Daniel 7:1-28

“In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream filled with visions while he was lying on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream in summary fashion. Daniel explained: “I was watching in my vision during the night as the four winds of the sky were stirring up the great sea. Then four large beasts came up from the sea; they were different from one another. “The first one was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off and it was lifted up from the ground. It was made to stand on two feet like a human being, and a human mind was given to it. “Then a second beast appeared, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and there were three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and devour much flesh!’ “After these things, as I was watching, another beast like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. This beast had four heads, and ruling authority was given to it. “After these things, as I was watching in the night visions a fourth beast appeared – one dreadful, terrible, and very strong. It had two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns. “As I was contemplating the horns, another horn – a small one – came up between them, and three of the former horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This horn had eyes resembling human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things. “While I was watching, thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His attire was white like snow; the hair of his head was like lamb’s wool. His throne was ablaze with fire and its wheels were all aflame. A river of fire was streaming forth and proceeding from his presence. Many thousands were ministering to him; Many tens of thousands stood ready to serve him. The court convened and the books were opened. “Then I kept on watching because of the arrogant words of the horn that was speaking. I was watching until the beast was killed and its body destroyed and thrown into the flaming fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their ruling authority had already been removed, though they were permitted to go on living for a time and a season. I was watching in the night visions, “And with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed. “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed, and the visions of my mind were alarming me. I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed to me the interpretation of the vision: ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth. The holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’ “Then I wanted to know the meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others. It was very dreadful, with two rows of iron teeth and bronze claws, and it devoured, crushed, and trampled anything that was left with its feet. I also wanted to know the meaning of the ten horns on its head, and of that other horn which came up and before which three others fell. This was the horn that had eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things, whose appearance was more formidable than the others. While I was watching, that horn began to wage war against the holy ones and was defeating them, until the Ancient of Days arrived and judgment was rendered in favor of the holy ones of the Most High. Then the time came for the holy ones to take possession of the kingdom. “This is what he told me: ‘The fourth beast means that there will be a fourth kingdom on earth that will differ from all the other kingdoms. It will devour all the earth and will trample and crush it. The ten horns mean that ten kings will arise from that kingdom. Another king will arise after them, but he will be different from the earlier ones. He will humiliate three kings. He will speak words against the Most High. He will harass the holy ones of the Most High continually. His intention will be to change times established by law. They will be delivered into his hand For a time, times, and half a time. But the court will convene, and his ruling authority will be removed – destroyed and abolished forever! Then the kingdom, authority, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be delivered to the people of the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; all authorities will serve him and obey him.’ “This is the conclusion of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and the color drained from my face. But I kept the matter to myself.””

— ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭28‬‬

A long passage, and I can add more notes later. This is an important text for NT interpretation as well as Old, particularly for the title Son of Man, and “riding on clouds.” Won’t do all details here but here are some key thoughts to lay as foundation.

Not sure of the full analogy, but I have heard from significant scholars (most notably NT Wright) that this vision’s placement is significant after chapter 6, where Daniel is rescued from the lion’s den. Could be that Daniel represents Israel in that case, and the beasts are obvious enough. Not sure if the king is really Jesus at that point, but Israel is vindicated after being under oppression for so long. The final kingdom will be established.

There’s minor debate over what the kingdoms are, but Daniel has multiple visions that seem to reinforce the 4 great kingdoms of ancient history.

Winged lion = Babylon

Bear = Persia (3 ribs could be the 3 main kings)

4 headed/winged Leopard = Greece (Alexander’s kingdom split for four generals)

Terrible beast = Rome (rows of 10 teeth-people debate which emperors)

Little horn saying arrogant things is also debatable. Only a few emperors claimed divinity for themselves (Nero, Caligula, Domitian). Of course, the dispensational view is to at least see final fulfillment in the singular Antichrist. I think it makes most sense to begin with a near fulfillment in Roman Empire. If there’s pattern fulfillment throughout history, then fine.

Perhaps the most significant thing is the image here is nearly identical to the beast in Revelation 13. Beast with horns and speaking blasphemous words and making war on the saints. (If you do not study Daniel and Ezekiel in depth, Revelation cannot make sense. These books are the cheat code). 

Daniel does some interpretation of the vision. Horns means kings. “All the earth” may not mean our globe. Rome did conquer all the earth in that day. Now, in Revelation, the dragon and beasts influence the world and culture as well, so again pattern fulfillment may be best way to see this. 

This little horn harasses God’s people continually. Persecution—which was rampant under certain emperors. 

Time, times, and half a time. NET says “times” is a dual form, so this is 3 1/2 times. Most are going to see this as 3 1/2 years. When we go to Revelation, the really odd thing is that multiple scenes have events that last for this long, but the duration is described as 3 1/2 years, 42 months, or even 1260 days. 

Honestly, I don’t like these timelines. I’ve studied the eschatology ad nauseam and how everything has to happen. I know of tremendous scholars, who could reason me silly who could prove beyond a doubt that a pre-trib, pre-millennial model is 100% correct. But I have become queasy when we have to use a verse from 1 Thess, then jump back to Dan 7, then go grab the “son of perdition” from 2 Thess”, and debate over the literary style of Revelation to boot. Piecing a theory together from so many different authors with different intentions/audiences and everything has to line up perfectly or else it crumbles apart has become suspect. But it could happen. 

So why 3 1/2 times/years? Revelation mentions it to refer to Dan 7, obviously. Also in 11:1-2; 12:7, 11-12; 13:5. Jewish writings associated Daniel’s 3 1/2 years as a general time of trial for believers (Midr. Ps 10.1), time of Israel’s exile (b. Sanhedrin 97b), or as the amount of time before Israel is finally restored (b Sanhedrin 97b-98a). Taken from Beale’s Commentary on Revelation, 565. 

In Rev 11, the two prophets are linked with Elijah’s ministry, who’s most famous narrative was the 3ish year famine (then the battle with prophets of Baal on Carmel). Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, but Num 33:5-49 may list 42 encampments (and their 40 years may not have started until they had traveled for 2 years in Jewish thinking at least). 

Both Daniel and Revelation focus on the temple, though. The initial abomination of desolation was Antiochus Epiphanes in 167BC. His oppression lasted about 3 years. Then the Roman siege of Jerusalem lasted about 3 years. 

Throughout Revelation, in all these passages of 3 1/2 years, there is an emphasis on physical attack on God’s people, though spiritually they are safe/secure. (Not to mention Daniel experienced the same thing in the lion’s den.). They experience no spiritual harm from their enemies, whether human or demonic, regardless of the onslaught raging towards them. 

If some want to see a beginning 3 1/2 years and a more harsh 3 1/2 years based on Daniel 9, 12, and Jesus discourse in Mark 13, that’s fine. This would really only apply to those viewing a literal 7 year Tribulation. The point in any passage, though, is not on length of time but (1) severity of persecution and (2) there is no time ever where the world and the people of God have harmony. 

For those who do not see a literal 7 year Tribulation, Revelation 12:6 seems to make it clear that the 3 1/2 years began at the resurrection of Jesus. It will end at His final appearing. 

In between the vision and interpretation, Daniel sees court of Ancient of Days (God). One like son of man approaches. Approaches is “coming.” They translates as “approaches” to remove confusion. Coming may imply returning to earth. But when we see “coming” in NT, we need to remember this passage. Jesus is talking about Son of Man going before God and establishing His authority. (Yes, He is returning, but we must understand full context of a passage before we misapply something). Sanhedrin ripped clothes, not because Jesus said He was coming to earth. He said He was coming on clouds= going before Ancient of Days = nearly divinity. 

1 Enoch developed these ideas of “Son of Man.” Will probably have another post on what that title meant and how Jesus built on 1st century expectations. Daniel laid foundation, but this title had enough mystery for Jesus to fill with His own meaning.

His kingdom is eternal. His kingdom is beyond any human kingdom. Those who belong to His kingdom may suffer but are truly beyond any harm.