Daniel 8:1-27: A Ram, a Male Goat, and a Devilish Little Horn

Daniel recounts another vision he receives, in which he sees himself in Susa near the Ulai canal. At first, a ram with two horns of different heights charges in multiple directions, and no one can stand against him. Next, a male goat with one horn between his eyes comes with great speed and tramples on the ram. However, the goat’s horn is soon broken, and four horns arise afterward. One of them, a little horn, grows toward the south and fights against the worship of God until His sanctuary is restored. In this vision, the LORD reveals to Daniel the truth of the coming kingdoms of Persia and Greece, as well as the persecution God’s faithful people will endure under Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes IV. Through the vision, the LORD promises deliverance and strengthens His people for faithfulness. Rev. Dr. Christian Preus, pastor at Mount Hope Lutheran Church and School in Casper, WY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Daniel 8:1-27. "God’s Kingdom Endures Forever” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Daniel. Although God’s people were exiled in Babylon, the LORD remained the true King. He strengthened His people for faithful confession in the face of idolatry, and through prophetic visions and dreams revealed that He would establish His everlasting Kingdom. This points to Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who reigns over us and all creation.