Daniel 7
The Vision of the Four Beasts.This chapter takes place before the fall of Babylon, during the first year of King Belshazzar. Daniel received a vision about the future of the world’s great empires, especially those that would affect the Jewish people. The vision was given to warn the Jews that even after their return from captivity, they would still face troubles from powerful kingdoms. Daniel wrote down the vision so that it could be shared and remembered by future generations.v. 1: Daniel had a dream and visions while he was lying on his bed. When he woke up, he wrote down what he saw and shared the main points with others . God sometimes gives important messages through dreams, especially when people are quiet and away from daily distractions. Daniel wanted to make sure the message was not forgotten, so he wrote it down for the Jewish people. v. 2: In his vision, Daniel saw the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea . The sea represents the world, and the winds show the struggles and wars between nations. These conflicts would lead to the rise of powerful empires. v. 3: Daniel saw four great beasts coming up out of the sea, each different from the others . These beasts stand for four kingdoms that would rule over the world and affect God’s people. Each beast had its own character and way of ruling. v. 4: The first beast was like a lion with eagle’s wings. This represents the Babylonian empire, which was strong and fast in conquering other nations. But the wings were plucked off, showing that its power would be taken away. The beast was made to stand like a man and given a human heart, meaning it lost its courage and became weak . v. 5: The second beast was like a bear, raised up on one side, with three ribs in its mouth. This stands for the Medo-Persian empire, which was powerful and hungry for conquest. The three ribs show the nations it had already defeated, but it was told to keep conquering more . v. 6: The third beast was like a leopard with four wings and four heads. This is the Greek empire, led by Alexander the Great. The leopard’s wings show how quickly Alexander conquered many lands. After his death, his empire was divided among four of his generals, which is why the beast had four heads . v. 7: The fourth beast was different from all the others. It was very strong, with large iron teeth, and it crushed and destroyed everything in its path. This beast had ten horns, which represent ten kings or kingdoms. Many believe this beast stands for the Roman empire, which was more cruel and powerful than the others . v. 8: As Daniel watched, a little horn came up among the ten horns, and three of the original horns were pulled out to make room for it. This little horn had eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke proudly. It represents a powerful ruler who would rise up and speak against God and His people . This ruler would be clever and boastful, causing much trouble for God’s people. The Vision of the Four Beasts.This part of Daniel’s vision is meant to comfort God’s people. It shows that, even though powerful kingdoms may rise and persecute believers, God is still in control. There will be a final judgment, and God’s kingdom will last forever. These verses remind us that God’s people can have hope, even in hard times, because God will judge evil and set up His everlasting kingdom.v. 9–10: Daniel saw thrones set up and the “Ancient of days” (God) sitting to judge. God’s clothing was white as snow, showing His purity and wisdom. His throne was like fire, and its wheels were burning flames. A river of fire flowed out from before Him. Thousands and thousands of angels stood before Him, ready to serve. The court was seated, and the books were opened, showing that God’s judgment is fair and nothing is hidden (Daniel 7:9–10; Psalm 103:19 a; Revelation 20:11–12 b). – v. 11–12: Daniel watched as the fourth beast was destroyed because of the proud and evil words spoken by the little horn. The beast was killed and thrown into the fire. The other beasts lost their power, but they were allowed to live for a short time. This shows that God will punish those who oppose Him, but He does it in His own time and way (Daniel 7:11–12 c). – v. 13: Daniel saw “one like the Son of man” coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of days and was brought near to Him. This “Son of man” is a picture of the Messiah, Jesus, who would be given authority and glory by God (Daniel 7:13; Acts 1:9 d; John 5:27 e). v. 14: The Son of man was given power, glory, and a kingdom. All people, nations, and languages would serve Him. His rule would never end, and His kingdom would never be destroyed (Daniel 7:14; Philippians 2:9–10 f). This is a promise that Jesus’ kingdom will last forever, no matter what happens in the world. The Vision of the Four Beasts.This section explains how Daniel felt about his vision and gives the explanation of what the four beasts mean. Daniel was deeply troubled by what he saw, especially by the fourth beast and the little horn. He wanted to understand the meaning, so he asked one of the angels. The angel told Daniel that the four beasts were four kingdoms that would rise on earth, but God’s kingdom would be given to His people in the end. The vision was meant to comfort believers in times of trouble, reminding them that God’s rule will last forever.v. 15: Daniel was very troubled and upset by the vision. The things he saw made him feel weak and confused. Even though God was honoring him with these visions, the message was difficult and made Daniel worried . v. 16: Daniel wanted to know the true meaning of what he had seen, so he asked one of the angels for help. He wanted to understand what God was showing him. We should also want to know what God teaches us and ask for understanding through prayer and careful study . v. 17: The angel explained that the four great beasts are four kings or kingdoms that will rise from the earth. These kingdoms are strong and powerful, but they are only earthly and temporary . v. 18: But in the end, the holy people of the Most High—God’s saints—will receive the kingdom. They will have it forever, for all time. This means that God’s people will win in the end and share in God’s everlasting rule . v. 19: Daniel especially wanted to know more about the fourth beast because it was different from the others and very frightening. This beast was much more cruel and destroyed everything in its way . v. 20: He also asked about the ten horns on the beast’s head, and the little horn that came up and replaced three of the others. This little horn had eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke boastful things. Daniel saw that this horn looked stronger than the others . v. 21: Daniel saw that this little horn made war against God’s holy people and was winning against them for a time . This troubled Daniel, because it seemed like evil was taking over. v. 22: But then the Ancient of days (God) came and judged in favor of the saints. God’s people were given the kingdom. Even though enemies tried to destroy them, God made sure His people would be victorious in the end . v. 23: The angel explained that the fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will rule over the earth. It will be more powerful and destructive than the others . v. 24: The ten horns are ten kings that will come from this kingdom. After them, another king will rise (the little horn), who will be different and will take the place of three kings . v. 25: This king will speak against the Most High (God), oppress God’s people, and try to change religious times and laws. God’s people will be under his power for a period of time, called “a time, times, and half a time” (three and a half years) . v. 26: But then God’s court will sit in judgment and take away the power of the evil king forever. God will destroy him completely . v. 27: In the end, the kingdom and authority under heaven will be given to the people of the Most High. God’s kingdom will last forever, and everyone will serve and obey Him . v. 28: Daniel finished his account, but the vision left him greatly troubled and pale. He kept the matter in his heart, thinking deeply about what God had shown him (Daniel 7:28 g).
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