In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.
Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.
And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.
Daniel 7 marks a pivotal point in the book of Daniel, serving as a bridge between historical accounts and prophetic visions. It’s the last chapter written in Aramaic, the lingua franca of that era, signifying its message is intended for a global audience. More significantly, it initiates the prophetic section of Daniel, shifting the focus from past events to glimpses of the future, particularly the end times. This chapter offers profound insights that resonate with other prophetic texts, such as Revelation 13, 19, and 20, enriching our understanding of God's plan for humanity.
Daniel's Troubling Vision (Daniel 7:1-3)
The events described in Daniel are not always presented chronologically. This particular vision occurred in the first year of King Belshazzar (Daniel 7:1), who was dethroned at the end of Daniel 5.
In the first half of the book, Daniel interpreted the visions of others. In the second half, Daniel’s own visions needed interpreting. Years after addressing King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream concerning the four great world powers (see Daniel 2), Daniel had a vision related to these same four kingdoms. It’s fascinating to see the difference in perspective between the dream of a pagan king and the vision given to God’s servant. While the sequence of the kingdoms and their eventual destruction are the same, there’s an extraordinary difference in the way they are presented. In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, these powers were represented by a glorious, awe-inspiring statue (Daniel 2:31). But, in Daniel’s dream (Daniel 7:1), these Gentile kingdoms were huge beasts coming up from the sea (Daniel 7:3), bent on dominion.
Daniel recounts a disturbing dream where the four winds of heaven churn the great sea, and four immense beasts emerge. These beasts are symbolic representations of successive earthly kingdoms that would dominate the region.
The Four Beasts and Their Meanings (Daniel 7:4-8)
The first beast, like a lion with eagle's wings (Daniel 7:4), represents Babylon. The wings being torn off may allude to Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience, where he was reduced to madness until he acknowledged God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:28-37).
The second beast, resembling a bear raised up on one side (Daniel 7:5), symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear being raised on one side likely indicates the Persians' dominance over the Medes. The three ribs in its mouth (Daniel 7:5) represent the three major powers it conquered: Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon.
The third beast, a leopard with four wings and four heads (Daniel 7:6), represents the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. Its speed is emphasized by the four wings, reflecting Alexander's swift conquests. The four heads represent the four kingdoms into which Alexander's empire was divided after his death.
The fourth beast is unlike any other, described as dreadful, terrifying, and incredibly strong, with large iron teeth and bronze claws (Daniel 7:7). This beast, corresponding to the Roman Empire, is further distinguished by ten horns, representing ten kings or kingdoms that will arise from it. A "little horn" emerges among them, uprooting three of the original horns (Daniel 7:8). This little horn has human eyes and a mouth that speaks boastfully, and is believed to be the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1), the final world ruler whose reign of terror will bring to completion the times of the Gentiles.
The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man (Daniel 7:9-14)
Daniel's vision then shifts to a scene of divine judgment. He sees the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9), God the Father, seated on His throne, surrounded by countless attendants. Fire streams forth, and the court is seated for judgment. The fourth beast is judged, its dominion taken away, and it is destroyed by fire (Daniel 7:11-12).
Then, Daniel sees "one like a son of man" (Daniel 7:13) coming with the clouds of heaven. This is a clear reference to Jesus Christ. Jesus himself applied this passage to himself during his ministry (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27). He approaches the Ancient of Days, who bestows upon Him dominion, glory, and kingship (Daniel 7:14). His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that shall not be destroyed. This is a prophetic picture of God the Father handing over the kingdoms of this world for the Lord Jesus Christ to rule.
Interpretation and Lasting Impact (Daniel 7:15-28)
Troubled by the vision, Daniel seeks an explanation from one of the heavenly beings (Daniel 7:16). The angel clarifies that the four beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise on earth (Daniel 7:17). Daniel is particularly concerned about the fourth beast and the little horn (Daniel 7:19).
The angel explains that the ten horns are ten kings who will arise from this kingdom (Daniel 7:24). The little horn, the Antichrist, will rise to power, subdue three kings, and speak against the Most High (Daniel 7:25). He will persecute the saints and try to change the set times and the laws. His reign will last for "a time, times and half a time," or three and a half years (Daniel 7:25).
However, the judgment will ultimately come. Christ will return in triumph, crush the Antichrist and his armies, and receive his everlasting kingdom (Daniel 7:26-27). God's people will possess the kingdom forever and ever.
Even after receiving the interpretation, Daniel remains deeply disturbed by the vision (Daniel 7:28). He keeps the matter to himself, pondering its significance.
Daniel 7 offers a sweeping panorama of future empires and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. It reveals the temporary nature of earthly power and the eternal reign of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. This chapter provides hope for God's people throughout history, reminding us that even amidst chaos and oppression, God remains in control, and His kingdom will ultimately prevail. We can rejoice daily because we know how the story ends.
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.
Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.
And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.
Daniel 7 marks a pivotal point in the book of Daniel, serving as a bridge between historical accounts and prophetic visions. It’s the last chapter written in Aramaic, the lingua franca of that era, signifying its message is intended for a global audience. More significantly, it initiates the prophetic section of Daniel, shifting the focus from past events to glimpses of the future, particularly the end times. This chapter offers profound insights that resonate with other prophetic texts, such as Revelation 13, 19, and 20, enriching our understanding of God's plan for humanity.
Daniel's Troubling Vision (Daniel 7:1-3)
The events described in Daniel are not always presented chronologically. This particular vision occurred in the first year of King Belshazzar (Daniel 7:1), who was dethroned at the end of Daniel 5.
In the first half of the book, Daniel interpreted the visions of others. In the second half, Daniel’s own visions needed interpreting. Years after addressing King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream concerning the four great world powers (see Daniel 2), Daniel had a vision related to these same four kingdoms. It’s fascinating to see the difference in perspective between the dream of a pagan king and the vision given to God’s servant. While the sequence of the kingdoms and their eventual destruction are the same, there’s an extraordinary difference in the way they are presented. In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, these powers were represented by a glorious, awe-inspiring statue (Daniel 2:31). But, in Daniel’s dream (Daniel 7:1), these Gentile kingdoms were huge beasts coming up from the sea (Daniel 7:3), bent on dominion.
Daniel recounts a disturbing dream where the four winds of heaven churn the great sea, and four immense beasts emerge. These beasts are symbolic representations of successive earthly kingdoms that would dominate the region.
The Four Beasts and Their Meanings (Daniel 7:4-8)
The first beast, like a lion with eagle's wings (Daniel 7:4), represents Babylon. The wings being torn off may allude to Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience, where he was reduced to madness until he acknowledged God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:28-37).
The second beast, resembling a bear raised up on one side (Daniel 7:5), symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear being raised on one side likely indicates the Persians' dominance over the Medes. The three ribs in its mouth (Daniel 7:5) represent the three major powers it conquered: Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon.
The third beast, a leopard with four wings and four heads (Daniel 7:6), represents the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. Its speed is emphasized by the four wings, reflecting Alexander's swift conquests. The four heads represent the four kingdoms into which Alexander's empire was divided after his death.
The fourth beast is unlike any other, described as dreadful, terrifying, and incredibly strong, with large iron teeth and bronze claws (Daniel 7:7). This beast, corresponding to the Roman Empire, is further distinguished by ten horns, representing ten kings or kingdoms that will arise from it. A "little horn" emerges among them, uprooting three of the original horns (Daniel 7:8). This little horn has human eyes and a mouth that speaks boastfully, and is believed to be the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1), the final world ruler whose reign of terror will bring to completion the times of the Gentiles.
The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man (Daniel 7:9-14)
Daniel's vision then shifts to a scene of divine judgment. He sees the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9), God the Father, seated on His throne, surrounded by countless attendants. Fire streams forth, and the court is seated for judgment. The fourth beast is judged, its dominion taken away, and it is destroyed by fire (Daniel 7:11-12).
Then, Daniel sees "one like a son of man" (Daniel 7:13) coming with the clouds of heaven. This is a clear reference to Jesus Christ. Jesus himself applied this passage to himself during his ministry (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27). He approaches the Ancient of Days, who bestows upon Him dominion, glory, and kingship (Daniel 7:14). His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that shall not be destroyed. This is a prophetic picture of God the Father handing over the kingdoms of this world for the Lord Jesus Christ to rule.
Interpretation and Lasting Impact (Daniel 7:15-28)
Troubled by the vision, Daniel seeks an explanation from one of the heavenly beings (Daniel 7:16). The angel clarifies that the four beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise on earth (Daniel 7:17). Daniel is particularly concerned about the fourth beast and the little horn (Daniel 7:19).
The angel explains that the ten horns are ten kings who will arise from this kingdom (Daniel 7:24). The little horn, the Antichrist, will rise to power, subdue three kings, and speak against the Most High (Daniel 7:25). He will persecute the saints and try to change the set times and the laws. His reign will last for "a time, times and half a time," or three and a half years (Daniel 7:25).
However, the judgment will ultimately come. Christ will return in triumph, crush the Antichrist and his armies, and receive his everlasting kingdom (Daniel 7:26-27). God's people will possess the kingdom forever and ever.
Even after receiving the interpretation, Daniel remains deeply disturbed by the vision (Daniel 7:28). He keeps the matter to himself, pondering its significance.
Daniel 7 offers a sweeping panorama of future empires and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. It reveals the temporary nature of earthly power and the eternal reign of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. This chapter provides hope for God's people throughout history, reminding us that even amidst chaos and oppression, God remains in control, and His kingdom will ultimately prevail. We can rejoice daily because we know how the story ends.