1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter.
2 Daniel declared, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.
3 And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.
4 The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it.
5 And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’
6 After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it.
7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.
8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
9 “As I looked,
thrones were placed,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat;
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames;
its wheels were burning fire.
10 A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
11 “I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire.”
12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
15 As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.
16 I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things.
17 These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.
18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.
19 “Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet,
20 and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions.
21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them,
22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
23 “Thus he said: ‘As for the fourth beast,
there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth,
which shall be different from all the kingdoms,
and it shall devour the whole earth,
and trample it down, and break it to pieces.
24 As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings.
25 He shall speak words against the Most High,
and shall wear out the saints of the Most High,
and shall think to change the times and the law;
and they shall be given into his hand
for a time, times, and half a time.
26 But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.
27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’
28 “Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.”
The True Meaning of Daniel 7
The Book of Daniel was written by the prophet Daniel, who lived during the Babylonian and Persian empires. Daniel was a highly respected Jewish exile who served in the royal courts, interpreting dreams and visions. Daniel recounts a series of prophetic visions he received in this chapter, providing a glimpse into the future kingdoms that would rise and fall.
The visions in this chapter foreshadow the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. Daniel sees four great beasts representing powerful earthly kingdoms, followed by the arrival of the “Son of Man” who will reign forever. This aligns with the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7, where the Messiah is described as the “Eternal Father” and the “Prince of Peace” whose kingdom will have no end. Daniel is deeply troubled by what he sees as he observes these visions, recognizing the immense suffering and oppression that will precede the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. This chapter reminds us that even in the midst of darkness and turmoil, God is in control and will ultimately establish His righteous rule on earth. We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in the promise of a future where “the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:27).
Daniel 7:1-8
Daniel’s vision of four great beasts coming up out of the sea opens the first section in Daniel 7:1-8. Each beast is distinct in appearance and symbolism, representing various kingdoms that will rise to power on the earth. The first beast resembled a lion with eagle’s wings, symbolizing the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar. The lion is often associated with royalty and power, while the wings indicate swift conquests. This imagery reflects the strength and dominance of Babylon during that period. It is crucial to note that beasts are commonly used in apocalyptic literature to represent kingdoms or rulers, as seen in other biblical passages like the book of Revelation.
The second beast resembled a bear, raised up on one side with three ribs in its mouth. This bear symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire that succeeded Babylon in power. The bear being raised up on one side signifies the dominance of one of the two powers within the empire, Persia, over the other, Media. The three ribs may represent significant conquests or nations subdued by this empire. The progression from the lion to the bear in the vision signifies the shift in world power from Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire, as prophesied by Daniel.
The third beast is described as a leopard with four heads and four wings like a bird. This leopard represents the swift and vast empire of Alexander the Great and the Greek Empire that emerged after the fall of the Medo-Persian Empire. The swiftness of a leopard mirrors Alexander’s rapid conquests over a vast territory during his reign. The four heads allude to the division of the Greek Empire into four regions after Alexander’s death, under the rule of his four generals. The imagery captures the dynamic and divided nature of the Greek Empire, highlighting its eventual fragmentation into separate kingdoms.
The fourth and final beast in the vision is dreadful and terrifying, with iron teeth and ten horns. This beast symbolizes the Roman Empire, known for its strength, brutality, and extensive conquests. The iron teeth signify the empire’s power to crush and destroy, while the ten horns may represent ten successive emperors or kingdoms within the Roman Empire. The beast also has another small horn emerging, uprooting three of the original horns, symbolizing a future ruler or kingdom that will rise to power and challenge the established order. This horn represents a blasphemous ruler who exalts himself above God, causing great suffering for the people of God. This imagery aligns with other prophecies in the Bible concerning the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms and rulers. This passage from Daniel 7 provides a vivid and prophetic insight into the succession of world empires from Babylon to the Roman Empire, outlining their characteristics and impact on the world. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over the nations and His ultimate plan for history, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The vision also foreshadows the ongoing struggle between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of God, underscoring the importance of remaining faithful to God amidst the changing tides of earthly powers and authorities. Believers can gain a deeper appreciation for God’s overarching plan for mankind and His assurance of victory over all earthly powers by studying and understanding these prophecies.
Daniel 7:9-14
We will break down several important sections in Daniel 7:9-14 to provide a comprehensive commentary on the significance of these verses within the context of the book of Daniel as a whole.
Starting with verse 9, it describes a vision that Daniel had of thrones being set in place and the Ancient of Days taking His seat. The Ancient of Days is a symbolic representation of God in His eternal and sovereign majesty. This envisioning of God seated on His throne highlights His authority over all creation and the divine judgment that is about to take place. This imagery of thrones being set up also points to the establishment of God’s ultimate kingdom, setting the stage for the events that follow in the vision.
Moving on to verses 10 and 11, a river of fire is flowing before the throne, representing the purifying and consuming nature of God’s judgment. Thousands upon thousands attend Him, and myriads upon myriads stand before Him. Daniel sees a court in session, and books are opened. This scene depicts a judgment scene where the heavenly court is convened, and books recording the deeds of humanity are opened for evaluation. This emphasizes the justice of God in holding all beings accountable for their actions. Daniel continues to describe his vision in verse 13, seeing one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. This Son of Man is a Messianic figure, a divine being who will receive an everlasting dominion, authority, and glory over all peoples and nations. This imagery of coming with the clouds of heaven evokes the majestic arrival of a triumphant ruler, emphasizing the Son of Man’s divine status and his role as the rightful king over all creation.
Finally, in verse 14, it is stated that the Son of Man’s kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom that will not pass away, and His dominion will never be destroyed. This declaration underscores the eternal nature of God’s kingdom and the Son of Man’s reign, which stands in stark contrast to the temporary and fleeting kingdoms of the world. It is a powerful proclamation of the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom over all earthly powers and a reminder of the hope and assurance that believers have in the fulfillment of God’s promises. The imagery and themes in these verses from Daniel 7 echo in various other passages, particularly in the New Testament, in the broader context of the Bible. The mention of the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven is a direct reference to the prophecy in the book of Daniel and is later affirmed by Jesus Himself in the Gospels. For example, in Mark 14:62, when Jesus is on trial before the high priest, He declares that they will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven. This connection strengthens the Messianic identity of Jesus as the Son of Man prophesied in the book of Daniel. The vision in Daniel 7:9-14 conveys a powerful message about the sovereignty of God, the coming judgment, the establishment of His eternal kingdom, and the anticipation of the triumph of the Son of Man. It serves as a reminder for believers to place their trust in God’s ultimate plan and to have faith in the fulfillment of His promises, even in the midst of challenging circumstances and worldly turmoil.
Daniel 7:15-22
Daniel had a vision of the four beasts and the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:15-22. This section of the verse focuses on Daniel’s reaction to the vision and the interpretation given to him by an angel.
Daniel’s reaction to the vision is one of confusion and concern. He approaches one of those standing there and asks for the truth behind the visions of the four beasts. This shows Daniel’s eagerness to understand the message being conveyed to him and his willingness to seek clarification. It is essential to note Daniel’s humility in seeking guidance and not assuming he knows the meaning of the visions immediately. This teaches us the virtue of seeking wisdom and understanding from God when faced with things beyond our comprehension.
The angel’s interpretation of the vision reveals the identity of the four beasts as four earthly kingdoms. The fourth beast represents a powerful and cruel kingdom that will persecute and oppress God’s people. However, despite the terrifying nature of these kingdoms, there is reassurance that the judgment will be given to the saints of the Most High, and the time will come when they will possess the kingdom forever. This provides hope and encouragement to the faithful followers of God, emphasizing the ultimate victory of good over evil.
The mention of the Ancient of Days in this verse refers to God as the eternal and all-powerful ruler. The imagery of the Ancient of Days coming to hold court and passing judgment on the beasts symbolizes God’s sovereignty and authority over all earthly kingdoms. This highlights the overarching theme of God’s ultimate control and supremacy, even in the midst of chaotic and turbulent times. It reassures believers that no matter the challenges they face, God is ultimately in control and will bring justice and righteousness in the end. Several parallels to the vision in Daniel 7 are found in the Bible. The image of four beasts representing kingdoms aligns with the dream of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2, where a statue with four parts symbolizes four kingdoms. Additionally, the concept of God’s kingdom prevailing over earthly kingdoms resonates with Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament, such as in the Lord’s Prayer when he says, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). This continuity in the biblical narrative emphasizes the consistent message of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. Daniel 7:15-22 provides valuable insights into God’s control over the nations and his assurance of victory for his people. It encourages believers to trust in God’s plan, seek wisdom in times of confusion, and remain faithful in the face of adversity. The vision serves as a reminder that despite the presence of evil and persecution in the world, God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail, bringing hope and solace to those who put their trust in Him.
Daniel 7:23-28
Daniel receives a vision in Daniel 7:23-28 that depicts the rise and fall of various kingdoms and ultimately the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. Let’s break down this passage into important sections for a closer examination.
Verse 23 begins with the interpretation given to Daniel about the fourth beast, which represents a fourth kingdom that will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth. This fourth kingdom is interpreted by many scholars to be representative of the Roman Empire, known for its strength, conquests, and influence over vast territories. This interpretation is supported by historical evidence as the Roman Empire was a dominant force during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Moving on to verse 24, we see that ten horns emerge from this fourth beast, symbolizing ten kings who will arise from this kingdom. Among them, another king will arise, different from the others, who will subdue three kings. This tenth horn is often interpreted as representing a future ruler who will rise to power and exert great influence over the world. This imagery aligns with prophecies found in the book of Revelation regarding the rise of the Antichrist, who will deceive many with his charisma and false miracles.
Verse 25 describes this future ruler’s actions, stating that he will speak boastfully against God and oppress the saints for a time, times, and half a time. This period symbolizes a time of persecution and tribulation for believers before the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the opposition that God’s people may face in a world dominated by evil forces. The scene shifts to a divine judgment in verses 26-27, where the fourth beast is slain, and its dominion is taken away. At this point, the true and everlasting kingdom of God is established, and all rulership, authority, and power are given to the Son of Man, a title often associated with Jesus Christ. This imagery echoes the promise of Jesus’ return in glory as the rightful ruler who will reign in righteousness and justice.
Finally, in verse 28, Daniel is deeply troubled by the visions he has seen, and he keeps the matter in his heart, pondering its significance. This reaction highlights the weight of the prophetic messages conveyed to Daniel and the profound impact they had on him. It serves as a reminder for believers to reflect on the truths revealed in Scripture, to seek understanding through prayer and study, and to remain vigilant in anticipation of Christ’s return. Daniel 7:23-28 offers a powerful glimpse into the unfolding of history, the rise of earthly powers, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. It underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, redemption, and the victory of Christ over all opposing forces. Believers are called to heed the warnings, draw courage from the promises, and live in readiness for the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.
After Daniel 7
The vision had come to an end, and Daniel was left to ponder its meaning. He knew that the message held profound implications for the future of God’s people as he contemplated the significance of the four beasts and the Ancient of Days. The final beast, with its ten horns and the little horn that spoke boastful words, had left a deep impression on Daniel’s mind. He understood that this vision was not merely a symbolic representation, but a glimpse into the unfolding of God’s plan for the ages. Daniel knew that the next chapter would reveal even more about the nature of this vision and its impact on the lives of those who would witness its fulfillment as he continued to seek understanding. The reverend knew that the faithful must be prepared, for the events foretold in this vision would shape the course of history and the destiny of all who placed their trust in the Almighty.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.