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Daniel 7: Visions of Kingdoms and the Ancient of Days

An outline for a Bible study on Daniel 7, focusing on the visions of the four beasts, the little horn, the Ancient of Days, and the Son of Man, emphasizing the everlasting kingdom of the saints.

1. The Four Beasts: Symbols of Earthly Kingdoms

1.1 The Lion with Eagle's Wings

Verses: Daniel 7:4
  • Represents the Babylonian Empire, known for its strength and swiftness.
  • The plucking of the wings suggests a humbling or weakening of its power.

1.2 The Bear Raised Up on One Side

Verses: Daniel 7:5
  • Symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire, indicating a dual power structure.
  • The three ribs in its mouth may represent conquered kingdoms or the empire's voracious appetite for conquest.

1.3 The Leopard with Four Wings and Four Heads

Verses: Daniel 7:6
  • Represents the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great, known for its speed and rapid expansion.
  • The four heads symbolize the division of the empire among Alexander's generals after his death.

1.4 The Dreadful and Terrible Beast

Verses: Daniel 7:7
  • Represents the Roman Empire, distinct from previous kingdoms in its brutality and power.
  • Its iron teeth and bronze claws signify its destructive capabilities and dominion over the earth.

2. The Little Horn: A Blasphemous Power

2.1 Arising Among the Ten Horns

Verses: Daniel 7:8
  • The little horn emerges from within the Roman Empire, suggesting a power that arises from within.
  • It uproots three horns, indicating its dominance and suppression of other powers.

2.2 Speaking Great Things and Persecuting the Saints

Verses: Daniel 7:21; Daniel 7:25
  • The little horn is characterized by blasphemous speech and opposition to the Most High.
  • It wages war against the saints and prevails for a time, causing great tribulation.

3. The Ancient of Days and the Judgment

3.1 The Throne and the Books

Verses: Daniel 7:9-10
  • The Ancient of Days, whose garment was white as snow, sits on a fiery throne, symbolizing divine authority and judgment.
  • Books are opened, signifying a thorough and impartial examination of deeds and lives.

3.2 The Destruction of the Beast

Verses: Daniel 7:11
  • The beast is destroyed and given to the burning flame, signifying the ultimate defeat of evil and opposition to God.
  • The judgment is set, and the kingdom of the beast is brought to an end.

4. The Son of Man and the Everlasting Kingdom

4.1 Coming with the Clouds of Heaven

Verses: Daniel 7:13-14
  • The Son of Man is presented before the Ancient of Days, receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom.
  • His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that shall not pass away, signifying its eternal nature.

4.2 Dominion, Glory, and Kingdom

Verses: Daniel 7:14; Daniel 7:18; Daniel 7:27
  • All peoples, nations, and languages shall serve Him, highlighting the universal scope of His reign.
  • The saints of the Most High shall possess the kingdom forever, emphasizing their inheritance in God's eternal dominion.

5. Understanding the Vision: Interpretation and Application

5.1 The Interpretation of the Beasts

Verses: Daniel 7:17
  • The four great beasts represent four kings or kingdoms that shall arise out of the earth.
  • The vision provides a prophetic overview of world history and the rise and fall of empires.

5.2 The Kingdom of the Saints

Verses: Daniel 7:18; Daniel 7:22; Daniel 7:27
  • The saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess it forever, signifying their ultimate victory and inheritance.
  • This kingdom is not merely earthly but spiritual and eternal, established by the power and authority of the Most High.