Two important factors mark Daniel 8 as the beginning of a new
section. First, beginning with this chapter, the language
returns to Hebrew instead of the Aramaic used by Daniel from 2:4
through 7:28. Second, the change of language is in keeping with
the change in thought introduced by this chapter. From here to
the end of Daniel, the prophecy, even though it concerns the
Gentiles, is occupied with human history as it relates to
Israel. Therefore, although many expositors divide the book of
Daniel into two halves (1-6 and 7-12), there are also good
reasons for dividing Daniel into three sections (1, 2-7,
8-12).402 The first of Daniel’s own visions recorded in Daniel 7
is a broad summary of the times of the Gentiles, with emphasis
on the climactic events culminating in the second coming of
Christ to the earth. Beginning in chapter 8, Daniel’s second
vision concerns the empires of Persia and Greece as they relate
to Israel. Under Persian government, Israelites went back to
rebuild their land and their city, Jerus