Daniel’s Vision of the Beasts

Daniel

Daniel 7:1-28

DAN_007

NET Bible Text

7:1 In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream filled with visions while he was lying on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream in summary fashion.
7:2 Daniel explained: “I was watching in my vision during the night as the four winds of the sky were stirring up the great sea.
7:3 Then four large beasts came up from the sea; they were different from one another.
7:4 “The first one was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off and it was lifted up from the ground. It was made to stand on two feet like a human being, and a human mind was given to it.
7:5 “Then a second beast appeared, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and there were three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and devour much flesh!’
7:6 “After these things, as I was watching, another beast like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. This beast had four heads, and ruling authority was given to it.
7:7 “After these things, as I was watching in the night visions a fourth beast appeared ”“ one dreadful, terrible, and very strong. It had two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns.
7:8 “As I was contemplating the horns, another horn ”“ a small one ”“ came up between them, and three of the former horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This horn had eyes resembling human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things.
7:9 “While I was watching, thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His attire was white like snow; the hair of his head was like lamb’s wool. His throne was ablaze with fire and its wheels were all aflame.
7:10 A river of fire was streaming forth and proceeding from his presence. Many thousands were ministering to him; Many tens of thousands stood ready to serve him. The court convened and the books were opened.
7:11 “Then I kept on watching because of the arrogant words of the horn that was speaking. I was watching until the beast was killed and its body destroyed and thrown into the flaming fire.
7:12 As for the rest of the beasts, their ruling authority had already been removed, though they were permitted to go on living for a time and a season.
7:13 I was watching in the night visions, “And with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him.
7:14 To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed. An Angel Interprets Daniel’s Vision
7:15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed, and the visions of my mind were alarming me.
7:16 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:
7:17 ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth.
7:18 The holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’
7:19 “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.
7:20 I also wanted to know the meaning of the ten horns on its head, and of that other horn which 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.
7:21 While I was watching, that horn began to wage war against the holy ones and was defeating them,
7:22 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.
7:23 “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.
7:24 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.
7:25 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. They will be delivered into his hand For a time, times, and half a time.
7:26 But the court will convene, and his ruling authority will be removed ”“ destroyed and abolished forever!
7:27 Then the kingdom, authority, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of 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.’
7:28 “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.”

Simple Summary

Daniel saw four beasts rise from the sea. They showed the rise of violent human kingdoms. Then the Ancient of Days sat in judgment. The proud beast was destroyed. In the end, the one like a son of man received an everlasting kingdom, and the holy ones received the kingdom from God.

What This Passage Means

This chapter uses strong visions to show how earthly power can become violent and proud. The four beasts stand for four kings or kingdoms that rise in history. The fourth beast is especially dreadful. Its little horn speaks proud words and attacks the holy ones.

But God is not threatened. The Ancient of Days sits in the heavenly court. The books are opened, and judgment is given. The beast is destroyed, and its power ends.

Then one like a son of man comes with the clouds and receives rule, honor, and an everlasting kingdom. The angel explains that the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom too. Daniel is troubled by the vision, because it is both a warning and a promise.

Important Truths

• God rules over the rise and fall of kingdoms.
• Beast-like kingdoms are violent, proud, and destructive.
• The arrogant horn speaks against the Most High and oppresses the holy ones.
• The authority of evil is limited by God’s appointed time.
• The Ancient of Days judges from heaven.
• The beast’s rule ends in destruction.
• The one like a son of man receives everlasting dominion.
• The holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom.

Warnings, Promises, or Commands

• Warning: proud rulers who speak against God will be judged.
• Warning: God’s people may be harassed for a time, but their suffering is not endless.
• Promise: the court of heaven will render judgment in favor of the holy ones.
• Promise: the kingdom given by God is everlasting.
• Command implied by the passage: endure under pressure and do not fear beastly power.

How This Fits in God's Plan

This vision continues the Bible’s story of God judging human rebellion and bringing his final kingdom. It looks ahead to a lasting reign given by God, centered on the one like a son of man and shared with the holy ones. The passage keeps the focus on God’s rule over history and on the hope of final vindication for his people.

Simple Application

Do not trust worldly power just because it looks strong. Stay faithful when rulers or systems act proudly and oppose God. Remember that their rule is limited. God will judge in the end, and his kingdom will not pass away.