Study
8 From the Book of Daniel is: Daniel 7
The
chapter records, first, the vision (verses 2:14); then the general
interpretation (verses 15-18); then Daniel’s enquiry concerning three features
of the vision (verses 19, 20); and lastly, the answer given to these enquiries.
1-
Assuming the four kingdoms to be the same as those which
Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream (chapter 2), what is there new in this vision
which caused Daniel such distress and agitation of spirit (verses 15, 28))?
2-
To Nebuchadnezzar the kingdoms of this world appeared in the
glittering splendour of material wealth and power, whereas by Daniel they are
seen as beast of prey. What is the difference between these points of view, and
which is the deeper and truer view? Cf. 1 Sa. 16:7; Mt. 4:8; 1 Jn. 2:16, 17.
3-
What is to be the final goal of history to which this vision
looks forward? Who are meant by ‘the
saints of the Most High’ (verse 18)?
What privileges will they have in the days to come?
Notes
1-
Verse 5. The bear represented the Medo-Persian Empire, noted for
its greed for further conquest.
2-
Verse 6. The wings on the leopards’ back indicate the swiftness of
Alexander’s campaigns. After his death his empire was divided into four parts.
3-
Verse 7. The fourth beast is either the Seleucid Empire, with
its many kings (horns), of whom Antiochus Epiphanes was the most deadly, or
Rome with its many emperors, under one of whom arose the Son of man.
