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.
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.
Four world kingdoms are described, Daniel 2:31-45 / Daniel 7:1-8. God gives dominion to these kingdoms, Daniel 2:36-38 / Daniel 7:6 / Daniel 7:12 / Daniel 7:26.
There is a focus on the fourth kingdom, Daniel 2:40-43 / Daniel 7:7-8 / Daniel 7:26-28. God established an everlasting kingdom. Daniel 2:44 / Daniel 7:13-14 / Daniel 7:27.
Belshazzar was the last of the kings of Babylon. During his reign, Daniel had a dream in which he saw a series of events, 2 Peter 1:20-21. He made a record of it at the time set forth, in summary, form its meaning.
Dunagan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘This vision recorded by Daniel was revealed to him in the first year of Belshazzar’s reign, 553 B.C., when Belshazzar was made co-regent with Nabonidus. This dream took place 14 years before Daniel’s experience in the lions’ den, Daniel 6. When this dream came Daniel was probably about 68 years of age. At this time, he had been in captivity for 52 years.’
Constable, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Daniel referred to himself in the third person in the first six chapters, but in the last six he used the first person. He may have made this change to make his visions more impressive and persuasive to the reader.’
He first saw the four winds of heaven bursting forth upon the sea throwing it into commotion, Daniel 7:2. Figuratively speaking, wind is often used to depict the action of God. This would indicate the activity of God in stirring up the nations in accordance with His divine purpose.
McGuiggan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘As the wind is invisible but it clearly affects things, so it is of God who is invisible but affects things in the universe.’
The ‘sea’ is often sued to speak of other nations in their restless state, Isaiah 17:12-13 / Isaiah 57:20 / Revelation 13:1.
Expositor’s Bible Dictionary says the following.
‘Is symbolic of polluted, turbulent humanity as they try to exploit and govern in their own wisdom and strength, it stood for the ever-changing Gentile world, Revelation 13:1.’
The four beasts which represent four nations, Isaiah 27:1 / Isaiah 51:9, now appear to come forth from this commotion. Each beast is different in appearance, Daniel 7:3. In Daniel 7:17, we see that they come from the earth, that is, they are human in origin.
Young, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Their diversity is mentioned, in order to call attention to the importance of the symbolism by which each individual kingdom is represented.’
The first beast is like a lion with eagle wings, Daniel 7:4. It is powerful and swift. This beast would represent Babylon, which is characterized as both a lion, Jeremiah 4:7 / Jeremiah 49:19, and an eagle, Jeremiah 49:22.
The symbol of the winged lion is appropriate, for the peoples of that day were familiar with such figures as the winged lions that guarded the gates of royal places among the Babylonians. 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, Daniel 7:4.
It had the mind of a human, Daniel 7:4. This likely an allusion to the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. In that chapter a man was made like a beast, in this vision a beast is made like a man. This is clearly speaking about the Babylonian empire, Daniel 2:38.
Dunagan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The empire was given the heart of a man, that is humanized, this probably refers to the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar and his turning to God in Daniel 4. The first beast is 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 described as a bear, Daniel 7:5.
Driver, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The Old Testament writers spoke of the bear as the most formidable beast of prey in Palestine after the lion, 1 Samuel 17:34 / Amos 5:19 / 2 Kings 2:24 / Hosea 13:8.’
It had three ribs in its mouth, Daniel 7:5. The three ribs have been taken to mean three countries that the Medo-Persian devoured during its days of power, Lydian Kingdom, the Babylonians and the Egyptians. Others see the three ribs as simply part of the picture of voracity and greed.
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 second beast is hungry for more victories, and it’s told to eat as much as it likes, Daniel 7:5. This beast will devour the first empire, Daniel 2:39 / Daniel 5:30-31. The slow but powerful bear would well represent The Medo-Persian Empire.
The third beast is described as being like a leopard with four heads and four wings, Daniel 7:6. The great speed of the leopard would be an apt symbol for the rapid expansion of the Greek empire under Alexander. This represented the Greek Empire of Alexander the Great who in only eleven years conquered the world, Daniel 2:39.
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.
Dunagan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘It has four-heads because following the death of Alexander the Great, the kingdom was divided up into four sections which were ruled by his chief generals. These four minor kingdoms continued as prominent factors in world politics until the next empire appeared on the scene and gathered the parts in a whole.’
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, Daniel 7:7. This is a fierce monster capable of devouring all that was before it. This beast represented the Roman Empire, Daniel 2:40-42 / Revelation 13:1.
Walvoord, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The Roman empire was ruthless in its destruction of civilizations and peoples, killing captives by the thousands and selling them into slavery by the hundreds of thousands.’
The ten horns represent the ten tributary kings and kingdoms which made up this great empire. Many feel that the ten Roman rulers are Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian and Titus, that is the first ten recognized emperors of Rome.
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 three horns plucked up before it presents no small difficulty also. The first three horns pulled up by the roots, might be the three barracks emperors, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, who were not of the Julian line of succession to the throne but declared emperor by their troops. We will learn more about this little horn in Daniel 7:20-26.
The horn here is a symbol of a king, but which king? Many commentators suggest it best fits Domitian who ruled the Roman Empire. History tells us that Domitian, was full of himself and claimed to be deity, Daniel 11:36-37 / Revelation 13:5-8.
In these verses, we see the judgment of heaven against these beast-kings. Notice Daniel sees the thrones were set in place and the Ancient of Days taking his seat, Daniel 7:9. Note that ‘thrones’ is plural, this is important and I’ll say more about this later in this chapter.
This is One who has lived ever since anyone can remember, and longer than anyone can remember. The ancient of Days implies God’s eternal nature, Psalm 90:1-2 / Isaiah 57:15 / Micah 5:2.
The white garments speak of God’s purity and holiness and the white hair of His wisdom, Daniel 7:9 / Isaiah 1:18. The fire represents the power to destroy and also His majesty and splendour, Daniel 7:9. The wheels under His throne stand for the omnipresence of God, Daniel 7:9 / Ezekiel 1:15-21.
A stream of fire proceeded from God and thousands upon thousands of angels stood before Him, Deuteronomy 33:2 / Hebrews 1:14, and their dominion was taken away, Daniel 7:10.
The books are opened, Exodus 32:32 / Luke 10:20 / Revelation 3:5 / Revelation 20:12 / Revelation 20:15, and the beast is brought to trial, Daniel 7:10 / Isaiah 66:15-16.
Butler, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Millions of innocent victims have suffered excruciating tortures at the hands of beastly men. Most of these atrocities will never be known to the world, but the Eternal One knows every name and every detail.’
Daniel watched and listened to the horn boasting, Revelation 13:5-6, until it was destroyed, Daniel 7:11 / Revelation 19:20 / Revelation 20:10. While their dominion was taken away their lives were prolonged, Daniel 7:12 / Revelation 20:7-10. 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.
Dunagan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘It appears that the lives of the first three empires were preserved in the final empire, that is, Roman absorbed all the previous empires. The essence of the first three beasts was prolonged in the ferocity and inhumaneness of the fourth beast.’
Now the fifth kingdom, the kingdom of the Son of Man replaces these beast kingdoms. Notice Daniel sees one like a son of man, coming in the clouds of heaven, Daniel 7:13. The son of man is clearly a reference to Jesus, Matthew 8:20 / Matthew 9:6 / Matthew 16:27-28 / Matthew 26:64 / Revelation 14:14.
Whitcomb, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Although Messiah had already been named as God’s ’Son’ in previous prophetic utterances, 2 Samuel 7:14 / Psalms 2:7 / Psalms 2:12 / Proverbs 30:4, He is now given a name that emphasizes His true and total identification with mankind.’
Christ’s kingdom is made up of people from all nations, Acts 2:38-39 / Mark 16:16 / Hebrews 12:28 / Revelation 1:5-6. He will reign over an everlasting dominion, Matthew 28:18, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
This clearly speaking about the kingdom of God, Daniel 2:44 / Mark 14:60-64 / Mark 16:19 / Acts 1:9-11 / Acts 2:32-36. It is spiritual in nature not having those carnal elements which cause other kingdoms to decay.
McGuiggan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The stress here is ‘a son of man’ as opposed to ‘a beast’. One in the image of God as opposed to a savage, mindless animal. He comes on “clouds of heaven” which speaks of the non-human, the divine. The beasts came up out of the earth; they are the kingdoms of earth. This is the kingdom of heaven.’
Daniel was grieved over not knowing the meaning of the dream, Daniel 7:15, 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, Daniel 7:16, and was told who the beasts represented, Daniel 7:17 / Revelation 13:11.
Ungodly kingdoms would arise and rule, but God’s people would not be forgotten. The saints of God would possess the fifth kingdom as kings and priests, Daniel 7:18 / Luke 22:29 / Revelation 1:6.
McGuiggan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘It didn’t matter that the saints had at one time Jewish opponents and then (as in this section) Roman opponents. And it didn’t matter that it sometimes looked as though the sovereignty (kingdom) wasn’t theirs-it was!’
Daniel is particularly interested in the fourth beast. He sought a further explanation, Daniel 7:19. He further describes the fourth beast giving some additional things about him Daniel 7:19.
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, Daniel 7:20. The ten horns are clearly ten kings that arise out of this kingdom, Daniel 7:24 / Revelation 13:5-6.
Dunagan, in his commentary, says the following, concerning Daniel 7:21.
‘Nero was the first to set himself against the Christians (only as a personal expedient). Tertullian in his famous “Apology” said: “Consult your annals, and there you will find Nero, the first emperor who dyed his sword in Christian blood”. In the same place he goes on to speak of Domitian as a “limb of the bloody Nero”. Eusebius has this to say of Domitian: “He finally shows himself the successor of Nero’s campaign of hostility to God. He was the second to promote persecution against us, though his father, Vespasian, has planned no evil against us.”
The little horn prevails only until God comes in judgment, Daniel 7:22. The judgment appears to be the judgment upon this fourth empire. 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.
The fourth beast is clearly a fourth kingdom, Daniel 7:23, and the ten horns are clearly 10 kings that arise out of this kingdom, Daniel 7:24. How this king subdues the three other kings, isn’t mentioned.
Butler, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Domitian did execute three conspirators who tried to cease his throne and did quell three uprisings.’
McGuiggan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The uprooting of three kings is not literal, but rather is given to establish Domitian as number eight, which some feel infers a new beginning in active power.
Notice this king will speak against the Most High, oppress God’s people and try to change the set times and the laws, Daniel 7:25 / Revelation 13:7.
Barclay, in his commentary, says the following.
‘With the coming of Domitian (A.D. 81-96) there came a complete change. Domitian was a devil. He was the worse of all things, a cold-blooded persecutor. With the exception of the mad Caligula, he was the first Emperor to take his divinity seriously, and to demand Caesar worship. He enacted that he himself was a god.’
Butler, in his commentary, says the following.
‘He demanded that anyone addressing him say, ‘Lord and God’. He renamed September and October, the months of his accession and birth. Finally, he paid no attention to the policies of the Senate at all, but insisted on the finality of his own decisions.’
Notice that God’s will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time, Daniel 7:25. History tells us that Domitian was full of himself and claimed to be deity, Daniel 11:36-37.
He was given authority to exercise its authority for forty-two months, Revelation 13:5. The forty-two months represents a period of time for persecution, Daniel 7:25 / Revelation 11:1-3 / Revelation 12:6 / Revelation 12:14 / Revelation 13:5.
McGuiggan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Here are some of the passages in which the phrase appears. It’s the period the ‘little horn’ Domitian, who persecutes the saints, Daniel 7:25. It’s the period of the holy city being trodden underfoot, Revelation 11:2. It’s the period during which the witnesses prophecy, Revelation 11:3. It’s the period the woman is nourished in the wilderness, Revelation 12:6 / Revelation 12:14. It’s the period of the beast’s authority, Revelation 13:5.’
Notice this king’s kingdom will be completely destroyed, and it was to be given to the saints when the horn’s dominion is taken away, Daniel 7:26-27.
Dunagan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Domitian was actually assassinated by one of his wife’s servants. Following his death, the Roman Senate thronged to denounce Domitian. Sending for ladders, they had his images, and the votive shields engraved with his likeness brought smashing down; and ended by decreeing that all inscriptions referring to him must be effaced and all records of his reign obliterated. Following the death of Domitian Christianity had an immense freedom to spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire. The gospel was to be preached to all nations, Isaiah 2:2-4 / Matthew 28:19.’
Constable, in his commentary, says the following, concerning Daniel 7:27.
‘Notice that the titles ‘Highest One’ (God the Father) and ‘His (the Son of Man’s)’ are interchangeable, pointing to the deity of the Son of Man. This verse also clarifies that the saints are not the same as the Son of Man, ‘saints’ being plural and ‘His’ and ‘Him’ singular. The kingdom is not just the rule of the saints; it is the rule of the Son of Man in which the saints participate.’
I mentioned earlier I would write a little more concerning the plurality of thrones ,which we read of in Daniel 7:9.
Cornerstone Verses, says the following.
‘According to Daniel 7:27, the everlasting kingdom and dominion are given to the Most High, but in Daniel 7:14, they are given to the Son of Man. The Son of Man is the Most High yet distinct from the Ancient of Days.’
‘The term Most High in Aramaic is ‘elyonin’, and it is plural, meaning that the literal translation is ‘the Most Highs.’ You can also see the same in Daniel 7:22. This makes sense since in Daniel 7:9, thrones (plural) were placed, and two divine figures, the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man, possess the everlasting kingdom. In the passage, only the Son of Man has the kingdom, but you can’t argue that the Ancient of Days also doesn’t rule since He sits on a throne. He is clearly a divine King.’
‘In Daniel 7:26, Daniel uses singular and plural forms when discussing ‘the Most High.’ In ‘And he shall speak great words against the Most High,’ he uses the singular form, and in ‘and shall wear out the saints of the Most High,’ he uses the plural form. Daniel could have used the singular form in both of these times, but he chose to use both singular and plural. This is compelling evidence that Daniel was aware of God’s multi-personal nature.’
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.
McGuiggan in his commentary says the following.
To comprehend the meaning of this vision, we should note how the imagery of this chapter is used in Revelation.
1. Beasts coming from the sea, Daniel 7:3 / Revelation 13:1.
2. Lion, bear and leopard, Daniel 7:4-6 / Revelation 13:2.
3. Ten horns, Daniel 7:7 / Revelation 13:1.
4. Boasting, blaspheming, Daniel 7:8 / Daniel 7:11 / Daniel 7:20 / Daniel 7:25 / Revelation 13:5-6.
5. Beasts arise from the earth, Daniel 7:17 / Revelation 13:11.
6. The fourth beast wages war with saints, Daniel 7:21 / Daniel 7:25 / Revelation 13:7.
7. The fourth beast would seem to overpower the saints, Daniel 7:21 / Revelation 13:7.
8. The fourth beast oppresses the saints for time, times and half a time, Daniel 7:25 / Revelation 13:5 / Revelation 12:6 / Revelation 12:14.
9. Books opened, Daniel 7:10 / Revelation 20:12 / Revelation 20:15.
10. Beast utterly destroyed, Daniel 7:11 / Revelation 19:20 / Revelation 20:10.
11. Extension of the life of the beasts, Daniel 7:12 / Revelation 20:7-10.
12. Son of man on the clouds of heaven, Daniel 7:13 / Revelation 14:14.
I’m sure there are other parallels, but these suffice to show that the vision of Daniel 7, foretold the very matter at the heart of Revelation. In the case of Revelation, John was writing about things “which must soon take place”, Revelation 1.1.
At that time, Rome under the rule of Domitian (the 11th horn?) was persecuting God’s people. It seemed as if Rome would triumph, but the letter revealed that God would triumph over the kingdoms of the world and over Satan who was using these kingdoms to persecute God’s people.
God knew that all of these things would take place six-hundred years before it occurred! Daniel was shown the future suffering of the saints, but also the surety of their victory and of the everlasting rule of God. And if God knew then what His saints would undergo, He also knows every trial and tribulation we face. We too can be assured that God will prove victorious and we will continue to reign with Him!