In what ways can Daniel 7:20 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty? Verse at a Glance “I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—about the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance and that was more imposing than the others.” (Daniel 7:20) Setting the Scene • Daniel receives a night vision in which four beasts rise from the sea (vv. 3-8). • The fourth beast is terrifying, with ten horns; a smaller “other horn” rises, topples three, and boasts arrogantly. • Daniel 7:20 zeroes in on this boastful horn—symbolic of a final, blasphemous world ruler (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:5-6). • Immediately afterward, “the Ancient of Days” takes His seat (v. 9), judges the beast (v. 11), and hands the kingdom to the saints (vv. 26-27). Reasons This Verse Inspires Confidence in God’s Sovereignty • Prophecy proves His foreknowledge – Long before any empire fit the description, God spelled out the rise of a specific, arrogant ruler. – Isaiah 46:9-10: “I declare the end from the beginning… My purpose will stand.” • Evil is on a leash – The arrogant horn appears “more imposing,” yet still functions within limits God already set (Daniel 7:12). – Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD.” • Judgment is certain – The horn boasts for a season, but “the court will convene” and his dominion “will be… destroyed forever” (v. 26). – Psalm 2:4: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” • The saints inherit the kingdom – Verse 22: “The time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.” – Romans 8:28 assures that even present suffering weaves into God’s good purpose. • Christ is at the center of God’s plan – Daniel 7:13-14 portrays “One like a Son of Man… His dominion is an everlasting dominion.” – Matthew 28:18 echoes this fulfillment: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” Take-Home Truths for Everyday Trust • Because God already saw—and recorded—the bravado of the final antichrist, no modern headline can surprise Him. • The loudest boast of evil is mere noise compared to the silent decree of the Ancient of Days. • Our confidence rests not in earthly stability but in the unshakeable transfer of the kingdom to the saints. • Remembering the end of the story empowers faithfulness in the middle of the story. |
    |