What is the meaning of Daniel 7:18?

But

- The contrast calls back to the terrifying succession of earthly empires in Daniel 7:3-7, 17.

- While human kingdoms rise and fall (Daniel 2:21), God inserts a decisive “but,” signaling His final word overrides every earthly power (Psalm 33:10-11).

- This pivot echoes Psalm 46:6-7—nations rage, “but” the LORD remains our fortress.

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The saints of the Most High

- “Saints” identifies all who belong to God through faith, not a spiritual elite (Psalm 16:3; 1 Peter 2:9).

- “Most High” stresses God’s absolute supremacy over every ruler (Genesis 14:19; Acts 7:48).

- The vision shows persecuted believers (Daniel 7:21) ultimately vindicated, paralleling Revelation 13:7 → 20:4 where the same conflict ends in the saints’ reign.

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Will receive

- The verb underscores grace: the kingdom is not taken by force but granted by God (Luke 12:32, “your Father has pleased to give you the kingdom”).

- This gift follows Christ’s victory (Daniel 7:13-14; Colossians 1:13), showing that inheritance flows from our union with Him (Romans 8:17).

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The kingdom

- A single, literal future realm where Christ rules on earth (Isaiah 2:2-4; Zechariah 14:9).

- Unlike the temporary kingdoms symbolized by beasts, this one is humanly administered by the “Son of Man” and shared with His people (Revelation 5:10).

- It fulfills God’s covenant promise to David of an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:16; Luke 1:32-33).

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And possess it

- “Possess” speaks of active management, not mere residence (Matthew 25:21, 23).

- Believers will govern with Christ (1 Corinthians 6:2-3; 2 Timothy 2:12), reflecting God’s original mandate to mankind in Genesis 1:28, now restored.

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Forever—yes, forever and ever

- The double emphasis abolishes every possibility of expiration (Psalm 145:13; Revelation 22:5).

- Eternal security underscores God’s faithfulness; no rebellion can overturn His decree (John 10:28-29).

- History marches toward an unending age where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).

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summary

Daniel 7:18 guarantees that, despite present turmoil, God will grant His faithful people a literal, everlasting share in Christ’s kingdom. The saints will not merely survive; they will reign, stewarding a realm that will never end. This promise rests entirely on God’s sovereign grace and Christ’s triumph, offering unshakeable hope and motivation for holy living today.