דניאל, פרק ח׳, פסוק כ״א

The prophetic vision is explicitly explained, revealing the historical realities behind the symbolic animals. The image of the hairy he-goat serves as a direct representation of the Greek Empire [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד].

The large horn positioned between the animal's eyes symbolizes the first king to rule over this empire [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that this figure is Alexander the Great. Emerging from the west, this leader amassed immense strength and conquered numerous kingdoms with astonishing speed. His military campaigns eventually brought him to the empire of Media and Persia, where he completely subdued the opposing forces and killed their ruler [מצודת דוד]. This defeated Persian king is identified as Darius, the son of Esther, a historical detail supported by the records found in the book of Yosippon [רש״י].