What does Daniel 8:21 mean?
Gabriel, an angel (Daniel 8:16), continues to explain Daniel's recent vision (Daniel 8:1–2). The second animal Daniel saw was a goat moving at incredible speed (Daniel 8:5). Gabriel explains that this symbolizes the kingdom of Greece and its first king, Alexander the Great. Earlier prophecies depicted this nation using bronze (Daniel 2:32) or as a four-winged leopard (Daniel 7:6). Daniel sees this goat rapidly attacking the ram (Daniel 8:6–7) and overpowering it. This represents the ferocity and speed of Alexander's conquests.Although Alexander's father, Philip of Macedonia, consolidated most of the Greek people under one government, Alexander is regarded as the Grecian Empire's first king. Alexander conquered Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. His army's speed and military prowess rendered the Persians helpless. After rapidly expanding his territory, Alexander died suddenly and his kingdom was divided among four successors (Daniel 8:8, 22).
Daniel 8:15–27 includes the angel Gabriel's explanation of Daniel's vision, along with Daniel's reaction. The symbols Daniel saw predict the end of the Medo-Persian empire, the rise and fall of Alexander the Great, and the emergence of a tyrant who persecutes the Jewish people. Though the prophecy has been "explained" Daniel doesn't fully grasp everything that's going to occur. What he's told is disturbing enough to keep him bedridden for several days.
Daniel sees a vision, later explained to him by the angel Gabriel. A swift-moving goat overpowers a two-horned ram. This represents the conquest of Greece over Medo-Persia. Then the goat's horn shatters, replaced by four more; this predicts Alexander the Great's death and succession. Later, a ruler arises to brutally persecute God's people. This prophecy refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the temple and outlawed Jewish religious practices. It also foreshadows the end times when the Antichrist will be tied to similar events. The experience leaves Daniel temporarily bedridden.
