STUDY NUMBER SIXTEEN– DANIEL 8:15-27

v. 15 While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there before me stood one who looked like a man.
v. 16 And I heard a man’s voice from the Ulai calling, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision.”
v. 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.”
v. 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.
v. 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.
v. 20 The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.
v. 21 The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king.
v. 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.
v. 23 In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise.
v. 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 the mighty men and the holy people.
v. 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.
v. 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.”
v. 27 I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.

QUESTIONS:

1. Read Daniel 8:15-27 and in your own words pull out the main thought of this passage.

2. Who was sent to Daniel to help him understand the vision, according to verse 16?

3. How is the vision to be understood, according to verse 17?

4. What does Gabriel say to Daniel in verse 19?

5. What is the interpretation given by Gabriel of the ram and goat in verses 20 & 21?

6. Describe what is going to happen in verse 23.

7. Paint the picture of this great world leader that is described in verses 24 & 25.

8. How does Daniel respond to this incredible vision, according to verse 27?

9. What verse in the study has meant the most to you?

10. What lesson have you learned from this study?

LESSONS FROM THE PASSAGE:

What are some of the lessons we can learn from this particular study?

LESSON #1: It is God’s desire that we understand prophetic Scripture.

LESSON #2: He is our God and He is in control.

LESSON #3: Prophecy also teaches us that He is sovereign. It is one thing to prophesy and it is another thing to make it happen. God is able to do that.

LESSON #4: If we know Him we know all that we need to know.

LESSON #5: Prophecy is given to remind us that God is in control.

LESSON #6: The end of Antiochus happened preceding the first king coming and the end of the man of sin is preceding the second coming.

LESSON #7: Prophecy is given so we will know that the future is in God’s hands. He is in control and His purpose and promises will prevail.

LESSON #8: “For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know” (1 Thessalonians 3:4).

LESSON #9: “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29).

LESSON #10: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

LESSON #11: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).