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Daniel 7

Bruce Hurt · Citado em PreceptAustin

Daniel 7:1-6

Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 Charts from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission Daniel Chart from Charles Swindoll Daniel 7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel saw a dream and visions in his mind as he lay on his bed; then he wrote the dream down and related the following summary of it. Belshazzar: Da 5:1,22,30 8:1 Jer 27:7 Daniel: Da 2:1,28,29 4:5 Nu 12:6 Job 33:14-16 Jer 23:28 Joe 2:28 Am 3:7 Ac 2:17,18 visions: Da 7:7,13,15 Ge 15:1 46:2 Job 4:13 Eze 1:1 2Co 12:1 wrote: Isa 8:1 30:8 Hab 2:2 Ro 15:4 Rev 1:19 10:4 Daniel 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Clarence Larkin's Classic Chart on Daniel A DIVINE PANORAMA OF THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD Daniel 7 gives us a "panorama" of the history of the world from God's perspective. Webster says that the word panorama is "a picture exhibited a part at a time, by being unrolled before the spectator. An unobstructed or complete view in every direction; hence a comprehensive presentation of a subject. A mental picture of a series of scenes or events." Panorama is derived from pan = all + horama = that which is seen. In the first year - This flashback was approximately 14 years before the fatal feast of Belshazzar in 539BC. This vision represents the first of four visions God gives to Daniel… AFTER DANIEL 4 BUT BEFORE DANIEL 5 Vision #1 - Daniel 7:1 - First year of King Belshazzar (~553 BC) - Daniel ~ 67 yo Vision #2 - Daniel 8:1 - Third year of King Belshazzar (~551 BC) - Daniel ~ 69 yo AFTER THE FALL OF BABYLON 539 BC Vision #3 - Daniel 9:2, 23 - First year of Darius the Mede (~538/539 BC) - Daniel ~ 81 yo Vision #4 - Daniel 10:1 - Third year of Cyrus the Persian (~535/536 BC) - Daniel ~ 86 yo Note that Daniel 7, like Daniel 2, reveals the prophetic course of Gentile dominion on the earth (cp "the times of the Gentiles" in Luke 21:24), which explains in part why it is written in Aramaic, the international language ("lingua franca") of Daniel's day. Daniel returns to the Hebrew language beginning in Daniel 8:1 and continuing through Daniel 12:13 primarily because these last three visions give very specific details regarding God's plan for the refining and restoration of the nation of Israel. It is a serious hermeneutical mistake to replace "Israel" with the "Church", for then the "Israel centric" chapters Daniel 8-12 cannot be accurately interpreted. J. F. Walvoord rightly remarks that "Chapter 7 is a high point in revelation in the book of Daniel; and, in some sense, the material before as well as the material which follows pivots upon the detailed revelation of this chapter." (Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision Of Future World History) Someone has well said that Only he who knows prophecy can dwell in the calm of eternity now. Determine to diligently, rightly divide Daniel 7 (cp 2Ti 2:15-note) and to live in the light of this truth and His Spirit will bring the "calm of eternity" into your heart now! As summarized above, beginning in Daniel 7 and to the end of the book we come face to face with this great prophet's apocalyptic visions. Remember that the word apocalypse is from the Greek verb apokalupto (word study) which literally means to remove the cover from and thus it means to remove that which conceals something. In the context of Daniel 7-12, the idea is that spiritual truth that was heretofore hidden, now has the "lid removed", so that it can be seen and understood by all who have eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. And when we understand (and believe) these truths, we will be transformed to live in light of them, in short, to live in the light of God's Plan for the Ages. Remember that what a person believes, always determines how he or she behaves. Beloved, "we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which (we) do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in (our) hearts." (2Peter 1:19-note). May we all make those daily choices to live in the light of God's eternal truth, in the light of His glorious, victorious plan for the ages! Amen RECALL THE… TWO DIVISIONS OF DANIEL DANIEL 1-6 DANIEL 7-12 J Vernon McGee The Historic Night with Prophetic Light The Prophetic Light in the Historic Night Irving Jensen Mainly Historical: 6 Historical Narratives Mainly Predictive: 4 Apocalyptic Visions Irving Jensen Daniel Interprets Other's Dreams Angel (?) Interprets Daniel's Dreams In summary, Daniel 1-6 is primarily history with a "dash" of prophecy, while Daniel 7-12 is primarily prophecy with a "dash" of history. The structure of Daniel 7 may be summarized as… Daniel 7:1 Introductory setting Daniel 7:2-14 Vision Daniel 7:15 Response Daniel 7:16-27 Interpretation Daniel 7:28 Response Why is Daniel 7 so important? In a word, Daniel 7 gives us God's Blueprint for Bible Prophecy! When you get a good "hold" on Daniel 7, the truth of Daniel 7 will hold you when everything in the world seems to be falling apart! You can remain confident that because of God's sovereignty over kings and kingdoms in the past, the present is not falling apart but in fact is coming together for the consummation of the ages the capstone event being the Second Coming of the King, Christ Jesus! Learn the "skeleton" truths of Daniel 7 and you will be able to put "meat" on the bones, for all other Bible prophecies of the end times fit into the framework of Daniel 7. God's heart is for His children, His Son's bond-servants, to know His secret counsel as emphasized by the following passages… Amos writes that… Surely the Lord GOD does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7) David adds that… The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant. (Note what one who "fears" Him will chose to do… ) My eyes are continually toward the LORD (Jehovah), for He will pluck my feet out of the net. (Beloved snares and traps are thrown out for us every day in manifold ways, but looking to our Lord will ensure that we are like spiritual "Boy Scouts" whose motto is "Be Prepared"!) (Ps 25:14) Comment: Secret counsel and secret are the same Hebrew word sod (05475) which conveys the primary meaning of "confidential speech" (cf. Arabic sa'wada "speak secretly") as when one in a group of intimates shares confidential matters. Note these other uses of this wonderful Hebrew word (in bold) in the NAS: Pr 3:32 = intimate with the upright; Ps 55:14 = sweet fellowship; Ps111:1 = In the company of the upright; Job 29:4 = the friendship of God). C H Spurgeon on Ps 25:14: The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him. Some read it "the friendship:" it signifies familiar intercourse, confidential intimacy, and select fellowship. This is a great secret. Carnal minds cannot guess what is intended by it, and even believers cannot explain it in words, for it must be felt to be known. The higher spiritual life is necessarily a path which the eagle's eye hath not known, and which the lion's whelp has not traveled; neither natural wisdom (1Co 2:14) nor strength can force a door into this inner chamber. Saints have the key of heaven's hieroglyphics; they can unriddle celestial enigmas. They are initiated into the fellowship of the skies; they have heard words which it is not possible for them to repeat to their fellows. And He will show them His covenant. Its antiquity, security, righteousness, fulness, graciousness and excellence, shall be revealed to their hearts and understandings, and above all, their own part in it shall be sealed to their souls by the witness of the Holy Spirit. The designs of love which the Lord has to His people in the covenant of grace, He has been pleased to show to believers in the Book of Inspiration, and by His Spirit He leads us into the mystery, even the hidden mystery of redemption. He who does not know the meaning of this verse, will never learn it from a commentary; let him look to the cross, for the secret lies there. (see full note) Oswald Chambers on Ps 25:14 asks: "What is the sign of a friend? That he tells you secret sorrows? No, that he tells you secret joys. Many will confide to you their secret sorrows, but the last mark of intimacy is to confide secret joys. Have we ever let God tell us any of His joys, or are we telling God our secrets so continually that we leave no room for Him to talk to us?… The things that make God dear to us are not so much His great big blessings as the tiny things, because they show His amazing intimacy with us Why is Prophecy so important? Dr Charles Feinberg a Jewish believer offers the following encouragement regarding why believers should study prophecy… From the positive angle a study of the prophetic Scriptures will accomplish several things for the willing heart: (Ed: This begs the question dear reader "Is your heart willing to receive what God's Spirit desires to give?) (1) It will bring us near to God (Ge 18:17 and Jn 15:14,15). Friends, not servants, are told confidences (Ed: See above Amos 3:7, Ps 25:14). In prophecy God invites us into His deepest plans. What attitude is that which cares much for God to provide our daily need, but will not listen to Him disclose His plans? (2) It affords a knowledge of world-wide purposes. What vast subjects are handled! The greatest in the world: the destiny of Israel, the nations, the Church, the goal of men: heaven or hell, the reign of Christ on earth. What a cure for narrow-mindedness or limited vision! (3) It brightens hope (Ro 8:24a-note). This element plays a large part in the believer's life. It has a relation to all he is, hopes to be, and will experience in realization. Faith looks up and back; love looks around; hope looks onward. (4) It presents the words and speech of God, as does the rest of the Word (Dt 29:29). God has spoken in prophecy. This is paramount. Whenever and wherever and however God speaks, it is our duty to listen and obey. (5) It affords the true perspective of history (Ro 11:36-note). Sometimes in the midst of the affairs of life our vision gets blurred and out of focus. It is prophecy that gives us the proper perspective of history. Only in its light can we know our day (2Pet 1:19-note). (6) It purifies the life (1Th 3:11, 12, 13-note; 2Pe 3:11-note, 2Pe 3:14-note; 1Jn 3:1-note, 1Jn 3:2-note, 1Jn 3:3-note). It is a mighty force to shape the life in conformity with God's will for our sanctification. Chief Sekomi said to Livingstone in Africa, "I wish you would change my heart. Give me medicine to change it, for it is proud, proud and angry, angry always." He would not hear of God's way but wanted an outward means. God has provided cleansing by the blood of Christ in salvation and through the believer's experience. Prophetic truth is an aid to this end. (From the body of the article Dr Feinberg expands this point) A knowledge of prophecy, particularly of the imminent return of the Lord, is conducive to a proper Christian walk. Values are seen in their relative importance. There is not a dissipating of purpose and energy between the things of this world and those of heaven (Ed: cp Eph 5:16-note, Ps 90:12-note). A wise teacher once attributed the suffering and misery of man to the fact that he has one foot in the finite and one in the infinite, with the result that he is torn asunder between two worlds (Ed: cp Mt 6:24-note and it's association with "anxiety" Mt 6:25-note). Many Christians are attempting to walk with Christ, while they consort with the world (Ed: cp Jas 4:4-note, 1Jn 2:15-note, 1Jn 2:16-note, 1Jn 2:17-note). The cause is often to be found in their lack of knowledge of prophetic things, which would have a strong tendency to draw their eyes from the things of this world, and to fix them upon Christ and His future purposes.) (7) It influences our service (1Th 2:19-note). All truth in the Word of God is meant in one way or other to influence or affect our service. If it has not or does not, we have misunderstood it or willfully failed to apply it. If the study of prophecy has not and does not affect our service for God, we have not felt the full power and force of it. We have not permitted it to touch our lives. ( I recommend reading Dr Feinberg's entire article God's Message to Man through the Prophets) (Bolding, color and some cross references added) SOME THOUGHTS ON STUDYING DANIEL 7 If one accepts that Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 describe the same prophetic/historic events (and I do take that approach), then what we find is that Daniel 7 gives us "progressive revelation" of the foundational truths in Daniel 2, especially the facts regarding the Fourth Kingdom/Fourth Beast (in particular that portion of Daniel's prophecy which has not yet been fulfilled) and the Fifth Kingdom, the Kingdom of God and of His Christ. Daniel 7 in turn provides a framework which is progressively expanded with new truths revealed in Daniel 8-12 and then finally and fully in the NT in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Without the framework of Daniel 7, accurate interpretation of these other chapters in Daniel and the book of the Revelation become very difficult, if not even impossible! Therefore it behooves anyone who honestly seeks to know God's heart and His plan for the "History of the World" to study Daniel 7 diligently. That does not mean reading the chapter twice or even twenty times! What it means is that one takes the chapter apart verse by verse, phrase by phrase, sometimes even word by word, carefully observing for those truths which are not controversial or nebulous (some phrases are difficult to interpret dogmatically) and comparing these truths with those found in Daniel 2. While there are other ways to study Scripture, after 30 years of studying, I have found that far and away the most productive has been inductive Bible study and that in particular the discipline of observation (Note Daniel "kept looking intently" [Da 7:2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 21] something every student of this chapter should do) especially valuable in comparing the many pictures and figurative allusions that one typically encounters in the study of prophetic (apocalyptic) literature (especially Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, Revelation). As someone once said (maybe it was Yogi Berra) "You can't go where you're going until you know where you've been!" Study Daniel 7 diligently and you will come to know that you know that you know! I cannot encourage you too strongly to set aside some time to carefully study this chapter led by your Teacher the Spirit (Jn 16:13) taking care to avoid being biased by any commentaries (including this one - in fact I would suggest you read no further until you've observed the text for yourself!). I own upwards to 50 commentaries on the book of Daniel and have been absolutely flabbergasted and amazed as I read through what some of these authors' interpretations of Daniel 7! Not only was I confused but I became somewhat frustrated, which may explain why Daniel chapters 1-6 are taught (in Sunday School lessons, in sermons) much more frequently than Daniel chapters 7-12. Daniel 7-12 is categorized as "Apocalyptic Literature (Genre)" (along with the Revelation, Ezekiel, Zechariah) which is in itself revealing (pun intended). How so? The word for Revelation (Rev 1:1-note) in Greek is from the verb apokalupto (from apo = from + kalupto = cover) which literally means to remove the cover from and so to uncover so as to cause something to be fully seen or known, thus exposing to open view what was before hidden. Beloved, inherent in God's inspired "title" of the book of the Revelation we find in a sense His promise of unveiling or uncovering to full view the truths therein. So far from being closed, hidden, hard to comprehend, confusing, mysterious, etc, Daniel 7-12 (and the other apocalyptic literature in Scripture) is meant to be understood (not that there won't be specific phrases or details that remain somewhat difficult to interpret dogmatically, but that the main points of prophetic truth are exposed so that they might be clearly grasped). Stephen Motyer has a an interesting description of apocalyptic as a Type of biblical literature that emphasizes the lifting of the veil between heaven and earth and the revelation of God and His plan for the world. Apocalyptic writings are marked by distinctive literary features, particularly prediction of future events and accounts of visionary experiences or journeys to heaven, often involving vivid symbolism. Later apocalypses often build upon and elaborate the symbolism employed by earlier ones… The fundamental conviction of apocalyptic is that the world may be understood, but only by revelation that enables understanding… Apocalyptic is distinguished from other forms of prophecy in that God himself rarely speaks. The revelation is communicated through angels or other heavenly figures. (See complete article - apocalyptic - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology) Jesus promised His disciples (and by way of application all believers) that… when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. (Jn 16:13) John adds that… And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you (speaking of the indwelling Holy Spirit), and you have no need for anyone to teach you (John is not saying we never need teachers but in context is speaking of the Spirit's enabling believers to discern truth from error); but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. (1 Jn 2:27+) So if all believers have the Resident Teacher, the Holy Spirit and He is able to guide us into all the truth and even disclose what is to come, why is their such confusion and disagreement in studies and commentaries on the apocalyptic writings like Daniel 7? The short answer is… The book of Daniel isn't hard to understand… It's hard to believe! Apocalyptic literature contains predictive prophecy but many commentators surprisingly refuse to believe in a God who can predict future events and since Daniel 7-12 is partially fulfilled (history) and partially unfulfilled (predictive prophecy) you will find a wide range of comments which in some works actually express conflicting views! In short, you need to study the text for yourself so you will be able to comment on the commentators! Remember that when it comes to predictive prophecy… Ignorance of the future… Is NOT bliss! As Rodney Stortz writes…I would venture to say that most Christians could not tell you what is contained in chapters 7–12 of the book of Daniel… Some people do not study the prophecies of Daniel 7-12 because they are convinced they will never be able to understand them. They have the opinion that if scholars cannot agree on the interpretation of these chapters, they will not be able to understand the true meaning. Other people do not study these chapters because they think the prophecies are too frightening… Listen, if these prophecies trouble you or disturb you, you are in good company. Daniel 7:15 says, “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me.” (Stortz, R. Daniel: The triumph of God's kingdom. Preaching the Word. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books) Dr John Walvoord the dean of modern prophecy (now with the Lord) wrote that chapter 7 of Daniel is…one of the great prophecies of the Bible and the key to the entire program of God from Babylon to the second coming of Christ… (and) provides the most comprehensive and detailed prophecy of future events to be found anywhere in the Old Testament (Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision Of Future World History) Pastor Chuck Swindoll entitles Daniel 7 "A Prophetic Collage" (Ed: Collage = an artistic composition made of various materials) for "gives us a panoramic perspective of what God has in store for both believers and unbelievers." He adds that while Daniel 7 "appears to be a confusing collection of animals, persons, nations and events, it is actually a harmonious collage of the Lord's sovereign activity in human history." (From Bible Study Guide: Daniel - God's Pattern for the Future, page 62, 1986) IS THE BIBLE RELIABLE? The following list is by no means exhaustive but is given to highlight the vital importance of the study of prophecy (fulfilled and unfulfilled) in these last days… (1) The Bible is true because of fulfilled prophecy. In fact fulfilled prophecy is one of the best if not the best verification of the authenticity and reliability of the Bible. Prophecy is a confirmation of God's omniscience and omnipotence. Daniel's accurate prediction of 4 great world empires assures us that those aspects of the Daniel 7 prophecy not yet fulfilled will in fact be fulfilled… perfectly! Lehman Strauss in his commentary quotes in E. L. Langston of England in The Prophetic News and Israel's Watchman (January 1959)… Do we realize that at least half of the prophecies foreshadowed in this book have literally come to pass, just as specified 2,500 years ago? Therefore, surely we are to expect the remaining prophecies to be just as literally and minutely fulfilled." (Lehman Strauss – The Prophecies of Daniel) (2) The Bible is true because it touches experience and experience verifies its truth. This includes the effect of the Bible on society and on individuals, specifically the evidence of a changed life (2Co 5:17). (3) The Bible is true because it is scientifically accurate. (4) The Bible is true because it is historically accurate as verified by archaeology. As discussed the skeptics pointed to Daniel 5 and the use of the name Belshazzar as proof of the inaccuracy of Daniel, until the mid-1800's when archaeology proved his existence. The Hittites mentioned some 50 times in the Scripture were unknown until discovered by archaeology digs 90 miles east of Ankara, Turkey in 1906. Nelson Glueck, a Jewish archaeologist said It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. (5) The Bible is true because its manuscripts are reliable. The Dead Sea Scrolls attest to its reliability - fragments of every OT book were found and a book of Isaiah and textually there was no difference with the next oldest manuscripts copied some 1000 years later, findings which assure the OT text has been accurately preserved. Similarly, thousands of NT manuscripts have been discovered and although none are original, and reveal only minor variations with none that change the meaning of the passage. Compare 10 manuscripts of Caesar's Gallic wars the earliest dating to AD900 with 14,000 manuscripts of the NT, the earliest dated to AD125. (Related Resource: For more discussion of this important topic see the RBC Booklet - Can I Really Trust The Bible?) What the Bible says will come to pass because only an an omniscient, all-knowing, all-seeing , all-powerful God, could both know and bring to pass the things that are predetermined - see Isa 42:9 44:7 45:21 46:9,10. John

Daniel 7:7-14

Charts from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission Daniel Chart from Charles Swindoll CHART RELATED TO DANIEL 2 AND DANIEL 7 - IRVING JENSEN- click to enlarge Daniel 7:7 "After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. Da 7:2,13 fourth: Da 7:19,23 2:40 8:10 2Sa 22:43 ten: Da 7:24 2:41,42 Rev 12:3 13:1 17:7,12 Daniel 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BEAST # 4 "DREADFUL & TERRIFYING" Rome 63BC ‑ 476AD // 1453AD (Western // Eastern) After this - This time phrase implies sequence. After the vision of the leopard, Daniel sees the vision of the fourth beast. A fourth beast - Daniel could not even give a name to this dreadful and terrifying beast for apparently there was none like it in the animal kingdom. There are two specific facts which allow one to identify this beast with the iron leg and foot stage - (1) Reference to the same metal = iron. (2) Ten subdivisions = horns in Daniel 7, 10 toes in Daniel 2:41-43 (toes = "those kings" Da 2:44+). Only an interpreter/interpretation that denies predictive prophecy would fail to see that the fourth beast corresponds to the legs of iron and the feet and toes of iron and clay (cp Da 2:33, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43). And yet the liberal critics do deny these clear parallel truths and try to pawn off the fourth beast as Greece! They come up with Greece by dividing Medo-Persia into the second and third beasts, but to do so is go against the clear statements of the Word of Truth which says the Kingdom of Babylon "has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians." (Da 5:28) Three times in Daniel in the Lion's den we find the phrase "law of the Medes and Persians" (Da 6:8, 6:12, 6:15) Furthermore the description of the third beast with 4 heads finds perfect fulfillment in Alexander the Great's Kingdom being divided among 4 of his generals. To ignore these historical realities is to come up with an interpretation which ignores truth which is exactly what the liberal commentators are forced to do so that they do not have to face a Sovereign God Who confidently declares "Behold, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you." (Isaiah 42:9) In summary, the fourth beast that follows ("after this") the 4 headed winged leopard stage is the Roman Empire a fact which is fully attested to by history. Although the Roman Empire actually began before 63 BC the inception date I have recorded because in that year that the Roman General Pompey crushed and defeated Jerusalem. Historians date the official beginnings of the Roman empire as early as 241 BC. Edward Gibbon (The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2:1441) lists what he has discerned as the… four principal causes of the ruin of Rome, which continued to operate in a period of more than a thousand years: 1. The injuries of time and nature. 2. The hostile attacks of the barbarians and Christians. 3. The use and abuse of the materials. And, 4. The domestic quarrels of the Romans. Dreadful and terrifying - As shown in the map below the Roman kingdom conquered territory (note especially the conquest of much of what is modern day Europe) that none of its predecessors had conquered and was a world power for much longer than any preceding beastly kingdoms. History identifies two divisions of the Roman Empire, the Western which fell apart in 476 AD and the Eastern which remained until about 1453 AD. Large iron teeth (Da 7:19) - This alone would distinguish the fourth beast from any known animal! This fact is similar to the iron that characterized the third kingdom in Daniel 2 (Da 2:33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45) which as stated effectively identifies the fourth beast with the fourth metallic stage of Nebuchadnezzar's statue. Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces. (Da 2:40+) From history we know that the Roman armies were known for their iron armor which led some to refer to them as the "Iron Legions" of Rome, emphasizing their strength and invincibility. But in the sovereign irony (pun intended) of God, the "crushing" kingdom was itself to be crushed by the Stone cut without hands (Da 2:34, 35, 44, 45). Maximum extent of Roman Empire under Trajan AD117 Edward Gibbon (not a believer) writing about the powerful Roman empire recorded that… the rapacious son of Severus… crushed alike every part of the (Roman) empire under the weight of his iron sceptre (The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire Chap 6 - Part VI - near the bottom of the page)… The strength of Aurelian (Roman emperor 270-275 BC) had crushed on every side the enemies of Rome. (The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire XII - about midway down the page). Devoured and crushed and trampled down - A vivid portrayal of the overwhelming power and ruthless tactics of the Roman armies who sought to destroy the defeated peoples, killing many and enslaving others en masse. This description alone would be sufficient for any reasonable interpreter to jettison the thought that the fourth beast could be Greece which "Hellenized" the conquered peoples, H C Leupold commented that "Rome had no interest in raising the conquered nations to any high level of development. All her designs were imperial; let the nations be crushed and stamped underfoot." Crushed (7x in 6v - Da 2:34, 40, 45, 6:24, 7:7, 7:19) - Describes the process of breaking into pieces. In Da 2:34, 35, 45 this Aramaic word describes the crushing of the feet of the statue by the Stone. The remainder (the rest, the residue) - To what is the "residue" referring? In context this has to be the first 3 beastly Gentile kingdoms. In Da 2:40 Daniel recorded that the fourth kingdom would "crush and break all of these (the three preceding Gentile kingdoms) in pieces." It was different from all the beasts that were before it - Why? How? The context tells it had 10 divisions. The fourth beast was not a single nation dominating a great section of earth but it is a 10 horn collection. And it had ten horns - There is no historical record that the Roman Empire had any phrase that can be identified with the ten horn description, which by default supports that this aspect remains to be fulfilled in the future, even as we saw with the foot and toe stage of the vision in Daniel 2. Some commentators take the number "10" as symbolic. Why? Because they cannot identify a historical fulfillment and don't accept God's ability to predict the future and fulfill His prediction! In Da 7:24 we learn the 10 horns represent 10 kings which will arise out of the fourth DT (dreadful, terrifying) beast, the fourth kingdom. Recall that horns when used figuratively often symbolize power, which seems apropos in view of the identification as 10 kings. John MacArthur on the beast with ten horns - No such animal exists; rather this is a unique beast pointing to the Roman Empire, already represented by iron in Da 2:40, devastating in conquest. Roman dominion fell apart in a.d. 476, yet it lived on in a divided status (Europe), but will be revived and return to great unified strength near Christ's second coming. Then it will be comprised of the 10 parts under kings (Da 7:7, 24), as well as an 11th king, the Antichrist (Da 7: 8, 24; 2Th 2:3-10; Rev 13:1-10). Ray Stedman makes the observation that… The two great political changes which Scripture has long anticipated must occur before the return of Jesus Christ in glory, have been: (1) The restoration of the Jews to Palestine which has been predicted for centuries and has now been fulfilled, and (2) The ten-fold division of the Roman earth. It is emphasized in several Scriptures that this is to occur before the return of Jesus Christ. There is a gradual development of this ten-fold division after it first appears. There are first ten kings who share power together in a confederation of sorts. Then an eleventh comes up, who is rather obscure and unpretentious at the first (ED: AKA THE "LITTLE HORN"), but, by this eleventh, three of the first ten are overthrown or amalgamated, and finally all ten unite in giving their power and authority to the eleventh, the "little horn" mentioned here. (The Coming Caesar) Ten horns - The specific phrase ten horns occurs 9 times in all of Scripture - 3x in Daniel and 6x in the Revelation - Da 7:7-note, Da 7:20-note, Da 7:24-note, Rev 12:3-note, Rev 13:1-note, Rev 17:3-note, Rev 17:7-note, Rev 17:12-note, Rev 17:16-note. The ten horns parallels the toe stage in Daniel 2 which by default would be "10" toes and therefore the ten horns and the ten toes would appear to refer to the same entity. In Da 7:24-note the ten horns refers to a kingdom (a singular noun in Aramaic) implying it is a divided kingdom composed of 10 kings, which is what Daniel described in chapter 2 ("divided kingdom… some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle" Da 2:41, 42-note) The new ESV Study Bible has an interesting comment (I don't agree with it but present it as an example of how one can become confused when Bible prophecy is interpreted figuratively instead of literally when a normal reading of the text allows for literal interpretation)… Even more surprisingly, another small horn came up among the horns, uprooting three of the 10 others. This horn had eyes and a mouth that spoke arrogantly. If this vision corresponds to the statue in Daniel 2, then it would represent the Roman Empire (cf. iron teeth with iron legs, Da 2:33 [My note]; see also Midrash on Psalms 80.6) and emphasize its ruthlessness. The Roman Empire was significantly different than the earlier empires, for it far surpassed them in power, longevity, and influence. The world had never before seen anything like it. The 10 horns could emphasize the extreme power of this empire (five times the normal number of two horns) (Ed comment: This illustrates how imaginary some interpretations become when one refuses to accept a literal reading of the text!), or more likely it signifies 10 rulers or kingdoms (cf. Da 7:24) from Julius Caesar to Domitian there are actually 12 Caesars; but two reigned for only a few months)… (In a related comment on Da 7:24 (See my note) explaining the Little Horn subduing 3 of the 10 ESV says) "If 10 signifies “completeness,” then three represents “some”. (Ed: This is an incredibly contrived statement in a work as good as the ESV Study Bible is in most of its comments! It shows what happens when one jettisons literal interpretation of the text!) (BORROW ESV Study Bible - Overall I think the ESV Study Bible is well done but as with any commentary one needs to observe the text for themselves and keep a Berean mindset - Acts 17:11-note) (Bolding added) Here is an example from Lange's commentary (an older work that is not bad on many passages but is not good on prophetic texts) that refuses to accept 10 as 10 even though Daniel 7:24 clearly explains what the 10 represents! Beloved if you refuse to read the Bible literally, even in those areas that challenge your belief that God can bring about anything He chooses, you will make absurd and incorrect interpretations of many passages, not just prophetic! Here is Lange's comment… The number ten is hardly to be strained, in this connection, to represent ten specified kings (Ed: This is an amazing statement in light of Daniel 7:24); but like the number four in Daniel 7:6, it is rather to be taken in a symbolic sense (Ed: Another absurd, incorrect interpretation, for four is used again in Da 8:8 and is NOT symbolic!), and to be regarded as indicating a multiplicity of rulers, or an indefinitely large number of kings (Ed: Again this is an absurd statement and simply has no foundation from the text. It is the fantasy of one who refuses to accept that God is sovereign and he raises up kings as He wills - Da 2:21!)—in harmony with the usual significance of the number, both in the Scriptures and elsewhere, as the symbol of earthly perfection. (Source) The point beloved is that you need to read the text for yourself (see inductive Bible study), reading it literally where it is clearly meant to be literal and figuratively where it is clearly figurative, all the while comparing Scripture with Scripture and allowing your Teacher the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth. Only go to the commentaries after you have come to a conclusion on your own. You will find that no matter how many theological degrees a writer possesses, unless his heart and mind are possessed by and surrendered to the Holy Spirit, his interpretations are most likely to be humanistic, liberal and ultimately absurd! Daniel 7:8 "While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts. another: Da 7:19-20, Da 7:21-25 Da 8:9, 10, 11, 12 Rev 13:11, 12, 13 eyes : Da 8:23, 24, 25 Rev 9:7 mouth : Da 7:25 Da 11:36 1Sa 2:3 Ps 12:3 2Th 2:4 2Ti 3:2 2Pe 2:18 Jude 1:16 Rev 13:1,5,6 Daniel 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages Daniel 7:19-20 “Then I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its claws of bronze, and which devoured, crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet, 20 and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up (LITTLE HORN, ANTICHRIST), and before which three of them fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts and which was larger in appearance than its associates. Daniel 7:23 “Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. 24 ‘As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another (LITTLE HORN, ANTICHRIST) will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. 25 ‘He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. (Da 7:25+ Da 11:36+ Rev 13:5,6+) THE LITTLE HORN WITH A BIG MOUTH While I was contemplating the horns - Daniel was focused on the 10 horns that characterized the fourth beast.. Another horn… came up - Another indicates in addition to the 10, so now he sees 11 horns. Little horn - The size of this horn distinguishes it from the other 10 horns, but in Da 7:20 we see that "was larger" implying that it grew in size/stature. Do not confuse this “little horn” with the “little horn” of Da 8:9, 10, 11, 12 which describes Antiochus IV Epiphanes (Who ruled the Seleucid Empire from 175BC until his death in 164BC) and who arises from the third Gentile kingdom of Greece not the fourth Gentile kingdom of Rome. Among them - Among is the Aramaic word "akal" used only one other place in Scripture (Da 7:5) "between its teeth" because the context is two rows of teeth, one on the top and the other on the bottom. Here in Da 7:8 the context is 10 horns so the more appropriate word is "among" The Septuagint translates with the Greek word mesos meaning middle or midst. The English meaning of "among" is mixed or mingled with; as tares among wheat; conjoined or associated with; in the midst of; surrounded by; in company or association with. Why am I going into such miniscule detail? The reason is that this text supports the premise that the "10 horns" were coexisting at the time of the ascension of the little horn. In other words these "10 horns" are contemporaneous and not sequential. The fact that 3 of the first 10 horns are pulled out ("fell" in Da 7:20, "subdue" in Da 7:24) supports this premise. The 11th horn thus stands out by virtue of its origin from among the previous 10 horns. In other words, the little horn did not just come up in another part of the vision but it's origin was intimately associated with the 10 horns. Later (Da 7:24-note) in the interpretation portion of this night vision we read that the 11th horn comes up after them indicating that the 10 horns are established or in existence before the 11th arises among them. Three of the first horns - Three of the first 10 horns. This fact is further support that these 10 were a literal 10 and not symbolic (see confusion that ensues when one ventures away from the "safety net" of literal interpretation) and that these 10 kings were in existence at the same time, not sequentially. Pulled out by the roots before it - Before what? Before the 11th horn, the little one. Archer makes an important point that helps identify this 10 horn stage as one that has not yet been fulfilled… It should be observed that the contemporaneity of all ten of these states (or rulers, if that is what the horns refer to) is virtually demanded by these factors. Since six remain in subservience to the aggressive little horn, after he has destroyed the other three, a chronologically consecutive series of rulers (or states) is quite definitely precluded. Just as the ten toes of the dream image were contemporaneous, so are all the ten horns of this fourth beast. (Gaebelein, F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary OT) This horn - Now Daniel focuses his attention on the little horn. Behold - Interjection that speaks of amazement or surprise. It is used to get the reader's attention. It appears to have gotten Daniel's attention! This horn possess eyes like the eyes of a man - Rev 13:1-2+ calls him a beast but he is clearly a man (Rev 13:18). A little horn that has eyes and human characteristics. A mouth uttering great boasts (Da 7:25+ Da 11:36+ Rev 13:5,6+) - A little horn that can speak and when he speaks he is not humble but boastful which speaks of his pride. All of these characteristics speak of an individual personage not of an entire kingdom. Daniel 7:9 "I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire. Until: Da 2:34,35,44,45 1Co 15:24,25 Rev 19:18, 19, 20, 21 20:1, 2, 3, 4 Ancient: Da 7:13,22 Ps 90:2 102:24,25 Isa 9:6 Mic 5:2 Hab 1:12 whose: Ps 45:8 104:2 Mt 17:2 Mk 9:3 Php 3:9 1Ti 6:16 1Jn 1:5 Rev 1:14 throne: Ac 2:30,33 2Th 1:7,8 2Pe 3:7, 8, 9, 10 wheels: Ps 104:3,4 Eze 1:13-21 10:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Daniel 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DIVINE JUDGMENT PREPARED I kept looking - This phrase marks the second subdivision of the vision (first in Da 7:2, third beginning in Da 7:13) Until - Up to a stipulated time. Until marks the beginning of the time of the next aspect of the vision. Da 7:9, 10 give us a picture of judgment. In Da 2:34 Daniel uses the word "until" to describe one aspect of God's judgment declaring that Nebuchadnezzar "continued looking until a stone was cut out without hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and crushed them." In Scripture there are a number of distinct judgments described and the interested reader is encouraged examine the overview topic Synopsis of Judgments. Although some might suppose Daniel is describing the "Great White Throne" judgment, this passage does not allow one to be specific. In fact, the One at the Great White Throne judgment seat is almost certainly Jesus Christ, not the Father, for as Jesus teaches in John… not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23 in order that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him… and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man (cp Da 7:13). (Jn 5:22, 23, 27, cp Jn 3:35, 17:2, Mt 11:27, 16:27, Mt 25:31, 32ff, Mt 28:18, Acts 10:42, 17:31, Ro 2:16-note, 2Cor 5:10-note, 2Th 1:7, 8, 9, 10, 2Ti 4:1-note, 1Pe 4:5-note) Thrones were set up - The scene now shifts to heaven. This "pattern" of shifting between heaven and earth is seen in Daniel 7 and is a very prominent aspect of John's record of the Revelation of Jesus Christ (e.g., compare Rev 1:9 = "I… was on the island called Patmos" with Rev 4:1-2 = "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things. Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne"). Obviously one can obtain a more accurate interpretation of these "apocalyptic" books ("apocalyptic" - see apokalupto/apokalypto which conveys the idea that God wants to reveal not conceal or confuse the future) by understanding where the action is taking place. In other words, when we read the Revelation, accurate interpretation demands that we know whether John is describing scenes in heaven or on earth. Ancient of Days (Da 7:9, 13, 22) - Literally “one advanced in days”. Most commentators agree this describes God the Father in this verse. The same phrase in Da 7:22 (see discussion) is not as clear because Daniel records that "the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed". Some commentators take the verb "came" as a reference to Jesus "coming again" in judgment. For example Grant Richison comments that… This pompous horn prevails over the saints until the Ancient of Days comes, when he is defeated (cf. Rev 19:19, 20). (Daniel 7:19-23) (Note: Revelation 19 describes the Second Coming so it follows that Richison is equating the coming of the Ancient of Days with the return of the Son of God). I am not sure, but if God's original intention of the meaning of Da 7:22 to picture His Son Jesus returning in judgment, it is further evidence of the great truth of the Trinity, which is incomprehensible to our finite human minds. Whether the Ancient of Days in Da 7:22 represents God the Father or God the Son does not alter the overall message of Daniel 7 regarding God's plan for the future. Took His seat - In context this surely speaks of God the Father. Ezekiel records a very similar picture… In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire. (Ezekiel 1:13) Daniel 7:10 "A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, and the books were opened. fire Ps 50:3 97:2,3 Isa 30:27,33 66:15,16 Na 1:5,6 thousands: Dt 33:2 1Ki 22:19 Ps 68:17 Zec 14:5 Mt 25:31 Heb 12:22 Jude 1:14 Rev 5:11 court : Ps 96:11, 12, 13 Mal 3:16, 17, 18 Rev 20:11, 12, 13, 14, 15 River of fire - This speaks of judgment, refining, purity. Daniel 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The psalmist records… Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him and burns up His adversaries round about. (Ps 97:2,3-note)

Daniel 7:15-28

Charts from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission Daniel Chart from Charles Swindoll CHART RELATED TO DANIEL 2 AND DANIEL 7 - IRVING JENSEN- click to enlarge Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 Daniel 7:15 "As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions in my mind kept alarming me. Distressed: Da 7:28 8:27 Jer 15:17,18 17:16 Hab 3:16 Lk 19:41, 42, 43, 44 Ro 9:2,3+ Rev 10:9, 10, 11+ visions: Da 2:1,3 4:5 Ge 40:7,8 41:8 Daniel 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Distressed - The Aramaic verb conveys the picture of one who is pierced. Why was he distressed, even "pierced in his spirit"? The context answers this question for as the vision and its interpretation unfolds, Daniel's learns that the rise of the Little Horn will bring a 3.5 year period of great tribulation (Da 7:21-note, Da 7:25-note) on his people the Jews. Obviously all believers during this 3.5 year period will be persecuted by the Little Horn, but Daniel was not aware of the NT saints from every tribe, tongue, people and nation (cp Rev 7:9-note, Rev 7:14-note). Jeske reminds us that… The Lord’s prophets, the men who spoke for God and wrote the books of the Old Testament, were not automatons; they were not simply voice boxes and writing instruments totally without emotions. They were human beings who had strong feelings. Here Daniel felt an inner hurt when he got a glimpse of the political turmoil soon to engulf the world. (Jeske, J. C. Daniel. The People's Bible 142. Milwaukee, Wis.: Northwestern Pub. House) Within me - Literally "in the midst of the sheath" (cp Young's Literal - Da 7:15YLT). The Aramaic word found only here in Scripture literally describes a sheath as one uses to keep a sword. Clearly in this context the meaning is figurative, picturing Daniel's spirit as within his body just as a sword fits in a sheath. Kept alarming me - This Aramaic verb behar means primarily to hasten or be in a hurry and figuratively conveys the sense of to be disturbed, troubled, frightened or terrified (as was Nebuchadnezzar in Da 4:5 and Daniel himself in Da 4:19). When behar means troubled or frightened it is always in the context of a divine dream or vision. Behar - 11x in 10v - Da 2:25; 3:24; 4:5, 19; 5:6, 9, 10; 6:19; 7:15, 28. NAS = alarm(2), alarmed(3), alarming(2), haste(2), hurriedly(1), kept alarming(1). THOUGHT - There is an application for believers in this passage. Is our study of Bible prophecy more of an intellectual exercise or are we being profoundly affected by the sharp, powerful Word of God regarding His incredible plan for the ages which will affect all mankind? Does study of the fate of unbelievers stir your heart to boldly share the life saving Gospel of Jesus Christ with them while there is still time to do so? Daniel 7:16 "I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: one: Da 7:10 8:13, 14, 15, 16 10:5,6,11,12 12:5,6 Zech 1:8, 9, 10, 11 2:3 3:7 Rev 5:5-note Rev 7:13,14-note Daniel 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries One of those - Daniel does further identify "those" but the plural pronoun indicates there is more than one. In the context of explanations in Daniel's later visions, these individuals are most likely angels (cp the angel Gabriel in Da 8:16, Da 9:21). This may be the same one who spoke in Da 7:5-note commanding the bear "Arise, devour much meat." And so most commentators (and I agree) make the assumption from the interpreter is an angelic messenger. Keil offers another possibility identifying one of those who were standing by as a reference to… to those mentioned in Da 7:10, who stood around the throne of God. (Daniel Commentary) (Comment: There were certainly enough! "Thousands upon thousands"!) Further support that this is an angelic interpreter is the occurrence of similar human/angelic interactions in the another apocalyptic book, the Revelation, John recording that… one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” (Rev 21:9-note) Began asking him the exact meaning of all this - Literally “and certainty I asked of him concerning all this.” Interpretation - Is the Aramaic word peshar which describes the act of expounding or unfolding what is not obvious so that the intended meaning or significance might be understood. This pattern of first the vision and then the interpretation is also found in Daniel 8 and Daniel 10. Peshar - 26v in Daniel - Da 2:4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 16, 24, 25, 26, 30, 36, 45; 4:6, 7, 9, 18, 19, 24; 5:7, 8, 12, 15, 16, 17, 26; 7:16. John Walvoord makes an important point regarding interpretation of symbolic (figurative) language frequently encountered in prophetic literature such as Daniel 7 noting that… It should be borne in mind that when a symbol is interpreted, while the symbol is obviously parabolic (Ed: Idea is makes a comparison) and figurative, the interpretation should be taken literally. Accordingly, the explanation can be taken as a factual exegesis of the truth involved in the vision. (Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision Of Future World History) It is in the literal interpretation of the figurative or symbolic where the reader can encounter a significant variation between interpreters. In Daniel the dreams/visions fortunately are accompanied by an interpretation which greatly aids accurate interpretation. Whitcomb adds an interesting note that… We may be pro­foundly grateful that Daniel was not satisfied with his visionary prophetic lesson that night. He had an insatiable desire for more and more explanations and interpretations of God's in­finitely precious Word, and therefore more truth was given to him and to us by the interpreting angel. How much of His Word would never have been revealed if (on the purely human level) Christ's disciples had never asked questions of their Lord! God invites us to ask Him for wisdom in the interpreta­tion of His Word (James 1:5), with the understanding that He is not obliged to reveal to us all of His "secret things" (Deut. 29:29; John 16:12). Nevertheless, many of God's servants would give a great deal to stand, as it were, in Daniel's shoes and to ask an angelic interpreter "the exact meaning of all this"! (Whitcomb, J: Daniel- Everyman's Bible Commentary) Speaking of interpreters of Daniel's night vision, Gingrich writes that modern… Interpreters of the book of Daniel may be divided into two schools: (1) the school of the higher critics and (2) the school of the conservatives. The scholars of the school of the higher critics teach that the book of Daniel is a Second Century B.C. forgery and that the so-called prophecy found in the book is really history and was history at the time the book was written. They teach that the four empires spoken of in chapters two and seven have reference to The Babylonian Empire, The Median Empire, The Persian Empire, and The Grecian Empire. The scholars of the school of the conservatives teach that the book of Daniel is a genuine production of Daniel written in the Sixth Century B.C. and that the prophecy found in the book was genuine prophecy at the time the book was written. They teach that the four empires spoken of in chapters two and seven are The Babylonian Empire, The Medo-Persian Empire, The Grecian Empire, and The Roman Empire. The conservative school is divided into two sub-schools, the sub-school of the Amillennialists and Postmillennialists and the sub-school of the Premillennialists. The scholars of the sub-school of the Amillennialists and Postmillennialists teach that the destruction of the fourth Gentile world-empire, the Roman Empire, spoken of in Daniel, chapters two and seven, has been a gradual destruction accomplished by the church. The scholars of the sub-school of the Premillennialists teach that the destruction of the fourth Gentile world empire spoken of in Daniel, chapters two and seven, is to be a sudden, cataclysmic, destruction accomplished by Christ at His Second Advent (the Roman Empire is to be revived during “The Seventieth Week of Daniel” and will be smitten and destroyed by Christ at His Second coming). So we see that the prophecy of “The Times of the Gentiles” is a controversial prophecy. (Gingrich, R. E.. The Times of the Gentiles. Memphis, TN.: Riverside Printing). THOUGHT - Does the study of prophecy in general, especially the prophecies of Daniel 7 frustrate you and make you think you can never grasp the truth? John Whitcomb offers this encouraging word…Biblical revelation does follow consistent patterns, even in eschatology, so that the careful and reverent interpreter need not be totally frustrated, even by the use of symbolic language. (Whitcomb, J: Daniel- Everyman's Bible Commentary) Daniel 7:17 'These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth. great: Da 7:3,4-note Da 2:37, 38, 39, 40-note Da 8:19, 20, 21, 22 From: Da 7:3-note Ps 17:14 Jn 18:36 Rev 13:1-note, Rev 13:11-note Daniel 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries "ANGELIC" INTERPRETATION IN SUMMARY FORM (Da 7:17,18) The interpreter begins to speak and gives a summary interpretation of the vision in Da 7:17, 18, explaining that 4 beastly Gentile kingdoms will be followed by the fifth everlasting divine kingdom (Da 7:18). FIRST THE BAD NEWS Great beasts… four… are four kings - The figurative language of Da 7:3ff is given a literal interpretation. As we have noted a king is virtually always identified with a kingdom and so the night vision has to do with 4 "beast-like" kingdoms. The 4 beastly kingdoms are considered together, almost like a unit (all would be destroyed at the same time - Da 2:35), similar to the earlier description of "a single great statue" (Da 2:31) Why is four repeated? While not necessary, the idea seems to be that each one of the individual beasts symbolizes an individual king (kingdom). Will arise - Although Daniel is living in the time of the first beast, Babylon, the majority of this prophetic vision is future to him ("will" = future tense). From our 21st Century vantage point most of this vision is fulfilled prophecy or history ("have arisen" = past tense), a fact which should strengthen our faith and confidence that what is yet unfulfilled will be fulfilled to the last detail (cp Isa 42:9). From the earth - In Da 7:3-note (cp Da 2:37, 38, 39, 40-note) they arose from the sea which as we discussed most likely pictures the origin of the beastly kingdoms from the peoples or nations of the world. Daniel 7:18 'But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come.' saints: Da 7:22,27 Ps 45:16 149:5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Isa 60:12, 13, 14 2Ti 2:11,12-note Rev 2:26-note, Rev 2:27-note Rev 3:21-note Rev 5:10-note Rev 20:4-note Highest One Eph 1:3 6:12 Daniel 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THEN THE GOOD NEWS But - Introduces a contrast. This interpretation regarding the saints of the Highest One was not revealed in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2. In the vision the Son of Man was first seen being given the Kingdom but now the interpreter tells Daniel that the saints of the Most High shall receive it, the implication being that they will receive the kingdom with the King! (Rev 1:6-note, Rev 2:26-note, Rev 2:27-note, Rev 3:21-note, Rev 5:10-note, Rev 20:6-note) Archer commenting on the Highest One writes that "qaddise elyonin, with the plural of majesty for Most High". Saints of the Highest One - Saints = "holy ones". This exact phrase occurs 4 times in the interpretative section of the vision (Da 7:18, 22, 25, 27). Who are these saints? Some conservative commentators feel Daniel is primarily referring to OT saints (Jewish believers ~ "the remnant"), while others say he is referring to all saints (including those in the church age). As discussed in Da 7:15-note, from Daniel's viewpoint in the 6th century BC all he understood (or had revealed) was the Jewish perspective, but clearly all believers will in some fashion reign with Christ (see 2Ti 2:11,12-note Rev 2:26-note, Rev 2:27-note Rev 3:21-note Rev 5:10-note Rev 20:4-note). J