< Daniel 7 >

Daniel was granted a vision of the future from his days in a dream similar to that of Nebuchadnezzar’s (Daniel chapter 2). Babylon was represented by a lion, the changes in which indicated the development of this kingdom out of the Assyrian empire, with Nebuchadnezzar being more humane than the cruel Assyrians.v.4Waiting for response for Daniel 7:4 The Medo- Persians were represented by a bear v.5Waiting for response for Daniel 7:5 with one side higher than the other, to indicate that the Persians would ultimately predominate, and three ribs in its mouth to indicate its dominions would be divided into three provinces. Daniel 6:1-2Waiting for response for Daniel 6:1-2 Greece was represented by a leopard v.6Waiting for response for Daniel 7:6 with four wings and heads to indicate that after Alexander’s death his dominion would be divided into four parts.

Rome was to figure in the purpose of God for so long, approximately 2500 years, and pass through so many phases, it could not be depicted by any animal in nature. It was therefore represented by a symbolic beast.v.7Waiting for response for Daniel 7:7 Rome was “dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly”, indicated by the beast’s great iron teeth, and it would break in pieces all other kingdoms. Daniel was particularly anxious to learn the significance of this fourth beast, especially of its horns.vs.19-20Waiting for response for Daniel 7:19-20 Horns are used in scriptural symbolism to represent powers, and during its long history Rome had tremendous secular power over other nations. However, in the purpose of God another kind of power, religious and ecclesiastical, was to arise in Rome which would make war with the saints. This power is represented by a little horn with eyes and a mouth v.8Waiting for response for Daniel 7:8 indicating that it would see spiritually and speak blasphemies against the God of heaven.v.25Waiting for response for Daniel 7:25

In the event, the Papacy arose as a great power in the earth and overthrew three states in Northern Italy to establish the Papal states.v.8,Waiting for response for Daniel 7:8 24 Significantly, Rome took the title of the “Holy See” and the Pope issued great “Bulls” against kings and peoples who opposed him, claiming authority over all as the “Holy Father”. For more than a thousand years of “Dark Ages”, Popes changed times and imposed laws v.25Waiting for response for Daniel 7:25 upon the subjugated peoples of Europe. During this period many who believed the Holy Scriptures were persecuted, tortured, and burnt at the stake.v.21Waiting for response for Daniel 7:21 However, times are determined by God and the days of Papal affliction of the saints were numbered. The set time of the saints’ dominion will soon arrive, and Daniel saw that the persecution of the saints only continued “until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom”.v.22Waiting for response for Daniel 7:22

Daniel saw Jesus and the saints, represented by “one like the Son of Man”,v.13Waiting for response for Daniel 7:13 receive power and glory from God: “And there was given him dominion (“empire” in the original), and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed”.v.14Waiting for response for Daniel 7:14 God will give Jesus and the saints a kingdom, empire and glory so that all people of the earth will serve them, but their kingdom will last for ever: “the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever”.v.18Waiting for response for Daniel 7:18 One day soon Jesus will be established in the promised land as the King of Israel, and the resurrected saints will reign with him for a thousand years. We are urged to believe the gospel of the kingdom of God and obey the commandments so that we may be included in this great company of saints.