Question 1

What do the four beasts in Daniel’s vision represent?

Accepted Answer

The passage itself says the four beasts are four kings or kingdoms that rise from the earth. Each beast shows what those empires are like: a lion with eagle’s wings, a bear with three ribs, a leopard with four wings and four heads, and a terrifying fourth beast with iron teeth. They picture strong, violent world powers that rule for a time but do not last. The point is not to glorify these kingdoms, but to show that even the biggest empires are wild and temporary under God’s higher rule.

Question 2

Who is the “Ancient of days” and what is He doing here?

Accepted Answer

The “Ancient of days” is a picture of God as the eternal, holy Judge. His white clothing and hair point to purity and wisdom. Fire around His throne shows His power and judgment. In the vision, thrones are set, countless beings stand before Him, and “the books are opened.” This scene shows that God does not ignore the violence of the beasts or the suffering of the saints. He sits in judgment over all rulers, removes their power, and brings their pride to an end.

Question 3

Who is the “Son of man” who comes with the clouds of heaven?

Accepted Answer

The one “like the Son of man” is a human-looking figure who comes with the clouds to the Ancient of days and is given glory, authority, and an everlasting kingdom. All peoples, nations, and languages serve Him. This points to the Messiah, whom the New Testament identifies as Jesus. Unlike the beastly kingdoms, His rule is gentle, just, and never ends. God’s plan is that this Son of Man receives the kingdom and then shares it with the saints who belong to Him.

Question 4

What is the little horn that speaks great words and wears out the saints?

Accepted Answer

The little horn grows out of the fourth beast and has eyes like a man and a mouth speaking proud, blasphemous words. It fights against the saints and seems to win for a while. The passage explains that it pictures a king arising after other kings, different from the rest, who will oppose God, persecute His people, and try to change times and laws. His power, however, is limited. God allows him a set period, then judges him, takes away his dominion, and brings his rule to an end.

Question 5

What does it mean that the saints of the Most High “possess the kingdom”?

Accepted Answer

Three times the passage says the saints of the Most High will take and possess the kingdom forever. This means that in the end, God does not just judge evil powers; He also shares His rule with His people. Those who belong to Him, who may be worn out and oppressed for a time, will finally share in the everlasting kingdom given to the Son of Man. Their loss and suffering are not the final word. God’s plan is lasting honor and shared rule under Christ.

Question 6

Why was Daniel so troubled by this vision if it ends in victory?

Accepted Answer

Daniel says his spirit was grieved and his thoughts troubled him. Even though the vision ends with God’s kingdom, the path there is full of violence, proud rulers, and suffering for the saints. Seeing the little horn wage war and prevail for a time is deeply upsetting. Daniel feels the weight of what God’s people will face. His reaction reminds us that faith does not mean we shrug off evil. We can be honest about how hard things are, while still holding on to God’s final victory.

Question 7

What does this vision teach about God’s rule over history?

Accepted Answer

This vision shows that God is not surprised or threatened by any empire. The beasts rise from the stormy sea, but God is already seated as the Ancient of days. He allows kingdoms to rise and fall, sets limits on their power, and judges their pride and cruelty. While rulers boast and persecute, God keeps His books and the time He has fixed. In the end He takes away their dominion and gives an everlasting kingdom to the Son of Man and to His saints. History moves under His hand.

Question 8

How can this passage encourage believers who face injustice or persecution?

Accepted Answer

This passage is honest that God’s people may be “worn out” and even seem to lose for a time. Yet it anchors them in a bigger story. Oppressive powers are pictured as beasts that will be judged and removed. God sees, sets a limit on their rule, and has already prepared a kingdom that cannot be destroyed. For believers, this means present suffering is real but not final. They can endure with hope, knowing that the Son of Man will reign openly and they will share His kingdom forever.

Question 9

Why does God allow the little horn power for “a time, times, and the dividing of time”?

Accepted Answer

The wording here is difficult and has been read in more than one way, but the main idea is clear: God allows this proud ruler a set, limited period to act. He can speak against God, pressure the saints, and try to change what God has set, but only within boundaries God Himself decides. This reminds believers that even the darkest seasons are timed by God. Evil is not endless. When God’s set time ends, judgment comes, the horn’s dominion is taken away, and the saints receive the kingdom.

Question 10

How should believers today respond to the message of Daniel’s vision?

Accepted Answer

Believers are called to take this vision to heart like Daniel did. Instead of putting their hope in any earthly power, they remember that all human kingdoms are temporary and often beast-like. They can expect turmoil in history, but they do not need to panic, because God is on the throne and has already given the kingdom to the Son of Man. Practically, this means patient faith, courage when opposed, and comfort that their future is tied not to changing empires, but to Christ’s everlasting rule.

Daniel 7:1

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.

Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts

Daniel’s Vision of the Ancient of Days

Daniel’s Vision of the Son of Man

Daniel’s Visions Interpreted

Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts

Cross References

Daniel 7:1

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.

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Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts

Daniel’s Vision of the Ancient of Days

Daniel’s Vision of the Son of Man

Daniel’s Visions Interpreted

Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts

Cross References