A. The Layout of the Book of Daniel

B. Historic Fulfillment

1. Before one interprets the four visions of Daniel, one must first answer the

question of whether these visions and encounters are literal and historical

in nature.

2. Jesus treats the second half of Daniel as historic and literal. In Matt. 24

Jesus calls Daniel a prophet and refers to Dan. 9 as a historic event that

will take place at the end of the age. Jesus says that Daniel was seeing

future events and thus, called him a prophet.

Matt. 24:13-22 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And

this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to

those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the

housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him

who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who

are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And

3. Dan. 7-12 becomes the framework which the Apostle John builds upon.

C. Methodology of Receiving Divine Revelation of the End Times

1. Daniel displays for us the hermeneutic for understanding the end-times.

The Apostle John’s is consistent with Daniel’s.

the end of the age, he is approaching the age of seventy. Thus, for

sixty plus years Daniel has prayed three times a day according to

Daniel 6:10.

is familiar with and obedient to the Torah. He understands the dietary

laws as displayed in chapter 1. Also, in chapter nine Daniel is

studying the book of Jeremiah and is praying over Jer. 29 concerning

the timing of the Jews release from exile.

c. Prayer and Fasting

d. Visions and Angelic Visitations to give understanding concerning the

end of the age.

2. It is interesting to note that both Daniel and the Apostle John are both

elderly and exiled when they receive their visitations.

our modern approach to eschatology.

A. Chapter 7 is divided into two main sections.

B. Dan. 7:1-14 is the actual vision that Daniel is seeing.

looked, I saw, I considered, I kept looking, I watched. Daniel is seeing

something. Even when the angel comes over to explain, Daniel is still

watching something. Even the explanation seems to be in vision form.

It’s like interactive video. In this dimension/realm of revelation Daniel is

watching, and the more he seeks, the more he receives.

2. I wonder what the film was like for verse 1 tells us that he only wrote the

main facts.

C. v. 15-28 is the explanation of the vision from the angelic messenger.

1. There is particular emphasis placed upon two realities.

2. First, the fourth beast and the little horn.

3. Second, the persecution of the saints.

Dan. 7:1-3 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and

visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main

facts. 2 Daniel spoke, saying, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of

heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea,

each different from the other. NKJV

A. Daniel in the first year of King Belshazzar (553 B.C.) receives this first revelation

which gives the basic framework of the outworking of the last four world empires

and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. He communicates to us the main

facts or the essential points of the dream.

B. Belshazzar becomes a type of ruler who would arise in the last generation.

Belshazzar is a wicked proud ruler who refuses the testimony of God and who

defiantly mocks God in his last hours.

C. Dan. 7 introduces the major players in the cosmic drama. He sets forth the great

sea of the nations, the Gentile kingdoms which will arise out of this mass of

godless humanity, the rise of a demonized world leader, the Ancient of Days who

rules from a higher vantage point, the saints of the Most High, the coming of the

Son of Man on the clouds of heaven, the destruction of the proud ruler, and the

establishment of the Kingdom of God.

D. Overview of v. 1-14

1. Four Beasts from the Great Sea

4. The Coming of the Son of Man

Dan. 7:4-8 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings. I watched till its wings were

plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man,

and a man's heart was given to it. 5 "And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It

was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said

thus to it: 'Arise, devour much flesh!' 6 "After this I looked, and there was another, like a

leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and

dominion was given to it. 7 "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth

beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring,

breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the

beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I was considering the horns, and there

was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first

horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a

man, and a mouth speaking pompous words. NKJV

A. If this vision concerns the end of the age, then why does the vision give all of the

kingdoms. Revelation 13:2 gives insight into this. The final beast kingdom will

have aspects of the other foreshadowing kingdoms.

Rev. 13:2 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of

the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his

dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

B. Compare Dan. 2 with Dan. 7. God gives Daniel the same vision as

Nebuchadnezzar received when Daniel was in his teens. The difference is the

symbolism is drastically different. In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream the kingdoms are

represented as a composite of metals that form a great man. The head was gold.

The chest and arms were silver. The belly and thighs were of bronze. The legs

were of iron and the feet were partly clay and partly iron. Then a stone made

without hands struck the image on the feet and demolished the great man.

C. Dan. 7 is the same as Dan. 2 except the vantage point is different. To

kingdoms are beasts which arise out of the chaotic sea, out of the godless mass of

oppressive proportions.

D. The Actual Kingdoms Represented.

Babylonian Empire. Both the lion (Jer. 4:7; 49:19,22;:17,44) and the

eagle (Jer. 49:22; Lam. 4:19; Ezek. 17:3; Hab. 1:8) were used to describe

the Babylonian Empire. The reference to the wings being plucked off, to

being stood up on two feet like a man, and to it being given the heart of a

man matches the experience of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4.

2. Bear standing raised on one side with three ribs in his mouth who is

is raised on one side representing the greater strength of Persia and

coincides with the two-horned ram of Dan. 8 whose one horn was larger

than the other. The three ribs in its mouth representthe three major

B.C.), and Egypt (525 B.C.). The bear, behind the lion, was the second

most dreaded predator in Ancient Palestine. The bear was larger and more

cumbersome than the lion, yet had great power and strength.

3. Leopard with four wings on its back like a bird and four heads who was

quickness and it cunning. "Alexander the Great invaded Asia Minor in

334 B.C. and within ten short years (by the age of thirty-two) had

conquered the entire Medo-Persian Empire to the borders of India.

According to legend, he then wept because there were no more lands to

culture pervading ththrough the ancient world. Alexander did not simpley

conquer kingdoms militarily. He won them over to the Greek language

and way of life. Hellenization impacted all of the ancient world. After

Alexander’s death, the kingdom was divided into four kingdoms.

4. Indescribable Beast who is dreadful, terrible, exceedingly strong, has huge

iron teeth who devoured broke in pieces and trampled the residue with its

beast can describe its horrid nature.

". . . the Roman empire was ruthless in its destruction of civilizations and

peoples, killing captives by the thousands and selling them into slavery by

"Rome had no interest in raising the conquered nations to any high level of

development. All her designs were imperial; let the nations be crushed and

E. Three stages of the fourth beast.

1. The conquering stage.

2. The Ten King Confederacy. Horns in Scripture symbolize kings or

kingdoms (Rev. 13:1, 17:12; Ps. 132:17; Zech. 1:18).

Rev 13:1-2 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising

up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten

crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I

saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth

like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and

great authority. NKJV

Rev 17:12-14 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have

received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as

kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their

power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war with the Lamb,

and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of

kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." NKJV

3. The Rise of the Little Horn. This horn grows and eventually plucks out

three of the kings by the roots (violent overthrow) in order to gain power.

Dan 7:9-10 "I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was

seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His

throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; 10 A fiery stream issued And came

forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten

thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened. NKJV

A. Daniel gives us unique insight into the government of God. This is the most

glorious picture of the throne of God. Rivaled only by Isa. 6, Ez. 1, and Rev. 4-5.

B. The Ancient of Days sets thrones in place with righteousness and with great

parallel in Dan. 2 that God raises kings up and He tears them down.

Ps. 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had

formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You

are God.

Ps. 102:24-27 I said, "O my God, Do not take me away in the midst of my

days; Your years are throughout all generations. 25 Of old You laid the

foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. 26

They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a

garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed.

27 But You are the same, And Your years will have no end.

Isa. 48:12-13 "Listen to Me, O Jacob, And Israel, My called: I am He, I

am the first, I am also the Last. 13 Indeed My hand has laid the foundation

of the earth, And My right hand has stretched out the heavens; When I call

to them, They stand up together.

2. His Sovereignty over the Nations

Jer. 10:10 But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the

everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble, And the nations

will not be able to endure His indignation. NKJV

1 Chron. 16:31 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let

them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." NKJV

Ps. 93:1-2 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD is

clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is

established, so that it cannot be moved. 2 Your throne is established from

of old; You are from everlasting. NKJV

Ps. 96:10-13 Say among the nations,"The LORD reigns; The world also is

firmly established, It shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples

righteously." 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the

sea roar, and all its fullness; 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.

Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the LORD. 13 For He is

coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with

righteousness, And the peoples with His truth. NKJV

Ps. 97:1-4 The LORD reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of

isles be glad! 2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and

justice are the foundation of His throne. 3 A fire goes before Him, And

burns up His enemies round about. 4 His lightnings light the world; The

earth sees and trembles. NKJV

Ps. 99:1-5 The LORD reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between

the cherubim; Let the earth be moved! 2 The LORD is great in Zion, And

He is high above all the peoples. 3 Let them praise Your great and

awesome name --He is holy. 4 The King's strength also loves justice; You

have established equity;You have executed justice and righteousness in

Jacob. 5 Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool -- He is

holy. NKJV

C. Garment was white as snow and His hair as white like pure wool

fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. And His messengers a

flame of fire enforce His pronouncements.

1. The first place that His fire appears is in the context of Covenant and of

Judgment

while being precise in wisdom is filled with passion and emotion.

fire on the mountain, and Ex. 34 God, whose name is Jealous, is a

jealous God.

Psalm 97:1-6 The LORD reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the

multitude of isles be glad! 2 Clouds and darkness surround Him;

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. 3 A fire

goes before Him, And burns up His enemies round about. 4 His

lightnings light the world; The earth sees and trembles. 5 The

mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, At the presence

of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare His

righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory.

2. Is. 4:2-6 gives us the picture of this two-fold fire of God. It covers and it

destroys God’s enemies.

Isa. 4:2-6 In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and

glorious; And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing For

those of Israel who have escaped. 3 And it shall come to pass that he who

is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy -- everyone

who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 When the Lord has

washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of

Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of

burning, 5 then the LORD will create above every dwelling place of

Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the

shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a

covering. 6 And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from

the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain.

white hair and white linens with eyes aflame afire.

Rev. 1:12-18 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having

turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven

lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and

girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like

wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like

fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;

16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged

sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when

I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to

me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was

dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades

and of Death. NKJV

Rev 2:18-23 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,

'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet

like fine brass: 19 "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience;

and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a

few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself

a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and

eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual

immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and

those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of

their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know

that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of

you according to your works. NKJV

F. The Bible attests to the fact that the saints will participate in some measure with

God’s judgments. In light of this scene this partnership is unfathomable.

Luke 22:28-30 "But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29

And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30

that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging

the twelve tribes of Israel." NKJV

1 Cor 6:1-4 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the

unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will

judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to

judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How

much more, things that pertain to this life? NKJV

Rev 2:26-28 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I

will give power over the nations -- 27'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They

shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels' -- as I also have received from

My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. NKJV

Rev 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I

also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. NKJV

Rev 11:4-6 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before

the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from

their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he

must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain

falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them

to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. NKJV

G. The heavenly court was seated and the books were opened. Heavenly books

depict in Scripture the thoughts, intents, and deeds of all persons who ever lived.

In this case the little horn and his deeds are under review.

Ex 32:31-32 Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Oh, these people have

committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! 32 Yet now,

if You will forgive their sin -- but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which

You have written." NKJV

Dan 12:1 "At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch

over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never

was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall

be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. NKJV

Luke 10:20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you,

but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." NKJV

Rev 20:11-13 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose

face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were

opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead

were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the

books. NKJV

Dan 7:11-12 "I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn

was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the

burning flame. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet

their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. NKJV

A. The little horn, unrepentant and unmoved in the light of the heavenly courts

convening continues to speak blasphemous words.

B. The judgment of God rendered in Dan. 7:9-10 is executed with the destruction of

the little horn and him being given over to the burning flame.

Rev 19:19-20 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies,

gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His

army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who

worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark

of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into

the lake of fire burning with brimstone. NKJV

Dan. 7:13-14 "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man,

Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought

Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,

That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an

everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall

not be destroyed. NKJV

A. Dan.7:11-14 is a precursory picture of the Second Coming of Christ which is

He receives from the Ancient of Days the earthly rule of the planet. This clearly

depicts the Second Coming and not the First Advent, for the fourth beast kingdom

is completely destroyed. This event takes place at the end of the age when Christ

returns and sets up His millennial reign on earth.

B. Clouds are the transportation of heaven and appear wherever the divine is

manifested, which elsewhere in Scripture describes how God has come to earth

(cf. Exod. 13:21-22; 19:9, 16; 1Kings 8:10-11; Ps. 18:10; Isa. 19:1; Jer. 4:13;

Ezek. 10:4; et al.).

C. Jesus is brought near and given dominon, glory, and a kingdom. This kingdom

has seven qualities that are different from the other four beast kingdoms.

1. It is represented by a human king and not as a beast. This kingdom is the

fulfillment of the dominion given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

It is truly human and truly righteous.

2. The origin of this kingdom is heaven. The Son of Man comes with the

clouds of heaven. The birthing place of this kingdom is God. The Lord of

Hosts Who commands the angels and rides on the clouds of heaven is the

leader of this kingdom.

3. This kingdom is submitted to the Ancient of Days authority. Jesus, as

fully God and fully man, submits Himself to the Father, Who is

thoroughly and only God. This kingdom is not gained through coercion

and violence. The heavenly kingdom is received directly from the Ancient

of Days with all the blessings and design of heaven.

4. This kingdom rules over all peoples, nations, and languages. All the earth

succumbs to the reign of Jesus.

5. This kingdom will last forever. There will be no other opposing kingdom

to come after this kingdom. This is the last and ultimate kingdom on the

earth.

6. It will not pass away.

7. It shall never be destroyed.

D. 1 Cor 15:20-28 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the

firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by

Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in

Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the

firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the

end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all

rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies

under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For "He has

put all things under His feet." But when He says "all things are put under Him," it

is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all

things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him

who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. NKJV

E. Rev. 19:11-21 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He

who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and

makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many

crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was

clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14

And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on

white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should

strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself

treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has

on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF

LORDS. 17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud

together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings,

the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who

sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great." 19

And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to

make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the

beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his

presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and

those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire

burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which

proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were

filled with their flesh. NKJV

Himself over 65 times. Jesus identified Himself with the heavenly figure of Dan.

7:13-14 who comes with the clouds of heaven and receives all authority from the

Ancient of Days over all dominions and peoples.

2:10; Lk. 5:24) and is Lord of the Sabbath (Mt. 12:18; Mk. 2:27; Lk. 6:5).

Mt. 9:6 "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth

to forgive sins" --then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed,

and go to your house."

Mk. 2:27-28 27 And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man,

and not man for the Sabbath. 28 "Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of

the Sabbath."

of His Father with the holy angels. He is seen as sitting at the right hand

of power, coming with the clouds of heaven. (Mt. 16:27, 24:30, 26:64;

Mk. 8:38, 13:26, 14:62; Lk. 9:26, 21:27, 22:69)

Matt. 16:27 "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father

with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Matt. 24:29-31 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun

will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall

from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 "Then the

sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the

earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds

of heaven with power and great glory. 31 "And He will send His angels

with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect

from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Matt. 26:63-64 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and

said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are

the Christ, the Son of God!" 64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said.

Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at

the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."

3. It is also worthy to note that Jesus adds to the understanding of this

being; he appears in weakness and humility as a man among human beings

to fulfill a destiny of suffering and death. In other words, Jesus poured the

of the New Testament, Ladd, p. 155.)

Mk. 10:33 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man

will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will

condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; 34 "and they will

mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third

day He will rise again."

Mk. 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to

serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

G. Daniel 7:22 goes on to tell us that the saints will possess the kingdom with their

King.

Dan. 7:21-22 "I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the

saints, and prevailing against them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a

judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for

the saints to possess the kingdom. NKJV

Rev. 1:4-8 Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to

come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus

Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the

kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own

blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be

glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, He is coming with clouds,

and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the

earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 8 "I am the Alpha and the

Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and

who is to come, the Almighty." NKJV

Rev. 5:9-10 "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You

were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and

tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;

And we shall reign on the earth." NKJV

Rev. 20:4-5 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was

committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for

their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast

or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands.

And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. NKJV

Rev. 22:1-5 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,

proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street,

and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each

tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of

the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the

Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face,

and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They

need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they

shall reign forever and ever. NKJV

A. Daniel receives this first revelation which gives the basic framework of the

outworking of the last four world empires and the establishment of the Kingdom

of God in the first year of King Belshazzar.

B. Belshazzar becomes a type of ruler who would arise in the last generation.

Belshazzar is a wicked proud ruler who refuses the testimony of God and who

defiantly mocks God in his last hours.

C. Dan. 7 introduces the major players in the cosmic drama. He sets forth the great

sea of the nations, the Gentile kingdoms which will arise out of this mass of

godless humanity, the rise of a demonized world leader, the Ancient of Days who

rules from a higher vantage point, the saints of the Most High, the coming of the

Son of Man on the clouds of heaven, the destruction of the proud ruler, and the

establishment of the Kingdom of God.

D. Chapter 7 is divided into two sections.

1. v. 1-14 is the actual vision that Daniel is seeing.

a. I emphasize the word "seeing." Daniel continues to say I was

watching, I looked, I saw, I considered, I kept looking, I watched.

Daniel is seeing something. Even when the angel comes over to

explain, Daniel is still watching something. Even the explanation

dimension Daniel is watching, and the more he seeks, the more he

receives.

b. I wonder what the film was like for verse 1 tells us that he only wrote

the main facts.

2. v. 15-28 is the explanation of the vision from the angelic messenger.

a. There is particular emphasis placed upon two realities.

b. First, the fourth beast and the little horn.

c. Second, the persecution of the saints.

A. Daniel observes the unfolding and culmination of this age. He witnesses the rise

of the four beast kingdoms culminating in a dreadful beast run by a demonized

ruler. He watches the seating of the court in heaven and the resistance of the little

horn to the Ancient of Days sovereign judgment. Finally, he views the

destruction of the beast with the coming of the Son of Man on the clouds of

heaven. The culmination of this age is not like any other time period in

following Satan. This is the last hour of Satan’s attempt to thwart the

government of God, destroy the human race, and to set up his own kingdom

forever. Revelation 12:7-12 describes the casting out of Satan from heaven and

the rage that will follow on the earth because Satan knows that his time is short.

We have no idea. II Thessalonians 2:7 states that there is actually a restraining

reality in the grace of God that has prevented this evil from arising earlier, but that

restraint will be taken out of the way in the last 3 ½ year period of unparalleled

evil and destruction on the earth.

B. The visions leave Daniel in a state of extreme grief affecting both soul and body.

Daniel has witnessed glory but is left troubled by this series of revelations. What

would trouble Daniel? What areas would leave him bewildered by this cosmic

drama at the end of the age? These specific areas of troubling/concern are

C. Daniel inquires of one of the angels that are present in this visionary encounter. I

believe this is one of the watchers from Dan. 4. We remember from Daniel 4 that

these watchers enforce the decree of the Lord as revealed in Psalm 2. They

function to help establish the rule of the Messiah on earth. These watchers issued

the Father to give glory to His Son alone, to render to Him alone the dominion,

glory, and honor.

D. Remember that in Revelation 5:12 the angels join in the singing and declare that

the Lamb, the Son of Man is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and

strength and honor and glory and blessing! In Revelation 7:11-12 angels respond

to the saints’statement that salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne

thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever.

Amen." In Revelation 16:4-6 the angel of the waters says, "You are righteous, O

Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged

these things. For they have shed the blood of the saints and prophets, and You

have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due." The angels are

E. The angel gives Daniel the interpretation.

A. The angel significantly addresses two issues that are specifically troubling Daniel

about the vision.

B. Daniel asks to know the truth of the visions. The angel gives a very vague answer

by merely stating, "Hey, it’s the cosmic battle for dominion. It’s a classic case of

1. This answer does not match the depth of Daniel’s stirring. He

intentionally answers in general terms in order to pull out the areas which

trouble Daniel. These areas will reveal which parts of the end of the age

will offend the average unprepared heart.

2. The average believer who is unprepared will wrestle and be troubled by

the following areas that Daniel demonstrates. The angel is drawing out

the potential areas of offense. We must prepare our hearts for the offense.

Psalm 2 warns us that it is the offended heart which will rise up against

God on that day He comes to establish His reign on the earth. Daniel

identifies two crucial areas.

A. Daniel was recognizing something so monstrous that there were no earthly beasts

most powerful empire, yet he had never seen evil manifest in this way.

B. Daniel describes the beast in the following ways:

1. Different than all the others.

a. Exceedingly Dreadful, Merciless.

b. Devoured, Broke In Pieces, and Trampled the Residue. Void of

Mercy.

2. World Ruler of Incredible Stature –Jerome (400 AD) described this man

a. Subdues three of the ten kings

(1) Military Genius

(2) Governmental and Political Genius

(3) Religious Genius

b. Eyes –Intelligence and Understanding. He is an intellectual and

commercial genius. Ezek 28:3-5 3(Behold, you are wiser than

Daniel! There is no secret that can be hidden from you! 4 With your

wisdom and your understanding You have gained riches for yourself,

And gathered gold and silver into your treasuries; 5 By your great

wisdom in trade you have increased your riches, And your heart is

lifted up because of your riches),"

c. Mouth - He has a mouth like a lion (Revelation 13:2)

A. Daniel acknowledges that the Ancient of Days rules in favor of the saints, but

before this happens the little horn makes war and prevails against the saints.

B. Daniel is deeply troubled by this allowance of persecution. We see later in Dan.

12:7 that Daniel witnesses the complete shattering of the saints by this ruler. The

angel goes on in chapter seven to say that the saints were given into his hand.

Dan 7:25-265 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall

persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law.

Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.

26'But the court shall be seated, NKJV

Dan 11:33-34 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for

many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. NKJV

Dan 12:7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the

river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by

Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when

the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall

be finished. NKJV

Rev 6:9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those

who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.

Rev 11:7-10 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the

bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 8 And

their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called

Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 Then those from the

peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half

days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. 10 And those who

dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one

another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

Rev 12:17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make

war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have

the testimony of Jesus Christ. NKJV

Rev 13:7-8 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome

them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. NKJV

Rev 13:14-15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that

the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship

the image of the beast to be killed. NKJV

Rev 17:6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood

of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

NKJV

Rev 17:12-14 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no

kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13

These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.

14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for

He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called,

chosen, and faithful." NKJV

Rev 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who

were slain on the earth." NKJV

Rev 19:1-3 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the

great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on

her the blood of His servants shed by her." NKJV

A. The angel adds little knew information. He clarifies that this Beast will come

forth. A different kingdom will arise and it shall devour the whole earth. And a

different ruler shall rise up from the midst of these ten kings within this beast

kingdom. He will subdue three kings. He will be a military and political genius.

He will set himself up against the Most High and persecute (literally, "wear out")

the saints. He shall intend to change the times and laws. He shall attempt to stop

the coming of the Son of Man. He will attempt to turn the hearts of people to

worship him.

2 Thess. 2:3-12 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come

unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of

perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is

worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is

God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these

things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his

own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now

restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one

will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and

destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is

according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10

and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not

receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God

will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all

may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in

unrighteousness.

Rev. 13:4-8 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and

they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war

with him?" 5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies,

and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened

his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and

those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints

and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue,

Rev. 13:11-17 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had

two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the

authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who

dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He

performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the

earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by

NKJV

B. The angel confirms the coming of this man of lawlessness, this little horn which

will be different from other kings. His working will be conjunction with Satan,

followed with signs and wonders.

C. We must take this seriously. This man will work to deceive the hearts of

believers and unbelievers. Jesus begins all of his Olivett Discourse with this

warning, "Take heed that no one deceives you." Jesus tells us in that day not to

D. He does not answer the suffering question. He only confirms that it is true, that it

is limited in its time, and that God will destroy the oppressor of His people and

give them the kingdom. The Aramaic word in v. 25, translated persecute,

literally means "to wear out." God does not fill out the picture of why for another

E. We must prepare for these two areas: persecution (a "wearing out") &deception.

4. 1 John 2:18 & 26

A. Knowing Beforehand

1. Rev. 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show

His servants -- things which must shortly take place.

2. Mark 13:22-23 For false Christ’sand false prophets will rise and show

signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take

heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.

3. 2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand,

beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away

with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

B. Separate Yourselves from Darkness

1. 2 Peter 3:14-15 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be

diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

2. 1 John 5:18-21 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he

who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not

touch him. 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies

under the sway of the wicked one. 20 And we know that the Son of God

has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who

is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the

true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Amen.

3. 2 Thess. 2:13-15 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you,

brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you

for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14

to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our

Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the

traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

C. Prayer

1. Mark 13:33-37 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the

time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and

gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the

doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the

master of the house is coming -- in the evening, at midnight, at the

crowing of the rooster, or in the morning -- 36 lest, coming suddenly, he

find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"

2. 1 Peter 4:7-8 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and

watchful in your prayers.

3. Daniel kept the matter in his heart. This vision was to produce a keeping