1. Song Numbers 1

2. Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts Daniel 7 2

3. Introduction In this chapter we see four beasts arise which represent four kingdoms Chapter seven is parallel to chapter 2 3

4. Chapter 2 shows the more human features of the kingdoms while chapter 7shows the more cruel aspects of each kingdom A little horn Kingdom of the Son of Man and the Ancient of Days 4

5. I. The Four Beasts Arise - 7:1-8 5

6. First year of Belshazzar Daniel’s vision Heaving sea = peoples, lands and nations Something stirs the nations 6

7. First Beast – Lion (Babylonian Empire) Fierce Eagles wings = swift in conquering Wings plucked up = he conquers no further 7

8. A man’s heart is given – he stands as a man = becomes milder and less threatening 8

9. Second Beast – Bear (Medo- Persian Empire) Raised up = beginning to arouse Three ribs = Medo-Persian empire composed of three kingdoms when it conquered Babylon – Media, Persia, Lydia Afterward it conquered much more 9

10. Third Beast – Leopard (Greek Empire) Wings = indicate speed; Alexander the Great conquered the known world swiftly 4 wings and 4 heads = When Alexander died his empire was left to 4 generals 10

11. Fourth Beast – A Terrible Animal (Roman Empire) It is strong with great iron teeth Ten horns = denotes rulers A little horn = comes up and plucks up three horns Eyes of a man = intelligent Does not stand with God 11

12. II. The Ancient of Days - 7:9-12 12

13. [9] I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 13

14. [10] A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 14

15. [11] I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. 15

16. [12] As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. 16

17. The Ancient of Days appears in judgment against the 4 th beast White = purity Flaming throne = devouring judgment Throne on burning wheels = moves from place to place 17

18. Fiery stream = As if judgments issue forth Thousands and thousands serve Him = angels This is a scene of judgment on the beast and the little horn 18

19. Judgment was swift and sure The rest of the beasts – Babylon, Medo-Persian, Greek empire – they still exist within the dominion of the fourth beast – yet their dominion is taken away 19

20. Season and a time = indefinite period of time “All are under and answer to the Ancient of Days Who is obviously God the Almighty.” 20

21. III. The Son of Man – 7:13-14 21

22. This is a prophetic vision of the Christ – when He receives the kingdom This vision points to the time of Christ Ascension – when He was taken up out of their sight (Apostles) He is brought before God 22

23. Acts 1:9 [9] And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 23

24. God honors Him – giving Him dominion, glory, and a kingdom 24

25. Mt. 28:18 - Dominion [18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 25

26. Jn. 17:5 – He prayed for glory [5] And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 26

27. Col. 1:13 – He has a kingdom [13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 27

28. Phil. 2:9-11 [9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 28

29. [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 29

30. 2 Pet. 1:11 [11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 30

31. Heb. 12:28 [28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 31

32. IV. The Interpretation – 7:15-28 32

33. The 4 beasts are 4 kings --- 4 kingdoms (17,23) Fourth beast = teeth were iron, nails of brass - Roman Empire 10 horns = 10 kings 33

34. Little horn = a ruler; overcame three kings; made war with the saints – he spoke great things (vs. 20) – he wore out the saints (persecution) The little horn prevailed until the Ancient of Days came 34

35. Ancient of Days = God 35

36. V. Lessons 36

37. 1. God Rules No matter what happens – God Rules “Fear not. Prayer moves the hand of Him Who moves the world.” 37

38. 2. God will judge Evil will be punished in the end Evil may seem to prosper and not be hindered in this life - but rest assured that all human actions wills be judged 38

39. 3. The Messiah is the Fulness of all things Christ disappeared in the clouds but he received from the Ancient of Days dominion, a kingdom, glory – His kingdom will not pass away 39

40. 4. Persecutions 2 Tim. 3:12 [12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 40

41. Daniel 7:18 [18] But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. 41

42. Mt. 5:5 [5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 42

43. Rev. 3:21 [21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 43

44. Daniel 12:2-3 Note these great words spoken by Daniel [2] And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. [3] And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 44