As we delve deeper into the Book of Daniel, the more difficult it will be to wrap your head around these end time events. Bear with me, as I’ll be relying heavily on my Bible Commentary. So let’s pick up after Daniel describes the four beasts he saw in his vision …
“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. “ Daniel 7:8
Then Daniel describes watching Almighty God, surrounded by millions of angels, getting ready to make judgment (The Book of Revelation records a similar picture of God with angels surrounding His throne).
“Then the court began its session, and the books were opened.” Daniel 7:10
The phrase “the books were opened” refers to judgment. And the dead were judged according to what they had done. The Book of Life is the heavenly registry of those who had accepted Christ’s gift of salvation (read Book of Life). Daniel saw God judging millions of people as they stood before Him. We all must stand before God and give an account of our lives, and most importantly, what we did with His Son.
“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. The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer.
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. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all nations of the world, so that the 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.” Daniel 7: 11-14
“So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this: ‘These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.” Daniel 7: 16-18
This one “like a Son of Man” is Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus Christ gave the Kingdom to the new church (“the holy people of the Most High). The new Israel, His church is made up of all faithful believes.
“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. I also asked about the ten horns on the fourth beasts’ head and the little horn that came up afterward and destroyed three of the other horns. This horn has seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly. As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them, 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.” Daniel 7: 19-22
This “horn” that wages war against God’s people is also described in Revelation as the beast who is allowed to wage war against God’s people. For a while, the “horn” will defeat God’s people.
“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. 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. 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.
But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed. 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.
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.” Daniel 7: 26-28
The ten horns, or 10 kings, are also mentioned in Revelation 17:12. There were also ten toes in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision. The exact meaning of this “time, times, and a half of time” is debated. Many scholars believe that “time” means one year; “times” means two years; and “half a time” means half a year. Thus, this would refer to three and a half years. God’s people would be placed under this king’s control and the persecution will continue only a relatively short time. God has promised to give His Kingdom to His holy people.
Hooray! We got through chapter 7. Hang in there…