Daniel's Four Beasts | Daniel 7:1-14

Daniel 7 presents a prophetic vision where Daniel sees four beasts emerging from the turbulent "sea," symbolizing Gentile nations influenced by God's scattered people, Israel. These beasts represent successive world empires: Babylon (lion with eagle's wings), Persia (bear), Greece under Alexander (leopard), and Rome (a terrifying, undefined beast with ten horns), with the last featuring a blasphemous "little horn." The vision transitions to a divine scene where the "Ancient of Days" (God) presides over a heavenly court, and the beasts' dominion is stripped away. The "Son of Man," a messianic figure, is then given everlasting dominion over all, symbolizing Christ's ascension and reign. This vision underscores the temporary nature of earthly powers and the eternal sovereignty of God's kingdom, encouraging believers to remain faithful amidst persecution, as their steadfastness contributes to the manifestation of Christ's rule on earth.