Deeper Reflection
Daniel’s prophetic-theological vision in Daniel 8 received in “the third year” of Belshazzar’s reign in 551 BC (Dan 8:1) contains parallel ideas in his vision in Daniel 11 received in “the third year of Cyrus [536 BC]” (Dan 10:1). The ram (Persia) “did as he pleased” (Dan 8:4, 20). In Daniel 11, we see Alexander the Great (the male goat in Dan 8:8, 21) being described as “do as he pleases” (Dan 11:3), as well as one particular Seleucid king (Dan 11:16). And the climactic Antiochus-like anti-God king will likewise “do as he pleases” (v.36). Recognise that this is at the core of fallen humans with great power. And along with this is “he magnified himself ” (Dan 8:4). Are these two attributes present in your heart?The male goat that overpowered the ram “magnified himself exceedingly” (Dan 8:8). Out of the four post-Alexander kingdoms rose a “small horn” (Antiochus) that “will magnify himself in his heart” and “magnified itself to be equal with the Commander of the host”, who is God Himself, “Yahweh of hosts”² (Dan 8:8-9, 11, 25). But the climactic Antiochus-like anti-God king in verses 36 to 45 will “magnify himself above” – not “equal with” – “every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods” (v.36). Paul saw this to be fulfilled in the end-time “son of lawlessness” (2 Thess 2:3-4).It is terrifying enough to live under an evil king like Antiochus (Dan 11:29-35), but how much more under the dictatorship of one who claims to be and acts as greater than God! God’s faithful people must be ready for this.

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² Earnest C. Lucas, Daniel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, IVP, 2002), 216