(1) The Book of Daniel is a part of the Holy Scriptures, and thus inspired, accurate, and trustworthy. The final outcome is Gods people under the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, will receive the kingdom. 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. Belshazzars rise to power and ascent to the throne seems to have inaugurated a new age for Babylon. (6) Prophecy is written to sober the saints. The other three are removed from power but allowed to live for some time after their removal (verse 12). The Ancient of Days is a designation for God, not found elsewhere in the Bible. (8) The four beasts are all different, with the last standing apart from the first three. He wants to know more about this dreadful beast, different from the rest, especially in the destruction he wrought. Chapter 7 reveals in broad terms what the future holds. (7) Prophecy is revealed, not to give us the particulars of things to come, but to change our perspective. Verse 17. The fourth beast is a fourth king, different than the others. With iron-like teeth, horns (some with eyes), and feet, it is utterly destructive. Subsequent revelations in the Book of Daniel which Daniel received were closely associated with some kind of agony or distress (see 8:17, 27; 9:20-21; 10:2-3, 7-10, 17; 12:8). Nebuchadnezzar was the first ruler of Babylon to have contact with Daniel. If you remember from two weeks ago the bear was raised up on one side, this was to indicate that one part of this united kingdom overshadowed the other portion. As the beast continues to boast, a second scene commences in Daniels vision, and for a period of time both scenes run simultaneously. We see a gapan almost insurmountable gapbetween suffering and glory; God does not. So they came and stood before the king. A revelation from God in his sleep discloses future events which Daniel finds most troubling. This also underscores that these four kingdoms go from reasonably good to unbelievably bad. What God determined to reveal to Daniel should be enough for us. (1) It follows the narrative concerning Mishael, Hananiah and Azariah in the matter of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image (Daniel 3). The boastful beast becomes even more aggressive, waging war with the saints and even overpowering them. If, in Gods eyes, a day is as 1,000 years and 1,000 years as a day (2 Peter 3:8), then the coming of our Lord has only been a few days from beginning to end. (3) This chapter contains the major segment of Daniel, which is primarily prophetic, although it does not contain the first prophecy in the Book of Daniel. But I want you to notice Daniels reaction to the dream that he had. He only called on him in a moment of sheer panic when no one else could help, and only then because of the recommendation of the queen mother. God also allows the wicked to persist and even to prosper, so that those whom He has chosen might be saved (Romans 9:22-24). During the times of the Gentiles four empires, Daniel was told, would rise and rule over the land and people of Israel. We have already seen time frame in Revelation referring to half of the seven-year tribulation. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Choosing his words tactfully, Daniel asks Arioch why the king has made such a decree. Nebuchadnezzar became distressed when he received his first night vision (2:1) because he did understand some of his dream. 1:17) that Daniel had understanding in dreams; and here we have an early and eminent instance of it, which soon made him famous in the court of Babylon, as Joseph by the same means came to be so in the court of Egypt. We could never predict the goals God has determined, nor the means He has ordained for history to reach them. The expression is used in the Psalms in a more pregnant way, in reference to the coming Messiah. 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. 1. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints (Revelation 13:1-10). While most prophecies in the Bible reveal events which will take place after the death of the recipient of the prophecy, the prophecy is revealed for impact upon those to whom it was revealed. The wicked will prosper and appear to get away with their opposition toward God and His saints. In the Psalms and also in Daniel 7, the expression Son of Man begins to take on a more technical meaning, referring to the Messiah, who will sit on the throne of His father, David, to rule over men forever. 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. In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's rule, he had a dream. Dwight Pentecost writes, The existence of the church in the present Age was nowhere revealed in the Old Testament. 8 While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth uttering great boasts. The angel that Daniel was talking with gave Daniel greater detail concerning the fourth beast; he described this fourth beast as a fourth kingdom coming from the earth, it will be different from all the rest, this kingdom will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. International Standard Version so Daniel went to ask Nebuchadnezzar for an appointment to see him , and it was granted him so that he could reveal the meaning to the king. The fact that wicked men will prosper and prevail and that the righteous will suffer is hardly pleasant news. In fact, Daniel has trouble interpreting some of his own dreams. Through this dream, King Nebuchadnezzar learned that only God's Kingdom will last forever. This was when his life took a sharp turn. The fourth beast receives greater attention and is of the most interest to Daniel. As I stated two weeks ago the leopard was noted for its swiftness and the two pairs of wings suggests added swiftness beyond the animals own ability. What so upset Daniel about the future? 5. Prophecy becomes necessary from time to time to remind men of those things God has planned for the future which He will surely fulfill. What God declares in prophecy, He reveals as well in history. 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. Yet, his emotional response was valid and changed little after the vision was explained more fully. [4] We of the present Age, the church will reign with Jesus Christ as His bride. As the wicked prosper in their sin, it seems as though they can continue in sin without any fear of divine judgment (see Psalm 73:1-11; 2 Peter 2:3-4). 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. Daniel boiled down his vision to its essence, so we would not fail to understand the message he meant to convey to us. Introduction to Daniel 11 Nebuchadnezzar may have started badly, but by the time we read of him in Daniel 4 he seems to be a true believer in God, urging the citizens of his kingdom to worship and serve Him. With the commencement of Belshazzars co-regency may have come not only a rejection of the Jewish faith and worship, but a new wave of persecution directed toward it. Daniel 2:9-11 But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof, Daniel 1:18,19 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar, We are not told in so many words that this extension of time was granted, or that Daniel undertook to show more than the interpretation of the dream. We must approach prophecy with fear and reverence. 25 And 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. The message of this prophecy is really quite simple and may be summed up this way. In addition to the beasts iron teeth, Daniel tells us that the beast had claws of bronze. Specifically, the account of The Bad News at Belshazzars Banquet (not a bad title for that lesson) in chapter 5 was given to us so that we could better understand the prophecies of chapters 7 and 8. Through the vision of a magnificent, awe-inspiring statue, God reveals the future for Gentile kings and their kingdoms. The kingdom of God will be established and the saints will possess it forever. At least the final portion of chapter 7 has not been fulfilled. 2 Peter 3:8-9, But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. In his interpretation of the dream, Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar he was the head of gold. As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions in my mind kept alarming me. 1. (2) The prophecies of Daniel must be understood in relationship to and in light of the other prophecies of Daniel. (11) What is the point of the vision? As Daniel sought to discover more truth about the fourth beast he added some details that he had left out of his first description. That night his life and his kingdom came to an end. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. The prophecies of Daniel 7 speak of a future day of reckoning, foreshadowed by the actions of Belshazzar and the judgment of God on him and his kingdom. Other biblical prophecies bear on the prophecies of Daniel, particularly preceding or contemporary prophecies. Neither is prophecy written to make us happy or to feel good. In my opinion, the most dramatic reference of our Lord to His identity as the Son of Man comes as the Lord Jesus stands on trial before the Sanhedrin and the high priest: 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, in order that they might put Him to death; 60 and they did not find it, even though many false witnesses came forward. Some of his alarm arose from his not yet having been given the interpretation of his vision. While God tells neither Daniel nor us that this beast represents Nebuchadnezzar, He does reveal that the head of gold in the vision of the great statue was Nebuchadnezzar (2:36-38). 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. Chapter 2 contains a very significant prophecy, revealed by God to king Nebuchadnezzar. God is in no hurry to fulfill His promises, whether His promise of the eternal kingdom for all the saints or the promise of eternal destruction and judgment for sinners. The horn of the beast that made war against the saints was one of 10 kings who prevailed until the Ancient of days came and judged against him in favor of the saints. Rose withdraws the power from her chest, which takes the form of a ruby heart that then cracks as Unity dies peacefully in her sleep. 16 I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. 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. Old Testament Jews would likely regard the reference to the Son of Man in Daniel 7 as a reference to the Messiah, although they would probably not understand Him to be both divine and human. Prophecy is always practical and relevant to the person(s) receiving it. The saints should also expect the wicked to prosper, for a season. 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. Where it has not caused distress, it should have. Unfortunately, the king did not heed the dreams warning, and his kingdom was taken away for a time. 13 I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him.77 14 And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations, and men of every language Might serve Him. As we move into the second half of Daniel 7 and begin to dissect Daniels dream with the help of Gods Word and the help of history past because some of this dream which was yet future for Daniel is past history for us. However, the Son of Man must first suffer at the hands of men (17:22; 20:18). A night vision is given to king Nebuchadnezzar, apparently early in his reign as king of Babylon. The prophecy of this chapter is divinely interpreted. (10) What effect did the vision have on Daniel, and why? Daniel still dreaming said he approached one of those standing there. Daniel 2: Nebuchadnezzar's Dream by Larry Murray King Nebuchadnezzar had a puzzling dream that no one could explainuntil God gave the interpretation to 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. He would rise from the dead (12:40). Those who populate the earth after the tribulation will give their allegiance to Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. His thoughts alarm him, and his face pales. 17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. His disciples were promised that they would share in His reign as King (19:20). The king called for his magi to interpret the nightmare. 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. It seems that three of the kings try to resist him and he overthrows them by force. The beast was lifted up and made to stand like a man. The king knew that Daniel spoke the truth. The statue had a head of gold which corresponds to the first beast Daniel saw and described as a lion with the wings of an eagle. If taken seriously, we will find the future sobering as well. (7) Who is the Ancient of Days? If you remember from two weeks ago the bear was raised up on one side, this was to indicate that one part of this united kingdom overshadowed the other portion. His vision in chapter 4 should have produced more distress than it did. In Ezekiel, and even in Daniel (8:17), it is used in reference to a prophet. ), Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would show the king the interpretation, Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular, Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylon, Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular, Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular, Preposition | third person masculine singular, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular determinate, Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular determinate. When we expect it least, the Lord will return, the wicked will be punished, and the kingdom of God established forevermore. No wonder interpreters differ about the details. As the saints suffer at the hands of the wicked, it may appear all hope is lost. These were represented by the image of a statue. The second is Daniel's dream. The distance in time of the fulfillment of Daniel 7 said something very important to the captive Jews of Daniels day. The woman endures in the view of the final outcome of the process. The Old Testament prophet did not see the gap because he viewed the coming of Christ as God does. This angel responded and gave Daniel understanding into his dream as he interpreted it for him. Nebuchadnezzar's Dream ( Daniel 2:1-16) Say: Some time later, the King had a dream. 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. At this point the revelation ended. Chapter 7 - In the first vision Daniel sees the same kingdoms, but this time he sees them as beasts. A number of lessons from our text have broad application to our thinking and conduct as Christians. Usually it refers to a person as a human being. All of this is by divine design. Remember he had seen the innumerable host of angels attending the Ancient of Days. Rather than publish what he had learned he kept it to himself, until that time that the Holy Spirit guided him to write down and reveal what he had learned to the saints. 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. We dare not ignore that which is revealed nor do we dare go too far afield in speculating about what is concealed (see Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:23). The scene of the four beasts arising from the sea, which Daniel saw in his night vision, is strikingly similar to the account found in the 13th chapter of Revelation: 1 And he stood on the sand of the seashore, and I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. Told Nebuchadnezzar he was the first vision Daniel sees the same kingdoms, but to change perspective... Chapter 4 should have produced more distress than it did the wicked prosper... 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