1.
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.
In the first year of Belshazzar. This was 429 B.C. See App-50 . Daniel being eighty-four years old. Three years before the events of Daniel 6 . Compare Daniel 5:30 , Daniel 5:31 , and the notes on the other dates (Daniel 8:1 ; Daniel 9:1 ; Daniel 10:1 ; Daniel 11:1 , &c).
This vision (Daniel 7 ) is still in Chaldee (the Gentile language), because it is the continuation of Daniel 2:44 , and shows what will take place in "the days of those kings" before the stone strikes the image. It brings us up to the end of Gentile dominion over Israel. Daniel 8 is in Hebrew, because it specially concerns Israel.
It is the writing of "Daniel the prophet" (Matthew 24 ). This is directly stated by our Lord, Who, seven times in the Gospel of John, declared that what He spake were not His own words, but the Father's (John 7:16 ; John 8:28 , John 8:40 , John 8:47 ; John 12:49 ; John 14:10 , John 14:24 ; John 17:8 . Compare Deuteronomy 18:18 and Isaiah 51:16 ).
This member "B" (Daniel 7:1-28 ; Daniel 8:1-27 , see chart below) consists of two visions. Each is distinct and complete in itself. (Z1, 7:1-28 ; Z2, 8:1-27). The dream of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2 ) was interpreted to him by Daniel; while the dream (or vision) of Daniel was interpreted to him by the Angel. The former referred to the beginning and duration of Gentile dominion over Israel; the latter concerns the end of it. See the Structure below. The second (Daniel 8 ) was given two years later than the first (Compare Daniel 7:1 with Daniel 8:1 ), and is subsequent to the first, giving further details concerning "the latter time of their dominion" (i.e. that of the four beasts of the first vision in Daniel 7 ). Further details are given in Daniel 9 , Daniel 11 , Daniel 12 .
The interpretation is given in verses: Daniel 7:7 , Daniel 7:17 , Daniel 7:18 ; and shows that these visions ( Dan 7 and Daniel 8 ) are still future, and are not therefore to be confounded with the dream of Daniel 2 . See the notes on verses: Daniel 7:17 , Daniel 7:18 , below.
The interpretations given to us of these two separate visions need no further interpretation by us. The source of the dream is the source of the interpretation also. They are for us to understand and to believe. We may comment on the interpretations given, but not interpret them.
Daniel 7:1-28 ; Daniel 8:1-27 . THE DEEAM, AND VISIONS OF DANIEL. THE END OF GENTILE DOMINION. ( Division. )
B | Z1 | 7:1-28. The Vision of the Four Beasts. (First year.)
| Z2 | 8:1-27. The Vision of the Two Beasts. (Third year.)
Daniel 7:1-28 (Z1, above). THE VISION OF THE FOUR BEASTS. ( Repeated Alternations. )
(You may need to widen your viewing window for this chart to display properly)
Z1 | A1 | C1 | 1-8. The Four Beasts. The
| | D1 | 9-14 The judgment of the Son of Man Vision.
| B1 | 15, 16 Daniel's perturbation and inquiry.
| A2 | C2 | 17. The Four Beasts. The
| | D2 | 18. The judgement of the Son of Man. Interpretation.
B2 | 19-22. Daniel's inquiry.
| A3 | C3 | 23-23. The Fourth Beast The
| | D3 | 26,27. The judgement of the Son of Man. Interpretation
| B3 | 28. Daniel's perturbations.
Belshazzar . The last king of Babylon. Until 1854, when Sir H. C. Rawlinson discovered the cuneiform texts, all was speculation. An inscription belonging to the first year of Nabonidus, his father (see notes on Daniel 5:2 , and Jeremiah 27:7 ), calls him his "firstborn son" and gives his name Belsarra-uzer = "O Bel defend the king". There are frequent references to him in contracts and similar documents (Encycl. Brit, 11th (Cambridge) ed., vol. iii, p. 711). He was the last king of Babylon (Daniel 5:30 , Daniel 5:31 ). See note on Daniel 5:7 .
had = beheld.
a dream . One of twenty recorded dreams. See note on Genesis 20:3 .
he wrote . This is to be noted, as it was afterward "told" in speech (verses: Daniel 7:1 , Daniel 7:2 ).
the sum = substance, or the chief of the words.
matters = words.
2.
Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.
spake and said . The vision is related in words.
I saw = I was looking.
by = during.
the four winds . All blowing at the same time and producing the one result described in verses: Daniel 7:3-8 .
winds . Chaldee. ruach. App-9 .
strove upon = brake or burst forth against; converging on one point.
the great sea: i.e. the Mediterranean Sea, or the sea, denoting the peoples of the earth, as interpreted for us in Daniel 7:17 .
3.
And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
four great beasts . These are not the four dominions of Daniel 2 . They stand up one after the other, and each stands, successively, in the place of the other. These are to arise in "the days of" those last "ten kings" of Daniel 2:44 . These continue the last of Nebuchadnezzar's last dominion, and do exist together. See note on Daniel 7:12 below.
4.
The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
The first, &c . Cannot be Babylon, for this had already arisen, and was within two years of its end (see notes on Daniel 7:1 ). Daniel could not see that kingdom arise now. He had said, "Thou art this head of gold" (Daniel 2:38 ); but Nebuchadnezzar himself had been dead twenty-three years, and these are "four kings which shall arise" (Daniel 7:17 ). Therefore Babylon is not included.
like . These descriptions will be easily recognized by those who shall see them arise.
I beheld = I continued looking, as in verses: Daniel 7:6 , Daniel 7:9 , Daniel 7:11 . Same as "I saw" in verses: Daniel 7:2 , Daniel 7:7 , Daniel 7:13 .
till = till that.
the feet = the two feet.
man . Chaldee ' anash . App-14 .
5.
And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
it raised up itself: or, was made to stand.
on one side: i.e. partially.
three ribs, &c . This is not interpreted by the angel. The interpretations given by man are diverse, conflicting, and are unnecessary.
6.
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
a fowl = a bird.
four heads . These are not interpreted, and will be understood only when they are seen. It will have these four heads at the time of its being seen.
7.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
a fourth beast. Not Rome, for it has the "ten horns" when it is first seen. Moreover, these ten horns are not seen till the time of the end. This fourth beast therefore belongs to the time of the end. The beast of Revelation 13:1-10 combines in himself all these resemblances. See note on Daniel 7:23 .
great iron teeth. Literally two (or two rows of) teeth, great ones.
the residue = the rest: i.e. the other three beasts which will be co-existent. They do not destroy or succeed one another, like the kingdoms in Daniel 2 ; but are trampled on by the fourth beast. See Daniel 7:12 .
before = in front of, as in verses: Daniel 7:10 , Daniel 7:13 , Daniel 7:20 , and Daniel 6:10 , Daniel 6:11 , Daniel 6:12 , Daniel 6:13 , Daniel 6:18 , Daniel 6:22 , Daniel 6:26 , &c. Chaldee. kedam , as in Ezra 4:18 , Ezra 4:23 ; Ezra 7:14 , Ezra 7:19 ; and frequently in Dan. Ch. Daniel 2:3 , Daniel 2:4 , Daniel 2:5 . This shows that the three will be co-existent, for this could not be spoken of those who had long passed away.
ten horns . These are the same as in Revelation 17:12 , and represent the ten contemporaneous kings at the time of the end. See notes on verses: Daniel 7:8 , Daniel 7:24 .
8.
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
I considered = Iwas considering.
the horns . Mentioned in Daniel 7:7 .
little horn = a horn of small beginnings. This identifies this vision with those of Ch. Daniel 8:9 , Daniel 8:11 , Daniel 8:12 . See App-90 . The first of twelve titles given to the power commonly known as "the Antichrist": it is used again in Daniel 8:9 . Compare Daniel 11:21-30 . Note the other titles: "the king of Babylon" (Isaiah 14:4 ); "the Assyrian" (Isaiah 14:25 ); "Lucifer, son of the morning", in opposition to "the bright and morning star" (Isaiah 14:12 ); "the Prince that shall come" (Daniel 9:26 ); "the king of fierce countenance" (Daniel 8:23 ); "the vile person" (Daniel 11:21 ); "the wilful king" (Daniel 11:36 ); "the man of sin" (2 Thessalonians 2:3 ); "the son of perdition" (2 Thessalonians 2:3 ); "that wicked (or lawless) one" (2 Thessalonians 2:8 . Revelation 13:18 ); "the beast with ten horns" (Revelation 13:1 ).
man = a mortal man. Chaldee ' enash . App-14 .
speaking great things . This is a further development, explained in verses: Daniel 7:11 , Daniel 7:20 , Daniel 7:25 ; Daniel 8:11 ; Daniel 11:36 , Daniel 11:37 ; 2Th 2:3 , 2 Thessalonians 2:4 .Revelation 13:5 , Revelation 13:6 .
9.
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
till = till that.
the thrones = the seats for judgment.
cast down = set or placed. The seats of Orientals are cushions laid, not "set", but "cast down". The reference is to this, in Revelation 4:2 . Compare Psalms 9:7 ; Psalms 29:10 . Isaiah 28:6 .
the Ancient of days = the Everlasting One. Compare Psalms 90:2 .Revelation 4:2 .
did sit = took His seat.
white as snow, &c . Compare Revelation 1:4 .
his wheels = the wheels thereof: i.e. of the throne. Compare Ezekiel 1:15-20 , Ezekiel 1:26-28 ; Ezekiel 10:9-13 .
10.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
ministered = were ministering.
stood = were standing. Indicating readiness for service.
the judgment = the Judge; "judgment" being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of the Subject), App-6 , for the Judge Who actually sat.
was set = took His seat.
the books, &c . Literally "books were opened".
11.
I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
the horn spake = the horn kept speaking.
the beast. At length we learn who "the (little) horn" is See note on Daniel 7:8 and Revelation 19:20 .
the burning flame. Compare 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:8 .
12.
As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
the rest of the beasts: i.e. the three mentioned in verses: Daniel 7:4-7 as co-existing,
they had, &c . = their dominion was caused to pass away.
their lives were prolonged = a lengthening of their life was given to them: i.e. the remaining three after the fourth beast has been destroyed.
for a season and time: i.e. for an appointed season.
13.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
the Son of Man. See notes on Psalms 8:4 .Matthew 8:20 .
came = was coming.
14.
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
there was given, &c . = to Him was given, &c.
people = peoples.
an everlasting dominion . See verses: Daniel 7:18 , Daniel 7:27 , Dan 7:35 , Daniel 2:44 ; Daniel 4:3 ; Daniel 6:26 . Psalms 45:6 ; Psalms 145:13 ; Psalms 146:10 . Isaiah 9:7 . Obadiah 1:21 .Micah 4:7 . 3 John 1:12; 3 John 1:12 :34 .Hebrews 1:8 .
15.
I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
grieved. Because he did not understand . Therefore Dan 7 could not be identical with Daniel 2 , because he had interpreted that already to Nebuchadnezzar.
my spirit = myself. Chaldee. rua c h . App-9 .
16.
I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
them.: i.e. the standing ones.
stood = were standing.
asked = made exact inquiry.
truth = certainty. Chaldee. ya'ib.
of = about.
17.
These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
These great beasts, &c. In Daniel 7:17-18 we have therefore the interpretation of this vision, which needs no further interpretation by man.
shall arise. The two which had already arisen cannot therefore be included: Babylon and Medo-Persia,which almost (at this time) equalled Babylon in extent. The vision is not continuous history, but the prophecy of a crisis: and refers to the ten toes of the fifth power of Daniel 2 . See note on Daniel 7:12 . In this, and in each successive vision we are always directed to the end and consummation. Compare Daniel 7:26 ; Daniel 8:17-19 ; Daniel 9:26 ; Daniel 11:40 ; Daniel 12:4 , Daniel 12:9 , Daniel 12:13 .Matthew 24:14 , Matthew 24:15 . See App-90 .
18.
But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
the saints = the holy ones: i.e. God's People Israel.
the MOST HIGH . Chaldee. 'elyonin. Same as Hebrew. 'elyon. App-4 . Here plural = the Messiah Himself in relation to dominion in the earth. Daniel 7:27 shows that a Person is intended, not a place.
take = receive. As in Daniel 5:31 ; Compare Daniel 2:6 .
19.
Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
nails = claws, or hoofs. Chaldee text is plural; margin is singular.
feet . Chaldee text, plural; margin is singular.
20.
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
the other: i.e. the little horn of Daniel 7:8 , which is still future. See App-90 ; and Compare Daniel 8:9-12 , Daniel 8:23-25 , and note on Daniel 7:8 .
spake . See note on "speaking", Daniel 7:8 .
21.
I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
the same horn . Compare Daniel 7:8 .
made war. This connects "the little horn" with Revelation 13:7 , and shows it to be still future.
22.
Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
judgment: or, vindication.
23.
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
Thus he said . Giving an additional interpretation.
24.
And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
ten kings . See note on Daniel 7:7 .
he . The little horn of verses: Daniel 7:8 , Daniel 7:20 .
three kings . See the interpretation of Daniel 7:8 .
25.
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
wear out = afflict.
laws = law.
time and times, &c.: i.e. three and a half years = one half of the "one week" of Daniel 9:27 . It is repeated as forty-two months ( Rev 11:21 , Revelation 11:3 ). See App-90 and App-91 ; and Compare Daniel 8:14 ; Daniel 12:7 , Daniel 12:11 , Daniel 12:12 .
26.
But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
shall sit = will take His seat.
unto the end . This is the determining factor of the interpretation. Compare Daniel 8:17-19 ; Daniel 9:26 ; Daniel 11:40 ; Daniel 12:4 , Daniel 12:9 , Daniel 12:13 .Matthew 24:14 . See note on Daniel 7:17 .
27.
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Whose, &c. This shows that 'elyonin (in Daniel 7:18 ) means a person, and not a place.
28.
Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.
much troubled me: or, baffled me. See note on "grieved", Daniel 7:15 .
I kept, &c. Compare Luke 2:19 . Here ends the portion of the book written in the Chaldee (or Gentile) tongue.