1. The vision, vv. 1-14. The vision of a ram and a goat concerned various kings and events which would come to pass prior to the first advent of the Savior. Daniel saw that the pure worship of God would be opposed and nearly eliminated. This severe assault upon the truth and those who embraced it would last 2300 days.
2. The interpretation, vv. 15-25. The Son of God appeared to Daniel (vv. 15-16) to speak with him concerning the vision. Perilous times awaited the Jewish church. Enemies of the gospel would severely persecute the saints of God. Daniel learned that the enemy would not only use brutal oppression, they would also oppose through craftiness and deception, through the spread of religious lies. Many would be led to believe these heresies, to their own destruction. The prophet is assured, however, that all who take a stand against the Prince of glory and His gospel of substitution will be overthrown.
3. The reaction, vv. 26-27. The Son of Man assured Daniel that the vision was true. He was not, however, to disclose these things to the heathen nations. He was to keep them to himself and only share them with his people. The prophet was so troubled by the afflictions that were to come upon the children of God that he was distraught with grief. In time, however, he did return to work for king Belshazzar. Doubtless he was assured by the Lord of that which Paul clearly states. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose," and that nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:28, 39).