Chronologically, chapter seven happens before the events of chapter five and six. I believe that a linear study of this book is tremendously helpful. Due to the length of this chapter and the rich content, we will be splitting the chapter into two parts. We will tackle the beginning and end of the chapter today, before circling back to the middle vision of the Ancient of Days (verses 9-14) next week.  

We are introduced to four “beasts” in verses 1-8. Certainly, you could argue that this is a repeat of the prophecy that will be given in chapter eight or has already been given in chapter two. However, I think there are some key issues that distinguish the visions in chapter seven from those we have read or will read.

1. There is no indication that the beasts destroy one another. In chapter eight, it is very clear that the goat destroys the ram, the goat is then destroyed and out of that destruction four separate nations emerge

2. The historicity of the nations is clearly established in chapter two and eight. Two of the nations are even named in chapter eight. That is not the case in chapter seven

3. Chapter seven specifically identifies/echoes the end times prophecies found in Revelation (i.e. 10 kingdoms – Revelation 17:12)

4. Daniel acknowledges that the fourth beast in this vision is different (Daniel 7:7)

5. The fourth beast is killed before the other beasts are destroyed (v. 11). This would not be possible if they were only historical kingdoms

So, with that in mind – let’s jump into the chapter.

V. 1 – At least twelve years have passed since we last encountered Daniel – likely more. There is a new king (Belshazzar). We will learn more about him in chapter five. We are not told what Daniel has been doing in this intermediate period, but historically – so much has happened. When Nebuchadnezzar dies, his son Amel-Marduk (or Evil-merodach) became king. It is during his reign that Jehoiachin is brought out of prison and honored in Babylon (Jeremiah 52:31-34 and 2 Kings 25:28).

Amel-Marduk is murdered by Neriglissar (we heard about him last week). His son, Labashi-Marduk reigned less than a year before he was overthrown by Nabonidus (Belshazzar’s father). Around six-ten years into his reign, Nabonidus begins leaving the capitol city regularly to work on renovation projects.

Daniel had been an incredibly powerful figure for Nebuchadnezzar’s forty plus year reign. He had been taken captive, but it was clear that God had a purpose for his pain. Yet little by little, he begins to lose his influence. By the time you arrive in Daniel five it becomes apparent that Belshazzar didn’t even know who Daniel was. In the midst of this, Daniel began having vivid and violent visions. I don’t know about you, but I might have preferred to remain forgotten rather than seeing the terrors that God revealed. We’ll talk a little more about this in the conclusion.

V. 2 – This is a similar image to what we find in Revelation 7:1 when the angels actually hold back the winds of the earth. In this verse, the winds are actually stirring the sea. This sea is possibly the Mediterranean or it could simply be a metaphorical representation of the earth.

V. 3-6 – There are diverse thoughts regarding who these nations represent. Some have argued that the lion/eagle represent a Western alliance (i.e. America/U.K.), the bear as a possible Eastern European representation (i.e. Russia and some of the smaller surrounding nations represented by the ribs in its mouth), and an Eastern alliance (i.e. China/Japan/India, etc.). Certainly, these identifiers are up for debate. What does appear certain, is that they exist concurrently unlike other historical powers/nations.

V. 7-8 – This beast terrifies Daniel. He had lived through wretched circumstances, but he understands that this is a different scenario entirely. In Revelation 13:1 we are introduced to the Antichrist – notice something important:

• The Antichrist has the:

  • Appearance of a leopard

  • Feet of a bear

  • Mouth of a lion

This is syncretism at its best – the Antichrist takes elements of each beast and forms the most powerful creature. He is empowered (some argue possessed) by Satan (the dragon found in Revelation 12). Syncretism will always end in devil worship – even if it is cleverly disguised in the form of world religions. The idea that all religions are equal or that we can achieve redemption by our own efforts is perhaps the most offensive belief that can be espoused by people to God. Two diametrically opposed views cannot both be valid at the same time. We can certainly embrace contradictions, but we will never find a coherence for our lives or peace for our souls with this approach.

For three and a half years, the beast will have absolute power (the total Tribulation will be seven years). Of the ten horns or kingdoms, three are done away with or “plucked up” by the Antichrist (the little horn). The “mouth speaking great things” is non other than the false prophet we encounter in Revelation (13 and 19:20).

V. 15-16 – Daniel is troubled, I would be too! He goes to ask about the meaning of this vision. It is unclear if he asks for clarification from an angel, or if it is a redeemed saint. Regardless, the man begins explaining the vision.

V. 17-18 – Four kings will arise (or four kingdoms). They will rise for a time, but it will not change the end result. The saints will still receive the kingdom. Victory has already been secured on the cross. He has already redeemed us and made us kings and priests (Revelation 1:6 and 5:10). We are already more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). We are heirs to a kingdom that will not be shaken because we have believed in the unshakable One (Hebrews 12:26-29).

V. 19-21 – We have already talked about most of this. The Antichrist will be different than any other ruler. He will unite the world’s system. He will crush any resistance to his plans. He will persecute the saints and the Jews tremendously. He will be ruthless. He will prevail, because he has been given rule – for a period of time. I’m not going to teach the book of Revelation here in Daniel, but you can go read about the judgments that will come from Heaven in the midst of the persecution that will be enacted by this “beast.”

V. 22 – Until – isn’t that a marvelous word! What a glorious truth that there is an end. There is a deadline attached to all evil – no matter how bad or long. God gets the final word. The Ancient of Days, that we will read about next week, will arrive on the scene and the saints will return with him. He will rescue his chosen people (the Jews) and set up his kingdom (Revelation 19-22). His rule will never end because he is the only eternally glorious one.

V. 23-27 – Again, this interpreter is revisiting in more detail the actions of the Antichrist. He will rule overall. There are ten kings who will give him their allegiance, but three will rebel. It is not clear why. I personally have wondered if this rebellion *might* be an Arabic dissention. By the time the Antichrist arrives on the scene and the mid-way point in the tribulation, the church will be gone (in the Rapture), and the Jews will be tremendously persecuted. Muslims will be, virtually, the only group of people left on planet earth that believe there is only one God. Granted, he is different than the One True God, but that is another discussion. Regardless, there is a rebellion and three of the ten kings fall.

The Antichrist and False Prophet will speak against the Most High. They will believe that they have won and will try to persuade everyone to follow their ideology. They will kill anyone who does not comply. That time will be short, but brutal. Their apparent victory will not endure. His “dominion” will be taken away. When this happens, the kingdom will be given to the saints. We will reign with Jesus (2 Timothy 2:12).

V. 28 – I love this statement. I was “alarmed.” I don’t know about you, but I think I would have been terrified. He kept the matter in his heart. At some point, it appears that Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah have died. Daniel seems to be the only one remaining. Can you imagine having lived a faithful life, you are basically forgotten by the government and you’re ready for retirement…and then you start having visions of events that will not happen for thousands of years? The uncertainty of not having a community of believers who can help share your burden would have been disheartening. He had no choice but to keep the matter in his heart. He had to trust God to be his strength and sufficiency as he was entrusted with terrors. Yes, in the end he knew that God won, but he still had to live with the weight of these revelations.

Romans 5:3-5 tells us that, “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put to shame” – or does not disappoint. Daniel waited, Daniel studied, and Daniel trusted. He allowed the silence to shape his endurance and his character and he never lost hope. He believed that God would do what he said. Just because God seems silent, if we feel alone, or if God appears to be operating differently than before – that doesn’t mean that he is not working. Our worth and identity are wrapped up in Christ – not our circumstances or the value that others place on us. Daniel, even as faithful and godly as he was, learned this painful lesson.

Next week we’ll talk about the Ancient of Days – it is a tremendous vision and should be a great encouragement to our hearts.