Bible Commentary

Daniel 8:8

The Pulpit Commentary on Daniel 8:8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Therefore the he-goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. The two Greek versions differ from the Massoretic only in this—that the four horns are not mentioned as notable horns, but simply ἕτερα, "other."

The Peshitta agrees closely with the Massoretic. The Greek versions indicate that the reading they had before them was '"haroth instead of hazooth; hazooth has been borrowed from the fifth verse. The empire of Alexander had reached its greatest extent when the young conqueror fell a victim to what seems malarial fever, aggravated by his drinking.

His life was broken off before its legitimate conclusion. At his death there was great confusion. Perdiccas assumed the guardianship of the children of the conqueror, and attempted to succeed him in the empire.

After his death Antigonus in turn attempted to secure the imperial power, but was defeated and slain at the battle of Ipsus. The empire of Alexander was then divided into four main portions—Macedonia and Greece, under Cassander; Asia Minor, under Lysimachus; Syria and all the East, under Seleucus; and Cyrene, under Ptolemy.

In the two first of these there were several revolutions, but finally the Antigonids established themselves in Macedon, and the Attalids in Asia Minor.

Recommended reading

More for Daniel 8:8

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew Henry on Daniel 8:1-14Daniel 8:1-14 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryGod gives Daniel a foresight of the destruction of other kingdoms, which in their day were as powerful as that of Babylon. Could we foresee the changes that shall be when we are gone, we should be less affected with cha…The Vision of the Ram and Goat. (b. c. 553.)Daniel 8:1-14 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE VISION OF THE RAM AND GOAT. (B. C. 553.) Here is, I. The date of this vision, Daniel 8:1. It was in the third year of the reign of Belshazzar, which proved to be his last year, as many reckon; so that this chapter a…The Pulpit Commentary on Daniel 8:1-27Daniel 8:1-27 · The Pulpit CommentaryTHE RAM AND THE HE-GOAT This chapter marks the change from Aramaic to Hebrew. The character of the chapter is like that which immediately precedes it. It consists, like it, of the account of a vision, and the interpreta…The Pulpit Commentary on Daniel 8:1-27Daniel 8:1-27 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONThe Pulpit Commentary on Daniel 8:1-12Daniel 8:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe temporary triumph of violence. The good use of God's revelation leads to the impartation of further and clearer revelation. "To those who have, it shall be given." The former vision had well exercised Daniel's mind;…The Pulpit Commentary on Daniel 8:1-14Daniel 8:1-14 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe triumph of evil. I. THE DARK SIDE OF THE TRIUMPH OF EVIL. Evil is sometimes not only powerful, but ascendant and dominant, apparently sweeping all before it. 1. Evil is destructive. Kingdoms under the sway of evil b…
commentaryMatthew Henry on Daniel 8:1-14God gives Daniel a foresight of the destruction of other kingdoms, which in their day were as powerful as that of Babylon. Could we foresee the changes that shall be when we are gone, we should be less affected with cha…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Vision of the Ram and Goat. (b. c. 553.)THE VISION OF THE RAM AND GOAT. (B. C. 553.) Here is, I. The date of this vision, Daniel 8:1. It was in the third year of the reign of Belshazzar, which proved to be his last year, as many reckon; so that this chapter a…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Daniel 8:1-12The temporary triumph of violence. The good use of God's revelation leads to the impartation of further and clearer revelation. "To those who have, it shall be given." The former vision had well exercised Daniel's mind;…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Daniel 8:1-27THE RAM AND THE HE-GOAT This chapter marks the change from Aramaic to Hebrew. The character of the chapter is like that which immediately precedes it. It consists, like it, of the account of a vision, and the interpreta…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Daniel 8:1-14The triumph of evil. I. THE DARK SIDE OF THE TRIUMPH OF EVIL. Evil is sometimes not only powerful, but ascendant and dominant, apparently sweeping all before it. 1. Evil is destructive. Kingdoms under the sway of evil b…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Daniel 8:1-27EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors