15 When I, Daniel , had seen the vision , I sought to understand it; and behold , standing before me was one who looked like a man . 16 And I heard the voice of a man between the banks of Ulai , and he called out and said , " Gabriel , give this man an understanding of the vision ." 17 So he came near to where I was standing , and when he came I was frightened and fell on my face ; but he said to me, "Son of man , understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end ." 18 Now while he was talking with me, I sank into a deep sleep with my face to the ground ; but he touched me and made me stand upright e . 19 He said , "Behold , I am going to let you know what will occur at the final period of the indignation , for it pertains to the appointed time of the end . 20 "The ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia . 21 "The shaggy goat represents the kingdom of Greece , and the large horn that is between his eyes is the first king . 22 "The broken horn and the four horns that arose in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from his nation , although not with his power . 23 "In the latter period of their rule , When the transgressors have run their course, A king will arise , Insolent e and skilled in intrigue . 24 "His power will be mighty , but not by his own power , And he will destroy to an extraordinary degree And prosper and perform his will; He will destroy mighty men and the holy people . 25 "And through his shrewdness He will cause deceit to succeed by his influence ; And he will magnify himself in his heart , And he will destroy many while they are at ease . He will even oppose the Prince of princes , But he will be broken without human agency . 26 "The vision of the evenings and mornings Which has been told is true ; But keep the vision secret , For it pertains to many days in the future." 27 Then I, Daniel , was exhausted and sick for days . Then I got up again and carried on the king's business ; but I was astounded at the vision , and there was none to explain it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 8:15-27
Commentary on Daniel 8:15-27
(Read Daniel 8:15-27)
The eternal Son of God stood before the prophet in the appearance of a man, and directed the angel Gabriel to explain the vision. Daniel's fainting and astonishment at the prospect of evils he saw coming on his people and the church, confirm the opinion that long-continued calamities were foretold. The vision being ended, a charge was given to Daniel to keep it private for the present. He kept it to himself, and went on to do the duty of his place. As long as we live in this world we must have something to do in it; and even those whom God has most honoured, must not think themselves above their business. Nor must the pleasure of communion with God take us from the duties of our callings, but we must in them abide with God. All who are intrusted with public business must discharge their trust uprightly; and, amidst all doubts and discouragements, they may, if true believers, look forward to a happy issue. Thus should we endeavour to compose our minds for attending to the duties to which each is appointed, in the church and in the world.