What is the meaning of Daniel 7:12? As for the rest of the beasts Daniel has just watched the terrifying fourth beast judged and destroyed (Daniel 7:11). Turning back to the earlier three creatures—the lion, the bear, and the leopard—he records, “As for the rest of the beasts…” The vision makes clear that: •Each beast represents a historical empire that actually rose on earth: Babylon (Daniel 7:4; compare Daniel 2:37-38), Medo-Persia (Daniel 7:5; cf. Daniel 8:20), and Greece (Daniel 7:6; cf. Daniel 8:21). •They are called “beasts” because, from heaven’s perspective, human kingdoms that reject God behave like untamed animals (Psalm 2:1-3; Revelation 13:2). •All three still exist in some form while the fourth beast is being judged, showing an overlap of influence right up to the end (Revelation 17:8-13). their dominion was removed The verse continues, “…their dominion was removed.” Historically, each empire lost its ruling authority at a definite point: •Babylon fell to Cyrus the Persian (Daniel 5:30-31). •The Medo-Persian empire was broken by Alexander the Great (Daniel 8:7). •Greece fragmented and was eventually absorbed by Rome. In every case “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:17; cf. Daniel 2:21). Political power is never permanent; God alone grants and rescinds dominion. but they were granted an extension of life Even after surrendering world dominance, each culture lingered. Languages, laws, art, and philosophies outlived their governments: •Babylonian learning influenced Persia and later Greece (Daniel 1:4; Acts 7:22). •Persian administration left its mark on later empires (Esther 1:19). •Greek ideas shaped Rome and continue into modern Western thought (Acts 17:18-21). God allowed these civilizations to endure “for a season” because He works through history, patiently calling people to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). for a season and a time The phrase signals a fixed, God-appointed limit. It echoes wording used elsewhere in Daniel to mark predetermined durations (Daniel 4:25; 12:7). Key insights: •Human power is always on God’s clock (Acts 17:26). •The extension ends when Christ establishes His everlasting kingdom (Daniel 7:14; Revelation 11:15). •This boundary assures believers that evil cultures cannot outlast God’s plan; judgment and restoration are certain (Revelation 20:12-15). summary Daniel 7:12 teaches that former world empires lose their ruling authority under God’s hand, yet He allows their cultural influence to linger for a limited, divinely set period. This temporary extension highlights both the sovereignty and the patience of God, assuring us that every earthly power answers to Him and that His final kingdom will decisively end all rebellious rule. |
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