Daniel

Daniel Chapter 7

Daniel 7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.

This dream was no doubt given to him from the Lord to warn him of what was to come in the latter days.

Belshazzar was the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. This dream actually occured before the events in chapter 6 when Darius the Mede took over this kingdom. Chapter 2 of Daniel is about the vision of Nebuchadnezzar which shows a huge image that also represented kingdoms. Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon which represented the head of gold in the image of his dream recorded in chapter 2. In this dream of Daniel, Babylon is represented by a beast as we shall see when an angel interprets the dream for Daniel written down later in this chapter.

Daniel 7:2 Daniel spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.

Before kings or kingdoms come to power and one overthrows another, there seems to be a battle in the heavenlies according to Daniel chapter 10. Nations rise and fall. The overthrow of kingdoms comes when a nation gets to the point of no return. In other words their evil gets to the point that they do not change and it crosses the line and must be destroyed although God cares for the faithful that stays true to Him. Even though sometimes they suffer hardship and death, eternal life awaits them where they never suffer again.

This dream Daniel had is similar to the dream of Nebuchadnezzar's image but showing wild beasts representing kingdoms or kings from Daniel's day to the coming of Christ instead of an image of a man. The winds symbolize wars or God's judgment on evil nations. There seems to be evil angelic beings behind every evil ruler that are allowed to continue for a season until God says, its enough.

Daniel 7:3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

The beasts are rulers or kings and kingdoms that arise from the sea of mass humanity. It involves populations who come under their control. Some bible scholars say the sea represents the Mediterranean rather than smaller seas of Galilee, Dead Sea etc. The center of all these visons to occur within the vicinity of that great sea.

Daniel 7:4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

We see the first beast no doubt represents Babylon who conquered with swiftness like an eagle going after his prey. The wings being plucked off and lifted from the earth may refer to the time the king was driven insane for 7 years and then restored to his kingdom. The head of gold in chapter 2 is another symbol of Babylon. Babylon's territory included Assyria, Syria, Judea (Israel), Media, Persia and Armenia. In modern times, Armenia is east of the nation of Turkey, Persia is Iran and Babylon is Iraq.

Daniel 7:5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

The bear is the kingdom of Media and Persia. This kingdom is symbolized by the breast and arms of silver in chapter 2 of Nebuchadnezzar's vision.

Cyrus the Persian was greater in might than Darius the Mede. The three ribs symbolize the kingdoms they devoured, Babylonia, Egypt and Lydia. Their territory was a little larger than the Babylonia territory and took in Egypt as well. It also expanded further to the east almost to India.

Daniel 7:6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

The image in chapter 2 at this stage was the belly and thighs of brass. This was the Grecian kingdom with the king being Alexander the Great. The four heads shows us that after Alexander's death (he died very young) four generals arose and took over four different parts of the kingdom. Those divisions were Syria, Greece, Turkey and Egypt. The leopard was a very swift animal and it was even faster than the lion of Babylon for this beast had four wings and the lion only had two. Alexander moved fast to conquest these countries. The Grecian Empire took in Greece of course and more land west of Egypt.

Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

This beast was so terrible that it isn't described as a beast that is known. In Daniel's day this kingdom was not yet known and was not in existence. This is the kingdom of iron in chapter 2. This kingdom was the worst in that it covered a larger territory, the known world at that time. Their government was a Republic and was a little different than the rest in that respect. This was the Roman Empire that was the empire ruling at the time of the first coming of Jesus the Christ. I say first coming because He is returning one day to set up His own everlasting kingdom. In the first coming Jesus came to die for the sins of all mankind. The Roman territory was larger than any, taking in what is now called, Libya, part of north Africa, Egypt, Spain, France, England, Germany, Italy, Syria, Israel, Turkey, Greece and a few countries in between.

This beast had 10 horns which represents 10 kings but I believe we jump ahead with these 10 kings to the latter day revived Roman Empire that is set in place first before the rise of the man of sin, we call the antichrist. In Revelation 17 we see a woman most probably representing a great false religious system that has headquarters in a city under this revived Roman Empire. This woman is sitting upon a beast (representing the antichrist) and the beast has 10 horns or 10 heads. This no doubt is the same as the 10 horns of Daniel's vision.

Revelation 17:3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

So we see the horns are future kings and did not exist in Daniel's day or during the time of Christ. The Roman Empire had many different Emperors with kings like Herod under them but the Emperor had all power and authority and set up those kings. In the latter days, the kings exist first and then the antichrist arises to rule over all the old revived Roman Empire which will include even England because it included England the first time around.

Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

This little horn is the future antichrist in the latter day revised not revived Roman Empire who rules over all that territory and the ten kings. We see that in the rise of the antichrist, he plucks up 3 of the above kings making it only 7 remaining. Perhaps they resisted his take over and the other seven kings willingly gave their kingdoms to be under the authority of this little horn.

The first Roman Empire is described as the iron on the beast of chapter 2 and the latter Roman Empire revised is the part of iron and clay showing that there is many kingdoms but they do not cleave to each other. That is how Europe is today. However, we do not want to forget the eastern half of the old Roman Empire and assume that the latter day empire is western only, in which we now call Europe. The eastern nations also do not cleave to each other. It would seem as if Europe and the part of Asia that included the old Roman territory may have to gather into a group of only 10 kings to fulfill prophecy. That is just my speculation though.

This may be proof that the antichrist does not rule the entire world as most of us believe. I'm not going to say that for sure for there are other scriptures that indicate his worldwide power. However, that could mean the world as was known in the days of those that wrote these verses down or it could mean that the word "all" refers to a very large number, like we would say, "All the kids showed up at the party." We know that every single kid in the entire world wouldn't have been to the party. Many of us have assumed that the antichrist or man of sin would rule from Rome but we must remember that Constantine moved his headquarters from the western leg of his empire to the eastern leg into a city that was renamed Constantinople. So we can just speculate until God shows us plainly what is to come as we get closer to that time.

Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

This is how we know for sure that Daniel's vision of the horns was in the latter days and not immediately following the first Roman Empire for we see the Judgment of God in verse 9. This is probably not the great white throne judgment of every individual after the 2nd resurrection but this is the judgment of nations that occurs at the coming of Jesus Christ to set up His kingdom. This judgment is for nations, not individuals.

In chapter 2's vision of the image this is the great stone which came from a mountain and crushed the toes of the image. This stone most assuredly represents none other than Jesus Christ at His 2nd coming when His kingdom is set up.

Daniel 2:45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

Actually Daniel chapter 2 is a mini version of what takes place in Daniel's dream recorded in chapter 7. The vision in chapter two though is a dream by Nebuchadnezzar and the vision here was given to Daniel.

Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

Daniel and the book of Revelation has similarities and should be studied together and compared.

Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

It looks like Daniel pictures the antichrist as being killed but Revelation says he was cast alive into the lake of fire. My comments on that score would be that his body was destroyed but the soul never dies so his soul is cast into the lake of fire to burn forever. He could have been cast in alive, the fire would have killed the physical body but his soul remains there.

Daniel 7:12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

We see here a final testing time so all nations can see what it is like to have a righteous leader who rules with justice, righteousness but with a rod of iron.

Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

This is our Lord Jesus Christ, the stone described in chapter two. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. His kingdom will reign everlasting. He reigns first for 1000 years and after that Satan is let loose to see which nations and people will follow Satan and desire the old sinful ways. After that Christ reigns forever and God Himself comes to dwell with mankind. Sin is removed and righteousness remains forever. Jesus was called the Son of man even in Daniel's day showing us that God (the Son) had to become one of us (a man) in order to overcome sin, remove sin and usher in an everlasting kingdom.

The first Adam (man) brought in death and sin upon the entire human race. Another man (perfect and without sin) had to come and die for sin and make the way for the curse to be removed, abolish death and cleanse the world of all sin. We can choose to believe in this, turn from sin and follow Christ or we can choose to ignore God's great plan to save mankind and go where the beast and false prophet will go where they are separated from God in eternal torment forever. The way is easy. We just believe in Jesus Christ to the point that we hate our sin and desire to be saved from sin. He will then save us and we can then be baptized in the Holy Spirit and follow Him forever. We do not have to be bound by sin and be lost. We do not have to go spend eternity in hell. We can inherit eternal life and be saved from sin this moment. Why put it off?

Daniel 7:15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.

The angel comforts Daniel by letting him know that the things that are coming to pass are indeed mind boggling and terrible but he lets Daniel see what the end shall be. I noticed when I studied Revelation that we would read of the bad and the angel would show John the good ending every once in a while so that he would not be overwhelmed by all the evil in His vision. Daniel was almost overwhelmed by this dream until the angel showed him the end.

Daniel 7:19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.

We see here that this antichrist or beast is the most evil of all before him but he is clever, crafty and very deceptive as all before him was but he is to be the worst. He even has a false prophet that arises and causes the deceived to worship this antichrist or an image of the antichrist.

When we study history we see many forerunners of this person. All evil rulers that rise up will usually make an image of himself and erect it in different places. In the case of Hitler, it was a symbol that was worn on all garments. The antichrist will have a mark of the beast that all will have to have in order to buy and sell. When evil rulers have come to power we see an example of the final one to come just before the coming of Jesus Christ a 2nd time.

Daniel 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

The saints are all those that do not follow the antichrist but choose rather to follow Jesus Christ. These are those, mostly Jews that are saved after the rapture of the faithful in Jesus Christ before this antichrist comes to power. Some do not believe in any rapture but believe all saints alive at that time will go through the tribulation. Some believe the rapture occurs during the middle of the seven year tribulation. Some believe it is before the whole 7 years. I believe as we get closer to the time, more will be revealed to those the seek and desire to understand.

I might add here that those who believe in the pretribulation rapture of the church are opposed by many but we must stop and think. There is something that hinders the coming of this man of sin. Many believe it is the Holy Spirit but could it not be the Holy Spirit that is dwelling within the believers in Jesus that are hindering? The prayers of the saints could very well be hindering the rise of the antichrist and have to be removed before he rises to power. That would mean that the saints he wars against are the ones that come to Christ after the church (the called out ones) have been taken to heaven where Jesus has prepared a place for them like we read about in John chapter 14.

Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Again the angel reminds Daniel of the final end before continuing with the bad. Like I said after verse 18, this is a pattern God uses in both Revelation and Daniel, I believe to keep Daniel and those that read this book from being overwhelmed by the fearful things to come. We can see ahead to the final end of all evil when we read. God is merciful and does not give more than we can bear.

Daniel 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

This again proves that the kings are in place first before the antichrist arises showing a difference in the revived Roman Empire and the one that was in place in the time of Christ. The first is as iron and the second final Empire is part iron and part clay as we see Europe and Asia are now.

Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Those that speak against Christ now really do not know what spirit they are of. The antichrist (could be in place of Christ or against Christ) will speak against the most high (God and Jesus Christ). He will torment and kill the true believers in Jesus. He will change laws and calendars. All who attempted to do this before were just forerunners and hints of the one to come.

Daniel 7:26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

All saints (all who believe in Jesus and have their sins washed away and also those from the Old Testament period that believed God and looked forward to the time of Christ) will rule and reign with Christ at His coming.

Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

So we again see the end even before these things come to pass. Daniel gave the account of these things in the Old Testament and Revelation is an account of end times in the New Testament. God always gives us more than one witness so that we can verify the truth of His word. He is a good God.

Daniel 7:28 Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

When I study Revelation I usually feel the awesome presence of God. I can only imagine what Daniel must have felt. It probably stayed with him for several days. God is truly the only way out of this mess the world is in. There is a way of escape through the faith and mercy that God gives us through Jesus Christ. DC

Daniel Chapter 8

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