The Goat Running Toward the Ram - Daniel 8:6

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes”, and in chapter eight and verse six of his book Daniel said he saw how the he goat, “came to the ram that had two horns … and ran unto him”  where we read,

And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, 

and ran unto him in the fury of his power.

The verse reads, “And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river,  …” Daniel began with the words, “and he came” or “and he, the goat, moved” “to the ram” which means “toward the ram animal”“that had two horns” or “that possessed two protrusions”, “which I had seen standing” which means “that I, Daniel, saw remaining, enduring, persisting and abiding” “before the river” or “in front and in the presence of the stream”. Daniel shared how the “he goat” approached the “ram” that was abiding in the presence of the moving stream. 

The verse continues, “… and ran unto him in the fury of his power.” Daniel added the words, “and ran unto him” or “and did run swiftly and quickly toward the ram” “in the fury of his power” which means “with the heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation and wrath in keeping with his, the he goat’s, might, strength and ability”. Daniel said the “he goat” quickly darted toward the “ram” with indignant and raging strength. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how the “he goat” approached the “ram” that Daniel observed beside the stream with a furious and passionate quickness and with raging might. In other words, the “he goat” was going to eliminate and destroy the “ram”, and he was quick and powerful in doing so. This is exactly how Alexander the Great eliminated the Persian empire, and just as God knows all world ruling empires, this one was no exception to His wisdom and knowledge. This powerful Almighty God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised from the dead after three days, and when we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and destroy our enemies with passionate fury as He helps us to remain with Him for all eternity.

Next time Daniel shares how he saw the goat, “come close to the ram … and smote the ram”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

A He Goat from the West - Daniel 8:5

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great”, and in chapter eight and verse five of his book Daniel shared how he saw, “an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth”  where we read,

And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.

The verse reads, “And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, …” Daniel began with the words, “and as I was considering” or “and during the time I, Daniel, was cogitating and thinking about the ram”, “behold” which means “lo, look and consider”, “an he goat came from the west” or “a male goat animal arrived from a westward direction” “on the face of the whole earth” which means “upon the surface belonging to the entire world”. Daniel shared how he was thinking about the “ram” that appeared on the earth, and he saw a male “goat” arriving from a westward direction on the surface belonging to the world.

The verse goes on to say, “… and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.” Daniel continued with the words, “and touched not the ground” or “and did not reach, strike or extend itself to the land or earth”: “and the goat” which means “and the male goat animal” “had a notable horn” or “possessed a striking and conspicuous protrusion” “between his eyes” which means “in the middle of his, the goat’s, physical eyes for seeing”. Daniel shared how this male “goat” arrived over the surface of the world,  but in no way struck the land, and possessed a conspicuous protrusion in the middle of it’s eyes. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how this “male goat” arrived from a westward direction over the entire world, and it never extended itself to the earth. The “he goat” possessed a conspicuous protrusion coming from it’s head, and we shall learn more about what that means as Daniel receives an explanation. God was showing Daniel the empires that would reign throughout the world, and when the Grecian empire took over between 336 and 323 B.C., the actions of Alexander the Great were swift and powerful. God wants us to realize He is in control of the nations and powers in the world, and He uses them according to His perfect will and plan. Although people may seem to be ruling, God limits them and allows them only so much time before He intervenes. God wants us to humble ourselves and submit to Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, we release our imagined sovereignty to Him and are forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and assure us that He is always directing the affairs of man. 

Next time Daniel says he saw how the goat, “came to the ram that had two horns … and ran unto him”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

The Pushing Ram - Daniel 8:4

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last”, and in chapter eight and verse four of his book Daniel said, “I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward”  where we read,

I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.

The verse reads, “I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, …” Daniel began with the words, “I saw the ram pushing westward” or “I, Daniel, noticed, discerned and observed the ram animal engaging and thrusting in a western direction”, “and northward” which means “and a north bound direction”, “and southward” or “and a south bound direction”; “so that no beasts might stand” which means “for the purpose of not any living and active animals would remain, endure and continue” “before him” or “in front and in the presence of him, the ram”. Daniel shared how the “ram” was thrusting in a west, north and south bound direction for the purpose of no other living animal remaining in the presence of him. 

The verse continues, “… neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.” Daniel added the words, “neither was there any” or “no and not in any way were there other animals” “that could deliver out of his hand” which means “who were able to rescue and save from his, the ram’s, hand of authority, might and power”; “but he did according to his will” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover he, the ram, performed in keeping with his, the ram’s, desire, passion and will”, “and became great” which means “and grew, was magnified and advanced”. Daniel shared how no one was able to save themselves from the power and might of the “ram” because the “ram” performed in keeping with his purpose, will and desire which magnified him. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel that the “ram” thrust itself in three different directions; to the west, north and south, and no one was able to stop him or rescue themselves from his power. This caused the “ram” to become magnified in the world. We shall see what this “ram” means in our future verses, but for now let us consider that God Almighty was at work in the world. Daniel was being shown empires that would arise, and they did. All of them lead to God’s Son Jesus Christ being born on the earth to become the “Savior” of the world, and when He died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He became the Only One who is able to forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us so we will constantly be aware that He has all people and kingdoms completely under His control.

Next time Daniel says he saw, “an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

A Ram with Two Horns - Daniel 8:3

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first. And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai”, and in chapter eight and verse three of his book Daniel said, “there stood before the river a ram which had two horns” where we read,

Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.

The verse reads, “Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns:” Daniel began with the words, “the I lifted up my eyes” or “at that time I, Daniel, raised my, Daniel’s, physical eyes used for vision and sight”, “and saw” which means “and perceived, noticed, discerned and observed”, “and behold” or “and lo, look and consider”, “there stood before the river” which means “there remained, endured and was stedfast in front and in the presence of the stream” “a ram which had two horns” or “a ram animal that possessed two protrusions”. Daniel shared how he raised his “eyes” to observe a “ram” that possessed two protrusions coming from it’s head. 

The verse goes on to say, “and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.” Daniel continued with the words, “and the two horns were high” or “and the two protrusions existed as tall, exalted and lofty”; “but one was higher than the other” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover one of the protrusions was taller and more exalted than the other protrusion”; “and the higher came up last” or “and the taller and more exalted protrusion arose after the first”. Daniel shared how he observed that the “two” protrusions were exalted and tall, however, the second protrusion that arose became taller and more exalted than the first. 

When we think through Daniel’s words in this verse, we discover how Daniel began to tell about his “vision” as he observed a “ram” animal that was established beside the “Ulai” river. This “ram” had “two tall protrusions or horns” that arose from it’s head, and the second protrusion rose to a more exalted position than the first one. We shall see what these things mean in our future verses, but for now let us be mindful that the Medo-Persian empire conquered the Babylonian empire and became the “Persian” empire alone. (539 B.C.) This should give us a hint as to what the “ram” with “two horns” meant, and let us be mindful that God was over all these things. God blessed Daniel with this insight, and because Daniel wrote these words, we have some insight as well. God loves people, and all of these “visions” and events were leading to Him sending His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the grave after three days. Jesus extended access to Him through belief and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, and when we yield our lives to Him, we will be forgiven of our  sins, granted everlasting life and provided wth His Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us into all truth according to His Divine purposes and plan. 

Next time Daniel says, “I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

A Vision that Came to Pass - Daniel 8:2

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first”, and in chapter eight and verse two of his book Daniel said, “I saw a vision, and it came to pass”  where we read,

And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

The verse reads, “And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace,…” Daniel began with the words, “and I saw in a vision” or “and I, Daniel, perceived, noticed, discerned and observed within a mental imagery, appearance and sighting”; “and it came to pass” which means “and the following happened and occurred”, “when I saw” or “at the time and moment I, Daniel, perceived, noticed, discerned and observed”, “that I was at Shushan” which means “that I, Daniel, was within the city of Shushan or Susa whose name means lily and was the winter residence of the Persian kings which was located on the river Ulai or Choaspes” “in the palace” or “within the royal mansion”. Daniel shared how he received this next sighting during the time he was staying in the royal mansion located in “Shushan”. 

The verse continues, “… which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.” Daniel added the words, “which is in the province” or “that exists within the district and region” “of Elam” which means “belonging to Elam whose name means eternity”; “and I saw in a vision” or “and I, Daniel, perceived, noticed, discerned and observed a mental imagery, appearance and sighting”, “and I was by the river of Ulai” which means “and I, Daniel, was located beside the rushing stream belonging to Ulai whose name means my leaders or mighty ones”. Daniel shared the region of “Elam” was location of the royal mansion which was by the “Ulai” river where he observed a mental imagery.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel about his location when he received this next mental imagery from Jehovah God. The royal mansion in “Shushan” was used by the rulers of Persia during the winter months, and because it was located in the region of “Elam” and beside the “Ulai” river, Daniel thought it important to reveal the place he received the “vision”. God is not limited by space or time, and He is able to reveal things to us at any time. He wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of everyone, and when He raised Him from the dead after three days, God made access for all who believe and trust in Jesus as their “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit so He can reveal His truth to us any time and in any place He desires. 

Next time Daniel says, “there stood before the river a ram which had two horns”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Another Vision for Daniel - Daniel 8:1

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart”, and in chapter eight and verse one of his book Daniel said, “in the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me”  where we read,

In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.

The verse reads, “In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, …” Daniel began with the words, “in the third year” or “within year number three” “of the reign of king Belshazzar” which means “pertaining to the royal rule and kingly authority belonging to the royal ruler Belshazzar whose name means Bel protect the king” “a vision appeared unto me” or “an appearance or sighting was observed, considered and given attention to by me, Daniel”. Daniel shared how he received another “mental sighting” within year number three of “Belshazzar’s” rule within Babylon. 

The verse goes on to say, “… after that which appeared unto me at the first.” Daniel continued with the words, “after that which appeared unto me” or “following the vision that was given consideration” “at the first” which means “before or the initial vision”. Daniel shared how this “vision” followed the one he was initially given.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel that he received another “mental imagery” within the “third year” of the rule and kingly authority belonging to “Belshazzar”. We shall see what this mental imagery was in our next verses, but for now let us think about and marvel at the fact that God chose Daniel for such a special duty. In the first year of “Belshazzar” God gave Daniel a vision, and now in his third year, God was giving him another dream. Daniel had a beautiful relationship with God, and because God loves all of us and He is no respecter of persons (See Acts 10:34), we all have access to a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us as He supplies us with gifts and blessings according to His Divine purpose and will. 

Next time Daniel say, “I saw a vision, and it came to pass”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

The End of the Matter - Daniel 7:28

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him”, and in chapter seven and verse twenty-eight of his book Daniel shared about, “the end of the matter”  where we read,

Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

The verse reads, “Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me:” Daniel began with the words, “hitherto is the end” or “thus exists as the finality and conclusion” “of the matter” which means “pertaining to the dream and visions observed by Daniel”. “As for me Daniel” or “in consideration and observance within me, Daniel whose name means God is my judge”, “my cogitations much troubled me” which means “my, Daniel’s, mental conceptions and thoughts frightened, alarmed and dismayed me, Daniel”, “and my countenance changed in me” or “and my, Daniel’s, brightness, splendor and cheerfulness was transformed and altered within me, Daniel”. Daniel shared how his thoughts frightened him and his splendor and cheerfulness was altered. 

The verse continues, “but I kept the matter in my heart.” Daniel added the words, “but I kept the matter” or “however, nonetheless and notwithstanding I, Daniel, retained the word, utterance, command and affair” “in my heart” which means “within my, Daniel’s, soul and mind”. Daniel said even though his “thoughts and countenance” were frightened and altered, he retained the utterances he received within his soul and mind. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover how Daniel was greatly affected in his soul and mind by the dream, visions and interpretations given to him. God entrusted Daniel with these amazing prophesies, and we are the beneficiaries of him writing them down. God loves us, and He cares for us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of everyone. He raised Jesus from the dead after three days, and now everyone who believes and trusts in Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and entrusted with whatever He desires through His Holy Spirit and according to His eternal purposes and will.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Daniel say, “in the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".