Daniel 7

Daniel 7 presents a prophetic vision given to Daniel during the first year of Belshazzar’s reign over Babylon. This vision includes symbolic imagery of four beasts representing kingdoms that would rise and fall, leading up to the establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom. The chapter shifts from historical narratives to apocalyptic visions, giving insight into future events and the ultimate sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms. The imagery and prophecy in this chapter are foundational for understanding biblical eschatology and the Messianic kingdom.

Daniel 7:1 (NKJV)
1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.

Daniel’s vision occurred during the early part of Belshazzar's rule. This context marks the transition from Daniel’s interpretative role of others' dreams to receiving a divine revelation himself. The vision came at night, symbolizing the mysterious and spiritual nature of the message. By recording the main points, Daniel preserved the prophecy for future readers, emphasizing its importance.

Daniel 7:2-3 (NKJV)
2 Daniel spoke, saying, “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 from the sea, each different from the other.

The four winds represent divine forces influencing the world, while the sea symbolizes chaos and nations in turmoil. Emerging from this chaotic sea are four beasts, each symbolizing a unique kingdom. Their differences emphasize the diversity of worldly powers and foreshadow the distinct nature of each kingdom that would dominate in succession.

Daniel 7:4-7 (NKJV)
4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
5 And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’
6 After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.
7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.

The lion with eagle’s wings represents Babylon, symbolizing strength and swiftness. The plucking of its wings suggests a loss of power, and its transformation to stand like a man may refer to Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience. The bear, raised on one side, depicts the Medo-Persian Empire, with its three ribs symbolizing conquered nations. The leopard with four wings and four heads represents the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, with rapid conquests followed by division into four regions. The fourth beast, unlike any animal, symbolizes the Roman Empire, known for its unmatched power and destructive conquests. Its ten horns foreshadow future kingdoms that would emerge from it.

Daniel 7:8 (NKJV)
8 I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.

The little horn emerging among the ten represents a ruler or power that would rise within the remnants of the Roman Empire. This horn’s eyes and boastful mouth suggest intelligence and arrogance, characteristics that align with a blasphemous leader. The plucking out of three horns indicates this power’s dominance over other rulers, setting it apart as a unique and defiant force.

Daniel 7:9-10 (NKJV)
9 “I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire;
10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

This majestic scene shifts focus from earthly kingdoms to God’s divine judgment. The Ancient of Days represents God in His eternal and pure nature, depicted with symbols of holiness and authority. The fire signifies judgment, while the vast assembly of heavenly beings emphasizes His sovereign rule over all creation. The opening of the books suggests that all deeds will be reviewed in this divine court, underscoring God’s role as the ultimate judge.

Daniel 7:11-12 (NKJV)
11 “I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame.
12 As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

The little horn’s arrogance results in its judgment and destruction, indicating divine retribution against blasphemous powers. While the fourth beast is annihilated, the other beasts are permitted to exist briefly, symbolizing the enduring influence of past kingdoms. This destruction highlights God’s ultimate authority over all rulers and empires, ensuring their final accountability.

Daniel 7:13-14 (NKJV)
13 “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.
14 Then 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 the one Which shall not be destroyed.

The “Son of Man” represents the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who appears in divine majesty. His arrival signifies the establishment of a kingdom unlike any earthly empire—one of eternal and unbreakable rule. This vision foretells the Messianic kingdom that will transcend all human power, inviting all nations to worship and obey God.

Daniel 7:15-16 (NKJV)
15 “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
16 I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things.

Daniel’s distress reflects the weight and mystery of the vision. Approaching a heavenly being for understanding, he seeks clarity, showing his humility and genuine concern. The response he receives unveils the divine message behind the vision, affirming the certainty of these events.

Daniel 7:17-18 (NKJV)
17 ‘Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth.
18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’

The four beasts symbolize successive kingdoms, yet God’s promise remains firm. The saints, or God’s people, will ultimately inherit a kingdom without end. This reassurance serves as hope for believers, contrasting the temporary nature of worldly empires with the eternal dominion given to the faithful.

Daniel 7:19-20 (NKJV)
19 “Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet;
20 and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.

Daniel is particularly curious about the fourth beast because of its terrifying power and unusual appearance. The iron teeth and bronze nails emphasize its strength and destructive nature. Daniel also focuses on the ten horns and the little horn that arose, which symbolizes a powerful ruler distinguished by arrogance and influence. The three displaced horns signify this new power’s authority over previous rulers.

Daniel 7:21-22 (NKJV)
21 “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them,
22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.

The little horn’s actions reveal its opposition to God’s people, leading to persecution and suffering. However, the Ancient of Days—God Himself—intervenes, delivering judgment in favor of the saints. This divine intervention promises that despite temporary suffering, God’s people will ultimately inherit His kingdom and experience His justice and protection.

Daniel 7:23-24 (NKJV)
23 “Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast shall be A fourth kingdom on earth, Which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces.
24 The ten horns are ten kings Who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, And shall subdue three kings.

The fourth beast represents a powerful kingdom that surpasses its predecessors in reach and ruthlessness. The ten horns indicate a division of this kingdom into ten regions or rulers. The rise of another distinct ruler, symbolized by the little horn, who subdues three others, suggests a future leader who gains control through conquest, demonstrating both ambition and power.

Daniel 7:25 (NKJV)
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.

The ruler represented by the little horn speaks arrogantly against God and actively persecutes His people. His attempt to change “times and law” indicates a desire to alter established religious or social structures, symbolizing his defiance against divine order. The period of “a time, times, and half a time” suggests a limited duration for this persecution, highlighting that God allows it but ultimately sets boundaries on the ruler’s power.

Daniel 7:26-27 (NKJV)
26 ‘But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion, To consume and destroy it forever.
27 Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’

God’s judgment will eventually strip this blasphemous ruler of his power, resulting in his complete and irreversible destruction. In contrast, the saints will inherit a kingdom without end. This everlasting kingdom, ruled by God, will encompass all nations and powers, establishing a future where all rulers acknowledge and obey Him. This hope reassures believers of God’s ultimate authority and justice.

Daniel 7:28 (NKJV)
28 “This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart.”

Daniel is deeply affected by the vision, experiencing both awe and distress. Though he understands that God’s kingdom will prevail, the events leading up to this future fill him with solemnity and concern. He keeps the vision private, reflecting on its significance, aware of its profound implications for the future of God’s people.