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 all boastful, destructive, and terrifying. However, Daniel was given the 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 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.
Q.2. 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 was trying to grapple with the exact meaning of the vision. He 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 of empires to arise in future. Since they usurp the place of God and are terrifying, Daniel was put in no doubt that God’s children are safe and secure in the Rock of all ages. 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. 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 has begun in the hearts of believers (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 (Dan.7:25 c.f. Rev.11:2-3; 12:6, 14; 13:5; 19:11-16).