Daniel 7

Read Daniel 7

Helpful Background Information: 

• Daniel received this vision during the first year of King Belshazzar (vs 1), which means that the Babylonian empire was still in charge.

• Lion: likely the Babylonian Empire

• Bear: likely the Persian Empire (the three bones in its mouth symbolize the  three major kingdoms they conquered - Egypt, Babylon, and Lydia) 

• Leopard: likely the Greek Empire (the four wings and four heads reference how it split into four jurisdictions after the death of Alexander the Great)

• Fourth Beast: likely the Roman Empire,  vs 7 “different from the others” (the ten horns reference how it would be split into many nations with many rulers)

• The horn that uproots the other horns and “spoke boastfully”: likely the Antichrist, based on the interpretation given in vs 24-25 and other passages like 2 Thess. 2 that give similar descriptions. 

• Vs. 13-14 refer to Jesus

• Vs 18-27, notice the multiple references to the “holy people” who belong to the “Most High”. Notice their experiences with the fourth beast (nations and rulers) and how their story ends. 

Reflection Questions: God knowing, the holy people being downtrodden

• The little horn on the fourth beast spoke boastfully and persecuted God’s people (Daniel 7:24-25). Why do you think God warned about these things ahead of time?

• What do you think it means to be part of the “holy people of the Most High” as described in verses 18-27?

• How might remembering that “The Son of Man” will one day rule over all nations affect the way you live your life this week?

• The vision made Daniel troubled and alarmed (vs. 15, 28). Why do you think God sometimes gives us “alarming” truths about the future?