Beasts interpreted
15 Now this caused me, Daniel, to worry. My visions disturbed me greatly.
16
So I went to one of the servants who was standing ready nearby. I asked him for the truth about all this. He spoke to me and explained to me the meaning of these things.
17
"These four giant beasts are four kings that will rise up from the earth,
18
but the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingship. They will hold the kingship securely forever and always."
19
Next I wanted greater clarity about the fourth beast, the one that was different from all the others and utterly terrifying with its iron teeth and bronze claws. As it ate and crushed, its feet smashed whatever was left over.
20
I wanted greater clarity about the ten horns on its head, and the other horn that came up, along with the three that fell out to make room for it—but especially about the horn that had eyes and a mouth that bragged, and that seemed more important than the others.
21
As I watched, this same horn waged war against the holy ones and defeated them,
22
until the Ancient One came. Then judgment was given in favor of the holy ones of the Most High. The set time arrived, and the holy ones held the kingship securely.
23
This is what he said: "The fourth beast means that there will be a fourth kingship on the earth. It will be different from all the other kingships. It will devour the entire earth, trample it, crush it.
24
The ten horns mean that from this kingship will rise ten kings, and after them will rise yet another. He will be different from the previous ones. He will defeat three kings.
25
He will say things against the Most High and will exhaust the holy ones of the Most High. He will try to change times set by law. And for a period of time, periods of time, and half a period of time, they will be delivered into his power.
26
Then the court will sit in session. His rule will be taken away— ruined and wiped out for all time.
27
The kingship, authority, and power of all kingdoms under heaven will be given to the people, the holy ones of the Most High. Their kingship is an everlasting one; every authority will serve them and obey."
28
The account ends here. Now as for how I, Daniel, felt about this: My thoughts disturbed me greatly. My mood darkened considerably, and I kept thinking about this matter.