Daniel’s Visions Interpreted
Daniel is grieved and alarmed by the vision, so he approaches one of those standing in the heavenly court and asks for its true meaning. He is told that the four beasts represent four kings or kingdoms arising from the earth, but the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever. The initial interpretation places the beasts within history while locating the final future with God's holy people.
I15, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit, and the visions in my mind alarmed me. 16I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this. 17So he told me the interpretation of these things: ‘These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth. 18But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever — yes, forever and ever.’
Daniel asks specifically about the terrifying fourth beast and the little horn whose appearance is imposing and whose words are arrogant. He has seen this horn making war against the saints and prevailing over them until the Ancient of Days arrives, judgment is given in favor of the saints, and the time comes for them to possess the kingdom. The explanation acknowledges a period of real oppression while insisting that it is bounded by divine intervention and verdict.
19Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others — extremely terrifying — devouring and crushing with iron teeth and bronze claws, then trampling underfoot whatever was left. 20I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell— the horn whose appearance was more imposing than the others, with eyes and with a mouth that spoke words of arrogance. 21As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them, 22until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom.
The interpreter explains that the fourth beast is a kingdom unlike the others, devouring and crushing the whole earth, and that its ten horns are ten kings from whom another will arise, subduing three. This arrogant ruler will speak against the Most High, oppress the saints, and attempt to alter times and law, with the saints given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. Yet the court will sit, his dominion will be destroyed, and the sovereignty under all heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom will endure forever and be obeyed by all rulers.
23This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it. 24And the ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king, different from the earlier ones, will rise and subdue three kings. 25He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time. 26But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. 27Then the sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.’
Daniel closes by saying the matter ended there, but his thoughts troubled him greatly and his face turned pale, though he kept the matter to himself. The vision is certain, but its weight remains personally disturbing even to the prophet who received it. The chapter therefore ends not with easy triumphalism but with the sober burden of awaiting what heaven has revealed.
28Thus ends the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale. But I kept the matter to myself.”