The Vision of Daniel 7 and its Prophetic Depth

The vision of Daniel 7, found in the Old Testament, is one of the most significant and deeply symbolic passages in the Bible. When comparing this vision with Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2, we see that while both episodes share similarities, Daniel 7 expands and details the events predicted in the vision of the statue. Delving deeper into the nature of the kingdoms that would arise and the role of heavenly judgment, Daniel 7 offers a unique perspective that illuminates the relationship between earthly powers and divine dominion. This text leads us to reflect on the struggle between the forces of evil and the sovereignty of God, pointing to the restoration of divine governance over the Earth.

The Stormy Sea and the Four Beasts

Daniel 7 begins with a scene familiar to any student of creation: the sea stirred by the forces of the wind. The image of the sea is traditionally associated with disorder and chaos, something far removed from God's original order. In this case, the sea symbolizes humanity in its fallen condition, agitated by the winds of history and marked by uncertainty and violence. The vision of the four beasts that emerge from this sea represents the kingdoms that would arise throughout history, powers that would exercise dominion over the world, distorting divine order and creating unjust systems.

Each of the four beasts that appear in Daniel's vision represents an empire or nation that will exert control over the world. These beasts are not merely symbolic creatures but reflect the nature and actions of the kingdoms that would dominate the Earth. Let us analyze each of them.

Lion: This animal, associated with the Babylonian Empire, is described with wings, a symbol of speed and power. The lion was one of the most representative images of Babylon, a nation that conquered vast territories and became a world power. However, the fact that its wings were plucked and the lion was made to stand like a man with a human heart indicates the decline of Babylon under its later kings, especially after the fall of Nebuchadnezzar.

Bear: Representing the Medo-Persian Empire, the bear is described with one side raised, symbolizing the superiority of the Persians over the Medes. The three ribs in the bear's mouth represent the three great conquests of the Persians: Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt. The bear symbolizes an empire that conquered with brutality and strength, much like the Medo-Persian Empire.

Leopard: This animal symbolizes the Greek Empire of Alexander the Great, whose rapid and uncontrollable conquests are symbolized by four wings, indicating the speed with which Alexander conquered vast territories in a short period. The leopard, with its ability to move quickly, represents the rapid spread of the Greek Empire.

The Terrifying and Dreadful Beast: The fourth beast is the most enigmatic and fearsome. It is described as a monstrous creature with ten horns and great strength. This beast symbolizes the Roman Empire, whose domination was brutal and extensive. Rome's rule over the world was marked by violence and oppression, and the fact that the beast is described as "terrifying and dreadful" reflects the ruthless nature of this empire.

The Little Horn and Its Power

Within the fourth beast, Daniel observes a little horn that arises after the fall of three other horns. This horn, which speaks arrogantly and has human eyes, represents a power that would continue to act cruelly but with a nature different from the previous empires. The little horn is often interpreted as symbolizing the papacy, which emerged after the fall of the Roman Empire and would exercise political and religious authority for a period of 1,260 years, according to prophetic calculation.

The little horn performs three main actions against God and His people:

Speaks words against the Most High.

Persecutes and destroys the saints of God.

Changes divine times and laws.

These actions reflect an attempt to replace God's authority, especially regarding worship and obedience to His Law. The introduction of new doctrines, such as the change from Saturday to Sunday, and the imposition of human mediation between God and humanity are seen as examples of this alteration of divine laws.

The period of 1,260 years (538-1798 A.D.) refers to the time when the papacy would have great influence and power, with persecutions against all who remained faithful to the Word of God.

The Heavenly Judgment

After the vision of the four beasts and the rise of the little horn, Daniel sees a scene of judgment in Heaven. Thrones are set up, and the "Ancient of Days" sits down to judge. The cosmic judgment portrayed here is distinct from other judgments described in Scripture, as it affects both the little horn and the saints of the Most High, who would finally inherit the eternal kingdom.

This judgment occurs after the 1,260 years of domination by the little horn but before the establishment of God's final kingdom.

The heavenly judgment is not only an act of condemnation but also of vindication for the saints of God. Through this judgment, God's sovereignty is restored, and His kingdom is finally established, removing the corrupt human kingdoms.

The Coming of the Son of Man

Amid the judgment, a central figure emerges: the Son of Man. This title, which refers to a divine and human figure, is one of the main messianic symbols in the Old Testament. However, in Daniel 7, the Son of Man does not descend to Earth but moves from one place to another in Heaven, approaching the Ancient of Days to receive authority over all peoples and nations.

The description of the Son of Man coming with the clouds of Heaven has a clear connection to the second coming of Christ, but it also evokes the image of the high priest entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, an event of purification and forgiveness. The coming of the Son of Man is a public and glorious manifestation, where He receives dominion, glory, and an eternal kingdom.

The Saints of the Most High

The "saints of the Most High" are the people of God, those who will remain faithful to the Lord and will be the target of persecution from the little horn. However, Daniel 7's vision points to a future transformation, where the saints will receive the kingdom of God, sharing victory with the Son of Man. Worship of God will be restored, and those who remain faithful to Him will have a part in the eternal kingdom.

Conclusion

The vision of Daniel 7 is a powerful representation of the struggle between the kingdoms of this world and God's dominion. It reveals to us the transition from temporary and oppressive human kingdoms to the eternal kingdom of God. The coming of the Son of Man and the heavenly judgment announce God's final victory over the powers of darkness. The promise of an eternal kingdom, where true worship will be restored, is a comfort to all the faithful who, despite difficulties and persecutions, await divine intervention with hope. This cosmic judgment is the assurance that, in the end, evil will be defeated, and God's kingdom will prevail forever.