Series of visions given to Daniel tell him of events in the future
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Daniel, like Joseph who was sold into Egypt, was given ability to interpret dreams and to reveal the future.
Chapters 7-12 in the book of Daniel deal with a series of four visions:
- Vision of the four beasts and the Ancient of days - Chapter 7, using the symbolism of four beasts, shows how, at the end, the worldly kingdoms will give way to the kingdom of God.- Vision of the ram and the he-goat - In chapter 8, the rams are believed by scholars to represent the Medes and Persians; the he-goat represents Greece, who would overrun and subdue them.
- Vision of the seventy weeks - In Dan. 9:25-26 are recorded the only two times the word "Messiah" appears in the Old Testament. In these verses Gabriel reveals the time of the coming of the Messiah. Joseph Smith explained that Gabriel is Noah. (History of the Church 3:386.)
- Vision of the future history, including the latter days - Chapters 11 and 12 contain an account of the vision that Daniel received after he fasted three weeks. A panorama of history unfolded before him. Portions of that history can be traced from Daniel's time until the downfall of his people under the Romans. Other portions of the vision pertain to events of the latter days.
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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: The Old Testament: A Mormon Perspective, by Glenn L. Pearson; April 1978 general conference report, and April 1980 general conference report.
