KINGDOM COME! Daniel 7:1-10 (Part One)
Daniel 7 actually takes a step back in history to the first year of King Belshazzar from
Chapter 5; thus, the date associated with Daniel’s dream is around 553 B.C. – 14 years
before the fall of Babylon. (read: v.1-3) Daniel has a weird dream regarding four
beasts. The dream here, and the dream Nebuchadnezzar had in Chapter 2, are similar
in that they both represent four kingdoms. The four kingdoms in both dreams
represent the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman empires – but from
different perspectives. Nebuchadnezzar saw these kingdoms from the world’s
perspective; an impressive and imposing spectacle. Daniel saw it from God’s divine
perspective; in all of its immorality, brutality, and depravity. God’s perspective is the
true evaluation of mankind’s condition. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in
the sight of God. Luke 16:15b
In his vision, Daniel saw “four winds” stirring up, or striving, on the “Great Sea.”
Symbolically, the sea represents the mass of humanity, or nations of the world, as in
Matthew 13:47 and Revelation 13:1. Thus, in context of Daniel’s dream, it speaks of
strife among the Gentile nations of the earth. The phrase, “winds of the heavens,”
refers the heavenly powers and forces by which God manipulates the nations of the
earth. Jeroboam/Rehoboam; “…for this thing is from Me.” 2 Chronicles 11:4b
The first beast is “like a lion” (read: v.4), representing the Babylonian Kingdom; the
“head of gold” in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Chapter 2). It was made to stand on its feet
like a man, and given the heart of a man, is believed to be a clear reference to God
humbling King Nebuchadnezzar (Chapter 4). The second beast (read: v.5) is the MedoPersian Kingdom; the “chest and arms of silver” of the statue (Chapter 2). (v.5a)
“Raised up on one side” may refer to the one-sided union between the Persian and
Median empires; Persians were far more dominant. The “three ribs” in its mouth
represent a people subdued; the additional conquest of the Medes and Persians.
The third beast is the Grecian Kingdom (read: v.6); the “belly and thighs” of bronze of
the statue (Chapter 2). “Dominion” was given to it. The leopard is swift and greatly
feared by other animals; the four wings further denote the concept of speed. “Four
heads” refers to an empire with four governmental divisions. Alexander the Great, the
Macedonian King who united Greece, conquered the world in swift fashion by the age
of 30; he died in 323 B.C. After his death, as prophesied, his four generals (four heads)
succeeded him: Ptolemy, Seleucus, Phillip, and Antigonus.
The fourth beast is the Roman Empire (read: v.7, 8); the “legs of iron, with feet of iron
mixed with clay” (Chapter 2). Much of Chapter 7 from (v.7-25), involves this fourth
beast. Its described as dreadful and terrible, and exceedingly strong; a vindictive world
power. Historically, this is an accurate depiction of the Roman Empire. This beast has
“ten horns” – ten actual kingdoms – existing together. “Horn” in scripture is a symbol
of strength and power. In (v.8), another “little” horn appears emerging from the head
of this beast. It has “eyes” like a man, and a “mouth” speaking (boasting) great things.
This little horn is actually a man; as well as the other horns. It uproots (overthrows)
three of the other horns. Who is this little horn? In Chapter 8:9, there is also a “little
horn” mentioned, but in an entirely different context. Thus, prophetically, the little
horn mentioned here is believed to be the anti-Christ.
The Bible really does not say anything specific about where the anti-Christ will come from. Many Bible scholars
speculate that he will come from a confederacy of ten nations and/or a reborn Roman empire based on Daniel 7:2425. Others see him as having to be a Jew in order to claim to be the Messiah. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, 9,
10, the anti-Christ (A.K.A. – “the man of sin,” and “the beast”), will declare himself God, in the new temple which
will be erected in Jerusalem. The anti-Christ is yet to be revealed. Some point to Antiochus Epiphanes the Syrian
king, whose desecration of the second temple sparked the Jewish Maccabean revolt 167-166 B.C. After defeating
the Syrian king, the Jews cleansed the temple in 165 B.C. According to Jewish tradition, the menorah (lamp stand) in
the temple was re-lit with enough oil to last only one day; however, it lasted “eight days!” Jews commemorated this
miracle with a celebration today called Hanukkah, mentioned in John 10:22, called the “Feast of Dedication” or the
“Feast of Lights” (this year: December 6-14).
Antiochus cannot be the anti-Christ, due to the fact that in Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14 Jesus quotes a portion of
Daniel 9:27: “When you see the abomination of desolation” – the anti-Christ in the (newly built) temple, claiming
to be God – “run!” Great tribulation is coming, during which time the church will be out of here (1 Thessalonians
4:16-18; 5:9). When Jesus quoted Daniel, He was looking to the future, not the past! Some say Jesus was referring to
the destruction of the temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.; but prophetically, after the abomination of desolation
takes place, the Messiah will return, 3 ½ years later (Daniel 9:27) to “judge” the “beast” (anti-Christ) and the “false
prophet,” casting them into hell, Revelation 19:20.
Now the scene changes; Daniel has a vision of heaven at the time of final judgment
on the nations. (read: v.9, 10). Daniel saw “thrones” in heaven; scripture does not tell
us for whom these thrones are “put in place.” This appears to be a courtroom setting,
in which the “Ancient of Days” is also seated on His throne! The scene as a whole
corresponds to what John saw and recorded in Revelation 4-5. The “Ancient of Days”
refers to God in this chapter. His garments are “white as snow” and His hair was like
“pure wool,” evidence that God is a brother!
Actually, the white garments and hair of our Father in Heaven speak of holiness and
purity! Jesus displayed these qualities on the Mount of Transfiguration, and after His
resurrection: Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:3; Luke 9:29. This is also the state in which we
find ourselves, when we place our trust in Christ! “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says
the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They
(v.10) the glory of God pictured here as a “fiery flame” is
common in scripture. The fire is a symbol of judgment. Therefore, since we are receiving a
shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 In
kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and
godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29
Also, in this glorious scene there are innumerable saints and angels ministering –
serving – the Lord God! This is a portrait of final judgment against the nations! “Court”
has been called into session, and the “books” are “opened.” In Revelation 20:12, the
“books” are opened, revealing the “works” of men. As one Old Testament scholar
writes, “In them are written, not names, but deeds of men, a record of their ungodly acts, on the basis of which
they will be judged.” (Dr. H.C. Leupold) God is not determining who was naughty or nice, but
revealing His case against those already condemned! And anyone not found written in the Book
of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 Later on in the chapter, Daniel receives
further information regarding this disturbing dream. (Next time.)
CONCLUSION: During this holiday season, the true meaning of Christmas is
often lost amid jingle bells, parties, and presents. But the reality is, His birth
serves as a reminder that His Kingdom is coming! Christmas is a divine
declaration to the world that Jesus was born to erase, forever, our deeds from
the books! “For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." Jeremiah 31:34b
This is indeed the greatest of all gifts!