The first six chapters of Daniel are historical and the last six are prophetic. Chapter seven returns to the time before the lions’ den, during the reign of Belshazzar over Babylon. During that time, when Daniel was about 68 years of age, he had a dream while he slept. He had interpreted dreams for King Nebuchadnezzar and now he was the recipient of dreams.

He saw the four winds of heaven stirring up the sea. The winds could also be translated spirits, so he may have seen angels. The great sea would refer to the Mediterranean Sea meaning this vision was related to that part of the world. Out of the sea came four great beasts, each different from one another. The four beasts correspond with the four parts of the figure in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and represent Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome respectively.

The first beast was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. As he watched, the wings were plucked off and the beast rose to stand on two feet like a man and it was given the intelligence of a man. Elsewhere in the Bible, Nebuchadnezzar is symbolised as a lion (e.g. Jer 4:7) and an eagle (e.g. Jer 49:22). The symbolism of the wings being plucked off and the lion lifted up and given a human mind likely refers to Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling through insanity and later restoration to honour.

Then a second beast came out which looked like a bear and was raised up on one side. In its mouth, it had three ribs between its teeth. It was told to arise and devour much flesh. The bearish beast symbolises the Medo-Persian empire. Being raised on one side likely indicates the dominance of Persia over Media in the alliance. The ribs in the beast’s mouth probably refer to its large conquests over Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt. Its instructions to devour much flesh point forward to its continued conquests that led to the empire controlling more territory than any other up to that time. It was also given the instruction meaning it was fulfilling God’s purpose.

The third beast to come out of the sea was like a leopard with four bird’s wings on its back. The beast had four heads and dominion was given to it. This beast represents Greece. The wings on its back gave it tremendous speed symbolising the Grecian conquests. Alexander the Great invaded Asia Minor in 334 BC and within ten years he had conquered the entire Medo-Persian Empire and reached India. After Alexander died his kingdom was divided into four parts.

The fourth beast to come out was the worst of the lot. It was terrifying and dreadful. It was incredibly strong and had large iron teeth. it devoured with its teeth, destroyed things to pieces, and decimated what was left with its feet. The significant difference about this beast was the ten horns on its head. As Daniel pondered the horns, a little new horn came out and caused three others to be plucked out by their roots. This extra horn had eyes like a man and a mouth which spoke arrogantly.

The vision then switches to the Ancient of Days seated on the throne with clothing and hair white like snow and wool respectively. His throne is fiery flames with wheels which is reminiscent of Ezekiel’s vision (Ezek 1; 10). This is the eternal God who is seated as the righteous judge and books are opened. These books contain the wicked deeds that will confirm that those judged deserve their judgment.

In comparison to the great and eternal God, the little horn continues to spurt forth words of arrogance. But while Daniel was watching, the beast was killed and its body destroyed by fire. The rest of the beasts lost their dominion but they were allowed to live for a period (as they were absorbed into subsequent empires).

The vision reaches a climax as with the clouds of heaven One like the son of man is presented before the Ancient of Days. This is someone in human form but so much greater than a mere man. Jesus referred to Himself as the “Son of Man” based on this prophecy. Jesus is pictured in the vision as receiving dominion and glory and an eternal kingdom in which all peoples, nations, and languages will serve Him.

While aspects of Daniel’s vision can be confusing and even debated, what is clear is that God is sovereign over all the rulers of the world. No matter how large any human dominion reaches, God always sits as the righteous judge who will bring about His kingdom in His time. We can rest in the knowledge that God is always in control.