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Daniel 7

28 verses

TL;DR

Daniel dreams of four beasts that symbolize successive earthly kingdoms, then sees the Ancient of Days judging and the Son of Man receiving an everlasting dominion.

Summary

In the first year of Belshazzar, Daniel receives a nocturnal vision of four distinct beasts, each more formidable than the last, representing four kings that will arise from the earth. He observes a dreadful fourth beast with ten horns and a powerful little horn that wields authority and speaks grandly, foreshadowing a future kingdom that will devour the world. Amid this, the Ancient of Days sits on a fiery throne, and a figure described as the Son of Man is brought near him and given everlasting dominion over all peoples. Daniel, distressed by the vision, seeks explanation and is told that the beasts symbolize four earthly kingdoms, while the saints of the Most High will ultimately inherit the eternal kingdom. The interpretation emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all worldly powers and the triumph of the divine over human oppression. The chapter concludes with Daniel reflecting on the unsettling revelations while holding onto the promise of the saints’ eternal reign.

Outline
  1. Daniel’s vision of four beasts representing successive earthly kingdoms.
  2. The arrival of the Ancient of Days, judgment, and the Son of Man receiving an everlasting kingdom.
  3. Interpretation by a messenger, confirming divine sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of the saints.
Themes
God’s sovereignty over earthly powersProphetic judgment and hope for the saintsThe eternal reign of the Son of Man
Keywords
four beaststen hornslittle hornAncient of DaysSon of Mankingdomjudgmenteternalprophecy
People
DanielBelshazzarAncient of DaysSon of Man
Places
Babylon
Things
four beaststen hornslittle hornAncient of DaysSon of Manthronebooks of judgmenteternal kingdom
Key Verses
  • Daniel 7:1: Introduces Daniel’s dream that sets the entire prophetic framework.
  • Daniel 7:13: Reveals the identity of the Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion, a pivotal messianic image.
  • Daniel 7:17: Provides the messenger’s explanation, connecting the beasts to earthly kingdoms and the saints to the eternal realm.
Questions
  • What historical kingdoms might Daniel’s four beasts represent?
  • How does the vision of the Son of Man in Daniel compare to later New Testament portrayals?
  • What does the little horn’s ability to 'take three' symbolize in the context of prophecy?
  • In what ways does Daniel’s personal anguish reflect the broader theological message?
  • How does the final assurance of an everlasting kingdom influence Jewish and Christian eschatological thought?
Sentiment

mixed
Daniel experiences distress yet is reassured by the promise of the saints’ eternal dominion.