A vision of world history (1–8). Man views human kingdoms as valuable metals (chap. 2), but God sees them as vicious animals that fight and devour each other. Human history will culminate in a worldwide kingdom under a satanic world ruler (Antichrist) who will defy God and eventually be defeated by God’s Son.
A vision of heaven (9–14). While the beasts are fighting on earth, God is holding court in heaven, and everything is under His control. Jesus Christ will one day establish a righteous kingdom that nobody will overthrow.
A vision of saints on earth (15–28). These “saints” are believers during the end times, just before the Lord returns to set up His kingdom. But what Daniel says about them has spiritual application to believers today. They are involved in a war (v. 21) and suffer persecution (v. 25), but they will receive the kingdom (v. 18) and reign with Christ (v. 27).
When the course of world history depresses you, look at events from heaven’s point of view.
Daniel’s Vision
Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 parallels what Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream (chap. 2). The lion (v. 4) is Babylon, the head of gold. The bear (v. 5) is Media-Persia, the arms and chest of silver. The leopard (v. 6) is Greece, the thigh of brass. The dreadful beast (v. 7) is Rome, the legs of iron. The little horn (v. 8) represents Antichrist and his kingdom, the toes of iron and clay. The Ancient of Days on the throne (vv. 9–14) parallels the smiting stone.
Bible Prophecy
How should believers respond when they get an understanding of God’s prophetic Word? Daniel was affected physically by his visions and was left weak and prostrate (7:15, 28; 8:17–18, 27; 10:8). Those who are proud of a knowledge of Bible prophecy may have learned only what it says and not what it means. Revelation always brings responsibility with it. If we really believe these things, we will obey what God tells us to do.
