Daniel 8:7

KJV

And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I saw {H7200} him come {H5060} close unto {H681} the ram {H352}, and he was moved with choler {H4843} against him, and smote {H5221} the ram {H352}, and brake {H7665} his two {H8147} horns {H7161}: and there was no power {H3581} in the ram {H352} to stand {H5975} before {H6440} him, but he cast him down {H7993} to the ground {H776}, and stamped {H7429} upon him: and there was none that could deliver {H5337} the ram {H352} out of his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I watched as it advanced on the ram, filled with rage against it, and struck the ram, breaking its two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against it. It threw the ram to the ground and trampled it down, and there was no one that could rescue it from the goat's power.

Berean Standard Bible

I saw him approach the ram in a rage against him, and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him, and the goat threw him to the ground and trampled him, and no one could deliver the ram from his power.

American Standard Version

And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with anger against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns; and there was no power in the ram to stand before him; but he cast him down to the ground, and trampled upon him; and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:7 powerfully depicts a pivotal moment in prophetic history, illustrating the swift and brutal conquest of the Medo-Persian Empire (symbolized by the two-horned ram) by the Grecian Empire (represented by the male goat). The verse describes the goat's furious assault, resulting in the ram's horns being broken, its utter inability to resist, and its complete subjugation, emphasizing the overwhelming and irreversible nature of the victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:7 is a critical point within Daniel's second major vision, following the four-beast vision of [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Vision of the Four Beasts"). This chapter focuses specifically on the empires that would immediately precede and follow the Medo-Persian Empire, namely Greece. The vision begins with Daniel seeing a ram with two horns (verses 3-4), symbolizing Media and Persia. The narrative then introduces a male goat from the west (verse 5), which is later explicitly identified as the kingdom of Greece and its first great king, Alexander the Great ([Daniel 8:21](/daniel/8-21 "Daniel 8:21 - The Goat is Greece")). Verse 7 details the climactic confrontation between these two symbolic powers, portraying the decisive and devastating defeat of the ram by the goat, setting the stage for the goat's subsequent rise to immense power and its eventual fragmentation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Daniel 8, particularly verse 7, is a remarkably precise prophecy of events that would unfold approximately two centuries after Daniel's time. The Medo-Persian Empire, which was the dominant world power during Daniel's lifetime, would eventually be conquered by the emerging power of Greece. This conquest culminated in Alexander the Great's campaigns, most notably the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC, which marked the definitive end of Persian supremacy. The imagery of the ram being "moved with choler" and "stamped upon" reflects the historical reality of Alexander's swift, aggressive, and overwhelming military campaigns that left the Persian Empire utterly shattered and unable to recover. The "two horns" of the ram represent the dual nature of the Medo-Persian empire, with Persia eventually becoming dominant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over human history, demonstrating God's meticulous control over the rise and fall of empires. The detailed nature of the prophecy, centuries before its fulfillment, highlights that God is not merely an observer but the orchestrator of world events, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Prophetic Accuracy and Reliability**, showcasing the unerring precision of God's word. The vivid and brutal description of the ram's defeat accurately foretells the historical conquest, reinforcing the trustworthiness of all divine revelation. Lastly, it illustrates the theme of **Decisive Overthrow and the Transience of Earthly Power**. The complete lack of "power in the ram to stand" and its utter subjugation serve as a powerful reminder that even the mightiest human kingdoms are temporary and can be decisively brought down by God's appointed instruments, preparing the way for His ultimate, eternal kingdom ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **choler (Hebrew, _mârar'_):** This word (H4843) fundamentally means "to be bitter" or "to make bitter." In this context, "moved with choler" conveys an intense, bitter rage, fury, or fierce indignation. It highlights the extreme aggression and relentless determination with which the Grecian power (the male goat) attacked the Medo-Persian Empire (the ram), indicating a conquest driven by overwhelming force and a complete lack of mercy or restraint.
* **power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** This term (H3581) signifies vigor, force, strength, or ability. The phrase "no power in the ram to stand before him" indicates a complete and utter lack of capacity to resist, defend, or maintain its position. It emphasizes the absolute superiority of the aggressor and the total debilitation of the victim, illustrating a conquest so thorough that no strength remained for counteraction or even self-preservation.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand" (H3027), this word is richly idiomatic, often signifying power, dominion, control, or means. The phrase "none that could deliver the ram out of his hand" powerfully conveys the aggressor's absolute control and the victim's complete lack of any external or internal means of escape or rescue. It underscores the finality and totality of the conquest, where the defeated empire was entirely at the mercy of its conqueror, with no hope of intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw him come close unto the ram":** Daniel, in his vision, observes the male goat approaching the ram, setting the scene for the impending confrontation. This signifies the direct and inevitable clash between the two world powers.
* **"and he was moved with choler against him":** The male goat, representing Greece, is depicted as filled with intense fury and aggression towards the ram (Medo-Persia). This highlights the fierce determination and relentless military drive of Alexander the Great and his forces.
* **"and smote the ram, and brake his two horns":** The goat's attack is swift and decisive. "Smote" indicates a violent blow, and "brake his two horns" symbolizes the complete shattering of the Medo-Persian Empire's power and dominion, represented by its two ruling entities (Media and Persia).
* **"and there was no power in the ram to stand before him":** This clause emphasizes the utter helplessness and inability of the Medo-Persian Empire to resist the Grecian onslaught. Its military and political strength were completely neutralized.
* **"but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him":** The imagery here is one of complete humiliation and subjugation. The ram is not just defeated but utterly prostrated and trampled, signifying the total collapse and degradation of the once-mighty empire.
* **"and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand":** This final phrase underscores the absolute finality of the conquest. No external force or internal resilience could save the Medo-Persian Empire from the overwhelming power and dominion of the Grecian conqueror.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:7 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the ram and goat represent powerful empires, allowing complex geopolitical realities to be conveyed through vivid animal imagery. The description employs **Vivid Imagery** ("moved with choler," "smote," "brake his two horns," "cast him down," "stamped upon him") to paint a dramatic and visceral picture of the violent and decisive conquest, making the prophetic message impactful and memorable. The **Personification** of the empires as animals engaging in battle lends a dynamic, almost human-like quality to the conflict, making the abstract concept of imperial warfare more relatable. Furthermore, the language used to describe the ram's defeat ("no power...to stand," "none that could deliver") employs a form of **Hyperbole** or extreme language to emphasize the absolute and irreversible nature of the victory, underscoring the completeness of the Medo-Persian Empire's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:7 serves as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human history. The detailed and precise nature of this prophecy, delivered centuries before its fulfillment, unequivocally demonstrates that God is not merely aware of future events but actively orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His divine purpose. This vision assures believers that even amidst the chaotic ebb and flow of geopolitical power, there is an unchanging divine hand guiding all things toward His ultimate ends. It reveals that earthly kingdoms, no matter how mighty, are transient and subject to God's will, ultimately paving the way for the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This understanding should inspire both awe at God's power and confidence in His unfailing plan for redemption and justice.

* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic imagery of Daniel 8:7, depicting the decisive overthrow of one seemingly invincible empire by another, offers profound lessons for believers today. In a world often characterized by political instability, shifting global powers, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse reminds us that God remains firmly on His throne, actively governing the affairs of humanity. We are called to look beyond the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms and to place our ultimate trust in the enduring and eternal kingdom of God. This should cultivate a deep sense of peace and security, knowing that even when human leaders fail or nations rise and fall, God's purposes will ultimately prevail. Furthermore, the accuracy of this prophecy should bolster our faith in the reliability of God's Word, encouraging us to diligently study and apply its truths to our lives, living with confidence in His faithfulness and preparing for the coming of His perfect reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **In what ways does understanding God's sovereignty over empires impact your perspective on current global events?**
* **How can the transience of earthly power, as depicted here, motivate you to invest in eternal things rather than temporary ones?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live with greater trust in God's ultimate control, even amidst uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**Who do the ram and the goat in Daniel 8 represent?**

Answer: In Daniel's vision, the symbolism is explicitly interpreted later in the chapter. The ram with two horns represents the kingdoms of Media and Persia, as stated in [Daniel 8:20](/daniel/8-20 "Daniel 8:20 - Interpretation of the Ram"). The male goat, which comes from the west and has a prominent horn, represents the kingdom of Greece, and its "first king" refers to Alexander the Great, as explained in [Daniel 8:21](/daniel/8-21 "Daniel 8:21 - Interpretation of the Goat"). This prophetic vision accurately foretold the conquest of the Medo-Persian Empire by Alexander's Grecian forces.

**How accurate was this prophecy in Daniel 8:7 historically?**

Answer: The prophecy in Daniel 8:7 proved to be remarkably accurate in its historical fulfillment. Approximately two centuries after Daniel's time, Alexander the Great, leading the Grecian forces, launched a swift and devastating campaign against the vast Medo-Persian Empire. His military prowess and aggressive tactics, symbolized by the goat's "choler" and decisive actions, led to a rapid and complete overthrow of Persian power. Battles like Issus (333 BC) and Gaugamela (331 BC) saw the "breaking of the two horns" and the complete inability of the Persian Empire to "stand before him," leading to its utter subjugation and stamping out, just as the prophecy described. The historical record confirms the total dominance of Greece and the end of Persian rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 8:7 directly concerns the geopolitical shift from Medo-Persia to Greece, its underlying theological themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The decisive overthrow of the ram by the goat foreshadows Christ's ultimate and decisive victory over all opposing powers. Just as the ram had "no power...to stand before him" and "none that could deliver" it from the goat's hand, humanity was utterly powerless to deliver itself from the dominion of sin and death. However, Jesus, the true Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), came not to be overcome but to overcome. His death on the cross and triumphant resurrection represent the ultimate "smiting" of the powers of darkness, breaking the "horns" of Satan's dominion ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). He "cast down" the accuser and "stamped upon" the head of the serpent, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). Furthermore, the finality of the ram's defeat points to the absolute nature of Christ's victory; those who are "in His hand" are eternally secure, and "no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand" ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Thus, Daniel 8:7, in its depiction of divine sovereignty and decisive conquest, ultimately points to the greater, eternal victory achieved by Christ, establishing His kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 11:11

And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, [even] with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.

Daniel 7:7

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

Joshua 8:20

And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers.

Leviticus 26:37

And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.