Book of Daniel - Chapter 8 - Verse 7

This verse from Daniel 8:7 describes a symbolic vision that the prophet Daniel had. In this vision, Daniel sees a ram with two horns facing a fierce male goat. The ram represents the Medo-Persian empire, while the male goat represents the Greek empire. The male goat quickly defeats the ram, breaking its horns and casting it to the ground, symbolizing the conquest of the Medo-Persian empire by the Greek empire. This vision serves as a prophecy of the future events that would unfold in history. The defeat of the ram by the male goat signifies the power and dominance of the Greek empire over the Medo-Persian empire. The imagery of the male goat's violent actions towards the ram illustrates the forceful and decisive nature of the Greek conquest. The verse emphasizes the inevitability of the power shift and the inability of the ram to resist or escape its fate. Overall, this verse highlights the theme of divine providence and the fulfillment of prophecy in the book of Daniel.

One interpretation of the verse comes from a theological perspective focusing on the symbolic meaning behind the actions described. The phrase "And I saw him come close unto the ram" can be seen as representing a confrontation or conflict between two powerful entities. The image of the ram being smote and its horns broken by the other figure can be seen as a display of dominance and control. This can be interpreted as a demonstration of divine intervention or a powerful force asserting its authority over a lesser being. The phrase "and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand" underscores the idea of overwhelming power and inevitability. In terms of word studies, the use of the word "choler" to describe the emotions of the figure approaching the ram emphasizes the intensity of his anger or wrath. This interpretation highlights the themes of power, dominance, and sovereignty that are central to the verse.