Study 56
by Charles Tan
Text: Daniel 8:1-4
Dear Young People,
CULTIVATING AN EYE FOR DETAILS
Let us take a look at the text Daniel wrote so carefully, and we would note that he had a great eye for details. That is so critical a skill for anyone interested in studying the Scriptures seriously to develop.
“A vision appeared to me – to me, Daniel –
after the one that appeared to me the first time.
I saw in the vision, and it so happened
While I was looking, that I was in Shushan,
The citadel, which is in the province of Elam;
And I saw in the vision that I was by the River Ulai.Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there,
Standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns,
And the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other,
And the higher one came up last.”
Daniel 8:1-3
Daniel was most conscious of the privilege of being given visions from God. Thus he wrote the way he did…
“A vision appeared to me – to me, Daniel…” Daniel 8:1
It is only when we are awed by the Lord and His Word that we actually appreciate the knowledge that He gives to us. Note the details that Daniel noticed.
1. The historical details
a) Shushan
b) Elam
c) River Ulai
Do these little details mean anything to you? They could if you were to take the trouble to look up a Bible dictionary to find out where these places were. A good Study Bible could also provide you with some valuable information concerning these places. We must take a little trouble to understand God’s Word in greater depth.
2. The details of the vision
a) Did you notice the detail about the two horns?
b) Did you also notice that one horn was described as “higher” or “stronger”.
This was an apt description of the Medo-Persian empire that finally destroyed the Babylonians. Persia finally overcame Media its partner and became sole ruler.