Daniel 7:1-28
Q.1. What characterized the kingdoms described by Daniel? How do they compare with his vision of the Ancient of Days? – (Dan.7:1-12)
The kingdoms of Daniel’s time, and those that follow to the present day are described as four beasts: the 1st was like a lion (see Dan.7:3-4); the 2nd like a bear (Dan.7:5); the 3rd like a leopard; and 4th a terrifying and extremely strong beast but – … it was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns (see Dan.7:7, 19). However, Daniel goes on to share a heavenly vision of the Ancient of Days – A vision beyond amazing … He is awesome and supreme over all kingdoms – A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; Thousands upon (Dan.7:6) – Thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, and the books were opened (Dan.7:10). He was presented as the Judge of the living and the dead, the great and the small. This was like the vision given to the apostle John in Revelation 20:11-13. NOTE: Some suggest the prophecy describing this fourth kingdom as different relates to modern technology and AI of the Endtimes which increases its deception and terror (see Mt.24:4-5, 10-13).
Q.2. How does Daniel present a vision of God, the Father and His Son? What clue was given to help identify the beasts? What was revealed about the authority that is given to Christ (the Son of Man) and the saints? – (Dan.7:13-18)
Daniel would hardly have been able to comprehend his vision of the Ancient of Days and One like the Son of man. Nevertheless, he faithfully documents what he saw. In the clouds of heaven, he records that – 13 … One like the Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. 14 To Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and people of every language might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed (Dan.7:13-14). This Son of Man presented His blood sacrifice before the Father and inherits an everlasting kingdom that will never pass away (Heb.9:11-14, 23-24). Jesus has no equals nor rivals, and His kingdom will not crumble like all the kingdoms of this earth. Daniel was trying to grapple with the exact meaning of the vision. Daniel sought greater clarity on the four beast and was told – 17 `These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth. 18 But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come’ (Dan.7:17-18 c.f. 2 Thes.1:6-10). The beasts are leaders and empires to arise in future. Since they usurp the place of God, cause massive chaos, and are utterly terrifying, Daniel was put in no doubt that God’s children are safe and secure in the Rock of all ages (see Dan.7:18). Whereas these kings and leaders will prance across the stage of life for a season, the saints of the Most High God will possess the kingdom for all time.
Q.3. What is the gist of the outcome of the battle between the final kingdom and the saints of the Most High God? – (Dan.7:19-28)
The vision of the last beast was the most troubling and confusing to Daniel – because it different from all the others (Dan.7:7, 19, 23-24). He asked for further illumination. This kingdom will culminate with the reign of the Antichrist whose kingdom will be destroyed – 25 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. 26 But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated, and destroyed forever. 27 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’ (Dan.7:25-27). There is much to suggest that this final reign of king Jesus has begun within the hearts of believers (see Lk.17:20-21). Daniel was told that there was a limit on the reign of the Antichrist – for a time, times, and half a time … that coincides with the details given to the apostle John regarding the Great Tribulation, involving Israel, culminating in the Second Coming of Christ (see Dan.7:25 c.f. Rev.11:2-3; 12:6, 14; 13:5; 19:11-16).