Daniel: Far From HomeSample

We now enter the last section of the book. But there are clear connections with what has come before. We are reading again of a vision Daniel has seen. The line in verse 1 ‘after the one that had already appeared to me’ means we are meant to read this chapter alongside chapter 7. Further, the date of this vision, ‘In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign’, means it has come only two years after the vision in chapter 7. The pattern of the chapter is also familiar. We are first allowed to read the content of the dream. It is then followed by the interpretation, rather like the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar in chapters 2 and 4, or Daniel in chapter 7.

A quick glance at the chapter, however, shows some differences with what has come before. Firstly, the location of the vision. In chapter 7 it is ‘the great sea’ (7:2). Here we are in Susa, beside the Ulai Canal. It seems we are closer to the action; moving from the broader horizon to a more concrete situation. Secondly, the description of the animals. In chapter 7 the beasts were composite beasts, like cartoon characters. Here we are dealing with recognizable farm animals. Thirdly, within the dream and its interpretation comes angelic commentary (e.g. in vv. 13,14).

In verses 3 to 4 our focus is on the ram. The difference between the two horns suggests the growth of an empire. This is an empire at war. It conquers west, north and south, and is without rival in the world: ‘He did as he pleased and became great’ (v.4).

As Daniel is pondering what he saw, a second animal is introduced. At the height of the great power of the ram comes a goat with a single horn. The goat comes with great speed; his feet don’t even touch the ground (v. 5b). The arrival of the goat brings about a total reversal. In verse 4, no animal could stand against the ram. But in verse 7, the ram is powerless to stand against the goat. In verse 4, none could be rescued from the ram’s power. But in verse 7, none could rescue the ram from the goat’s power. What seemed spectacular about the ram is now superseded by the goat. The ram ‘did as he pleased and became great’ but the goat became very great (v. 8). Verse 8 concludes, however, with the indication that this powerful goat will not last. Its single horn is replaced by four powerful horns.

Before we allow ourselves to look at the interpretation of the dream, we can easily deduce a number of points. Firstly, as the book of Daniel has repeatedly shown us, human kingdoms come and go. No human rule lasts for ever. No single ruler, or human empire, has lasted. Secondly, humans grab rule, usually through fighting and war. Humankind was created in the image of God to rule. But sin means that instead of being given rule by God and governing for the benefit of others, we take rule for ourselves and seek to do as we please.

Reflection

What we have read in this chapter so far describes things on an international scale. But the sin of humankind is not just seen in the macro. Ponder how we see similar patterns to chapter 8 in our own communities and families.