14 Jul (Daniel 8)

Daniel 8

(v.3) For our kids, these animal images can be confusing, and they can miss the point of the prophecy. The ram is symbolic of Persia, since they venerated the ram, and the king of Persia rode out to battle wearing a ram's horns on his head.

The goat represents Greece, which quickly conquered the whole civilized world...that is why he is described as not touching the ground...he flew over the whole area quickly! Also, the goat is the symbol of Greek mythology and astrology...it is Capricorn. God knew that most the world would associate the ram with Persian and the sign Aries, and the goat with Greece for Capricorn.

(v.21) If we study history, we see how accurate this prophecy was! After Alexander conquered the whole known civilized world, he was bored and depressed...he had no one to conquer anymore. He wanted the thrill of conquest, and when that was gone, he died.

The empire was given to Alexander's four generals, who ruled over the four corners of the empire...so the four horns from the one describes them coming from Alexander!

(v.19) We see that the little horn will come at the end of days...it is a symbol of the Antichrist, who will do the Abomination of Desolation...he will do blasphemy in the Holy of Holies of the Temple. This will trigger the return of Christ.

(v.25) The Antichrist will trick the foolish masses to believe that he is god, and lead them to their doom. He will say he is the christ, and those who don't know God, will be fooled.

With what is going on in the world today, where people trust the United Nations to secure peace for the world, they will be disappointed. Those who don't know the Prince of Peace, will seek someone who will tell them what they want to hear...they want to hear that they have peace and safety, when destruction is really around the corner. 1 Thes 5:3

The Prince of princes is Jesus, and He will destroy the Antichrist and satan by Himself. Rev 19:20

(v.27) Daniel was feeling terrible, since he was shown the destruction and misery of the last days...all because so many people refused to obey and worship God. Also, notice that he didn't understand the vision...not until today, can we see prophecy come alive in the evening news!

Try to imagine if we were Daniel, where we were seeing future kingdoms and empires, with the Antichrist and God Himself...it must have seemed a little cloudy, but I'm sure Daniel knew that God was speaking to him for our sake...so we can know the season of His return! 1 Thes 5:4

One thing I stress with my kids, is that the whole Bible speaks of one thing...Jesus performing the work of redemption for His own, and His wrath and judgment upon those who reject Him.

I take time to show my kids that prophecies in the Old Testament are mirrored and fulfilled in the New Testament...they work together as one book!