Daniel 7:15-28: The Interpretation of Daniel’s Vision About the Beasts
Daniel, terrified by and distraught over his vision of four beasts, seeks understanding and wants to know the meaning of his vision. An attendant to the throne of God gives him a brief overview in 7:17-18–four empires will use power for their own agenda, but the kingdom of God will put an end to those empires in divine judgment. Who are these empires, and when will God put an end to them?
The meaning of this vision is highly disputed. Some seek to understand it because they think it contains a significant warning for the people of God about a yet future trauma that will envelop the whole earth. Others believe these events are past but nevertheless believe the cycle of human empires and divine judgment continues throughout human history until Jesu returns to fully establish his reign in the new heaven and new earth.
The Four Beasts (7:15-18)
Daniel’s Request: A “troubled” and “terrified” Daniel requests an interpretation of the vision from one of the angelic “attendants” around the throne (7:15-16)
Interpretation: The Four Beasts represent “four kings [that] arise out of the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever—forever and ever” (7: 17-18). The beasts represent human governments, and all of them are terrifying opponents of the eternal kingdom of God.
| Dan 2: Statue | View 1 | View 2 | View 3 | Dan 7: Beasts |
| Gold Head | Babylon | Babylon | Babylon | Winged Lion |
| Silver Chest | Medo-Persia | Medes | Medo-Persia | Bear |
| Bronze Belly | Greek | Persians | Greek | Leopard |
| Iron Legs | Romans | Greek | Romans | Unidentified |
| Iron & Clay Feet | Divided Rome | Divided Greeks | Yet to Come | Little Horn |
The Fourth Beast (7:19-22)
Daniel “desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped what was left with its feet.”
Daniel desired to understand “the ten horns that were on its head, and concerning the other horn, which came up and to make room for which three of them fell out—the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, and that seemed greater than the others.”
Daniel saw that “this horn made war with the holy ones and was prevailing over them, until the Ancient of Days came; then judgment was given for the holy ones of the Most High, and the time arrived when the holy ones gained possession of the kingdom.”
Interpretation of the Fourth Beast (7:23-27)
The fourth beast is a “fourth kingdom on earth that shall be different from all the other kingdoms; it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.” This kingdom is engaged in gratuitous destruction.
The “ten horns” refer to “ten kings” that will arise “out of this kingdom” and “another shall arise after them.” Are these ten kings in succession or simultaneous? View 1 typically identifies the “ten kings” with the Roman empire. View 2 usually identifies the ten kings as successive rulers. View 3 identifies the ten kings with a future ten-member confederation represented by the beast in Revelation 13 and 17.
This other horn “shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings.” The little horn is an eleventh king who seemingly displaces three kings who ruled simultaneously.
This little horn “shall speak words against the Most High, shall wear out the holy ones of the Most High, and shall attempt to change the sacred seasons and the law.” The opposition to the saints is both political and religious, including ritual and morality. View 1 identifies the “little horn” with a persecuting Roman Emperor, perhaps Nero or someone else. View 2 identifies the “little horn” with Antiochus (“Epiphanes”) IV. View 3 believes the “little horn” is a future Antichrist who will revive the Roman Empire.
The “holy ones” will “be given into his power for a time, two times, and half a time.” Typically understood as 3 and a half years, or perhaps a symbolic expression for a brevity. View 1 typically thinks this is Roman oppression and the destruction of Jerusalem. View 2 thinks this refers to Antiochus IV’s desecration of the temple in 167 BCE which was purified in164 BCE. View 3 thinks this refers to the future Antichrist.
“Then the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and totally destroyed.” No battle is reported. The “little horn” is defeated almost as quickly as it arose. In View 1 the enthronement of Jesus defeats the little horn. View 2 regards it as the death of Antiochus IV. View 3 understands it as the future final destruction of evil.
Then “the kingship and dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.” Human governments or authorities will still exist in this moment, but they will worship the true God. Verse 27 is an interpretation of verse 14: the “son of man” is enthroned, and the “holy ones” are enthroned with him as a result. The Son of Man shares dominion with the holy ones (as in Revelation 5:9-10).
Conclusion (7:28)
“As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly terrified me, and my face turned pale; but I kept the matter in my mind.” This marks the end of the Aramaic section of the book, and it reminds us that what has been revealed is ominous and terrifying. It is still perplexing and troubling.