Daniel 7:1-28

Daniel has a vision about the future very similar to the vision of Nebuchadnezzar.  The vision covers the same period of time, describes the rise and fall of four empires and then the reveals the establishment of God’s kingdom.  Instead of the vision being of an impressive metallic man, it is a vision of four terrible beasts.  Man’s perspective of history is far different from God’s perspective.  God shows Daniel what will take place in the future and how the promises of God will be fulfilled.  Israel’s captivity in Babylon may have caused some to doubt the fulfillment of God’s promises, but this vision reveals how God intends to fulfill those promises.  No matter how chaotic the affairs of this world may seem to us; we can rest assured that God is in control and have a specific plan that He is bringing to pass.

THE PROGRESSION OF HISTORY:  The four beasts that Daniel sees represent the rise and fall of four kingdoms.  The Lion with wings is Babylon.  The removal of the lion’s wings is most likely Nebuchadnezzar’s insanity.  The standing on two feet being given the mind of a man seems to be Nebuchadnezzar’s salvation.  The next beast is an unbalanced bear with three bones represents the Medo-Persian Empire.  The unbalanced part refers to Persian’s dominance and thee three bones likely refer to the three kingdoms conquered by this alliance: Egypt, Syria and Babylon.  The third beast is a winged leopard with four heads that represents the Greek Empire.  The winds represent the speed with which Alexander the Great dominated the known world.  The plucking of the wings is Alexander’s death and the four heads represent the four generals who divided the kingdom.  The fourth beast is called a terrible beast and represents the Roman Empire that was particularly cruel.  Much detail is given about this beast and Daniel has many questions about these details.  God knows the history of this world before it comes to pass.  He has planned the affairs of this world and is always in complete control no matter how things may seem to us.

THE PERSECUTION OF SAINTS: Daniel asks for clarification about the details given concerning the terrible beast.  It has ten horns but then a little horn comes up and three of the ten horns fall off.  This is much like the union of iron and clay in the image of the metallic man’s feet which has ten toes.  A very similar beast is described in Revelation 13:1-7.  The ten represent ten kings.  This is a union that represents the rebirth of the Roman Empire in a division of ten kingdoms.  The little horn appears to represent the rise of a dominant ruler who will overthrow three of the kings leaving only seven just like the seven headed beast in Revelation.  This seems to be the rule of Anti-Christ in the future.  This will be a time of great judgment on the earth and great persecution of the saints of the Lord.  This reign of Anti-Christ will be a time of terrible judgment but it will also be time where many men will turn to the Lord and be saved.  Once again we can see that even in the midst of great persecution and judgment, God is firmly in control.

THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST: The vision of the beasts concludes with the establishment of God’s kingdom.  Just like the rock destroyed the metallic man, so the Ancient of Days will overthrow the kingdoms of man and establish His own everlasting kingdom.  His reign will be one of complete righteousness and justice and it will not come to an end.  This reign of Jesus over the earth and the establishment of the new earth is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.  Sin has brought about the rise and fall of nations throughout the course of history, but God is at work and He will restore all things to Himself.  We can rest in this promise and look forward to this reality that will stretch into a glorious eternity in His eternal presence.