The vision of this chapter is but an extension of the dream of chapter two. Its purpose seems to be to feature the barbaric character of the same kings and rulers of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Set forth is the fundamental concept that all the kingdoms of the world are ruled and overruled by God’s divine providence so as to bring into existence the kingdom of Christ.
That Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 are parallel can be seen in the following comparison.
(1) Both chapters speak of four kingdoms followed by a fifth – the Messianic Kingdom.
(2) Both present the fifth arriving during the fourth.
Belshazzar was the last of the kings of Babylon. During his reign, Daniel had a dream in which he saw a series of events. He made a record of it at the time setting forth in summery form its meaning.
He first saw the four winds of heaven bursting forth upon the sea throwing it into commotion. This would indicate the activity of God in stirring up the nations in accordance with His divine purpose. Four beasts (nations) now appear to come forth from this commotion. Each beast is different in appearance.
The first beast is like a lion with eagle wings.
It is powerful and swift. This beast or kingdom suffers a setback. Its wings are plucked and the beast was made to stand on its hind legs further hampering it. It has a heart not its own. Thus, the Babylonian Empire would suffer a humiliating setback. After the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the kingdom began to go down through a succession of weak rulers.
The second beast is a bear. It had three ribs in its mouth. The slow but powerful bear would well represent The Medo-Persian Empire. The three ribs have been taken to mean three countries which it devoured during its days of power. Commentaries are not in agreement always as to which three. It could be that the ribs signify further the viciousness of the beast which devoured other nations.
The third beast is described as being like a leopard with four heads and four wings.
This represented the Greek Empire of Alexander the Great who in only eleven years conquered the world. The four heads may represent the four divisions of that kingdom after the death of Alexander when it was divided among four of his generals. More probably is the idea that it reached to the four corners of the world.
The fourth beast is different.
Daniel does not attempt to give its appearance as being like some beast. It was such a dreadful and terrible beast that it could not be compared to any animal. It was strong, had iron teeth, and ten horns. This is a fierce monster capable of devouring all that was before it. This beast represented The Roman Empire.
The ten horns represent the ten tributary kings and kingdoms which made up this great empire.
Daniel while looking at these horns saw a little horn coming from among the ten horns. This horn had the eyes of a man and a mouth which spoke great things. The horn here is a symbol of a king but which king? This is the most difficult part of the chapter.
We believe it best fits Domitian who ruled the Roman Empire. The three horns plucked up before it presents no small difficulty also. Any effort to juggle various emperors around it fit this verse is most difficult.
In these verses, we see the judgment of heaven against these beast-kings. A stream of fire proceeded from God and their dominion was taken away. The books are opened and the beast is brought to trial. While their dominion was taken away their lives were prolonged.
How? They still existed, but were now subdued and quiet. These nations could still be recognized by their boundaries, customs and languages, but their power had all vanished.
Now the fifth kingdom, the kingdom of the Son of Man replaces these beast kingdoms. It is made up of people from all nations. He will reign over “an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away.”
It is spiritual in nature not having those carnal elements which cause other kingdoms to decay.
Daniel was grieved over not knowing the meaning of the dream just as was John grieved and cries when he felt there was no one worthy to open the seven seals in Revelation 5:4 to reveal the message therein. Daniel inquired from one of those who ministered to God (an angel) the meaning and was told who the beasts represented. The saints of God would possess the fifth kingdom as kings and priests, Luke 22:29 / Revelation 1:6.
Daniel is particularly interested in the fourth beast. He sought for a further explanation. He further describes the fourth beast giving some additional things about him. The unusual horn that had eyes and a bragging mouth is observed making war with the saints, prevailing over them until the saints are given possession of the kingdom.
This speaks not only of the establishment of the kingdom but also of the victory over her enemies. Thus, it speaks of the conflict between the kingdom of God and the fourth beast, and the victory God gives to his people.
Admittedly the most difficult problem of this chapter is identifying the horn that arose after the ten horns. He was different from the others and would subdue three kings. To find some Roman emperor who subdued three kings before him is difficult to find. That such happened is not denied.
It is simply that history does not afford us with this information. Some believe however that the description given by Daniel best fits Nero who was emperor of the Roman Empire from 54 to 68 A.D.
Many believe this horn was Domitian (81-96 A.D.), who severely persecuted Christians. Some insist however it has to be Nero since the kingdom came to its full power with the death of Nero in 68 A.D. and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
Notice closely verse 27 of this chapter. It was to be given to the saints when the horn’s dominion is taken away. The kingdom was established with power in A.D. 70 although it came into existence on Pentecost following the resurrection of the Lord.
In Luke 21:31 where Jesus is in the middle of a discussion of the destruction of Jerusalem he says, “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”
Does this mean the kingdom was not to be established until Jerusalem’s destruction?
Certainly not! The Scriptures are clear that it happened on Pentecost Acts 1 and Acts 2.
He is speaking of it being near in possession and power. Under oppression as they were from both Jews and Rome it did not look at times like God was reigning but when these enemies were removed then all doubt is remove.
We see the vindication of God’s people who had been undergoing persecution. They received the kingdom in the sense they had greater freedom to spread the gospel without persecution. Nero seems to fit the description of verse 25. He was vain arrogant, vicious. He had many Christians committed to death.
Daniel says this is the end of what he saw and heard. This is the sum of what was disclosed to the prophet. However, he is still concerned and meditated on these matters.
His thoughts on the vision disturbed him greatly. It even affected his countenance in some way. He kept the matter to himself not communicating to anyone his feelings.
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."