Four Great Beasts And The Throne Room Of God Daniel 7:1-28 Message by Michael J. Barnard February 28, 2016 Teaching Aim: To examine the particulars of Daniel s frightening dream and see how it relates to King Nebuchadnezzar s dreams in Daniel chapter 2. To explore the heavenly scene involving the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man just prior to the end time judgment. To realize the Kingdom of God will be different from any other kingdom that has ever existed. It will be established on the righteousness of Christ (not the wickedness of man) and will be eternal! DIGGING DEEPER INTO GOD S WORD (BIBLE STUDY) Part I: Daniel s terrifying dream (Dan. 7:1-8) 1. The Book of Daniel is not written in chronological order. As we enter chapter 7, we do a flashback in time. Daniel 7 fits chronologically between Daniel chapters 4 and 5. According to verse 1, how do we know that the year was 553 B.C.? How did God give Daniel this special revelation? 2. What was the wind doing according to verse 2? What happens to the sea when the wind blows? What does the sea often symbolize in Scripture? (See Commentaries) What frightening sight came out of this turmoil (vs. 3)? What monsters are coming out of the turmoil in some parts of the world today? 3. What was the appearance of the first beast like (vs. 4)? Which major world empire did the beast represent? What does this image teach us about this empire? In light of Daniel 4:23-25, what was the significance of the wings being plucked off the lion? What was the importance of the man s heart being given to the beast and it standing on two feet? (See Dan. 4:34-36) 4. What does the second beast look like as it comes out of the sea (vs. 5)? Which world empire did this creature represent? What was the significance of the beast being raised higher on one side? What were the three ribs in its mouth symbolic of? (See Commentaries) 1
5. What does the third creature look like? What makes this creature so frightening (vs. 6)? What can we learn about this empire from the frightening imagery we see? Who was the leader of this empire and what was so remarkable about his? What do the wings symbolize? What is the significance of the four heads? 6. What made this fourth creature so unusual and frightening (vs. 7)? The previous three beasts were common predators in Daniel s day that had an unusual twist to them. How vicious is this creature? What do the ten horns represent? (See Commentaries) What period of history is being referred to in verse 7? 7. What did Daniel see appearing as he thought about the meaning of the ten horns (vs. 8)? Horns often represent kingly authority in Scripture. What does the little horn do to three of the ten horns? What does this symbolize? Who is the little horn in this prophecy? Part II: Daniel s vision of the throne room of God in heaven (Dan. 7:9-14) 1. Where is Daniel suddenly taken to in his dream (vs. 9)? Whom did Daniel see seated on the heavenly throne? Note: The Ancient of Days [God the Father] and is different than the Son of Man. Who does the Son of Man represent? God is Spirit and we can t see Him physically. What can we learn about God the Father from the symbolism described in verse 9? 2. Who do the thousand thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand represent in verse 10? What can we learn about the timing of this event from verse 10b? 3. Who is speaking pompous words on earth? What are pompous words? What will happen to this fourth beast according to verse 11? (See Rev. 19:19-20) Will any of the beasts survive to continue on when Christ returns as King of kings and LORD of Lords (vs. 12)? Previous world empires have established themselves through wickedness. On what basis will the Kingdom of God be established? 2
4. What incredible scene did Daniel witness in heaven (vs. 13)? Who is the Heavenly Being described as being like the Son of Man? Why do you think Jesus used this title for Himself so many times? What is the significance of Him coming with the clouds? According to verse 14, what did the Ancient of Days give to the Son of Man? When will this Kingdom be seen in its fullness? Part III: The angel s interpretation of Daniel s dream (Dan. 7:15-28) 1. What was Daniel s response to his dream according to verse 15? Why? Who does Daniel go to for help in verse 16? What does this angel do for Daniel? 2. According to verse 17, what do the four great beasts represent? Where do they come from? Is there any significance to being earthy? What is the meaning of the word saints? (See Dictionary) What are the saints [those set apart for God] promised (vs. 18)? 3. The angel has revealed to Daniel that the Kingdom of God will ultimately prevail, but what was still bothering him according to verse 19? What made this creature so terrifying? What troubled Daniel about the other horn that had appeared (vs. 20)? Do you, like Daniel, ever wonder why there is so much evil and destruction in the world? Are you troubled by what you see happening in today s world? 4. What can we learn about the Antichrist from verse 21? (See 2 Thess. 2:1-5; Rev. 13:7-8) According to verse 22 and Rev. 19:19-20, what will finally end the seven-year reign of terror led by the Antichrist? 3
5. What can we learn about the fourth beast from the angel s interpretation in verse 23? Who do the ten horns represent (vs. 24)? How many horns total are on this beast? What did the little horn do to three of the ten horns? What frightening way do you think the Antichrist will do this? 6. What can we learn about the Antichrist from verse 25? (See Rev. 11:2-3; 12:14; 13:5) Which part of the Great Tribulation is being referring to here? 7. As powerful as the Antichrist seems to the world, what will happen when the court of God is seated in heaven (vs. 26)? According to verse 27, what makes the Kingdom of God different from any other kingdom in history? Many Christians pray the Lord s Prayer, perhaps you have. What petition do we find in that prayer that relates to verse 27? Why should we still pray this prayer today? (See Matt. 6:9-13; Rev. 22:20) 8. What was Daniel s response to the dream and it s interpretation (vs. 28)? How did this dream affect Daniel physically? Have you ever had a dream bother you so much that you felt sick? 9. What made this dream of Daniel s especially terrifying? Why should the details about the end times still terrify us today? What good news came out of this dream? Why should this dream be an encouragement for every Christian to evangelize? When was the last time you shared the good news of Jesus Christ with someone? 10. Have you received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? If not why not confess your sins and do so in prayer right now? 4
MINER S CORNER ~ Manna to live by! God often spoke to Daniel in dreams at night. Where earthly kingdoms have been established on wickedness the kingdom of God will be established on the righteousness of Jesus Christ! Evil nations will have to answer to God, God will not remain silent forever! The Antichrist will be on the scenes for only a short period of time a very violent seven years. The kingdoms of man are only temporary; the Kingdom of God will last forever! Because of this truth, every true believer in Christ can live with hope no matter how bad the circumstances we are facing seem to be! 5