Series: The Book of Daniel Four Beasts, Ten Horns, the Little Horn and the End-Times Daniel 7:1-28 By Dr. Gary M. Gulan, 1980 (Rev.

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1 Series: The Book of Daniel Four Beasts, Ten Horns, the Little Horn and the End-Times Daniel 7:1-28 By Dr. Gary M. Gulan, 1980 (Rev. 84,02,04,11) Introduction: There are some unique features to this chapter. This chapter is out of sequence from the previous chapters and takes place just before the feast of chapter 5. The story takes place about fourteen years before chapter 6. 1 This chapter includes the four kingdoms of chapter 2, however, it doesn t cover them in their historical setting as chapter two but rather features them in the end-times all existing in power together with the fourth kingdom taking over. 2 This chapter gives new insights into the details of the end-times taking the reader far beyond Daniel s day. Many see the Book of Daniel as having two halves: Daniel 1-6 as history for us already taken place and Daniel 7-12 as insights into the future end-time. 3 This chapter also includes Daniel having the original dream instead of the king having the original dream making the story very unique. One item that stood out to me as I restudied the text is the statement that the Anti-Christ (the Little Horn ) wanted to change times and law (Dan. 7:25). Barrack Obama s goal to his presidency is change and transformation of law, government and the way of life in the USA. Even though it is a coincidence, the character of the end-times will be far more aggressive and far more reaching that Obama. 1. DREAM ENVISIONED BY DANIEL (Dan. 7:1) A. Timing of the dream The words In the first year of Belshazzar give us the timing of Daniel s experience. The story most likely takes place around bc. 4 B. Tracking of the details The dream was a single dream since the word is singular in number. Daniel states there were successive stages and reoccurring visions (in the plural number) where more pieces of revelation were given about the same dream occurring in the night (Dan. 7:7,13). 5 C. Telling the main facts of the dream The text says He wrote down and Telling the main facts. Daniel, the prophet-statesman, became the recipient of four dreams (Dan. 7; 8; 9:20-27; 10:1-12:5). 6 D. Testifying of the dream In the first six chapters, Daniel wrote in the third person; in the last six chapters he wrote in the first person. 7 Notice the first person words: I saw (Dan. 7:2); I watched (Dan. 7:4); I looked (Dan. 7:6); I saw (Dan. 7:7); I was considering (Dan. 7:8); I watched (Dan. 7:9); I watched (Dan. 7:11); I was watching (Dan. 7:13). 2. DREADFUL INTRODUCTION RECORDED BY DANIEL (Dan. 7:2-14) A. Four winds (Dan. 7:2) There are four common views of the four winds: (1.) Some commentators see these as the real four directions of the wind; 8 (2.) a second view is that the word wind is often translated spirit referring to

2 angels. Elsewhere in scripture this word is used to refer to God s providential actions in the affairs of men through angels, (Jer. 23:19; 49:36; 51:1; Zech. 6:1-6; 7:14; Rev. 7:1-3). 9 The four winds of heaven were stirring up is thought to represent God s judgments delivered by angels, (see Rev. 7:1; 9:14). The wind speaks of the unseen but active agency of God; 10 (3.) the four winds may be connected to the four kingdoms; 11 or, (4.) the four winds are the first judgment of the book of Revelation, the seal judgments, which includes the four riding horsemen, (Rev. 6:1-8). B. The Great Sea (Dan. 7:2) It is thought that the great sea refers to the Mediterranean Sea by many commentators. 12 However, the word great can be an adjective referring to turbulent and referring to the whole of the heathen world representing the nations and peoples of the then known world of Daniel s day. 13 These beasts came up out of the sea which could mean the former Kingdoms (Dan. 2) came back into power some time in the future. C. Out of the sea (Dan. 7:3) The sea is often used as a symbol of a group of humanity or the gentile world. 14 D. Four beasts (Dan. 7:3) The four beasts represent the four kingdoms corresponding to the four kingdoms of chapter two (Dan. 2:35,45). Daniel s contemporaries, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Habakkuk, used animals to describe kingdoms. The featured and characterized beasts are described in some detail: Lion beast (Dan. 7:4) The vicious, powerful and swift lion represents Babylon empire. Winged lions guarded the gates of the royal palaces of Babylon, especially the gate of Ishtar. The term a human heart ( lebab ) was given to it reveals a little of what happened to Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4. There is a violent wrenching of wings and the lion s mobility symbolizing power and strength Bear beast (Dan. 7:5) The ferocious bear is used to describe the Medo-Persian empire with the greater side being Persia and ribs referring to vanquished nations. The bear is strong and fierce and devours its enemies Leopard beast (Dan. 7:6) The cunning quickness is used to describe the Grecian empire. The swiftness, cunning, and agility are a key to the symbolizing Dreadful terrible beast (Dan. 7:7) This is a very unique animal with devastating capabilities represents the Roman empire. At some point this beast takes over the other three kingdoms and trampled them under foot. The mongrel composite reveals the terrifying, powerful, ferocious and destructive nature that crushes its enemies. Three times this beast is called diverse or different from the others. 19 Note: What makes the details in this chapter different from chapter two is that these four kingdoms were in power and existed all at the same time in a future time period from Daniel s day. When they exist, the fourth kingdom will take over the other three and they will work in a unified group with the fourth kingdom in total power. 20 (a.) 10 horns (Dan. 7:7) At some time in the future when the fourth kingdom takes over the other three kingdoms, there with be a ten king or ten nation confederacy put into place, ruling the world under the direction of the king of the fourth kingdom, (2 Thess. 2:3-10; Rev. 13:1-10). 21

3 (1.) Little horn (Dan. 7:8,11-12) At some point after the 10 nation confederacy is formed, the little horn, with his eyes like a man and his mouth speaking describing the anti-christ s arrogant pride, comes into power, (Rev. 13:5,6). When the fourth kingdom takes over the other three kingdoms, the fourth kingdom is considered a horn and the three other kingdoms are considered horns also. 22 Note: some see two little horns: (1.) the little horn which emerges from the fourth kingdom (Dan. 7:8,11-12), and (2.) the little horn which merges out of the third kingdom (Dan. 8:9-11) DELIGHTFUL SCENE IN HEAVEN (Dan. 7:9-10) This portion of the text in Aramaic becomes poetical rather then prose. 24 Daniel s vision changes flashing toward heaven s activities. A. Thrones in place (Dan. 7:9) There is a plurality of thrones ( korsawan ) which may include the 24 thrones (Rev. 4:4). B. Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:9-10,13) This is probably God the Father described as the Ancient of Days ( attiq yomin ) literally the Advanced of Days. The following description of the Ancient of Days is also seen in Ezekiel 1: He is seated 2. His garment white as snow referring to His holiness His hair like pure wool referring to His holiness His throne fiery flame and its wheel a burning flame referring to His splendor and supreme authority A fiery stream came from Him, referring to His power and judgment. 28 C. Worship (Dan. 7:10) 1. A thousand thousands ministered to Him 2. Ten thousand times ten thousand ( ribbon ribwan ) stood before Him Hundreds of millions of celestial beings stood by the Ancient of Days. 29 D. Court (Dan. 7:10) 1. Court seated ( dina yetib ) The case and judgment of the rebellious Little Horn would take place. He is dragged before the heavenly tribunal. It is interesting that Daniel s name means God is my judge or God has judged Books opened An entire set of books is kept on each individual in heaven by God (Rev. 20:12-13). 4. DEVESTATING TURN OF EVENTS (Dan. 7:11-12) The time element given a season of time ( ad-z man weiddan ) which probably refers to the second half of the tribulation. 31 The Little Horn is the Anti-Christ who shows himself in the tribulation period (2 Thess. 2:1-9; Rev. 13:1-10). 32 A. The Little Horn ( Anti-Christ ) takes over the three other beasts and destroys them ( plucks them out by the roots ). Each kingdom was amalgamated into an empire that gained ascendancy. B. The Little Horn spouts out blasphemous pomptos boastings and loud mouth defiance. (Dan. 7:11) C. The Little Horn slays the fourth beast (7:11),and burns his body (7:12).

4 D. The Little Horn still uses the power of the three other beasts (7:12). 5. DESTINED CHANGED OF WORLD HISTORY (Dan. 7:13-14) This is the climax of the vision. The term Son of Man is a title of Christ. 33 A. Son of Man before the throne of the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:13) B. Son of Man given everlasting dominion and glory (Dan. 7:14) C. Son of Man given a kingdom which shall not be destroyed (Dan. 7:13,14) D. Son of Man coming back in clouds of heaven (Dan. 7:13) The clouds of heaven has been viewed as either God s deity or the saints in glory. 34 E. Son of Man worshipped by all peoples, nations, languages (Dan. 7:14) 6. DISTURBING EXPERIENCE BY DANIEL (Dan. 7:15-16) A. He was grieved within his spirit (Dan. 7:15) Daniel probably realized that there would be future suffering for Israel and that the 70 year capitivity wasn t the only part of it. Daniel was also distressed because of his inability to grasp the full extent of the dream. 35 B. He was grieved within his body (Dan. 7:15) C. His mind was troubled (Dan. 7:15) 7. DESIROUS INQUIRY BY DANIEL (Dan. 7:16) Daniel had been the interpreter of two dreams by Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2;4), however, now Daniel wants someone to help interpret this dream and the next one (8:15) for him. 36 Daniel asked one who stood by what the truth was about the dream which was probably an angel or some other celestial being (Dan. 7:16). The angel told Daniel the interpretation. Note: If this was an angel, all angels in heaven are males in the Bible. There are no female angels. 8. DESCRIPTIVE INTERPRETATION GIVEN TO DANIEL (Dan. 7:17-27) A. Four Beasts are four kings (Dan. 7:17) The kingdoms of Nebuchadnezzar s dream (Dan. 2) re-emerge as kingdoms or world powers in the endtimes. They exist all at the same time when the seven year Tribulation starts. B. Saints of the Most High (Dan. 7:18) These saints are not the church saints but rather the remnant of Israel saints who trusted the Messiah. 37 The term Most High shows Yahweh is above all other gods (Dan. 2:47; 3:29; 4:35). N The emphasis seems to be over the land of Israel. 38 C. Fourth beast (Dan. 7:19,23)

5 Daniel had great curiosity for the fourth beast in its end-time setting. At this time the fourth kingdom and its king takes over all the other kingdoms of the earth ( kol- ar a ). 39 D. Ten horns (Dan. 7:20,24) A ten nation confederacy is formed. 40 E. Little Horn (Dan. 7:20,21,24,25) Out of the 10 horns or rulers of the national confederacy, an 11 th horn emerges as the Little Horn. It is difficult to know for sure if the 11 th horn is from among the 10 or in addition to the 10. There is a time notification here for a time and times and half a time which is the middle to last threeand-a-half years of the tribulation period and continuing until the Second Coming of Christ. The term time ( iddan ) seems to refer to a term for year in Daniel s prophetic use of time, so that time ( iddanin ) refers to seven years and the phrase half-time is half of the seven years. 41 Here is how it works: a time means one year, times means two years, and half a time is six months. This equals the 1,260 days in revelation 12:6 and 42 months in revelation 11:2. 42 The Little Horn wants to change times and laws (Dan. 7:25). The dictator will impose a new legal system on all the world based on totalitarian principles in which the service to the government or the state will be substituted for the absolute standards of God s moral law. His program will also involve an elaborate change in months and weeks. 43 The Little Horn ( Anti-Christ ) has three goals: (1.) speak against the Most High; (2.) oppression and war against the saints leading a great persecution against Israel (Matt. 24:15-22; 2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 12:13-17; 13:6-7; Dan. 7:21); and (3.) introduce an entirely new era in which he will abandon all previous laws. 44 F. Court of heaven and the ruling by the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:22,26) God will have His court of judgment to judge sinners and sin. F. Fifth Kingdom (Dan. 7:22,27) The fifth kingdom is the final kingdom, the Millennial Kingdom of Christ. This kingdom represents the culmination of the promises given to Israel and the plan of God for the ages. 9. DETRAMENTAL EVALUATION BY DANIEL (Dan. 7:28) Daniel was emotionally drained after trying to take in all the end-times events, the future of Israel, and also viewing the scenes of heaven. 45 A. The end of the account (Dan. 7:28) B. My thoughts greatly troubled me (Dan. 7:28) C. My countenance changed (Dan. 7:28) D. I kept the matter in my heart (Dan. 7:28) Conclusion: Daniel gives us insights some important details in the future end-times. He will add to these things in the next few chapters. End Notes:

6 1 The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 957; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 85; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, p. 85 A Commentary on Daniel, Leon Wood, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976, p. 179; The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 957; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p. 1349; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p. 149; A Commentary on Daniel, Leon Wood, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976, p ; Commentary on Daniel, Harry Bultema, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1988, p. 206; The Most High God, by Renald Showers, Bellmawr: Friends of Israel, 1989, p Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p A Commentary on Daniel, Leon Wood, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976, p Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p. 1350; Unger s Commentary on the Old Testament, Merrill Unger, Chicago: Moody, 1981, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, p. 85; Daniel, G. Coleman Luck, Chicago: Moody, 1958, p Daniel, G. Coleman Luck, Chicago: Moody, 1958, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 957 Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, p Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 957; Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 85; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p. 1350; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p. 152; Unger s Commentary on the Old Testament, Merrill Unger, Chicago: Moody, 1981, p. 1640; A Commentary on Daniel, Leon Wood, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976, p. 181; Daniel, G. Coleman Luck, Chicago: Moody, 1958, p. 86; Commentary on Daniel, Harry Bultema, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1988, p. 207; The Most High God, by Renald Showers, Bellmawr: Friends of Israel, 1989, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 957; Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 85; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p. 1350; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p. 152; Unger s Commentary on the Old Testament, Merrill Unger, Chicago: Moody, 1981, p. 1641; A Commentary on Daniel, Leon Wood, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976, p. 182; Daniel, G. Coleman Luck, Chicago: Moody, 1958, p. 86; Daniel, G. Coleman Luck, Chicago: Moody, 1958, p. 86; Commentary on Daniel, Harry Bultema, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1988, p. 207; The Most High God, by Renald Showers, Bellmawr: Friends of Israel, 1989, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 957; Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 85; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p. 1350; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p. 152; Unger s Commentary on the Old Testament, Merrill Unger, Chicago: Moody, 1981, p. 1642; A Commentary on Daniel, Leon Wood, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976, p. 183; Daniel, G. Coleman Luck, Chicago: Moody, 1958, p. 87; Commentary on Daniel, Harry Bultema, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1988, p. 208; The Most High God, by Renald Showers, Bellmawr: Friends of Israel, 1989, p. 76

7 19 The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 957; Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 85; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p. 1350; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p. 152 Unger s Commentary on the Old Testament, Merrill Unger, Chicago: Moody, 1981, p. 1642; A Commentary on Daniel, Leon Wood, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976, p. 185; Daniel, G. Coleman Luck, Chicago: Moody, 1958, p. 87; Commentary on Daniel, Harry Bultema, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1988, p. 210; The Most High God, by Renald Showers, Bellmawr: Friends of Israel, 1989, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 957; Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 957; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 87; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p. 162; The Most High God, by Renald Showers, Bellmawr: Friends of Israel, 1989, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 89; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p Daniel and the Latter Days, Robert Culver, Chicago: Moody, 1977, p Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 92; 36 Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p Daniel and the Latter Days, Robert Culver, Chicago: Moody, 1977, p. 138, Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 958; Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 93; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 958; Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 93; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 958; Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p ; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p. 1354; Unger s Commentary on the Old Testament, Merrill Unger, Chicago: Moody, 1981, p. 1649; The Most High God, by Renald Showers, Bellmawr: Friends of Israel, 1989, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 958;

8 Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 94; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 958; Daniel, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton: Victor, 1985, p. 1354; Daniel, John Walvoord, Chicago: Moody, 1971, p The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Nashville: Nelson, 2005, p. 958; Daniel, Gleason Archer, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 95