Daniel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

DANIEL 7

DANIEL’S VISION OF FOUR POWERFUL BEASTS

Daniel has a vision of four great beasts, each unique and mysterious. The most terrifying and dreadful of these beasts has ten horns until a smaller, additional horn emerges, possessing a human mouth and eyes.

During the vision, Daniel sees God, referred to as “the Ancient of Days”, seated upon His throne. The small horn of the beast speaks arrogantly against God and the beast is destroyed entirely.

Daniel then sees a figure described as “the Son of Man,” who appears before God. This name is the same title Jesus often used for Himself in the New Testament, pointing to His eternal kingdom. The Son of Man is given everlasting dominion over a new kingdom that includes all people. This kingdom will be eternally established and never destroyed.

Perplexed by the vision, Daniel seeks help interpreting it, possibly from an angel or messenger of God. The four beasts represent four kings whose nations will rise to power, likely paralleling the nations from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2.

Daniel is particularly curious about the fourth beast, which is more terrifying than the others and is ultimately defeated by God. This beast represents a fierce and destructive kingdom. The ten horns symbolize the kings of this nation, with the eleventh king being the most oppressive and blasphemous.

God’s people will be persecuted by this king for three and a half years. In biblical literature, seven often symbolizes completion, while three and a half represents imperfection or incompletion. Despite the king’s oppression, he will ultimately be destroyed, and God’s everlasting kingdom will triumph.

Although interpretations of the nations and kings in Daniel’s vision vary, the central message is one of hope and assurance that God’s kingdom will eventually triumph over oppressive rulers.

STUDY QUESTIONS

In Daniel’s vision, each of the four beasts symbolized a different kingdom. Why do you think God used such terrifying imagery to convey these messages?

In Daniel 7, God is referred to as “the Ancient of Days,” and Jesus is referenced as“the Son of Man.” Why do you think these titles were used for them? How do these names highlight their power and authority?

How did Daniel respond to the visions he received (Daniel 7:15, 7:28)?