Key Truth: God is sovereign over history limiting the suffering of and providing the means of redemption for His people even through the actions of the wicked.

Q: What is going on currently in our world that causes you concern?

“When the land through which we are on pilgrimage is in confusion, may we be so occupied during its storms, as to stand composed and grounded upon the faith of thy promises, until having discharged our warfare, we are gathered together into that happy rest, where we shall enjoy the fruit of our victory, in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Amen.”

John Calvin, Prayer for Daniel 8:2-7, A Commentary on Daniel

Daniel’s Second Vision (Part 1): Not Beasts, But Sacrificial Animals:

Daniel 8:1-7

“These are times of conquest and upheaval and demise. Nations seem to be both furious and fragile. And this is where the people of God have to live; this history is their address.”

Dale Ralph Davis, The Message of Daniel

Q: Are you praying for the leaders and the circumstances involved in the things that you are concerned about that are going on in our world?

Daniel’s Second Vision (Part 2): God Uses the Wicked:

Daniel 8:8-14:

“The rise and fall of these real historical nations, predicted accurately centuries ahead of time by the Lord through his prophets, remind us clearly who is directing the course of history. Earthly thrones and dominions come and go in a ceaseless round; only the kingdom of God is forever.”

Iain M. Duguid, Daniel: Reformed Expository Commentary

Q: Has God ever used sinful circumstances or someone who doesn’t believe to discipline you?

Daniel’s Second Vision Explained: God is Sovereign Over History

Daniel 8:15-27

“In his humanity, Daniel blanches at the suffering of a broken world and sinful people, but, with his understanding of his God’s ultimate triumph, Daniel deals with the day of evil without losing his faith. In fact, knowledge of the evil on earth that must be faced makes Daniel even more intent on understanding the God of eternity and also explains the prophet’s coming vision.”

Bryan Chapell, The Gospel According to Daniel: A Christ-Centered Approach

Q: How is your faith affected by the suffering of a broken world and sinful people? What drives you to seek to understand God and His word better?

Daniel 8:1-27 teaches us that:

-kings and kingdoms are but instruments in God’s hands for His glory

-God uses the wicked to discipline His people

-God is sovereign over and specifically at work in the midst of history

“We know that God will bring history to a conclusion. It has direction and purpose that is fully revealed in Christ. With such confidence, we can speak boldly and plainly to the darkness and something that those apart from God do not know or understand: God rules history in righteousness.”

Sinclair B. Ferguson, Daniel: The Communicator’s Commentary