Daniel 7.27-The Most High and His Saints Will Assume Rulership of Planet Earth
Wenstrom Bible Ministries
Pastor-Teacher Bill Wenstrom
Thursday June 20, 2013
Daniel: Daniel 7:27-The Most High and His Saints Will Assume Rulership of Planet Earth
Lesson # 226
Please turn in your Bibles to Daniel 7:1.
Daniel 7:1 During Belshazzar’s, Babylon’s king, first year, Daniel saw a dream specifically visions in his mind on his bed. Then, he wrote down the dream. He declares the beginning of the account. 2 Daniel began to speak and said, “I was in a trance like state, staring because of my vision during the night as behold the heaven’s four winds were blowing violently against the great sea. 3 Then, four great beasts, one different from the other, came up out from the sea. 4 The first beast was like a lion with eagle’s wings attached to it. I was in a trance like state staring when its wings were torn off. Then it was lifted up from the ground for the purpose of it standing on two feet like a human being. A human mind was also given to it. 5 Next, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear with it raised up to one side with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. Then, they issued orders to it, ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’ 6 After this, I was staring in a trance like state as behold, another one, was like a leopard with it having four bird’s wings on its back. Also, the beast had four heads. Indeed, governmental dominion was given to it. 7 After this, I was continuing to stare in a trance like state because of these night visions as behold, a fourth beast, intimidating, yes even terrifying as well as extremely powerful, possessing two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured as well as crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the rest with its feet. Indeed, it was characterized as different from all the beasts which were before it in the sense of possessing ten horns. 8 I was contemplating in a trance like state because of these horns as behold, another little horn emerged out from among them. Then, the first three originating from the horns was torn out by being in the presence of it. In fact, behold, on this horn, were eyes like a human being’s eyes as well as a mouth speaking boastfully. 9 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state when thrones were set up. Then, the One Ancient in Days sat. His clothing was white like snow. Also, the hair of His head was like lamb’s wool. His throne was fiery flames. Its wheels were a blazing fire. 10 A river composed of fire was flowing, yes issuing forth from His presence. A thousand times a thousand were continually rendering worshipful service to Him. In fact, ten thousand times ten thousand were continually standing in His presence. The court convened resulting in scrolls being opened. 11 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state at that time because of the sound coming from the boastful words which the horn was making a habit of speaking. I was continuing to stare in a trance like state when the beast was killed. In fact, its body was destroyed. Specifically, it was given over to the consuming fire. 12 On the other hand, the rest of the beasts, their governmental dominion was taken away, though for their benefit an extension of life was granted for a period of time, yes an appointed period of time. 13 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state because of these visions as behold One like a Son of Man was coming upon the clouds of heaven. Specifically, He went up to the One Ancient in Days in the sense that He approached His presence. 14 Then, governmental dominion was given to Him as well as honor and in addition sovereignty in order that each and every person belonging to the nations, ethnicities as well as language groups would serve Him. His governmental dominion is an eternal governmental dominion which can never be taken away so that His kingdom is one which can never be destroyed. 15 As for me, Daniel, my soul was distressed in the midst of my body. Specifically, the visions in my mind caused me to be terrified. 16 I went up to one from those standing nearby in order to request from him the truth regarding all this. Consequently, he spoke to me in order to make known to me the interpretation of these events. 17 ‘These great beasts, which are four in number are four kings who will arise from the earth’s inhabitants. 18 However, the saints belonging to the Most High will receive the kingdom. Indeed, they will possess the kingdom throughout eternity, yes throughout eternity, the ages.’ 19 Then, I desired to know the meaning concerning the fourth beast which was different from all the others, extraordinarily intimidating, its two rows of teeth composed of iron as well as its claws composed of bronze. It devoured as well as crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the rest with its feet. 20 Also, I desired to know the meaning concerning the ten horns which were on its head as well as the one which emerged and in addition three fell by being in the presence of it. Specifically, that horn possessing eyes as well as a mouth making it a habit of speaking boastfully. Indeed, its appearance was more distinguished than its contemporaries. 21 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state as that horn was continually waging war against the saints so as to overpower them 22 until the One Ancient in Days intervened. Specifically, He rendered judgment in favor of the Most High’s saints. Then, the moment arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom. 23 Thus, he said, ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all these kingdoms in the sense that it will devour the entire earth. Specifically, it will trample it down so that it crushes it. 24 Also, the ten horns are ten kings who will arise from this kingdom. Then, another will arise after them. However, he will be different in comparison to the previous ones. Specifically, he will conquer three kings. 25 Furthermore, he will issue statements against the Most High. Also, he will make it his habit of persecuting the Most High’s saints as well as attempting to change the times, yes even the Law. Indeed, they will be given into his power for a period of a time, times and a half a time. 26 However, the court will be convened with the result that they will take away his governmental dominion by destroying, yes, by killing him at the end.’” (My translation)
Daniel 7:27 “‘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.’” (NASB95)
“The sovereignty” is the feminine singular noun mǎl∙ḵû (מַלְכוּ) (mal-koo´), which means “sovereignty” which denotes the sphere of authority or control of the different nations of the earth over those residing in their respective geographical areas and political boundaries, which were determined by the extent to which these nations exercise their authority.
The term “sovereignty” indicates the complete power of the nations of the earth over the inhabitants under their jurisdiction, so that these nations exercise their will absolutely over those under their jurisdiction, without any necessary conditioning by a finite will or wills.
“The dominion” is the masculine singular form of the noun šā∙leṭān (שָׁלְטָן) (shol-tawn´), which means “governmental dominion” referring to the supreme, sovereign authority or power which is exercised by the nations on planet earth.
“The greatness” is the feminine singular form of the noun reḇû (רְבוּ) (reb-oo´), which means “greatness” in the sense that these nations are large in number and preeminent over the rest of God’s creatures and superior in character and quality to the rest of God’s creatures on the earth.
“The kingdoms” refers to the various kingdoms on the earth when Jesus Christ comes back at His Second Advent.
“Under the whole heaven” indicates that the sovereignty, yes governmental dominion thus the greatness belonging to the kingdoms under all of heaven were given to the Son of Man and the saints with no exceptions.
“The people of the saints” is composed of the masculine singular construct form of the noun ʿǎm (עַם) (am), “the people of” which is followed by the masculine plural construct form of the adjective qǎd∙dîš (קַדִּישׁ) (kad-deesh´), “the saints of.”
The noun ʿǎm is in the singular and means “nation” in the sense of a large group based on various cultural, physical and geographical ties.
It refers to a large group that is larger than a tribe or clan but smaller than a race and speaks of a national entity which is composed of the saints or in other words those regenerate human beings who will belong to Jesus Christ’s millennial kingdom.
The construct state of the word denotes it is governing the word qǎd∙dîš, “the saints” which follows it, expressing a genitive relation.
This is an explicative genitive specifying the identity of those who compose this nation which will be given the sovereignty, yes governmental dominion, thus the greatness belonging to the kingdoms under all of heaven and will be given to a nation which is composed of the saints.
The adjective qǎd∙dîš refers to church age believers and regenerate Gentiles from every dispensation along with of course regenerate Israel.
“The Highest One” refers to the Most High and specifically it is referring to the Son of Man who Jesus Christ interprets as being a reference to Himself.
“His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom” indicates that Jesus Christ’s kingdom will be infinite in duration, which stands in contrast to the kingdoms of Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, Rome and the Revived Form of the Roman Empire under Antichrist which were represented by the four beasts in the vision and were temporary.
“And all the dominions will serve and obey Him” indicates that each and everyone of the people belonging to the governmental dominions will serve Jesus Christ during His millennial reign when or as they make it their habit of obeying Him.
Daniel 7:27 “‘Then, the sovereignty, specifically, the governmental dominion, thus the greatness belonging to the kingdoms under all of heaven were given to a nation which is composed of the Most High’s saints. His kingdom will be an eternal kingdom. Indeed, each and every one of the people belonging to these governmental dominions will serve Him as they make it their habit of obeying.’” (My translation)
In Daniel 7:26, the angel Gabriel informed Daniel that the Antichrist will be killed and his Revived Form of the Roman Empire will be destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ at His Second Advent, which terminates Daniel’s Seventieth Week as well as the Times of the Gentiles.
Immediately following this, the angel tells Daniel that the sovereignty, and specifically the governmental dominions and thus the greatness belonging to the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the saints of the Most High.
The angel then says that His kingdom will be an eternal kingdom.
The angel Gabriel makes clear that the sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ will be absolute and will have no rivals.
He also makes clear that the saints will rule with Him.
The saints are under His authority of course but they will rule with him since he informs Daniel that the sovereignty, the governmental dominions and greatness of the kingdoms of the earth will be given to a nation which is composed of the saints of the Most High.
The implication which is confirmed by the New Testament is that the saints will possess sovereignty, yes governmental dominion over the nations of the earth.
The New Testament teaches that church age believers who are faithful and are thus described as “overcomers” will be rewarded with authority over the nations.
Revelation 2:26 “He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS.” (NASB95)
Revelation 3:21 “He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (NASB95)
Revelation 20:4 teaches that those regenerate Jews and Gentiles who were put to death by Antichrist for not taking the mark of the beast or worshipping the Antichrist or His image will reign with Jesus Christ for a thousand years.
The fact that these believers are said to reign with Christ indicates clearly that these are some of the saints who will rule the nations of the earth during Christ’s millennial reign.
King David will be a co-regent with Jesus Christ in Israel during the millennium (Ezekiel 34:24; 37:24-25).
The fact that the angel tells Daniel in Daniel 7:27 that the kingdom of the Most High, Jesus Christ is eternal indicates that it will never be overthrown by another kingdom which stands in direct contrast to the Gentiles kingdoms represented by the four beasts in Daniel’s vision.
We must remember the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ is the Father’s kingdom on earth. This millennial kingdom will merge into the eternal kingdom of the Father (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:27-28).
Daniel 7:27 tells the reader that the nations of the earth will serve and obey Jesus Christ.
Those believers who are in resurrection bodies and those who become believers during the millennium will serve and obey because they love Him.
On the other hand, those who are unregenerate will obey Him because they fear Him since Revelation 2:27, 12:5 and 19:5 tell us that Jesus Christ will rule the nations with a rod of iron, which speaks of capital punishment.
He will have the power of life and death over all the inhabitants of the earth.
Thus, the unsaved will live in fear of Him because of this.
To rule the nations with a rod of iron means that Jesus Christ will wield absolute governmental authority over the entire earth during His millennial reign and will require all men to conform to His righteous and just standards and that He will not tolerate lawlessness or injustices.
It speaks of Christ acting the part of a shepherd by destroying the enemies of the sheep.
Jesus Christ will replace Satan who is temporarily the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
The saints will replace the fallen angels who are presently under Satan’s authority ruling the nations and deceiving them.
During the millennial reign, Satan and the fallen angels will be imprisoned.
Jesus Christ and the saints will replace them as the rulers of planet earth.