Our God Reigns

OUR GOD REIGNS!

Daniel 7

For a variety of reasons, “modern commentators are generally agreed that chapter 7 is the single most important chapter of the Book of Daniel.”1 Porteous calls it “the heart of the Book of Daniel,”2 and Heaton declares, “It would be no exaggeration to say that this chapter is one of the most important passages of the OT.”3

Why is this chapter so significant? First, Dan 7 marks the literary turning point of the book from historical accounts to visions. J. J. Collins correctly understands Dan 7 to be “a transitional chapter” bound to the preceding stories “by the use of the Aramaic language and by affinities with ch. 2, but tied to the following visions by its subject matter.”4 Thus this passage effectively joins the two parts of the book together. Second, the chapter is important because of its enormous impact on subsequent Jewish literature. As a matter of fact, the whole body of apocalyptic material that followed was influenced by this vision. Third, it is of extreme significance prophetically. Walvoord rightly maintains: “As interpreted by conservative expositors, the vision of Daniel provides the most comprehensive and detailed prophecy of future events to be found anywhere in the Old Testament.”5

Since the second division of the book begins with chap. 7, a few general comments also are in order concerning the two sections as a whole. First, the earlier chapters are preparatory to the second part of Daniel and are necessary for understanding it. Daniel’s background and credentials—nationality, religion, impeccable character, and amazing wisdom granted by the sovereign God—are set forth in chaps. 1–6. The accounts in the first chapters also demonstrated the power and sovereignty of the Lord and have prepared the way for the prophecies in the latter part. If Daniel’s God was able to deliver from the den of lions and from the fire, he also possessed the miraculous ability to predict the future.

The four visions which make up the second part of the book are recorded in chronological order, just as the stories of part one are in historical sequence; there is, however, an overlap between the two parts. Chapters 7 and 8, in the first and third years of Belshazzar, belong chronologically between chapters 4 and 5; chapter 9 on our reckoning (see note on 9:1) takes place at approximately the same time as the events of chapter 6, and the last vision (chapters 10–12) is the latest date.

Despite the welter of interpretations there is one thing above all that the chapter is proclaiming quite unambiguously: the Most High is the reigning king in heaven and earth. There is an opposition to his rule, formidable in appearance and powerful, but all the time the Most High is in control, even when his opponents seem most successful (7:26). Therefore those who are allied with him triumph also. No wonder the chapter has been called ‘the centre of gravity of the whole book’, and ‘one of the summits of scripture’.1

Once convinced of the truth this chapter is proclaiming, the reader is in possession of the key to history. The international scene is not after all out of hand, for it is in God’s hand, and individual lives find their meaning in relation to his kingdom. Those who pray sincerely ‘Thy kingdom come’ lose themselves in his great cause and in the process find their own identity (Mark 8:35; 10:45).

Chapter 7

Daniel’s Vision of Four Beasts

1. OUR GOD REIGNS OVER THE WHOLE WORLD, EVEN WHEN MANY DO NOT RECOGNIZE HIS AUTHORITY,

Earlier, during the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign in Babylon, Daniel had a dream and saw visions as he lay in his bed. He wrote down the dream, and this is what he saw.

2 In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds blowing from every direction.

A-The four compass-points register every possible wind-direction, and as a working hypothesis we might take four to symbolize completeness, ‘the whole earth’ in this context. (Zechariah 2:6; 6:15)

Zechariah 2:6 (NLT)

6 The LORD says, “Come away! Flee from Babylon in the land of the north, for I have scattered you to the four winds.

B- To the Hebrews the sea was both dangerous and mysterious, a restless element (Isa. 57:20) but not beyond the Lord’s power to tame (Ps. 107:23–29). The nations were like the sea (Isa. 17:12, 13).

· Isaiah 57:20 (NLT) “But those who still reject me are like the restless sea, which is never still but continually churns up mud and dirt. .

· Isaiah 17:12–13 (NLT)

12 Listen! The armies of many nations roar like the roaring of the sea. Hear the thunder of the mighty forces as they rush forward like thundering waves.

13 But though they thunder like breakers on a beach, God will silence them, and they will run away. They will flee like chaff scattered by the wind, like a tumbleweed whirling before a storm.

2. OUR GOD REIGNS EVEN WHEN EARTHLY RULERS THINK THEY ARE IN CONTROL. (VS. 3-8).

3 Then four huge beasts came up out of the water, each different from the others.

4 The first beast was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off, and it was left standing with its two hind feet on the ground, like a human being. And it was given a human mind.

5 Then I saw a second beast, and it looked like a bear. It was rearing up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And I heard a voice saying to it, “Get up! Devour the flesh of many people!”

6 Then the third of these strange beasts appeared, and it looked like a leopard. It had four bird’s wings on its back, and it had four heads. Great authority was given to this beast.

7 Then in my vision that night, I saw a fourth beast—terrifying, dreadful, and very strong. It devoured and crushed its victims with huge iron teeth and trampled their remains beneath its feet. It was different from any of the other beasts, and it had ten horns.

8 As I was looking at the horns, suddenly another small horn appeared among them. Three of the first horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.

3. OUR GOD REIGNS AND WILL ULTIMATELY PLACE ALL OF THE WORLD UNDER JESUS’ RULE. (VS. 9-12)

9 I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire,

10 and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened.

A. The description of our God: (vs. 9-10)

1. “The Ancient One” – He is the eternal God.

2. He is the Judge

3. He is holy and righteous

4. He is the Ruler of Heaven’s Armies

5. He judges by the books

i. Book of Life

ii. Book of record

B. The judgment of our God (vs. 11-13)

11 I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire.

12 The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer.

13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

4- EVIL KINGDOMS WILL ARISE IN THIS WORLD THAT WILL ATTEMPT TO OVERTHROW GOD’S PEOPLE. (Daniel 7:15-18).

Daniel 7:15–18 NLT

15 I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me. 16 So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this: 17 “These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. 18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.”

A- History has been filled with rulers and empires that have sought to destroy the people of God.

1- In the O.T. Era

Assyria

Phillistia

Babylon

2- In the Christian Era

Rome

Islamic Empires

Secular Humanistic government

B- Note the word of encouragement (vs. 18)

18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.”

1- The N.T. Promise of this victory:

(Revelation 19:11-16)

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war.

12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself.

13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God.

14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses.

15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.

16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

(Revelation 20:4)

4 Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their forehead or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

5- THE BELIEVER’S FOCUS MUST REMAIN ENGAGED ON THE GOD WHO WILL ULTIMATELY BE VICTORIOUS. (Daniel 7:19-22)

Daniel 7:19–22 NLT

19 Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one so different from the others and so terrifying. It had devoured and crushed its victims with iron teeth and bronze claws, trampling their remains beneath its feet. 20 I also asked about the ten horns on the fourth beast’s head and the little horn that came up afterward and destroyed three of the other horns. This horn had seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them, 22 until the Ancient One—the Most High—came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom.

A- The ever-present danger: endless speculation about specifics not given in scripture.

1. This is not a new temptation.

2. While God knows the specifics, He has not yet revealed them to us.

B- The believer’s focus must not be upon endless speculation of what has not been revealed, but what has been made clear.

1. Some things will not be made clear until the events occur.

(Daniel 12:4)

4 But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”

(Daniel 12:8–9)

8 I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, “How will all this finally end, my lord?”

9 But he said, “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end.

2. Our focus must be upon obeying the words that God has made clear:

a. We are to be busy carrying out the mission of Christ!

(Matthew 28:18-20)

(Mark 16:15)

(Acts 1:8)

6- THE BELIEVER MUST REMAIN FIRM IN HIS COMMITMENT TO GOD’S WAYS IN SPITE OF EXTREME MEASURES DESIGNED TO DISCOURAGE FAITHFULNESS. (Daniel 7:23-28)

Daniel 7:23–28 NLT

23 Then he said to me, “This fourth beast is the fourth world power that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the others. It will devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path. 24 Its ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire. Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them. 25 He will defy the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time. 26 “But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed. 27 Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him.” 28 That was the end of the vision. I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself.

A- There is no promise of care-free or trouble-free life for believers. (Daniel 7:23-25)

23 Then he said to me, “This fourth beast is the fourth world power that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the others. It will devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path. 24 Its ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire. Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them. 25 He will defy the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time.

B- The believer must remain focused upon faithfully serving the one who will be the ultimate victor. (Daniel 7:26-28)

26 “But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed. 27 Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him.” 28 That was the end of the vision. I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself.