8:5 from the west . . . the goat had a conspicuous horn. According to v. 21, the goat represents Greece and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. The symbolism clearly depicts the rise of the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great (356–323 b.c.).

across . . . the whole earth, without touching the ground. These words describe the amazing speed and extent of Alexander’s conquests (7:6 note). In only three years he defeated the powerful Persian Empire.