Visions: The Four Beasts—Described and Interpreted Daniel 7

Daniel 7:1 “In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.”

Daniel 7:2 and 3 “Daniel spoke, saying, ‘I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.’”

Four Winds/Four Beasts In the FIRST year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Daniel has a dream and visions. Upon his bed—awake or asleep? Wrote down what he had dreamed in detail—tells the complete matter. Probably around 549 B.C.

Four Winds/Four Beasts “Four winds of heaven.” Winds controlled by God. Strong forces in society which produce upheavals in government and nations. Thus, God is stirring up the nations. Zechariah 2:6; 6:5. Jeremiah 18:17; 49:32

Four Winds/Four Beasts “The Great sea.” The world sea, boundless, ocean, great abyss Isaiah 51:10 Jeremiah 46:7,8 The symbolism is that of the world of nations in a tumultuous state. Figures denote invading armies. Upheaval of nations and empires.

Four Winds/Four Beasts “The four great beasts.” They arise from the sea, but not simultaneously. Each represents a kingdom of human origin and nature. They are diverse from one another in worth; yet, they have the following in common: Each rises from the sea. Each is great.

Daniel 7:4 “The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man's heart was given to it.” First Beast

First Beast The Lion The beast corresponds to the “head of gold” in chapter 2. This symbol is especially appropriate to the Babylonian empire. Lion (king of the beasts); Eagle, (king of the birds). Nebuchadnezzar compared to lion and eagle…

Jeremiah 50:17 “Israel is like scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away. First the king of Assyria devoured him; now at last this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has broken his bones.” Nebuchadnezzar

Lamentation 4:19 “Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the heavens. They pursued us on the mountains and lay in wait for us in the wilderness.” Nebuchadnezzar

Ezekiel 17:3 “And say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, full of feathers of various colors, came to Lebanon and took from the cedar the highest branch.’” Nebuchadnezzar

Ezekiel 17:12 “Say now to the rebellious house: 'Do you not know what these things mean?' Tell them, 'Indeed the king of Babylon went to Jerusalem and took its king and princes, and led them with him to Babylon.” Nebuchadnezzar

First Beast The Lion The beast’s wings are plucked as Daniel watches. Without wings, it’s deprived of its power of flight. Babylon can no longer “fly” over and conquer the earth, nor hover over its world-wide ruling empire.

First Beast The Lion Raised (lifted) upon two feet like a man and given a man’s heart. Beast’s nature was changed to the nature of a man inwardly (heart) and outwardly (feet). “Humanizing process” Babylonian Empire at first has a purely animal (heathenistic) character, but afterward this changes, and human qualities appear.

First Beast The Lion To Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation, this happened (chapter 4). “Beast’s heart” humbled the monarch (4:13). The king and kingdom are viewed as identical.

Jeremiah 27:6 “And now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field I have also given him to serve him.” Nebuchadnezzar

Jeremiah 27:7 “So all nations shall serve him and his son and his son's son, until the time of his land comes; and then many nations and great kings shall make him serve them.” Nebuchadnezzar

Jeremiah 27:8 Nebuchadnezzar “And it shall be, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and which will not put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation I will punish, says the LORD, with the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.” Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel 7:5 “And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: 'Arise, devour much flesh!’” Second Beast

SecondBeast The Bear Description and action Raised up on one side It has three ribs in its teeth Commanded to arise and “devour much flesh” The word “another” distinguished the bear from the lion, and “second” denoted the order

SecondBeast The Bear The bear is inferior to the lion, just as the silver is inferior to the gold (chapter 2). The bear “raised up on one side” does not mean: Establish a kingdom It stood on its hind feet Stood aloof from hurting the Hebrews people Stood by the lion

SecondBeast The Bear Purpose of going forward—links command “to devour.” Double-sided nature of this kingdom--ready to march forward in conquest. The bear, representing the Medo-Persian nation, being lifted up denotes, in symbolic language, the double-sidedness of the empire.

SecondBeast The Bear The “three ribs” The number may be meant to be taken as a round number—not content to devour “one nation.” Some suggested three distinct nations—Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt. Can’t be dogmatic…

SecondBeast The Bear The bear commanded to “arise and devour much flesh.” Does not mean that he furthers his career of future conquests. He is commanded to consume that which is already between his teeth. Command is God-given…God rules the nations! Daniel 2:21; Ezekiel 38:14

Daniel 7:6 “After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.” Third Beast

Third Beast The Leopard The third empire—the Macedonian (Grecian) is represented by a “panther.” With four wings—two pairs—upon its back With four heads Dominion given to it The leopard (panther) is noted for nimbleness, striking quickly, agility, and prowess.

Third Beast The Leopard The “wings” and the “heads.” Wings of a bird—not an eagle. Wings denoted swiftness. “Wings of a lion,” being presumably one pair, would denote the increased rapidity and swiftness of its conquests. Seen in Alexander the Great’s swift conquests.

Third Beast The Leopard The “heads” NOT… Four Persian kings. Four successors of Alexander--Ptolemy, Seleucias, Philip, and Antigonus. The four divisions of Alexander’s conquest--Greece, Western Asia, Egypt, and Persia.

Third Beast The Leopard The “heads” ARE… Four corners of the earth (Ezekiel 1:6), Extent of the kingdom, Dominion given to it, Under God’s overruling providence, Can conquer because God gives it power to do so. Could be four kingdoms divided up after Alexander’s death???

Daniel 7:7 “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces...” Fourth Beast

Daniel 7:7 “... and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.” Fourth Beast

Fourth Beast The beast described… This beast is introduced with significant sobriety and solemness Its identity with the “iron” in the image in chapter 2 is unmistakable. Its power and ability to destroy are particularly magnified. Note its “massive iron teeth” and characteristic rage for destruction.

Fourth Beast The beast is nondescript. This beast has no counterpart in all of nature. Nothing in animal kingdom to compare to it. This beast is “diverse” from the three that precede it. Noted for its destructiveness. It devours, crushes, and tramples.

Fourth Beast The beast has “ten horns.” The “horns” are “kings”—not specific kings. The number “10” is to be taken in its symbolic sense as the number “4” in verse 6. Multiplicity of rulers; comprehensive and definite totality. The “horns” symbolize “power.”

Fourth Beast Hence the “ten horns” denote the completeness of power in its ability to destroy. Notice Daniel’s attempt to describe that which is difficult to comprehend. This is a complete picture of something that has unlimited ability and power to destroy its enemies!

Daniel 7:8 “I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” Fourth Beast

Fourth Beast Daniel continues to look at the “horns” to seek to understand them. The manner of the “little horn’s” introduction in the vision notes its importance. The “little horn” plucked up “three” of the “ten horns” as it “came up among them.”

Fourth Beast Not described as growing in stature as the “little horn” in Chapter 8. As a “little horn,” it makes war against the saints (7:21). Little to magnify its principal features, which are its “eyes and mouth.” Hence, it represents a small kingdom whose power is concentrated in its king.

Fourth Beast This “little horn” is proud, presumptuous, and arrogant. Its words are directed toward God’s people. Its war is against the kingdom of the saints. Civil persecution power of Rome. Pride and self-exultation are its chief attributes.

Four Beasts Four beasts, which symbolized four great empires, were diverse from one another. They had three things in common: Each sought to conquer, control, and rule by military force. Each was an idolatrous nation, worshipping a pantheon of idol gods of its own creation. Each strongly opposed Jehovah God and His kingdom; each was an enemy of God.

Daniel 7:9 “I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire.” Ancient of Days

Daniel 7:10 “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.” Ancient of Days

Daniel 7:11 “I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame.” Ancient of Days

Daniel 7:12 “As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away; yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.” Ancient of Days

The Ancient of Days Action is continuous. As Daniel beheld, the mouth of the little horn continued to speak—but the scene shifts… The thrones scene The judgment is set. A heavenly court Courtroom scene befitting the majesty of Heaven’s God.

1 Kings 22:19 “Then Micaiah said, ‘Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left.’” Throne Scene

Revelation 1:4 “John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne.” Throne Scene

Revelation 20:4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God...” Throne Scene

The Ancient of Days Literally means “one advanced in days (years).“ God manifests Himself in the vision, in this majestic, visible, form. Ezekiel 1:26; Job 36:26 Age inspires veneration and creates the impression of majesty. His raiment, which is “white as snow,” indicates dignity and purity. Isaiah 1:18

The Ancient of Days The hair of his head was as pure wool. Revelation 1:14 His throne was of “fiery flames.” In scripture, fire is often noted in connection with God’s presence. Exodus 19:18; 20:18 Deuteronomy 4:24 Ezekiel 1:13 Psalm 97:3

The Ancient of Days In Daniel’s vision, the fire represents the power that: Destroys the beast (vs.11) Consumes the little horn (vs.26) “Wheels of burning fire” reminiscent of Ezekiel 1:15-28—(chariot throne)

The Ancient of Days Central position and character of the “Ancient of Days” is noted by: “From before Him” (Revelation 4:5) “Unto Him” thousands and thousands ministered Innumerable multitudes stand ready to serve the Almighty Ancient of Days. Not a definite number “Before him” 10,000 times 10,000—a number beyond numeral count.

The Ancient of Days “The judgment was set and the books open” The books were opened. Men’s actions during life are recorded and available for examination. Revelation 20:12 This passage refers particularly to the deeds of the four beasts and the little horn’s actions…

The Ancient of Days Voice of the great words which the horn spoke. Daniel heard the presumptuous words of the “little horn” while beholding this judgment scene. “I beheld even until the beast was slain…” Judgment comes upon the fourth beast. Denotes his complete and utter destruction.

The Ancient of Days “The rest of the beasts…” The first three named in the vision—actually and historically perished before the fourth. The fate of the first three was not as terrible as that of the fourth. Lost their power to rule—but were allowed to continue to live. Acts 17:26

The Ancient of Days Therefore, at the appointed time, the dominion of each of these beasts was taken away. Lion—Babylon Bear—Medo-Persian Leopard--Greece “A season and a time”—sets forth the idea of a “predetermined time.”

Daniel 7:13 “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him.” Ancient of Days

Daniel 7:14 “Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.” Ancient of Days

The Ancient of Days This scene is the climax of the entire seventh- chapter vision. The judgment Daniel beholds does not end world powers. He (a figure in human form) comes in the clouds. Isaiah 19:1 Nahum 1:3 Matthew 24:30

The Ancient of Days One like “the son of man” receiving an eternal kingdom, explicitly contrasts with one “like the beast” with a kingdom totally different in nature. Came to the “Ancient of Days.” Brought and presented near before Him. What was He given? Dominion Glory Kingdom (sovereignty)

The Ancient of Days All “peoples, nations, and languages” serve Him. The subjects serve the king. Truly universal in scope. His dominion is everlasting, and His kingdom is indestructible. Daniel 2:44,45 Hebrews 12:28 Matthew 16:16-18 Acts 1:9-11

Daniel 7:15,16 “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things.” Truth Revealed

Daniel 7:17,18 “Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” Truth Revealed

Vision Interpreted The “truth concerning all this.” Four beasts=four kings. The concrete (king) is used for the abstract (kingdom). Says little about the first three, but concentrates on the fourth. “Saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom.”

Vision Interpreted “Saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom.” Saints (holy ones) are true members of the covenant nation, the elect of God, and the congregations of the churches. Matthew 16:16-19 Acts 2:41-47 Acts 10:1ff Colossians 1:13,14 Hebrews 12:22-29

Vision Interpreted They are not to establish it. They are to possess the kingdom. This possession is forever. A contrast, vivid and unmistakably clear, is drawn between physical powers (kingdoms) and the heavenly. This is most comforting and reassuring to those under trial as in the times of Daniel (and John’s Revelation).

Daniel 7:19 “Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet.” Fourth Beast

Daniel 7:20 “And the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.” Fourth Beast

Daniel 7:21, 22 “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” Fourth Beast

Fourth Beast Last period of the beast’s existence Attention to the “persecuting power” (little horn) against the saints of the kingdom; those who oppose the Christ. This persecution comes through “human” instruments. This persecution has never ceased, for it is stirred by Satan himself. (Revelation 12:17)

Fourth Beast This persecuting power will war against Christ’s church, but it will not ultimately prevail. Victory for the Lord and His saints is assured! The “little horn” prevails only until the time the Ancient of Days comes and announces judgment in favor of the saints. Revelation 6:9-11

Fourth Beast Verses 21,22 are not an interpretation; they are part of the vision itself. This judgment is not by the saints but in behalf of the saints. When judgment is announced, the saints are in eternal and secure possession of the kingdom. Revelation 20:7—21:5 1 Peter 1:3-5 2 Peter 1:11

Daniel 7:23 “Thus he said: 'The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.” Fourth Beast

Daniel 7:24 “The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings.” Fourth Beast

Daniel 7:25 “He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.” Fourth Beast

Fourth Beast— The Interpretation Diversity is noted Destroying power Duration and breadth Mightier than any before it The ten horns—ten kings? The ten (number) need not necessarily be taken literally. The symbolism of the description must be taken into account. “Strict literal interpretation” demands these kings be “contemporary,” for the horns appear “together” on the beast. Arise out of the fourth beast!

Fourth Beast— The Interpretation Common factor of these horns is that they exist during the second phase of the beast’s history (chapter 8). The little horn, another “king” shall arise. How the arrogant, presumptuous horn will “put down” three kings is not noted. The little horn will speak against the Most High. Whatever its outward historical form is to be, it is the manifestation of the spirit which exalts man and opposes the Son of man and His kingdom.

Fourth Beast— The Interpretation He will use language that will endeavor to set God aside. (Hosea 10:4) He will wear out the saints. (Revelation 12:13-17; 13:5-10) He will think to assume (in his arrogance and pride) activity which belong to God alone. “Change the times” (Genesis 18:14) “Change the law” (Revelation 13:4,12)

Fourth Beast— The Interpretation “A time and times and half time.” Not “3 ½ years, 1260 days” of the 70th week (9:24-27) Not the period of Antiochus Epiphanes This peculiar statement clearly sets forth: The absoluteness of the last stage of the power of the little horn This period of time is a length measured by God The word is chronologically an indefinite expression. Thus, it is to be understood symbolically.

Fourth Beast— The Interpretation “A time and times and half time.” The symbolism of the expression “Half of seven times” = 3 ½ years Apparently stands for a period of different phases of testing, trial, and judgment. This oppression of God’s people appears for a “time” then extends itself “two times.” Does not continue to double itself, thus making “seven times” all told. The expression shows that the persecution (by little horn’s power) of the saints quickly manifests itself in order to come to a sudden end by the intervention of divine judgment.

Destroyed and Consumed Daniel 7:26 “But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever.” Destroyed and Consumed

Destroyed and Consumed Daniel 7:27 “Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” Destroyed and Consumed

Daniel 7:28 “This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart.” Daniel Troubled

Little Horn— Destroyed and Consumed The judgment here is in reference to the “little horn.” They shall take away his dominion. To consume and destroy it unto the end (forever) 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

Kingdom Given to the Saints They will receive the kingdom eternally (Revelation 1:6). This kingdom is His (The Most High), and it is everlasting (Luke 22:29). Those in it shall “serve” and “obey” Him. End of the matter Daniel’s concern—thoughts troubled him. Daniel’s countenance—brightness changed. Daniel’s constancy—kept it in his heart.