for the day when all kingdoms bow before You.  

Your kingdom come, Your will be done.  

Amen

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Passion City Church Content created by the team at Passion City Church. Passion City Church is a Jesus Church. A small tribe of His followers connected by our common faith and a deep desire to see our city [and the world] come to know His power and beauty. We are not perfect. But Jesus is. Thankfully, we are a Jesus Church.