The Meaning of Daniel’s Vision
November 12, 2020
Commentary
Daniel was at first deeply troubled about this vision concerning the four beasts (v. 15). He then spoke to one standing nearby which was probably an angel, asking for an interpretation (v. 16). This one gave a brief interpretation (v.17-18) but Daniel still wanted to know more so the angel went on. Although God may allow persecution to continue for a while the destiny of His followers is to possess the kingdom and be with Him forever.
Daniel was informed that the four wild beasts in his dream represented four kings of four world empires which would rise in the earth (v. 17). Most of the interpretation tells about the rise of the fourth kingdom, the Roman empire (vv. 18-20). It speaks of the time when ten kings (represented by ten horns) will arise out of the territory once controlled by Rome (vv. 21-24). Out of these will come a “little horn” that will subdue three of them. Many Bible scholars agree that this horn represents a person who will become a ruler that is undoubtedly the “beast-king of Revelation 13 and 17 and known as the Antichrist.
Some of the things this evil man will do during the “great tribulation” on this earth (v. 25). (1) He will blaspheme God, (2) try to change God’s appointed seasons and laws and (3) attempt to defeat the saints of God. In spite of this “little horn’s” success for a period of time during the tribulation period, God’s judgment will come upon him (vv. 26-28). Jesus will finally sit on the throne of David and rule (Jeremiah 23:5-6). The saints whom he persecuted will inherit the kingdom.
Application
Daniel was not satisfied with a brief interpretation of the dream but wanted to know more. How hungry am I for the Word of God? __ NO APPETITE __ SOME APPETITE __ CAN’T GET ENOUGH?
Daniel 7:15– 28 (NET)
15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed, and the visions of my mind were alarming me. 16 I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed to me the interpretation of the vision: 17 ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth. 18 The holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’
19 “Then I wanted to know the meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others. It was very dreadful, with two rows of iron teeth and bronze claws, and it devoured, crushed, and trampled anything that was left with its feet. 20 I also wanted to know the meaning of the ten horns on its head, and of that other horn that came up and before which three others fell. This was the horn that had eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things, whose appearance was more formidable than the others. 21 While I was watching, that horn began to wage war against the holy ones and was defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days arrived and judgment was rendered in favor of the holy ones of the Most High. Then the time came for the holy ones to take possession of the kingdom.
23 “This is what he told me: ‘The fourth beast means that there will be a fourth kingdom on earth that will differ from all the other kingdoms. It will devour all the earth and will trample and crush it.
24 The ten horns mean that ten kings will arise from that kingdom. Another king will arise after them, but he will be different from the earlier ones. He will humiliate three kings.
25 He will speak words against the Most High. He will harass the holy ones of the Most High continually. His intention will be to change times established by law. The holy ones will be delivered into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.
26 But the court will convene, and his ruling authority will be removed— destroyed and abolished forever!
27 Then the kingdom, authority, and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be delivered to the people of the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; all authorities will serve him and obey him.’
28 “This is the conclusion of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and the color drained from my face. But I kept the matter to myself.”