The Vision of the Four Beasts

Like Joseph before him, Daniel had the ability to interpret dreams and visions. This was a valuable skill in Old Testament times, when people placed great importance on dreams and visions. And like Joseph before him, Daniel used his ability to gain favor with a foreign king.

Daniel was taken captive when the Babylonians conquered his homeland of Judah. When the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar had a dream he couldn’t interpret, Daniel was in the right place at the right time. He impressed the king by telling him exactly what his dream meant.

In Daniel 7, however, Daniel himself had a dream that even he couldn’t interpret. Fortunately, there was a heavenly being nearby who was able to explain it to him.

Daniel saw four beasts emerging from a churning, windswept sea. The first beast was like a lion with eagle’s wings. The second beast looked like a bear with three ribs in its mouth. The third beast was like a four-headed leopard with four wings on its back. The fourth beast had ten horns (until another suddenly appeared) and huge iron teeth.

Each beast represented a political empire that had—or would—oppress Israel. The first beast represents the Babylonian Empire. The second beast represents the Medo-Persian Empire. The third beast represents the Greek Empire. The fourth beast represents the Roman Empire.

Bible scholars have suggested several interesting correlations between Daniel’s vision and actual historical events. That’s a rabbit hole you may want to explore.

But for our purposes today, let’s focus on the last part of Daniel’s vision. He saw “someone like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven” (7:13, NLT). This Son of Man is led into God’s presence, where He is given authority over all the nations of the world. People of every nation obey him. His kingdom will never be destroyed. The Son of Man is Christ, who will return in glory to pronounce judgment on the world and usher in His eternal kingdom.

Jesus confirmed His role in Daniel’s prophecy during His trial, just before His crucifixion, in Mark 14:61–62. When the high priest asked Jesus if He was the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One, Jesus replied, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven” (NLT).

Though these end-times images may seem a little unsettling, there is no reason for believers to worry. Jesus said, “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32 NLT).

What comforting words Jesus speaks to us. If you are a child of God, you don’t have to fear the future. Jesus is going to watch over you.

Reflection Question: How does knowing that God is in control of history impact the way you respond to the events that are happening in our nation today? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

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