Tyndale Open Study NotesDaniel 7

The second half of the book contains visions given to Daniel. These visions assured Daniel and his people, both those in exile and those who had returned to Judea, that God controls the future. All empires will eventually fall before the kingdom of heaven. Daniel's people will be saved from their troubles (Daniel 12:1–3), and God will resurrect and judge all people (see 12:13). Daniel interpreted these visions with help from divine messengers (Daniel 7:10; 8:15; 9:22; 10:14; 12:7).

This chapter includes a frightening vision (Daniel 7:2–14) and its explanation (7:17–27). The order of kingdoms reminds us of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about forty-five years earlier (Daniel 2:1–45).

• In the first year of the reign of Belshazzar: This vision happened before the events in Daniel 6.

• Daniel recorded this vision.

In the Old Testament, the sea symbolizes evil or chaos (see Psalm 89:10; Isaiah 5:30; 57:20). This view was common in the ancient Near East.

The kingdoms of the world are shown as four large beasts (Daniel 7:17; compare Revelation 13:1–2).

• The lion and eagle are respected rulers in their worlds. Lions often appeared in ancient art and buildings. Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon are shown as a lion and an eagle attacking Edom (Jeremiah 49:19, 22).

• it was … given the mind of a man: Nebuchadnezzar had the mind of a beast (Daniel 4:16, 32–33), but he was restored and learned to honor the Most High God (4:34–37).

• The second beast likely represents Persia (Daniel 2:34–40; 6:9, 12, 15; 8:20).

• The bear was known for its fierce attacks (Proverbs 28:15). The three ribs might symbolize Babylon, Media, and Lydia, which Cyrus conquered.

• flesh: God chose Cyrus and Persia to conquer many nations (Isaiah 41:2–3; 44:28; 45:1, 13; 46:11).

The leopard was famous for its speed and agility (Habakkuk 1:8). Four bird wings and four heads show the range and speed of this fierce nation's military campaigns. Greece fit this symbolism well, especially under Alexander the Great. After he died in 323 BC, his kingdom was divided into four parts.

• The fourth beast was different in kind, not only in degree. It was described as being made of nonliving metal. It was hardly like an animal at all. It was impersonal, completely violent, and without mercy. Even its iron teeth were pictured as a perfect tool for killing. Most commentators, both ancient and modern, see this fourth beast as representing the Roman Empire and its rulers.

• ten horns: In this type of apocalyptic writing, horns can symbolize kings, power, and strength.

Many believe that the fourth kingdom was only partly represented in Rome. They think another, more brutal kingdom, similar to Rome, will emerge. This kingdom will be led by a final little horn, a powerful and arrogant human being (compare Daniel 8:9–12, 23–25; 9:25–27; 11:36–45; 12:1–7).

• The kingdoms of the world are represented by fierce animals. The kingdom of God is represented by a divine-human figure (also in Daniel 7:13–14) and by holy people.

• the Ancient One: This name refers to God, who existed before all nations and peoples.

• White hair and clothing symbolize wisdom and purity. The river of fire represents God’s purifying presence.

• Together, the millions and many millions suggest numbers beyond what can be counted.

• the books: God keeps records and uses them as the basis for his judgment (see Daniel 10:21; 12:1; Exodus 32:32; Psalms 69:28; 139:16; Malachi 3:16; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 20:12, 15; 21:27).

God's judgment caused the fourth beast to be destroyed by fire.

a season and a time: God, the Judge of the nations, can extend the lives of nations and individuals (compare Daniel 4:27). Defeated nations that have lost their political and military dominance can continue to exist culturally and ethnically, maintaining their national identities. This occurred with the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, and the Greeks.

This being like a son of man, unlike the arrogant little horn, did not boast and was not violent. He did not overthrow other kings by force and received God's favor and blessing. He was led into God's presence and presented to Him. God gave him kingship and a kingdom. This figure is the Messiah, God's chosen and anointed king.

• like the Son of Man: He was like a human being (compare Daniel 3:25).

• His arrival with the clouds of heaven suggests that he was a divine being (see Psalms 68:4; 97:2; Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Mark 13:26; 14:62; Luke 21:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 1:7).

Unlike earthly rulers and kingdoms that eventually end, his rule lasts forever and will never be destroyed. His kingdom is given to the holy people of the Most High (Daniel 7:27), and it fills the earth (2:35, 44–45).

Daniel bravely approached the beings next to God's throne, and they helped him instead of harming him.

These four great beasts are four kings: God gave Daniel a vision of history's course, which no human could achieve. These kingdoms from the earth (see Daniel 7:2) are human, not heavenly.

• The holy people (also in Daniel 7:21–22, 25, 27) are those who belong only to God and share his character. In Daniel’s time, this referred to the people of Israel.

• Only the Most High God can declare how history will end. Other ancient writers spoke of the ages or eras of earthly history, but none knew how it would end.

Daniel requested and received more information about the fourth beast, the ten horns, and the little horn.

The target of the little horn’s hatred and pride was God’s holy people. In this way, the little horn was similar to Pharaoh and Haman (see Exodus 1:22; Esther 3:8–9; compare Daniel 11:36–40).

The Ancient of Days changed the course of the conflict when he judged in favor of his holy people. In God’s time, his people would receive the kingdom together with their King (Daniel 7:13–14).

• the ten horns are ten kings: This number might refer to ten specific individuals, or it might symbolize that this kingdom lasted through the reigns of many kings (compare Revelation 13:1).

• Then another king, who is the little horn (Daniel 7:21), will defy the Most High. He will oppress the holy people by:

  • speaking against the Lord,

  • interfering with their worship,

  • trying to force them to follow his religion, and

  • constantly threatening them.

• a time, and times, and half a time: The text does not clearly state the length of time. However, the period of oppression for the holy people will be limited and will come to an end suddenly and unexpectedly.

God’s court has the authority to pass judgment and the power to remove and destroy this proud king.

When this proud king is defeated, God's kingdom will rule forever over all kingdoms on earth (compare Psalm 2; Isaiah 9:6–7). God's holy people of the will serve as leaders in God's kingdom (compare Luke 22:29–30; 1 Corinthians 6:2–3; Revelation 3:21; 20:4).