(13) In some sense, the last kingdom is still on-going. When the court sits for judgment, his dominion is taken from him and he is destroyed forever. (1) The troubling dream. The emphasis of this brief interpretation falls not on the enemies of God, their power, their brutality, nor their boasting, but on the kingdom of God, its certainty and its permanence for all the saints forever. His thoughts alarm him, and his face pales. As Daniel continues to watch, someone descends with the clouds of heaven, one like a Son of Man. He is presented to the Ancient of Days, and to Him is given dominion, glory, and the eternal kingdom. We must approach prophecy with fear and reverence. Looking about with its numerous eyes, no one can escape his look or hide from him.80 With its mouth, the beast continues to speak boastfully. Daniel is greatly distressed by the vision which he sees in chapter 7. We are not to base our thinking and actions on circumstances, but upon the Scriptures. From the context, it would seem that Daniels distress is the result of the wickedness and oppression of the world kingdoms which are represented by the beasts, and by the knowledge that the saints will be oppressed and even overcome for a period of time. (2) Chapters 7 and 8, while written in different languages, are written during the reign of Belshazzar and somehow linked by the author in Daniel 8:1. Prophecy becomes necessary from time to time to remind men of those things God has planned for the future which He will surely fulfill. No wonder His words stung and prompted them to act as they did. This is consistent with God's propensity to use miracles to identify His messengers. The next three are waking visions seen in the presence of angels, followed by an appearance of the Messiah - the Son of Man - to interpret the vision for Daniel. The first beast was lion-like, with wings like that of an eagle.79 Its wings were plucked from it; if this happened in mid-air, he must have plummeted to the ground. One of those gaps is found in Daniel 7. Prophecy provides men the opportunity to think and act in a way which pleases God, who determines the future and who reveals future events to men. Should we be troubled as well? Old Babylonian Omen Text (VAT 7525) In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. It is virtually the opposite of the term beast. The expression, Son of man, is not new to Daniel. What role do they play in relation to the four beasts? Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. 11 And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. Did Daniel interpret dreams? As Daniel watches, "four great beasts," each different from the others, emerge from the dark waters (verse 3). Daniel urged them to pray for mercy from the God of heaven, . Consider these lessons as we conclude. Daniel explains that each of these metals represents a kingdom that would rule the world, and the stone is God . The last kingdom has at least eleven kings. Whether liberal or conservative, our conclusions grow out of the premises and presuppositions governing the process and the product of our interpretation. The saints must believe and behave according to what God has promised about the future the righteous will possess the kingdom of God forever. Let us listen then, and be sober, enduring the sufferings and trials sent our way, looking expectantly and certainly for His kingdom to come. He questioned His disciples so that they could confess that He, the Son of Man, was the Messiah (16:13f.). 11 Then I kept looking because of the sound of the boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire. If you remember as I have already stated, much of the interpretation of this dream could be found in chapter 2. Many Old Testament prophets shared Daniels distress as a result of the prophecies they received and often conveyed to others.74 Why does the prophecy of Daniel 7 cause this godly man so much consternation? May the Spirit of God reveal the meaning of this prophecy to us and produce in us that which God desires to His glory and our good. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. He would rise from the dead (12:40). But I want you to notice Daniels reaction to the dream that he had. He staying the decree is brought to the king. Not only was he greatly alarmed and physically sick, but he says he also kept the matter to himself. La Habra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, Embedded video for Daniel's Dream Interpreted - Daniel 7:15-28. a. The boastful beast becomes even more aggressive, waging war with the saints and even overpowering them. Generally, it is agreed that this beast represents the Babylonian empire and king Nebuchadnezzar in particular. Children need to know that as believers, we are on the winning team and God wins in the end. I encourage you to compare the statements of Daniel 2:21-22, 44, 47; 4:3, 34-35, 37; 6:26 with the content and declarations of Daniel 7. In His response to the demand of the high priest, Jesus directly claimed to be the promised Messiah. Both the statue parts (made of different metals) and the beasts represent kings and kingdoms. Dan 2:1-4 In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. His final offspring, so to speak, is the little horn which becomes the great blasphemer, whose life and kingdom is suddenly cut off by the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. As Daniel sought to discover more truth about the fourth beast he added some details that he had left out of his first description. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts were greatly alarming me and my face grew pale, but I kept the matter to myself (verse 28). They will serve and obey Him forever. For this reason, I wish to clearly state the foundational presuppositions and principles on which this exposition of Daniel is based. requires it of the Chaldeans, by promises and threats. Then the kingdoms of the earth, the sovereignty, the dominion, the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heavens, in other words, the whole world will be given to the saints of the Highest One and the Highest One, Jesus Christ, will rule and it will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him. (1) It follows the narrative concerning Mishael, Hananiah and Azariah in the matter of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image (Daniel 3). 1. Thus, the vision is yet unfulfilled in terms of its major emphasis. Please stand in honor of the reading of Gods Word and follow along as I read verses 15-28. Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Daniel tells him, was about a statue with a golden head, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, and legs of iron, which is crushed by a giant stone, which itself becomes a mountain (vv. The angels went on to add that the saints of the Highest One will be given into Antichrists hand for a time, times, and half a time. This fourth beast has the distinction of ten horns. 3:15; Zc. (7) Prophecy is revealed, not to give us the particulars of things to come, but to change our perspective. The timeline reads as follows: The revelation of the writing on the banquet hall wall, already described in chapter 5, actually happened later, on the last day of Belshazzars life. Daniel returned to his house and explained the situation to his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The blasphemous horn of Daniel 7, which goes so far as to oppose the people of God, is suddenly taken by death, and his kingdom is removed. Jesus quoted the words of Daniel 7:13. Twice in chapter 7 Daniel speaks of his distress: As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions in my mind kept alarming me (verse 15). The next portion of the statue in Daniel 2 was the chest and arms of silver which represented the Medo-Persian Empire which was even larger than the Babylonian empire. (4) Prophecies not completely fulfilled cannot be fully understood until after their fulfillment. The vision recorded in chapter 8 took place in the third year of Belshazzar. 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. Yet, his emotional response was valid and changed little after the vision was explained more fully. As Daniel continues to watch, another horn emerges, as three of the other horns are plucked out by the roots to make room for it. The emphasis is positive. Because Daniel possessed wisdom bestowed by God and was conscientious in his work, he not only prospered during the reigns of successive rulers, but King Darius planned to put him in charge of the entire kingdom. God stirred up the sea, and from its foaming, raging waters came forth four horrifying beasts. Interpretations of Daniels prophecies differ widely. (3) The finest commentary on the prophecy of Daniel 7 comes from our Lord Himself. He would, after His death, burial, and resurrection come in His glory, rewarding men according to their deeds (16:27). In his interpretation of the dream, Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar he was the head of gold. But in the end, God will judge the wicked and establish His kingdom for His saints. In our passage, Daniel asks for and receives an explanation. No wonder this vision causes Daniel such distress. Until Gods eternal kingdom is established, kingdoms will progress from bad to worse. (9) The interpretation of Daniels vision comes in two parts, beginning with a general interpretation and then a more specific one based on Daniels questions. Two weeks ago, we covered the first 14 verses, Daniels summary of his dream. The fourth beast receives greater attention and is of the most interest to Daniel. When that happens, Daniel goes for option #2 of those listed above: he asks one of the people in his dream to interpret what is happening for him ( Da 7:15-16 ). These kingdoms go from bad to worse. However, it must have been in the latter part of Nebuchadnezzar's reign. Daniels dream here in chapter 7 and Nebuchadnezzars dream in chapter 2 are one and the same dream with additional details added to Daniels dream. A number of lessons from our text have broad application to our thinking and conduct as Christians. So, this phrase refers to 3 years. The fourth portion of the statue in Daniel 2 is the iron legs and feet and toes of partly iron and partly baked clay which represented the Roman empire. 1 John 3:1-3 says, See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. These were represented by the image of a statue. Then He said to me, Son of man, stand on your feet that I may speak with you! (Ezekiel 2:1). Since the head of gold seems to describe the same king and kingdom as the first beast, it may not be too far afield to conclude that Nebuchadnezzar is the king represented by the first beast. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. Peter reminds us of Gods patience, but His patience has a determined end. It should be remembered that many narratives of scripture are related in a very condensed form, fuller details being added afterwards. Dwight Pentecost writes, The existence of the church in the present Age was nowhere revealed in the Old Testament. What is its message to Daniel, to the Jews, and to us? The fulfillment of the prophecy of Belshazzars demise underscores the certainty of the fulfillment of Daniels vision in the last days. Daniel was told that the beasts are kings, but he was not told the identity of any of the kings. What it does not destroy or consume with its teeth, it crushes under foot, much like a bull in a china shop. As I read through the statements men have made about the God of Israel in the first six chapters of Daniel, I find that what men came to know and to acknowledge through history, God declares through prophecy. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 1:1352, [4]LaHaye, Tim and Hindson, Ed., editors, The Popular Bible Prophecy Commentary. At this time the kingdom of God is established. God would strike him down suddenly too and bring his kingdom to a swift end. The final words of verse 25 are carefully chosen to let the reader know that while this king appears to be successfully opposing God, all he does is a part of the divine plan for the last days. Who are these saints that the angel is speaking of? A true account of what happened can only be gathered by reading Daniel 2:18; Daniel 2:28 by the side of this verse. The expression is used in the Psalms in a more pregnant way, in reference to the coming Messiah. Prophecy greatly benefits the Christian because it enables him to see things from the bigger and broader perspectivefrom Gods perspectiveso that when he suffers, he knows it is but a part of the process of getting to glory. This angel responded and gave Daniel understanding into his dream as he interpreted it for him. The winged lion was a symbol of Babylon, in any history museum that has a Babylonian section you will find artifacts of a winged lion. In a similar way, Belshazzar becomes blasphemous and is suddenly removed by God for his wickedness. Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar was the first ruler of Babylon to have contact with Daniel. 80 During my school teaching days, I tried to make my students think I had eyes in the back of my head so that no matter what they did--even if my back was turned--they could not escape my all-seeing eyes or my discipline. This morning we are going to go back to Daniel 7 and look at the rest of the chapter where Daniel has the dream interpreted. This horn Daniel says was also waging war against the saints and overpowering them until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One. 31-35). Just so, Christs suffering and glory is but a part of one coming. Alexander the Great's empire and its divisions after his death were predicted long in advance in Daniel 11. So the king spoke, and said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you." Daniel 1:1-2:4a was written in Hebrew. No wonder interpreters differ about the details. Then the time had arrived for the saints to take possession of the kingdom. Editing is often evident in the Bible (see John 20:30-31; 31:25). We are in harmony with God when our declarations conform to his. Chapter 7 reveals in broad terms what the future holds. The vision plays on before Daniel, almost as though in answer to his desire to know more. Remembering this avoids confusion. The wrenching off of the wings and the transformation of the lion, making him stand on two legs and giving him the mind of a man was a picture of God humbling Nebuchadnezzar and then restoring him to his right mind, you can read about this in Daniel 4. As the beast continues to boast, a second scene commences in Daniels vision, and for a period of time both scenes run simultaneously. God is eternal, and so is His plan for all creation. These saints are the believing Jews of the tribulation, not the believers of the Church Age. Those who will reign with Christ are those who have suffered (see Romans 8:17; Philippians 3:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:12). From an eternal perspective, the coming of Christ and His kingdom is but one coming. Would Belshazzar toast the gods of gold, silver, wood and stone with the sacred temple vessels? Eugene, Ore. : Harvest House Publishers, 2006, [5]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. It seems safe to assume the interpreter was an angelic being; at least this is the case in chapter 8 (8:15-26). Daniel described the beast as having iron teeth and that it devours, crushes, and tramples under its feet all that stands in its way. For the remainder of Nebuchadnezzars life, it seems that religion in the kingdom of Babylon was at least favorable to the worship of the God of the Jews. So they came and stood before the king. His vision in chapter 4 should have produced more distress than it did. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. 16 I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. The expression, son of man, is not new to Daniel nor to the Jews of his day. It may seem to them that their defeat is certain and that their hopes of entering into the eternal kingdom are lost. A lawsuit could force the F.D.A. 27 Then the sovereignty, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him. 28 At this point the revelation ended. Second, the prophecies of Daniel are to be understood in the light of the entire Book of Daniel, of the Old Testament, and of the Bible as a whole. The saints should also expect the wicked to prosper, for a season. The final push of the times of the Gentiles will last for 3 years, then the end will come, the end of the times of the Gentiles., THE JUDGMENT AND THE FIFTH KINGDOM (Daniel 7:26-27). 5. There seems to be a close connection between the vision of Nebuchadnezzar, which is revealed and interpreted in chapter 2, and the vision of Daniel in chapter 7. But here in chapter 7, as in Psalm 80:17, the son of man is more than just a man, He is the Messiah. God may choose to delay judgment on the wicked until their sin reaches full bloom; the possession of the land of Canaan would not happen in Abrahams lifetime, but more than 400 years later after the suffering of the people of God (see Genesis 15:12-17). The words of Daniel which applied to the beasts now found application to them. He had endured the training of the Chaldeans and he had lived his life in the service of a foreign king, at first the foreign king who had overthrown his country. Prophecy is revealed to men to change their perspective, to urge them to see things as God sees them rather than as they appear to the human eye. He will keep continual pressure on the saints of the Highest One to try to break and destroy and annihilate them. 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. 21 I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom. 13 And he performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. When the Lord Jesus came to the earth, He often referred to Himself as the Son of Man, gradually making it clear that He was the Messiah who was God incarnate. He is more beastly in the beginning and more human in the end, paralleling the character of Nebuchadnezzar. (5) Prophecy is not written as hype but revealed to produce the hope of glory and endurance in present tribulation. Suffering is an inseparable part of the process which leads to glory. This takes place until the Ancient of Days comes and judgment is given to the saints, at the time the eternal kingdom becomes their possession. In chapter 2 we read that Nebuchadnezzar was troubled and terrified by his dream, we read here in verse 15 that Daniel was distressed in his spirit because he knew that God had just shown him a panorama of tremendous events yet future and Daniels distress was his lack of understanding his dream. The stone cut out of the mountain represented the kingdom of God that would fill the earth. It was said ( ch. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:13, NASB95)[5] The more we know about the future the more are hearts should be moved to practical preparation. The First Vision is a dream of the king that is interpreted by Daniel. Before the kingdom of God is established on the earth, four earthly kingdoms will rise and fall. Our deliverance from the power of sin and the penalty of death has been accomplished by our Lord, who suffered in our place. Valentina's bond with Sophie, Sid's reaching out to Jesse, and Charlie trying hard to bring Sid and Jesse back together so that the group can go back to being their normal selves and not be an awkward bunch of people not wanting to discuss actual problems. We are told the Old Testament prophet could not see the distance between the first and the second coming of our Lord, just as one cannot see the distance between two mountains, when viewed from afar. Having related the dream, Daniel then interprets it: it concerns four successive kingdoms, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar, which will be replaced by the everlasting kingdom of the God of heaven. Daniel uses the expression Son of man twice. Nebuchadnezzar became distressed when he received his first night vision (2:1) because he did understand some of his dream. 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