Highlights:
God reveals to Daniel what will happen in the future (Dan. 7:1-14)! His first vision explained (7:15-28). His second vision explained (8:19-27). A loving Creator provides understanding (9:22-27).
After the awesome grandeur of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of world governments is described (Dan. 2:19-45), the Lord reveals through Daniel, another dream that exposes man's selfish ambition and use of cruel, savage power.
All these governments controlled the world at different times. Daniel said: I saw in my vision . . . and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea (7:2).The great sea is fallen humanity with its fierce competition and godless instability. The four winds illustrate the impact of selfish ambition and greed.
Four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse (different) one from another (7:3). The beasts correspond to the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The first (beast — Babylon) was like a lion, and had eagle's wings (7:4). Since the head of the great image of Nebuchadnezzar's dream was gold, it was also fitting that a lion represent the king among animals. And behold another beast (Medo-Persia) . . . like to a bear (7:5), represented the empire which would later conquer Babylon.
The third beast, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl (7:6), represented the Grecian Empire. The four wings illustrate the speed with which Alexander the Great would conquer the ancient world.
The fourth beast . . . was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns (the ten nations of the revived Roman Empire). This final beast was dreadful and terrible (terrifying), and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue (ruthless expansion) with the feet of it (7:7).
The ten horns (7:24) correspond to the ten toes of the feet (2:42) of Nebuchadnezzar's great image (2:31) and represent a confederation of ten future world rulers, followed by another little horn (king) (7:8). This little horn represents the Antichrist who shall speak . . . against the Most High, and shall wear out (oppress) the saints (believers) (7:25). But he will be destroyed by "the Stone" (2:35,44-45), Christ, who shall come to be glorified in His saints (Christians), and to be admired in all them that believe (II Thess. 1:10).What a glorious time that will be!
Thought for Today:
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (I Tim. 2:8).
Christ Revealed:
As the Son of Man (Dan. 7:13-14). The truth of this vision was confirmed by our Lord as He spoke of His promised return. They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matt. 24:30).
Word Studies:
7:25 wear out =to persecute with purpose of entire annihilation; 7:28 cogitations much troubled =bewildered thoughts; 8:7 choler =brutal rage; 8:24 wonderfully =astonishingly successful; 9:7 confusion of faces =look of shame; 9:25 wall =moat; 9:26 cut off =cut to death.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Officials: Sen. Charles Grassley (IA), Justice David Souter, and Rep. Gene Taylor (MS) • Country: Benin (6 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and tribal languages • Some hostility toward Christians • 59% animism and voodoo; 17% Muslim; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: God wants to be exalted through you (Ps. 46:10).
Optional Reading: Revelation 22
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 1:24
