Da 7:15-28

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Interpretation of the vision (Dan 7:15-28)

One of God’s heavenly servants explained to Daniel the meaning of the vision. The kingdoms of the world may arrogantly oppose God in their ruthless drive for supremacy, but the kingdom that triumphs in the end is the kingdom of God, the people of God (Dan 7:15-18).

A reason is then given for God’s devastating judgment on the ‘little horn’ dictator of the fourth beast: he had used his power to make war against God’s people (Dan 7:19-22).

He blasphemously challenged the Almighty and cruelly persecuted his people, even making special laws so that the whole power of the state could be turned against them. But God allowed him to rule only for a time, then suddenly intervened and destroyed him (Dan 7:23-26).

Once again God’s kingdom triumphed; his people were victorious (Dan 7:27).

Daniel was disturbed as he considered what the vision foretold (Dan 7:28).

History shows that the Roman Empire used its power with arrogance and cruelty. It blasphemed God and persecuted his people without restraint. But God’s people triumphed and the kingdom of God remained unconquerable, whereas the Roman Empire crumbled and even the most brutal of its emperors was destroyed.

So will it be with all the ‘beasts’ and all the ‘little horns’, till the Son of man returns in power and glory, and his people in the fullest sense inherit his everlasting kingdom (Dan 7:13-14,27; cf. Matt 24:30-31; 25:31-33; Mark 13:26; 14:61-62).