An angel is then sent to Daniel to interpret the dream. Note that the angel looked like a man. It is only in Daniel in the Old Testament that angels have names.
Gabriel tells him that the vision concerns the "time of the end". Now this does not necessarily mean it concerns only the very end of times. It could refer to the question asked in verse 13. I would take it have both this latter meaning, ie concerning the events in history that were about to be outlined, and prefiguring the sorts of things that will happen at the very end.
We are then told explicitly that the ram represents Medo-Persia and the goat represents Greece. Then the four horns represent the development of the Greek kingdom with less power.
Finally there will be an increase in evil and one will come who is a master of intrigue but also incredibly evil. He will have demonic power behind him. His kingdom will be built on lies and pride. He will be defeated, but not by human power. This is the picture of things given in the New Testament of an increase in evil.
Verse 26 tells Daniel that the vision concerns far off events.
Daniel was appalled at the vision.
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