Daniel 8:15-27

The vision is interpreted for Daniel

15 While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there before me stood one who looked like a man. / to see a vision that gives unknown information / a supernatural appearance that gives a message / similarity in appearance

16 And I heard a man’s voice from the Ulai calling, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision.” / audible voice / a river near Persia / a loud commanding voice / archangel, means “strength of God”

17 As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” / move towards / to be gripped with sudden fear / to collapse / pay close attention / destination, the point in time at which something ends

18 While he was speaking to me, I was in a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and raised me to my feet. / be dazed / reached and touched / help stand

19 He said: “I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end. / to make known, but not publically / done in righteous anger

20 The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. / strength and might /

21 The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is the first king.

22 The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power. / shattered, smash / come out of / influence

23 “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise. / time leading up to their end / to go beyond moral boundaries or limits / having more power than expected

24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people. / countless power / outside influence / go beyond ordinary / “forced entry”/ moral purity

25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. / to be fraudulent, cause disillusion / strong and wealthy / state of tranquility, free from disturbances / a large indefinite number

26 “The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” / appearance, phenomenon / firm, faithful / kept secret

27 I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding. / weak, tired, in pain / back to work to cause to tremble

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan