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Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts

A Vision of Four Beasts, the Ancient of Days, and the Son of Man: The Conflict of Christ and Antichrist. 7:1-28.

 Three important changes begin in this chapter. Up to chapter 7 the material is mainly historical. Henceforth it is mainly predictive. Heretofore Daniel has been God's agent in revelation, interpreting others' dreams. Hereafter, an angel interprets Daniel's own dreams and visions (7:16; 8:15-17; 9:20-23; 10:10-14). Heretofore the author has reported in the third person; hereafter he writes in the first, giving a much more intimate report of his experiences.

 A transition from prophecy centered in Gentile nations to Jewish-centered prophecy takes place with the entrance of the "holy people" (rendered "saints" vv. 18,22,25). The Jews are the center of interest to the book's end.

 The same succession of kingdoms that was found in chapter 2 appears here-four Gentile empires, then the kingdom of Messiah. The view that chapter 7 describes only events in the Mediterranean area at the close of this present age is ably set forth by G. H. Lang (The Histories and Prophecies of Daniel) in premillennial perspective. The view that the four kingdoms are (1) Babylon, (2) Medo-Persia, (3) Greece, and (4) the Greek successors of Alexander, and that the fifth is Messiah's kingdom. After the usual historical setting (v. 1), there follow details of a series of visions (vv. 2-14, 21, 22), the new method of interpreting dreams and visions (vv. 15, 16), the interpretation (vv. 17-20, 23-27), and a concluding personal statement (v. 28).

1) Historical Setting. 7:1.

1. The first year of Belshazzar. About fourteen years before the events of chapter 5. It is likely that Babylonian weakness was already beginning to show through. Dreams and visions. Not always clearly distinguished. Dreams are experiences in sleep; visions may occur in a waking condition, or, as here, may be successive "scenes" or stages in a dream. Then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. He recorded it immediately (then or thereupon, or at that time, as the Aramaic 'edayin prefixed by b emphatically requires). It was written, contrary to current oral-transmission-of-prophecy theories (see Isa 30:8; cf. 8:1,16; Hab 2:2; Rev 1:19; 14:13; 21:5). It was a summary only, for the sum or substance of the material was recorded. Similar use of Hebrew ro'shappears at Psa 119:16.

2) Details of the Visions. 7:2-14,21,22.

2. The four winds of the heaven. Usage elsewhere indicates that the winds represent God's providential power by which he controls the nations, setting them in commotion or settling them in peace (Rev 7:1-3; Jer 23:19; 49:36; 51:1; Zec 6:1-6, 7:14). Ruah may be rendered either "spirit" or "wind," and is here purposely ambiguous. (Note further Dan 4:17; 1Ti 2:1, 2.)

3. Four great beasts came up from the sea. Hence, the beasts, later described, are connected with the Mediterranean area. Likewise, as the prophetic, symbolical use of "sea" indicates, they arise with turmoil, unrest, boisterous talk, etc., accompaniments of so-called diplomacy (Isa 57:20; Jer 6:23; 50:42; 51:42; Rev 17:15; cf. Luk 21:25).

Nations, and their rise, are not viewed complimentarily in Scripture (Isa 34:2; 40:15-17; Joel 3:2; cf. "the world," 1Jo 2:15ff.;5:19; 2Pe 3:10). Diverse one from another. Each nation has its own special characteristics, though all share in common their brutal, irrational, bestial character. How different this inward view of the prophet from the glittering dignity of the pagan Nebuchadnezzar's dream image!

4. The lion symbolizes Babylon here and also in Jer 4:6,7. The eagle's wings speak of swiftness, as the lion of strength. These are natural symbols scarcely needing explanation (cf. 2Sa 1:23; Jer 49:19-22; Eze 17:3-24).

5. The bear is an apt symbol of the Medo-Persian kingdom. Strength and ferocity figure in almost every Biblical use of the bear. The ponderous bulk fits the massive Persian armies. Xerxes is said to have moved two and one-half million men to attack Greece. Duality may be suggested by reference to the beast's side.

6. The sinewy four-winged leopard speaks, without doubt, of Alexander's Grecian (Macedonian) kingdom. Rulership passed from Nineveh (Assyria) to Babylon in 612 B.C.; from Babylon to Persia in 539 B.C., and from Darius III to Alexander in 331 B.C.

7,8. As in chapter 2, the fourth stage of empire is Roman. Since this kingdom must prevail until the destruction of Antichrist (the little horn) and the establishment of the eternal, final, visible kingdom of Christ (cf. Rev 19:11-20:4), it must be regarded as prevailing today. The ten-fold form of the final stage, perhaps suggested by the ten toes of chapter 2, is clearly taught here and confirmed by Rev 17:3ff. Later in the chapter the little horn is identified with final Antichrist.

9-14. This throne scene is fully elaborated in Revelation, chapters 4-20. Evidently the five verses of Daniel cover the same ground as the seventeen chapters of Revelation. It is a judgment scene wherein the Ancient of days-none other than "the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity" (Isa 57:15)-takes possession of the earth's kingdoms through the Son of man-a name our Lord clearly claimed for himself (Mat 24:30).

The dramatic action whereby the beast's kingdom is violently taken away fits the many Biblical predictions of the manner in which our Lord will judge the nations at the close of this age. 21, 22. Though separated by details of interpretation (vv. 15-20), these two verses belong to the vision itself rather than to the interpretation. The saints of the most High ... the saints possessed the kingdom. Nothing is more sure than that all saints of all ages will share in Christ's ultimate triumph in his kingdom. But this passage is affirming only a part of that truth.

The perspective of the book, the meaning of the words, and the context here limit the application to Daniel's people, Israel, clearly identified in 10:14 (the equivalent Hebrew expression is used). "By the 'people of the saints of the Most High' to whom dominion is to be given (Dan 7:18-27), Daniel evidently could only understand the people of Israel, as distinguished from the heathen nation and kingdoms, which were to rule up till then (2:44); nor have we, according to strict exegesis, a right to apply the expression to any other nation; hence we cannot apply it immediately to the Church ...

The prophet's words refer to the re-establishment of the kingdom to Israel".

3) The Method of Interpretation. 7:15,16.

 Very strangely, an angel who is himself a part of the vision but likewise a real personal being, later identified as Gabriel, becomes the interpreter here and throughout the remainder of the book (cf. 8:16; 9:21). Though treated briefly by Daniel, this is an important feature.

4) Interpretation of the Visions. 7:17-20,23-27.

 Except as noted in remarks at the beginning of this chapter, it is generally agreed that the succession of four Gentile dominions to be followed by the Messianic kingdom is the same here as that contemplated in chapter

2. But beginning at verse 19, the prophecy advances far beyond the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, to give details of prediction concerning final Antichrist and the relations the people of God will have with him in eschatological times.

19. I would know the truth of the fourth beast. This beast is of special interest because it produces the "little horn," Antichrist, and is the final form of Gentile dominion.

 (see vv. 23-25)

20. And of the ten horns. (verse 24). Ten kings shall arise in the final stage of the fourth (Roman) kingdom and shall reign contemporaneously (not successively; cf. Rev 17:12ff. as further explanation). Of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth, etc. All interpreters-Jewish, Christian, unbelievers-agree that this is Antichrist. Rationalists who say this was written in the Maccabean era insist that he is Antiochus Epiphanes (about 165 B.C.) and that our author, though mistaken, thought the Messianic kingdom would follow immediately.

24-26. Note herein twelve facts about Antichrist: (1) He will not create a tenfold confederacy; he will absorb one (v. 24). (2) He will be just another king-"another ... horn" (v. 8), and he will be mortal (Rev 13:2; 2Th 2:9). It will be the Satanic power behind him that will make him significant. (3) He will be obscure at first-"little" (Dan 7:8). (4) His march to power will begin with his conquest of three kingdoms (v. 8; cf. v. 24). (5) Yet something about him will be special (diverse from the first (ten), v. 24). See Rev 13:15; 2Th 2:4. Many extraordinary events will be connected with him (Rev 13:16,17; 2Th 2:9,10). (6) He will be very intelligent-"eyes of a man" (Dan 7:8). (7) He will be an orator of ability (v. 8). (8) His appearance will be striking (v. 20; cf. Isa 53:2,3). (9) He will be a blasphemer (Dan 7:25; cf. Rev 13:5,6). (10) He will seek to make his accession a new epoch (Dan 7:25, change times). (11) He will seek to destroy Israel (v. 25a; cf. 9:26,27). (12) His time will be short (v. 25), a time, (two) times, and the dividing (half) of time (cf.Rev 11:2; 13:5; Dan 9:25; 12:7-12).

 Evidence for a Premillennial View Herein: (1) Messiah's kingdom follows Antichrist's appearance (here described in personal rather than institutional terms), and destruction. The person has not yet appeared. This appears to make post- and a-millennial schemes identifying the Church with the Kingdom unfeasible (2) The kingdom of Messiah here follows the Gentile kingdoms; it is at no time contemporary with them. It must, therefore, be still future. (3) The kingdom of Christ succeeds a final form of Gentile dominion which has not yet appeared. (4) The Messianic kingdom is external in aspect here, not a kingdom in men's hearts, as Church-Kingdom theories require. (5) This kingdom is in some sense Israelitish (cf. vv. 7,22,25,27 with 8:24). The "saints" or holy people referred to here are Israel and no other. The Church is not a Jewish kingdom.

Daniel 1:1  In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.

2  Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.

3  And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

4  The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

5  And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

6  After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

7  After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

8  I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

The Ancient of Days Reigns

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

~The First Beast

REV 13:1-10  Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.

2  Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

• Then I stood on the sand of the sea.

The sea here represents the gentile nations of the world from which this beast comes.

• The beast is the “Antichrist”, the false Messiah.
  • Matthew 24:5, 24
  • 1^st John 2:18

He is the final Gentile world ruler, also known as the:

• “Little Horn” (Daniel 7:8, 20, 21, 24, 25).
• The willful king (Daniel 11:36).
• The coming prince Daniel 9:26.
• And the man of sin (2^nd Thessalonians 2:3)

In Revelation he is both a person and an empire.

• The description of the beast connects it closely both to the Dragon.
•  and to the fourth beast of Daniel 7 (the Roman empire, Daniel 7:7, 23).

3  I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.

4  So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"

5  And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.

:6  Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.

7  And it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

8  And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9  If anyone has an ear, let him hear.

10  He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Chapter 13 of the book of the Revelation introduces Satan's (the dragon's) two evil accomplices: (1) the beast out of the sea (13:1 ff) and (2) the beast out of the earth (13:11 ff). Together, the three evil beings form an unholy trinity in direct opposition to the holy Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, he wanted Jesus to show his power by turning stones into bread, to do miracles by jumping from a high place, and to gain political power by worshiping him (see Mat 4:1-11). Satan's plan was to rule the world through Jesus, but Jesus refused to do Satan's bidding. Thus Satan turns to the fearsome beasts described in Revelation. To the beast out of the sea he gives political power. To the beast out of the earth he gives power to do miracles. Both beasts work together to capture the control of the whole world. This unholy trinity--the dragon, the beast out of the sea, and the false prophet (see 16:13)--unite in a desperate attempt to overthrow God, but their efforts are doomed to failure. See what becomes of them in 19:19-21 and 20:10.

Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts

DAN 7:1-8  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.

2  Daniel spoke, saying, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea.

3   "And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.

4   "The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings (Babylon). 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. Babylon

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 (Medo-Persian). And they said thus to it: 'Arise, devour much flesh!'

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. (Alexander's Grecian (Macedonian) kingdom).

(Rulership passed from Nineveh (Assyria) to Babylon in 612 B.C.; from Babylon to Persia in 539 B.C., and from Darius III to Alexander in 331 B.C.)

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, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.

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.

The Second Beast

REV 13:11-18  Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.

• “beast coming up out of the earth”
• "the false prophet" (16:13; 19:20; 20:10)

12  And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

13  He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

14  And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

15  He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

REV 13:16  And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,

17  and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18  Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

Rev 13:13-16

MIRACLE, Evil

The evil beast in John's vision was enabled to perform signs for deceptive purposes. Satan himself is reckoned as the source of the power. The sign was not of redemption but of destruction--fire from heaven. The life given to the image was evil life--enabled to destroy those who refused to worship the beast. See note on 2Th 2:9-10.

2Th 2:9-10

MIRACLE, Evil

God does not have a monopoly on miracles. Satan can enable his followers to perform deceptive works. This will occur in a special way in the last days. The words are right: "miracles, signs, and wonders,'' but they will be counterfeit because they are the work of Satan. From the time of the magicians in Pharaoh's court, through the ministry of the early church, Satan's servants deceived the people with their sleight-of-hand magic tricks. Satan remains in the deception business. We must beware his powers. God's miracles point us to love. Thus we can recognize them.