Daniel's Visions and Prophecies in Chapter Seven

Daniel receives this vision at the beginning of the reign of belshazzar, some time beforet events described in the preceding two chapters. When considering such a vision, we should appreciate that it is not merely about random world historical events in the ancient near east. It relates to the broader covenantal purpose of the lord playing out in history. The beasts of the nations are part of the picture, but they are not at the centre. This is where the key event the vision takes place. And that is also the place from which the significance of the earthly events can be perceived. Were one merely viewing the events from an earthly perspective, one wouldn't perceive the significance of what was occurring.