Revelation A to Z - Part K - Daniel’s dreams
Four major powers struggling for control

As in school we have learned simple things first and gradually were progressing to more difficult, so it is with spiritual things, particularly with understanding God’s end time plans and purposes. For your own benefit, it is imperative that all “From A to Z - Revelation Made Plain” topics or posts would be read and studied in their chronological order, starting with “Part A” and progressing in alphabetical order. This way, your understanding of Revelation prophecies will progress from simple to more complex. Every week new part will be posted till complete understanding of Revelation is obtained.
This presentation is not affiliated with any church denomination or any Ministries.



Daniel in chapter 2 explained to king Nabuchadnezzar his dream and gave us a preview of powers or kingdoms that will emerge in the future. For them it was the future, but for us it is already the past. So, there should be no controversy in regard to what kingdoms or powers he was talking about. Yet even today, majority of Christians wrongly assume that Daniel presented to king only four major powers. That assumption is false. Daniel presented to him altogether six of them . Four of them have passed, the fifth one exists today, and for the sixth one we are still waiting. The statue contained five human kingdoms:

First kingdom - Head of gold - Babylonian empire
Dan 2:38: ... You are that head of gold.

Second kingdom - Chest of silver - Medo-Persian empire
Dan 2:39: "After you, another kingdom will rise, inferior to yours.

Third kingdom - Tights of bronze - Greek empire
Dan 2:39: ..... Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth.

Fourth kingdom - Legs of iron - Roman empire
Dan 2:40: Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron--for iron breaks and smashes everything--and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others.
The word “finally” is not in original manuscripts and was added by the translators, simply because they were under the wrong assumption that the legs of irons were the last kingdom same way as the vast majority of Christians are mistaken today. This fourth kingdom has fallen apart already long time ago. Out of its ashes has risen the fifth power - which is in existence today.

Fifth kingdom - Feet of clay mixed with iron - multitude of different nations (not an empire)
Dan 2:41- 43: Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay.
It is during the existence of this fifth kingdom (multitude of different nations) when the end time events will transpire and God’s kingdom will be establish. Daniel chapter 7 & 8 is giving us detailed explanation of what will be happening during the end of this fifth kingdom existence, just before Jesus’ return.

Sixth kingdom - rock cut out, but not by human hand - God’s kingdom
Dan 2:44: "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.

When we correctly interpret Daniel chapter 2, Daniel chapter 7 and 8 will present itself in its true light and will be much easier to understand correctly as well.


DANIEL chapter 7 & 8:
If we look at the two visions portrayed in Dan. ch.7 and 8 as Bible directs us, and we take God’s word as the deciding authority, then there shouldn’t be such a confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the end-time events today.
Bible clearly informs us, that both chapters must be looked at, from “the time of the end” perspective.
Gabriel’s words in 8th chapter are clear:
Dan 8:17 As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. "Son of man," he said to me, "understand that the vision concerns the time of the end."
I believe that it was for our benefit, because we are always too slow to understand when it comes to God’s word, that Gabriel stresses to Daniel one more time when the entire vision will come to pass.
Dan 8:19: He said: "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.
Right after he stresses the importance of the time of the end when the vision will come to pass, Gabriel starts with the two horned ram representing the kings of Media and Persia. He does not refer to historical Medo- Persian kingdom, that way he would make himself a liar, but continues in conviction that Daniel is now aware that all vision concerns the distant future - the time of the end.

When will be fulfilled the vision in Daniel chapter 7 is not so obvious, however, Daniel gave us enough hints to figure it out.
1) Before he writes the content of his second vision in ch.8, he informs us that his second vision is similar to the first one shown in 7th chapter. For the two visions to be similar, means only, that both of them have to pertain to the same time period.

2) In the beginning of 7th chapter, Daniel gave us couple of clues as well:
Dan 7:2: Daniel said: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea.
To understand what he is talking about, we must first know what the four winds represent and what the great sea stands for.
In the “Part F” of Revelation A to Z studies we have gained clear understanding of the four winds. They are four forces ( politico- military, economic, religious and forces of nature) controlled by four angels. They will play major role when they are released in the time of the end.
What the great sea stands for?
Rev 17:15: Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.
Great sea or many waters represent multitudes of nations and people.
When Daniel in his dream see four winds churning up the great sea of nations and people, it must be in the time period when these four winds are being released. Any time before, they could not be churning the nations and the multitude of people for two simple facts:

1) In our distant history (2500 years ago) there were no multitude of nations or people. Therefore the great sea of people did not exist yet.
2) For four winds to be able to churn the great sea ( multitude of nations and people) these four winds must be released first or at least in the process of imminent release.

When are these four winds released?
Rev 7:1-3: After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God."
From the book of Revelation we understand the meaning of the four winds. They pertain to the time of the end. Prior to the end-time period, these four winds have been restrained. When Daniel saw them churning up the great sea (multitudes of nations and people), these winds must have been released! Since they are released in the time of the end, the above statement pinpoints precisely the time of the vision fulfillment.

3) Following, is to me another indication that the vision in 7th chapter belongs to our time. The symbols given to Daniel in that vision were not explained! Only that they are kingdoms (nations, powers.) Even so it is not mentioned, chapter 7 was sealed by God the simplest way man could imagine. The vision was sealed just by leaving the symbols unexplained. Anyone could fill in whatever they choose, it would be always wrong, until the time, when these powers would be generally known by the symbols Bible portrayed! Only time could unseal them!
Which nation is known today by the symbol of an eagle? If we are not too sure, which nation flies the skies on wings of an eagle or like a soaring eagle? September 11th 2001 did not tore off the eagles wings yet. That will come later.
Which nation or nations are symbolized by the lion and which one is the bear? Do we need today a detailed explanation of them?

If not, then we have arrived at the time of their fulfillment!

DANIEL chapter 7:
Dan.7:1-28: In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.
2 Daniel said: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea.
3 Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.
4 "The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it.
5 "And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, 'Get up and eat your fill of flesh!'
6 "After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
7 "After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast--terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.
8 "While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.
9 "As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
11 "Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.
12 (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)
13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.
14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
15 "I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me.
16 I approached one of those standing there and asked him the true meaning of all this. "So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things:
17 'The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth.
18 But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever--yes, for ever and ever.'
19 "Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws--the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left.
20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell--the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully.
21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them,
22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.
23 "He gave me this explanation: 'The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.
24 The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.
25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.
26 "'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.
27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'
28 "This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself."

DANIEL chapter 8:
Dan.8:1-27: In the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, I, Daniel, had a vision, after the one that had already appeared to me.
2 In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal.
3 I looked up, and there before me was a ram with two horns, standing beside the canal, and the horns were long. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later.
4 I watched the ram as he charged toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and none could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great.
5 As I was thinking about this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground.
6 He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and charged at him in great rage.
7 I saw him attack the ram furiously, striking the ram and shattering his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him; the goat knocked him to the ground and trampled on him, and none could rescue the ram from his power.
8 The goat became very great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.
9 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land.
10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them.
11 It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low.
12 Because of rebellion, the host of the saints and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.
13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, "How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled--the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?"
14 He said to me, "It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated."
15 While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there before me stood one who looked like a man.
16 And I heard a man's voice from the Ulai calling, "Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision."
17 As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. "Son of man," he said to me, "understand that the vision concerns the time of the end."
18 While he was speaking to me, I was in a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and raised me to my feet.
19 He said: "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.
20 The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.
21 The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king.
22 The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.
23 "In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise.
24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people.
25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.
26 "The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future."
27 I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.



Christian believers in general, place interpretation of Daniel's prophecies into a historical setting:

• lion with eagles wings - Babylonian Empire
• bear - Medo-Persian Empire
• leopard - Greek Empire
• fourth beast - Roman Empire
• ram - Medo-Persian Empire
• goat - Greek Empire
• first king - Alexander the Great

When carefully examining the prophecies in these two chapters of Daniel, we can find several discrepancies indicating that something other than historical fulfillment must be locked inside them.

1st discrepancy:
In Dan.7:1 we read: "In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream ..." Then Dan.7:3: "Four great beasts, each different from the others came up out of the sea." Finally in Dan.7:17 we read: "The four great beasts are four kingdoms that WILL rise from the earth."
Notice that Daniel had this dream in the first year reign of Belshazzar king of Babylon. It is approximately thirteen years before the Babylonian kingdom ceased to exist. Yet the one who gave Daniel the interpretation of the vision distinctly specified, that these four beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. Notice the future tense. It applies to all four of them.
But in the historical interpretation Christian world claims, that the first beast looking like a lion represents the departing Babylonian kingdom. Not according to the one, who interpreted the dream to Daniel. While the glory of the Babylonian Kingdom was on the way out and Medo-Persian Empire was ready to take over the world affairs, the one who interpreted the dream to Daniel, still points even to the first beast - lion with eagles wings, as the one that will sometime in the future rise from the earth.

2nd discrepancy:
Dan.7:4: "The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it.
Tearing of the eagles wings and standing up like a man cannot refer to the king Nebuchadnezzar as many claim. Daniel would not prophecy about something what already has happened. It would not be a prophesying but reiterating their history. When Daniel received his dream described in chapter seven king Nebuchadnezzar was already dead and a new king took his place. Therefore the lion with eagles wings cannot represent the Babylonian empire, but must represent something in the future.

3rd discrepancy:
Dan.7:11-12: "Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)"
These two verses indicate that the four beasts will be contemporaries. All of them will still exist when the beast will be slain and thrown into the blazing fire. At that time, they will be stripped of their authority, but will be allowed to live for a period of time (for 1000 years). Verse 11 and 12 is in contradiction with historical interpretation already for the second time. The first beast - Babylonian Kingdom, the second - Medo-Persian Empire, the third - Greek Empire as majority of believers interpret them are long ago gone and do not exist today. Neither were they allowed to live for a period of time, when the successive power overturned them. Their existence ended abruptly at that time. Therefore, the historical interpretation cannot be the correct one!

4th discrepancy:
In Dan.ch.7, the fourth beast which is historically interpreted as the Roman Empire, ceased to exist more than a thousand years ago as well.
The modern countries of Europe which some consider as today's modern Roman Empire, are as much an empire as Greece is the Greek Empire and Iran and Iraq is Babylonian Empire. We can see that not only some, but all four beasts must somehow come to existence in the time of the end, to fully comply with Dan. 7:11-12.

5th discrepancy:
When Daniel in ch.8 saw the vision, in verse 16 we are told that it was the mighty angel "Gabriel" who explained to him its understanding.
In verse 17 we read: "Son of Man, he said to me, "understand that the vision concerns the time of the end."
The historical interpretation can hardly qualify. Would you call the time of the two-horned ram (Medo-Persian Empire) around 400 B.C. the time of the end? Or the time of the goat (Greek Empire) around 300 B.C. the time of the end? We would label it more like the time of the beginning, rather then the end! Was Gabriel mistaken when he explained the vision to Daniel? Certainly not!
He repeats this claim in verse 19 again: He said: "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of WRATH, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.”
Then in the verse 26, for the third time, he stresses to seal up the vision, because it concerns the distant future.
Now, if Gabriel insists and is certain that the vision is for the time of the end, then it must be us, who are mistaken and confused regarding the proper interpretation and understanding of Daniel chapter 8!

God's word is more trustworthy than all human wisdom combined. In this study we will take to our hearts the words of angel Gabriel and we will reexamine the 7th and the 8th chapters of Daniel. We will see if we can harmonize its understanding with all the requirements the Bible places on the fulfillment of these prophecies rather then just with some, as does the historical interpretation.


In Dan.8:1, we read: "In the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, I, Daniel, had a vision, after the one that had already appeared to me.” The Living Bible gives us clearer meaning. Quote: “I had another dream similar to the first.”
When the NIV translates that Daniel had a vision after the one that had already appeared to him, it does not mean that it happened two years after - even so it did. The main meaning stresses that this vision is similar to his previous one. In other words: Daniel chapter7 and Daniel chapter 8, are two visions closely related to each other in content. If Daniel ch.8 relates to the end time events, then Daniel ch.7 must relate to this time as well!
Verse 2: " In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea."
What is the great sea?
Rev.17:15 Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.
In the previous posts we have learned the meaning of the four winds. We know that they are playing an important role in the time of the end. Since we now know that the prophecies of Dan.ch.7 relate to the end also, we should not be surprised that Daniel speaks about these four winds as well. He sees them released from restrain and churning great sea of people.
Verse 3: "Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea."
Now, when we realize that these four powers relate to the end time events, the word "sea" gains more important meaning. Today, there is truly a sea of people on this earth. This wasn't the case 2500 years ago.
Verse 4: "The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it."
If the Bible itself does not explain who the lion, bear, leopard and the fourth beast is, it does not mean that we can fill in whatever we like. They are not explained only because in the time of fulfillment of these prophecies at least some of the symbols will be known.
Could we find such a beast (power) in existence today? Who is, in these days, symbolized by the lion with eagles wings?
Notice that this single beast (power, kingdom) is composed from two different parts. First part is a lion and the second part are eagles wings. Both form one united beast (power). Therefore this power must consist from at least two segments or nations, yet both these nations or powers are here considered as one beast. There can be only one explanation for this. These two powers must have been somehow united.
In Europe there are several countries which carry the lion as a national emblem. One of the prominent is Great Britain. Now, who could be the one, who has eagle's wings? We all know that United States is the major country that carries as its symbol, the eagle! Could the first beast represent the United States with their European allies? Could this lion with eagles wings represent today's western alliance known as "NATO"? If not, then the lion with eagles wings must most certainly represent the two most powerful countries in the world today!

Great Britain with the United States!

Fascinating is, that one of them originated in the past from the other!

Verse 5: "And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear."
It shouldn't be hard for us to figure out who the second beast represents today. Everyone knows that the name "bear" is associated with:

Russia

Let us pause here for a while, and see, what chapter 8 has in store for us: In verse 3 Daniel saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal.
In verse 20, we are given this explanation: “The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.”
Which countries today are located on the territory of kings of Media and Persia? Could these two horns of the ram represent two countries in this locality? Could they be Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan or some other country in the Middle East? What we know as Iran today, not too long ago was officially called "Persia".

Dan.8:5-6: "As I was thinking about this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and charged at him in great rage."
The explanation of the goat is given to us in verse 21: "The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king."
In the time of Daniel the nation of Greece or for that matter the Greek Empire didn't exist yet. Neither the original manuscripts mention the nation of Greece. Correct translation should read “Yavan”. In his day the word carried slightly different meaning. It signified most western people or civilization at that time. It pointed to western people or western empire (power). For that reason, in the time of the end, we have to consider the goat to signify the same thing. We must view it as a western power or western people rather than as the nation of Greece.
If we consider the goat as western people or power (this is what the original word “Yavan” meant in Daniel's time), with the large horn as the United States, being the first king in prominence, rather than in succession; precisely as the Bible suggests in verse 5: (being a prominent horn), we can see that this power would truly have to cross the whole earth without touching the ground. The United States would have only two alternatives: get there by ships, or in the air.
Let’s review the symbols:

• lion with eagles wings - Great Britain (or European Allies) with United States
• bear - Russia
• ram with two horns - two nations in the Middle East (most likely Iran and Iraq)
• Goat with prominent horn - Great Britain (or western power) with United States leading
• 1st king - first in prominence, importance, not in succession

In these days verse 5 and 6 of Daniel chapter 8 is establishing itself as a fact, because it became in the last few years our most recent history!
Sept. 11th 2001 was the date when the goat - United States and Great Britain got angry. Not too long after, they attacked Afghanistan. Year and half later they attacked Iraq. If Afghanistan does not count as the first horn of the ram which is being attacked, then Iraq must be that first horn. It means then, that the second horn of the ram will be attacked sometime soon! Will it be Iran?

We are seeing the beginning of the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecies right in front of our eyes!

Yet, there is no pastor, minister or priest who would be teaching and explaining these things to you. How many of them, are warning you of impending destruction?In Dan.ch.7, it is the lion with eagles wings who is first involved in the turmoil of the end time events! They are the Great Britain with United States in head (goat with prominent horn). Is it only a coincidence that they were the two countries ( lion - Great Britain and eagles wings - United States) who started the Middle East conflict after Sept. 11th 2001?

Notice the conditions they had to meet:
1) They had to get angry first: On Sept. 11th 2001, terrorists attacked United States. They woke up a country, up to that time peaceful and content, to instant rage, ready to declare war on the whole world.
2) Goat must have prominent horn: Western people must be led by some very prominent power - United States.
3) They must cross the whole earth: They must originate on the opposite side of the globe. Only United States could fulfill this condition.
4) They are crossing it without touching the ground: United States and Great Britain got there by using ships and planes - truly without touching the ground. (Alexander the Great marched across the land!)
5) They must shatter the two horns: The power (government) of these two countries (two horns of the ram) must be destroyed. That is exactly what they did so far. They removed and destroyed Iraq’s government.

The Bible tells us, that this goat (western power) will charge the ram in great rage and shatter his two horns. It is in great anger, that western nations retaliate and destroy or punish eventually two countries in the Middle East.I believe that this part of the vision is already happening. It is presently in the process of fulfilment.
If the first horn was not Afghanistan in 2001, than Iraq in 2003 most certainly was. If Iraq is only the first horn, then the second horn will be attacked soon. If Afghanistan by any chance was the first horn, than Iraq was the second, and we are in the process of fulfillment of the end time prophecies farther ahead than I expected.

At this point, the book of Daniel starts to identify itself with the book of Revelation! In Rev.9:14, we are told, that it will be at the great river Euphrates, where the four angels will be released from holding the four winds. Exactly the same place, where the goat is charging in great rage! Is it only a coincidence? Dan.8:7-8, informs us, that this western power with U.S. in charge will be successful and no one will rescue the ram from their power. Because of this victory the goat will become very great. The pride of the U.S. as a great superpower will be demonstrated to the world for the last time.
When the large horn (U.S.) is at his height, (most likely after few years) this large horn will be broken off. Here is presented the end of the United States as the number one power controlling the world. Notice in Dan.8:8, that it is not the entire goat who is destroyed, only the large horn will be broken off!
Dan.7:4 tells us the same thing! It is not the entire lion beast that is destroyed, only the eagles wings are torn off! Both chapters speak about the same power being torn off!
The United States power will somehow come to an end. Will U.S. be destroyed? And if yes then how?
Could we have in the last few months glimpse on eventual economic collapse of United States?
Also Dan.7:5 may possibly give us a clue how the eagles wings will be finally torn off. Verse 5 shows a bear, raised on one of its sides, having three ribs in its mouth between its teeth.
It was told: "Get up and eat your fill of flesh!"

Second power involved in the end time conflict will be Russia!

Is it possible that here we are shown how the terrible destruction will come to pass, how the counterfeit battle of Armageddon or as Bible names it, "Anger of the nations" will happen?
Bear is the second power involved in partial destruction of the earth. If the bear will be responsible for tearing of the eagles wings, or breaking the prominent horn of the goat (United States), we do not know, because Bible does not specify what or who will cause it.
Here we are only given an idea how the second woe or the partial destruction of our planet will be accomplished. It is my opinion, that the expression "eat your fill of flesh" suggests a great massacre. With the knowledge from Rev.ch.9, that one third of mankind will be killed, here in Daniel we have a close up of how it will be done. I think, that the bear with three ribs in his mouth does not represent Russia in skirmish with three of its satellite or neighboring countries, but rather depicts the bear in conflict with three other important powers! Most likely the western power as one of them and the Arabic or Islamic as the other. Could the third be from the far East (China)?
When the western power has accomplished its purpose by attacking two countries in the Middle East, close by the river Euphrates, (this part is already partly fulfilled) their victory is great, but short lived. Possibly few years after , the bear (Russia) gets somehow involved in the same dispute. This rapidly escalates into a large conflict between four military powers. I believe, that it is during this conflict when United States loses its dominant power in the world.

Let's review briefly what we have learned so far:
We have learned in Revelation that the four winds will be held in check until God’s servants are sealed. When they are released, destruction soon follows. Third of mankind will be killed. The book of Daniel gives us a close-up of this event. At the beginning of it, the goat (western power) with the prominent horn (United States) in great anger attacks two horns of the ram (two countries in the vicinity of the river Euphrates). It is a sudden and a rapid attack. They do not touch the ground, suggesting an air attack. This western power demolishes the two horns, and U.S. once more rises in its pride, prestige and power. Some time later the bear (Russia) will get in a dispute with three other military powers. I believe that it will escalate into a nuclear conflict, in which part of the planet will be ruined. Today the major superpowers have so many nuclear weapons, that the earth should be destroyed several times over, rather than only one third of it. Could it be, that someone will stop this madness? Could someone step in between these warring powers and bring them back to their senses? It would have to be someone with enough influence behind him, to mediate a cease-fire. I do not know if it will be someone, or the warring powers will realize it themselves. Bible is here silent on this point. The next paragraph is only my speculation.
I can think of one prominent figure, who could accomplish it:
Some powerful religious leader, most likely Satan’s emissary imitating second return of Christ and pretending to save the world. Rev.6:2 tells us in the first seal, that the rider on a white horse rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. Notice that he will receive a crown and will be conquering! As this religious leader mediates peace, there are no winners among the four warring powers. The only winner will be the religious figure himself. As the one who will save the world from total annihilation, this super-leader, and with him the church, will quickly and without any force become the major power and influence in the world’s affairs.
Dan.ch.7 & 8 are telling us, that the large horn is broken, or the eagles wings are torn off. If the United States will be destroyed or only lose their power in the world affairs I am not sure. One thing is however certain: When the eagles wings are torn off, there is no more mentioning in the Bible of this power being involved later in the final conflict; while the bear, the lion and the leopard are involved heavily.
Dan.7:4 "The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it.
Here we are given another important information. When the wings are torn off (when US loses its power), it is from the lion power (western power) that the Antichrist will arise.

When the United States ceases to be the dominating power in the world, in his stead,
Dan.8:8: "Four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven."
As I have mentioned, when temporary peace is mediated, there are no winners among the four warring powers. Everyone lost a great deal. Now when peace is mediated, there is a compromise. All four powers involved in the conflict ( bear plus the three ribs) start sharing in the affairs of the world, rather then only one of them.
That is why Dan.8:8 states: "Four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven."
In Daniel chapter 7, verse 6, the Bible portrays it like this:
"After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule."
After the bear tackles the three ribs (after Russia gets engaged with three other powers) new power will emerge. - joint cooperation and rule of all these four powers involved in the conflict.

Leopard beast will be formed

The reason why we do not know precisely who will form the leopard beast power is quite simple. This power is not in existence yet! At this time, we can only be certain, that it will be a Quad - Alliance. This four power alliance will be formed shortly after the partial destruction portrayed in the sixth trumpet. It will take place between the second and the third woe.


As time goes by, instead of the situation becoming better, the living conditions on this earth will deteriorate. In Rev.ch.6, in the Seals, we are told that great famines and serious economic troubles will follow the destruction.
Dan.8:23:"In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise.”
This verse indicates that the leopard will reign for some time, before the fourth beast power will be formed.
This is the time period between the two woes (judgments). It is during this period, those who ate the book open in angel’s hand, will prophesy again, and will warn the remaining inhabitants of the coming of God’s wrath! On the end of it, the last two witnesses will prophesy and persecution of believers will take place. (Rev.ch.11)

As time progresses and the situation worsens, the coalition of these four powers (symbolic leopard beast) will see a need to form a World Government to cope with the deteriorating conditions.
"After that, in my vision at night, I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast - terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.” (Dan.7:7)
In Dan.7:23-24 we read: "He gave me this explanation: "The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from his kingdom.”
The ten nations will be the military power backing the newly formed beast power. These ten nations most likely from necessity of survival, will compel by the use of force, the unwilling nations to join the fourth beast power

the One World Government.

Conclusion:
The entire fulfillment of Daniel chapter 7 & 8 will transpire in the time of the end, precisely as angel Gabriel stressed twice to Daniel. It will take place in the transition period between the years 1995 and 2034 A.D. As a matter of fact, it has already started. In the last few years, directly in front of our eyes we are witnessing their fulfillment.
The angel spoke the truth when he said that the scroll is sealed till the time of the end.
Dan 12:4: But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."
Even today, for the vast majority of Christian believers the scroll of Daniel is sealed book and the words are closed up to them. They do not understand it correctly, because they prefer to adhere to the historical explanation of Daniel 7 & 8 taught and believed by majority of Christian denominations for many centuries. That by itself should alert the serious seeker for truth to the fact that the historical interpretation must be false. Since the angel stressed that the scroll of Daniel is sealed till the time of the end, how can the historical understanding of it taught for so many centuries be the true understanding of these Daniel’s visions? Either the angel lied to Daniel in regard of the scroll being sealed till the time of the end, or the vast majority of believers are clinging today to false interpretation of them.
Correct understanding of Revelation opens the way to proper understanding of visions in Daniel.
Why so few believers will understand the Revelation and the book of Daniel correctly, the Bible explained to us as well.
Rev 1:1: The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.
Notice that what must soon take place will not be shown to everyone, but is to be shown by God only to His servants.
Does the Bible identify precisely who are the God’s servants?
Rev 7:3-4: "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
Only these will have the true understanding of the end time events before they actually begin. Many of the Christians will side with the 144000 and start believing them only after the partial destruction of the earth and its inhabitants transpire. Multitude of lukewarm believers will remain at that time on the side of large religious denominations and will stay deceived till the end. Who exactly are these 144000 will be studied in some future post.

Your friend in Jesus
HH