Daniel 7:15-28

Interpretation of the Vision

15 "As for me, Daniel, my spirit was deeply distressed within me,^[a] and the visions in my mind terrified me.

16 I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him the true meaning of all this. So he let me know the interpretation of these things:

17 'These huge beasts, four in number, are four kings who will rise from the earth.

18 But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, yes, forever and ever.'

19 "Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one different from all the others, extremely terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze claws, devouring, crushing, and trampling with its feet whatever was left.

20 [I also wanted to know] about the 10 horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three fell-the horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, and that was more visible than the others.

21 As I was watching, this horn made war with the holy ones and was prevailing over them

22 until the Ancient of Days arrived and a judgment was given in favor of the holy ones of the Most High, for the time had come, and the holy ones took possession of the kingdom.

23 "This is what he said: 'The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms. It will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it.

24 The 10 horns are 10 kings who will rise from this kingdom. Another, different from the previous ones, will rise after them and subdue three kings.

25 He will speak words against the Most High and oppress^[b] the holy ones of the Most High. He will intend to change religious festivals^[c] and laws, and the holy ones will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time.^[d][e]

26 But the court will convene,^[f] and his dominion will be taken away, to be completely destroyed forever.^[g]

27 The kingdom, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.'

28 "This is the end of the interpretation. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts terrified me greatly, and my face turned pale,^[h] but I kept the matter to myself."

Daniel 7:15-28 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL 7

This chapter contains Daniel's vision of the four beasts, The time, place, manner, writing, and declaration of the vision, Da 7:1, the rise of the beasts, and the description of them, Da 7:2-8, the judgment of God upon them, especially the last, and the delivery of universal monarchy to his Son, Da 7:9-14, the interpretation of the vision at the request of Daniel, being greatly affected with it, Da 7:15-18, a particular inquiry of his about the fourth beast, concerning which a full account is given, Da 7:19-27, all which caused in him many thoughts of heart, and reflections of mind, Da 7:28.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit was distressed in the middle of its sheath
• [b]. Lit wear out
• [c]. Lit change times
• [d]. Or for three and a half years
• [e]. Dn 12:7; Rv 12:14
• [f]. Dn 7:10
• [g]. Rv 19:20
• [h]. Lit my brightness changed on me; Dn 5:6,9-10