Daniel Chapter 7 – Commentary and Explanation
Bible Study Blog
Alright, let's get into it—Daniel Chapter 7. If you’ve been reading through the book of Daniel from the start, this is the chapter where the vibe kind of shifts. Up until now, it’s been stories: lions' dens, fiery furnaces, and dramatic kings. But now we take a hard turn into prophecy territory. And not just any prophecy—we’re talking full-on beasts rising from the sea, thrones of fire, and visions that shake Daniel to his core. You’ll see why this chapter has inspired so many books, theories, and debates. Buckle in.
The Setting: First Year of Belshazzar (Daniel 7:1)
Daniel 7 opens with a timestamp. It says, “In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed.” This is important because it's going back in time a bit. Remember, the last few chapters already moved forward chronologically. But here, we rewind. This vision happens before the writing on the wall incident in chapter 5 and before the lions’ den in chapter 6.
Also, up till now, Daniel’s been interpreting other people’s dreams. This time, he’s the one having the dream—and wow, what a dream it is.
The Four Beasts (Daniel 7:2–8)
Daniel sees four winds stirring up the “great sea,” and then out come four beasts, each one different from the others. The beasts represent kingdoms—just like the different metals in Nebuchadnezzar’s statue from chapter 2. But this time, the imagery is much more intense.
Let’s break them down:
1. The Lion with Eagle’s Wings
This first beast is often understood to represent Babylon. Strong like a lion, swift like an eagle. But then, its wings are plucked, and it’s made to stand like a man and given a human heart. Many believe this reflects Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling and restoration in Daniel 4. Powerful at first, but then changed—made more human.
2. The Bear Raised Up on One Side
This bear is told to devour much flesh and has three ribs in its mouth. The bear likely symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire. The detail about it being raised up on one side hints at the imbalance between the two: Persia became more dominant than Media. The three ribs? Maybe three major conquests—Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt.
3. The Four-Headed Leopard with Four Wings
Speed is the key image here. A leopard’s already fast, but with four wings? Lightning quick. Many scholars link this beast to Greece, and specifically Alexander the Great. His empire grew with wild speed, and after his death, it got divided among four generals—possibly the four heads.
4. The Terrifying Fourth Beast
This one's the scariest. No animal is named—just a “terrible, dreadful, and exceedingly strong” beast with iron teeth. It devours everything in its path and tramples what it doesn’t eat. It has ten horns. This fourth beast is widely understood to represent the Roman Empire, though some see it as a yet-to-come kingdom. Those ten horns? They often get interpreted as ten kings or kingdoms that arise from it.
But then another horn pops up—a “little horn”—and it does something shocking…
The Little Horn (Daniel 7:8)
This small horn has “eyes like the eyes of a man” and a “mouth speaking great things.” That’s kind of creepy. It's intelligent, prideful, and blasphemous. Daniel is particularly disturbed by this part.
This little horn becomes a focus in the vision. Many believe it represents a specific ruler, maybe the Antichrist. Others think it might represent a system of power or a corrupt religious force. Either way, it’s arrogant and opposed to God.
We’ll come back to the horn later. Let’s keep going.
The Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9–10)
Here comes the most majestic and holy part of the vision.
Daniel sees “thrones” being set up and then, “the Ancient of Days” takes His seat. This is clearly a vision of God Almighty—eternal, pure, all-powerful. His clothes are white as snow, His hair is like pure wool, His throne is like flames of fire, and a river of fire flows from before Him. Thousands and thousands serve Him.
It’s a courtroom scene. Judgement is happening. Books are opened. Justice is about to be served.
This image of God sitting as the Judge of all things is just stunning. And in the middle of terrifying beasts, violence, and arrogance, this is like a breath of heavenly air. Peaceful but powerful.
The Little Horn Gets Judged (Daniel 7:11–12)
Daniel watches as the “little horn” keeps speaking its arrogant words—and then it’s judged. The beast it belonged to is destroyed, completely consumed by fire. Done. Finished.
The other beasts had their dominion taken away, but they were allowed to live a bit longer. Strange detail, right? That might hint that the influence of earlier empires continues in some form, even after their rule officially ends.
The Son of Man (Daniel 7:13–14)
Oh wow. Now we come to what might be the most significant moment in the entire chapter:
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven…”
Let’s pause there. “Son of Man.” Jesus used that title for Himself more than any other. This passage is why. It’s not just about being human—it’s about divine authority.
This “Son of Man” comes before the Ancient of Days, and He’s given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. And not just any kingdom—one that will never be destroyed. Ever. His rule is eternal.
This is massive. In a world of rising and falling empires, the Son of Man gets a kingdom that’s forever. That’s why Christians link this to Jesus Christ. He’s the one who fulfills this vision.
Daniel’s Reaction (Daniel 7:15–16)
Daniel is not okay after this vision. He says, “my spirit was grieved in the midst of my body.” Can you blame him? This isn’t a dream you forget by breakfast.
So he approaches one of the heavenly beings (an angel, perhaps) and asks for the interpretation. He wants answers. Don’t we all?
The Angel’s Explanation (Daniel 7:17–18)
The angel gives a simple version first: The four beasts are four kings or kingdoms. But the good news? “The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.”
Now that’s a promise. No matter what these beasts do, in the end—God’s people win.
More on the Fourth Beast (Daniel 7:19–25)
Daniel is particularly disturbed by that fourth beast and the little horn. So he asks more about it. And the angel explains:
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The fourth beast is different from the others—more brutal.
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The ten horns are ten kings.
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Then comes the “little horn,” who will uproot three of the others.
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This ruler will speak against the Most High, persecute His saints, and try to “change times and laws.”
That last phrase—“change times and laws”—is cryptic. It might refer to religious holidays, calendars, or legal systems. In other words, this figure will try to reshape society in his own twisted image.
It also says that the saints will be handed over to him “for a time, times, and the dividing of time.” That’s often interpreted as three and a half years—a symbolically significant period that shows up elsewhere in Scripture, especially Revelation.
But the Court Will Sit (Daniel 7:26–27)
Here comes the reversal.
Even though this horn wages war and seems powerful for a time, the heavenly court sits. Judgment is passed. The dominion of the horn—and the fourth beast—is taken away. Completely destroyed.
And then?
“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…”
Can you even imagine that? The weak become rulers. The saints, once persecuted, are now given authority. Not just over a small patch of land—but over the whole world.
This kingdom is everlasting. It won’t pass away. The same theme keeps popping up—temporary evil, eternal righteousness.
Daniel’s Final Reaction (Daniel 7:28)
Daniel ends with this:
“As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.”
In other words: “That vision messed me up. I didn’t even look the same afterward.” And yet, he doesn’t go shouting it from the rooftops right away. He ponders it. Stores it up.
Which, honestly, is probably wise. Some visions take time to understand.
Themes to Reflect On
Now that we’ve walked through Daniel 7 verse by verse, let’s step back and chew on some of the bigger themes that rise to the surface:
1. Earthly Powers Are Temporary
Empires rise and fall. From Babylon to Persia to Greece to Rome—or any modern nation—none of them last forever. They roar for a moment, devour what they can, and then they fade. God’s kingdom? Eternal. It doesn’t need tanks or elections or legislation. It just is.
2. God Is Always in Control
Even when it seems like evil is winning—God’s not panicking. He’s on His throne. The Ancient of Days sits in judgment, and nothing gets past Him. He sees it all, and He will act in His time.
3. The Son of Man Is Central
This chapter gives us one of the clearest Old Testament pictures of Jesus. The “Son of Man” comes with the clouds and is given authority that never ends. If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus kept calling Himself that—it’s because of this chapter. He is the fulfillment of this vision.
4. The Saints Have a Role
Did you catch how many times the saints were mentioned? They’re not just bystanders. They’re oppressed, yes—but ultimately, they inherit the kingdom. There’s glory waiting on the other side of the suffering.
Final Thoughts: Why This Chapter Still Matters
Daniel 7 might feel distant, like some ancient or futuristic dream you can’t quite grasp. But it’s so relevant. Because we still live in a world full of beasts—arrogant leaders, violent systems, and kingdoms that rise and fall. We still wonder who’s in charge, whether justice will ever roll down, and if good can ever win in the end.
Daniel’s vision answers with a resounding: Yes.
Yes, evil exists—but it’s on a timer.
Yes, God sees—and He will judge.
Yes, the saints suffer—but they’ll reign.
Yes, the Son of Man will return—and His kingdom will not end.
So don’t get discouraged by the chaos. The Ancient of Days is still on the throne. And the Son of Man still holds the keys. Let’s live like that’s true.
Amen? Let it be so.
Thanks for reading! If this post stirred something in you or helped you understand Daniel 7 a little better, feel free to share or drop a comment below. Let’s keep digging into God’s Word together.
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