Gabriel Interprets Daniel’s Vision

March 17, 2013 Background Scripture: Daniel 8 Lesson Passage: Daniel 8:1, 15 – 26 As I have written in previous Sunday School notes, the Book of Daniel is an important key to help unlock the mystery contained in other prophetic writings. In the Book of Daniel, visions and dreams are interpreted such that symbols and images are explained in detail. These same symbols and images are used in other writings. The interpretation of Daniel’s visions and dreams, coupled with the context in which these symbols and images are used in other writings, make it clear that they are being used in similar fashion. The horns of a ram or goat often represent earthly kings and rulers. The damage and domination exerted by these creatures often depict the nature and character of the kingdoms these rulers reign over. It is not clear why God chooses to use obscure visions and beasts to communicate through prophets, but we can certainly be grateful that God also provides an interpretation sufficient to provide guidance and hope. As we consider today’s lesson, Gabriel is introduced to us as a messenger of God who is sent forth to provide the interpretation of the vision God gave to Daniel. Gabriel is always presented in the bible as a messenger who God sends to mankind with a limited but very specific message. The other named angel is Michael who is always depicted as a warring angel. Both Gabriel and Michael are presented in the Old Testament and the New Testament as being actively involved in the affairs of people who are servants of God. God has communicated throughout time in many different manners with various persons. The book of Daniel gives us a peek into the spiritual world where angels are sent by God to provide support to those who are His servants. In today’s lesson, He chooses to use Gabriel to provide Daniel an interpretation of a vision he has received showing the actions of a ram and a he goat with horns that have notable features. Although the vision appears to be short and rather concise based on the manner it is presented in the scriptures, the interpretation shows that it covers hundreds of years of time. During that time span, rulers and their kingdoms rise and are eventually overthrown by succeeding rulers. There are several noteworthy points to be considered here. First, God knows the future quite clearly even before it unfolds. In fact, God knows a man’s actions even before he is born. Secondly, no matter who is in charge at any given time, God already knows who will replace him. Thirdly, just as God knows who will do what when, He sits above it all and ultimately decides what will be allowed to happen and what will not be allowed. Today’s lesson is a reminder that God is always in control. Not only does He know what we have done, but He also knows what we intend to do as well as what He will allow us to do. Finally, we are reminded that God will sometimes allow a person to know the details of future events that may be far beyond that person’s physical existence in this world. Therefore, when we have concerns about the future—especially when God has given us a notion of what will unfold—we can rest assured that if we seek God, He can provide us with the insight we desire irrespective of the time in which things may occur. Robert C. Hudson March 11, 2013