1. A man of vision (1-8)

Daniel saw kingdoms rise and fall, and the world go from bad to worse. But he was a man of prayer; God gave him a vision of the flow of world history, and the assurance that God is in control of history. The two-horned ram represented the Medo-Persian Empire, which conquered Babylon and Egypt. The goat is Greece and the large horn, Alexander the Great. When he died, his kingdom was broken into 4 parts. Israel was caught in the conflict between two of these, the Ptolemies of Egypt and the Seleucids of Syria.

2. The small horn that became big (9-27)

The small horn (9) and the 'master of intrigue' (23) both refer to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who captured 'the Beautiful Land' and tried to destroy the Jewish faith. He threw truth to the ground and caused deceit to prosper. Other evil men and movements which seek to destroy God's people have arisen and will arise. When it looks like Satan is winning, we must remember that ultimate victory belongs to God.

Application: Lord, when deceit seems to prosper, and truth is cast to the ground, help me to stand on your truth. Be with persecuted Christians throughout the world.
One Word: God's truth triumphs