How does Daniel 7:17 connect with Revelation's depiction of end-times kingdoms? Scripture Focus: Daniel 7:17 “‘These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth.’” four beasts, four earthly empires • Babylon (lion, Daniel 7:4) • Medo-Persia (bear, Daniel 7:5) • Greece (leopard, Daniel 7:6) • Rome (dreadful beast, Daniel 7:7) Each empire follows the other just as Daniel had earlier seen in Nebuchadnezzar’s statue (Daniel 2:31-43). from daniel to revelation: one prophetic thread • Revelation picks up where Daniel leaves off. The “fourth beast” of Daniel grows into the composite “beast from the sea” (Revelation 13:1-2). • John’s beast has “ten horns” and characteristics of a leopard, bear, and lion—an intentional echo of Daniel’s vision, showing continuity. • The ten horns (Daniel 7:24; Revelation 17:12) point to a future confederation of rulers that arise out of the old Roman realm. • The “little horn” of Daniel 7 (vv. 8, 24-25) merges with Revelation’s “beast”/Antichrist (Revelation 13:5-7; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) as the final persecuting ruler. shared symbols and imagery • Horns = political power or kings (Daniel 7:24; Revelation 17:12). • Heads = successive manifestations of that power (Revelation 17:9-10). • Blasphemous mouth = arrogant opposition to God (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5-6). • War on the saints = global persecution (Daniel 7:21; Revelation 13:7). progressive revelation of the final empire 1. Daniel identifies four historical kingdoms, spotlighting the final one as uniquely terrible. 2. Revelation shows that Rome’s spirit persists until the end, reemerging in a ten-king alliance led by the Antichrist. 3. Both books end the same way: human empires fall, and the Son of Man receives everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 11:15). why the connection matters • Confirms the coherence of Scripture—prophecies given 600 years apart fit together precisely. • Establishes that history is moving toward a climactic confrontation between Christ and a last Gentile empire. • Encourages believers to stay alert yet hopeful: “The saints will receive the kingdom and possess it forever—yes, forever and ever.” (Daniel 7:18) |
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