Daniel: Week 7 Daniel 7-12 moves from narrative literature to prophetic literature. As we look at the prophetic words of Daniel, it is important for us to remember to focus on what is certain, and not obsess about what is left unclear. This scripture is a vision of the future to give us hope in the present. Daniel 7 takes place about 14 year’s before he was sent to the lion’s den, which would make him around 68 year old. Daniel had interpreted 2 dreams for Nebuchadnezzar, and not he is going to receive 4 dreams himself. Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams revealed God’s sovereignty over the earth, and now Daniel’s visions will pair with those dreams to focus on the unfolding of history. The animals in verses 3-8 correspond to the metals in the statue of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (ch. 2). Jesus spoke of the “times of the gentiles” in Luke 21, which references these times in history. Gold – Babylonian – Lion Silver – Medes and Persians – Bear Bronze – Greece – Leopard Iron – Rome – Beast Lion (v4) The lion symbolized power and strength, and the lion and eagle were both symbols of Babylon. The plucking of the wings from the lion would deprive it of its great mobility, and the wings being torn off could represent Nebuchadnezzar’s madness, and the lion being set on its feet like a man could indicate his restoration. Bear (v5) The bear with three ribs in its mouth represents the Medo-Persian Empire and its three main conquests. It’s lopsided nature expresses the Persian dominance in this joint empire. Leopard (v6) The leopard with wings represents the speed at which Greece overtook the world. Alexander the Great was possibly the greatest conqueror the world has ever known. The 4 wings that become 4 heads prophesy that Alexander’s kingdom would be divided between 4 generals. The Fourth Beast (v7) this beast was described as “terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong” because it represents the Roman Empire. It had more power and a longer dominion that the other 3. The Antichrist (v 7-8) Something new appears at this point in the vision as “horns” are introduced. Horns commonly represent kings or kingdoms. Out of Rome comes a little horn, which is our first prophesy of the Antichrist. Daniel says that this little horn has “eyes like the eyes of a human”. These shows that it is an imposter because it is “like” the eyes… Revelation 13:4-8 shows us more of the Antichrist. Daniel is taken aback by his arrogance. The Ancient of Days (v9-14) God the Father “takes His seat” over all of creation. His throne was fiery flames and its wheels were burning fire. When God sat down as Judge, He stayed on His throne. His throne is mobile and He can see the affairs of all mankind from His throne. This judgement is not: The Judgement Seat of Christ for Us in Christ (1 Cor 3:11-15; 2 Cor 5:10) The Great White Throne of Judgement for the Lost The Son of Man (v13-14) Jesus the Son is presented to God the Father, and God gives Him a forever authority and reign “which shall not pass away, and His kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” Jesus speaks about this in Luke 21:25-27. Nothing surprises God. He is the Ancient of Days. We live in a tragic world, and even when life seems unfair and when evil prospers, the Ancient of Days will judge, and we can trust that! Questions to Consider: Why is there so much pain and evil in the world? Why are their hurricanes and floods that destroy so much? What does the Ancient of Days see when He sees the evil in the earth? How can you feel peace in this world knowing where the Father (Daniel 7:9), the Son (Romans 8:34), and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11) are right now?