who explained daniel's dreams to him
That night his life and his kingdom came to an end. If not, he could never have become airborne again. Suffering is an inseparable part of the process which leads to glory. 75 Everything in chapter 7 is on a world-wide scale, the empires of the beasts, the judgment, and the nations that worship and serve the one like mortal man. Students will learn that they can trust God in difficult times because in the end God wins the battle over the enemy of this world Satan. The three ribs in the bears mouth between its teeth most likely represent Babylon, Egypt, and Lydia, three empires conquered by the Medo-Persian empire. Because of his wisdom, and the favour of God, Daniel rose to a position within the Babylonian government. In his vision, Daniel observed the sea being stirred up into a raging storm by the four winds of heaven. This signifies that the events which follow have been ordained by God. His vision in chapter 4 should have produced more distress than it did. The beasts are hardly worthy of prose, but the court of heaven deserves a description of the finest words. 79 Compare Jeremiah 49:14-22, 28, where Nebuchadnezzar is compared to a lion and an eagle. He not only speaks against the Most High, he oppresses the saints. But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come. (Daniel 7:1718, NASB95)[2] The four beasts that Daniel saw in his dream were four kings and represented the four kingdoms of these kings. But I want you to notice Daniels reaction to the dream that he had. ET. In those days, as in our own, there are always those are too quick to conclude that the kingdom of God has come (see Matthew 24:4, 6, 8, 24-28; 2 Thessalonians 2:1ff.). The Son of Man was also Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). 7 After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. In Daniels dream the Medo-Persian empire and it king Cyrus was represented by the bear. The beasts are a horrifying and frightening sight; the heavenly court scene is one of regal splendor and beauty. Chapter 7 moves from the historical accounts of Daniel and his three friends to the prophetic revelations received by Daniel in the last half of the Book.76 The following chart may help us visualize the relationship of Daniels prophecies to the historical setting in which they were revealed: The first prophetic revelation is found in Daniel 2. What is its message to Daniel, to the Jews, and to us? 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so . She makes it clear in a rather public fashion that she finds him desirable. See John F. Walvoord, Daniel: The Key to Prophetic Revelation (Chicago: Moody Press, 1971), p. 149. The second is bear-like. We should note Daniels distress in chapter 7 before turning to the other prophecies in Daniel, where we will find that prophecy very often produces distress. (1) It follows the narrative concerning Mishael, Hananiah and Azariah in the matter of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image (Daniel 3). When the iniquity of the blasphemous horn reaches full bloom and his appointed time to rule is fulfilled, God will destroy him, casting his body into the fire. Time: refers to one year, times is understood in Aramaic (the language this chapter was originally written in) to mean a dual or two, so times refers to two years and half a time refers to one half of a year. I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. It is significant for us to note Daniels reaction to this revelation from God. The king called for his magi to interpret the nightmare. While most of those in this kingdom may not have had a true conversion, at least they tolerated the Jewish faith as the religion of the state. Daniel is greatly distressed by the vision which he sees in chapter 7. Things are not as they appear to be! 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. The First Vision is a dream of the king that is interpreted by Daniel. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. It devoured and crushed, and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire. When that day comes for them, it is too late to repent. Then the time had arrived for the saints to take possession of the kingdom. The coming of the Son of Man is represented as one coming, and not two. Remember he had seen the innumerable host of angels attending the Ancient of Days. The interpretation of the events Daniel witnessed in his vision is given in its most concise form in verses 17 and 18: The four beasts were four kings, who will arise from the earth. A look through the Scriptures shows that Daniels response to the prophecies he received was not unique. Thus he said: The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. (11) What is the point of the vision? Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. In the verses following our lesson text, the vision is explained (Daniel 7:21-27). This chapter is a history, but it is the history of a prophecy, by a dream and the interpretation . Editing is often evident in the Bible (see John 20:30-31; 31:25). With the death of Nebuchadnezzar comes a change in the peoples attitudes, especially their leaders toward Judaism. Prophecy becomes necessary from time to time to remind men of those things God has planned for the future which He will surely fulfill. As we consider what we have just learned from Daniels dream and as we look at Daniels response to his dream and the interpretation of it; this should indicate to us that the more we know about the future, the more our hearts should be moved to personal purity. The horn continues to sound off while the court is being set up for judgment. These will continue to be separate nations in the confederation but will come under the little horns control and authority. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. How easily we turn from what is revealed to speculate about what has been concealed (see Deuteronomy 29:29). Let us listen then, and be sober, enduring the sufferings and trials sent our way, looking expectantly and certainly for His kingdom to come. Those who will reign with Christ are those who have suffered (see Romans 8:17; Philippians 3:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:12). He surpasses those before him by speaking boastfully, then blaspheming, and finally seeking to overthrow Gods order. If you remember as I have already stated, much of the interpretation of this dream could be found in chapter 2. Daniel's righteousness is legendary status Don't mistake Daniel as some conjurer of cheap tricks. God grants this king success and his saints suffering, but only for an appointed time. As the wicked prosper in their sin, it seems as though they can continue in sin without any fear of divine judgment (see Psalm 73:1-11; 2 Peter 2:3-4). Note these general observations about our passage before we turn to a more detailed study. 16 I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. Chapter 2 contains a very significant prophecy, revealed by God to king Nebuchadnezzar. 18 But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come. 19 Then I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its claws of bronze, and which devoured, crushed, and trampled down the remainder with its feet, 20 and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three of them fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts, and which was larger in appearance than its associates. Prophecy greatly benefits the Christian because it enables him to see things from the bigger and broader perspectivefrom Gods perspectiveso that when he suffers, he knows it is but a part of the process of getting to glory. The saints (believing Jews when Christ return to earth) will enjoy the kingdom, the fulfillment of Gods promise to Israel.[3] The Popular Bible Prophecy Commentary states that these saints might also include the resurrected Old Testament saints, the martyred tribulation saints, and the tribulation saints who survive the tribulation. (5) While the process involves wicked kings and nations and the suffering of the saints, the culmination is the establishment of Gods eternal kingdom. Four kings will establish four kingdoms, and some of these kingdoms have a number of kings. Through the ages, the saints have learned that they must wait for the promises of God to be fulfilled and that this may not happen in their lifetime (see Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40). The reign of Belshazzar was, in some measure, a foretaste of what was yet to come in full measure during the reign of the fourth beast, especially of the eleventh horn. During times of oppression, it may appear the saints are being defeated and that Gods kingdom is but wishful thinking. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. (1) The Book of Daniel is a part of the Holy Scriptures, and thus inspired, accurate, and trustworthy. Peter reminds us of Gods patience, but His patience has a determined end. His mind was troubled. In chapter 5, King Belshazzars dream should have greatly alarmed him, but apparantly it did not. The saints should also expect the wicked to prosper, for a season. A Vision of Judgment (Daniel 7:9-12) 2. We should not spend a disproportionate amount of time and energy trying to fill in the blanks God has left. This horn is called by different names in the New Testament: In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 the little horn is called the man of lawlessness. Revelation 13:1-2 calls the little horn the beast. The name he is best known by in found in 1 John 2:18-24 where John calls the little horn the Antichrist.. 25 And he will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. He wants to know more about this dreadful beast, different from the rest, especially in the destruction he wrought. What is it that these men are testifying against You? 63 But Jesus kept silent. They surely knew this text to be messianic, but they had always applied it to the Gentiles. Gogglebox star Stephen explained the reason for him and husband Daniel Lustif missing the show on Instagram. This scene in Daniel is also similar to a prophecy recorded in the Book of Revelation: 4 and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?. Belshazzar came to power several years after the death of Nebuchadnezzar and seems to have turned completely away from the God of Israel. Does this dream have any significance for us? He only called on him in a moment of sheer panic when no one else could help, and only then because of the recommendation of the queen mother. In the context of the coming of His kingdom and the suffering and trials which precede it, soberness is a vitally important quality which prophecy promotes: 1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. The final words of verse 25 are carefully chosen to let the reader know that while this king appears to be successfully opposing God, all he does is a part of the divine plan for the last days. (11) A distinction is made between God the Fatherthe Ancient of Days and God the Sonthe Son of Manwith both playing a part in the establishment of the kingdom. We are not of night nor o darkness; 6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 1:1352, [4]LaHaye, Tim and Hindson, Ed., editors, The Popular Bible Prophecy Commentary. As Daniel watches, the wings are torn off the beast, and the creature stands erect like a man and a human mind is given to it. The saints should expect to suffer because of their faith, especially as the last days for the kingdoms of men draw near. 77 According to Baldwin, This verse [13] has been the subject of more scholarly papers than any other in the book, so indicating its centrality, not only for Daniel but for the New Testament also. Baldwin, p. 142. Not only was he greatly alarmed and physically sick, but he says he also kept the matter to himself. Daniel made it very clear that the dream and the interpretation had come for the one true God. As I read through the statements men have made about the God of Israel in the first six chapters of Daniel, I find that what men came to know and to acknowledge through history, God declares through prophecy. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 states, For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:910, NASB95)[6] Finally, the more we know about the future, the more our hearts should be moved to prayerful petition for those who will face the judgment of God if they do not turn in faith to Jesus Christ. This takes place until the Ancient of Days comes and judgment is given to the saints, at the time the eternal kingdom becomes their possession. Daniels dream here in chapter 7 and Nebuchadnezzars dream in chapter 2 are one and the same dream with additional details added to Daniels dream. The visions explanation was not thorough enough to satisfy Daniel. Who is the Son of Man? He had endured the training of the Chaldeans and he had lived his life in the service of a foreign king, at first the foreign king who had overthrown his country. Both the statue parts (made of different metals) and the beasts represent kings and kingdoms. Daniel returned to his house and explained the situation to his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. This description certainly fits the account of Nebuchadnezzars plunge from power and sanity in chapter 4. In spite of all these beasts do and say, in spite of their power and even their success, neither they nor their kingdoms will last. He would, after His death, burial, and resurrection come in His glory, rewarding men according to their deeds (16:27). Valentina's bond with Sophie, Sid's reaching out to Jesse, and Charlie trying hard to bring Sid and Jesse back together so that the group can go back to being their normal selves and not be an awkward bunch of people not wanting to discuss actual problems. In spite of these kings, the saints of the Highest One will possess the eternal kingdom forever and ever. In his interpretation of the dream, Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar he was the head of gold. Daniel 5 is an illustration and a prototype of what will happen in the end times, as described in the prophecy of Daniel 7. Daniel 2 (the second chapter of the Book of Daniel) tells how Daniel related and interpreted a dream of Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon.In his night dream, the king saw a gigantic statue made of four metals, from its head of gold to its feet of mingled iron and clay; as he watched, a stone "not cut by human hands" destroyed the statue and became a mountain filling the whole world. 31-35). Daniel, a godly prophet and a man of unshakable faith, has been steadfast in his daily walk of fellowship with God throughout the first six chapters of the Book of Daniel. 2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. It is explained in a way that children can understand, describing his feeling as butterfly's in his tummy.Daniel's Dream takes you on an uplifting adventure with wonderfully expressivedescriptions of the characters, perfectly capturing bodylanguage and . But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever. Our attention should be given to what is clearly and emphatically said. JPS Tanakh 1917 Wherever I see the Scriptures speak of the coming kingdom of God, I find suffering closely associated with it. One of those gaps is found in Daniel 7. Daniel was terrified or alarmed by the scenes he had seen in his mind and desired to understand what they meant. The statue has four parts; there are four beasts. We will deal with the meaning and application of Daniels vision later on in our questions and answers. These were represented by the image of a statue. Both sets of kingdoms are brought to a sudden end and are replaced by an eternal kingdom. With the commencement of Belshazzars co-regency may have come not only a rejection of the Jewish faith and worship, but a new wave of persecution directed toward it. According to verse 1, the written record of the revelation Daniel received in his first night vision is but a summary of the prophecy he received. Prophecy provides men the opportunity to think and act in a way which pleases God, who determines the future and who reveals future events to men. God will establish His kingdom, and that kingdom, unlike the kingdoms of men, is eternal. The saints should neither believe nor behave on the basis of how things appear to be (the wicked prospering and prevailing over the righteous). Nebuchadnezzar's Threat One night, Nebuchadnezzar awoke frightened by a dream. Before the kingdom of God is established on the earth, four earthly kingdoms will rise and fall. Looking about with its numerous eyes, no one can escape his look or hide from him.80 With its mouth, the beast continues to speak boastfully. He staying the decree is brought to the king. It's build upon the passage in Daniel 7 where he has a disturbing dream. (13) In some sense, the last kingdom is still on-going. The fourth portion of the statue in Daniel 2 is the iron legs and feet and toes of partly iron and partly baked clay which represented the Roman empire. They will serve and obey Him forever. In addition to the beasts iron teeth, Daniel tells us that the beast had claws of bronze. As Daniel sought to discover more truth about the fourth beast he added some details that he had left out of his first description. Daniel 2:1). He will abolish all the religious holidays and seek to abolish Gods law in an attempt to destroy the Jewish people. These kingdoms go from bad to worse. What role do they play in relation to the four beasts? 27 Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. La Habra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, [6]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. I believe some in Babylon, like their king, came to a genuine faith in God. Let Thy hand be upon the man of Thy right hand, Upon the son of man whom Thou didst make strong for Thyself (Psalm 80:17). (4) This is the first prophecy in the book revealed directly to Daniel. La Habra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, [2]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. Their perception is wrong, for suddenly and without warning their day of destruction will come upon them. 10 If any one is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if any one kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Our Lords first coming happened over a period of more than 30 years, and yet we view this as one coming. Second, the prophecies of Daniel are to be understood in the light of the entire Book of Daniel, of the Old Testament, and of the Bible as a whole. First, the prophecies of Daniel are divinely inspired and revealed, and thus they are true and reliable. Open your Bibles to Daniel 7. The nation of Israel has been set aside by divine discipline in the present times of the Gentiles, which began with Nebuchadnezzar. Because Daniel possessed wisdom bestowed by God and was conscientious in his work, he not only prospered during the reigns of successive rulers, but King Darius planned to put him in charge of the entire kingdom. 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