The Book of Daniel, a key prophetic text in the Old Testament, contains several visions that are pivotal for understanding biblical prophecy and eschatology. These visions, given to the prophet Daniel, are interpreted within the text itself, providing insight into God's sovereign plan for history and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom.

Vision of the Four Beasts (Daniel 7)

In the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, Daniel receives a vision of four great beasts emerging from the sea, each distinct from the other. The first beast is like a lion with eagle's wings, the second like a bear, the third like a leopard with four wings and four heads, and the fourth beast is terrifying, with iron teeth and ten horns. This vision is interpreted by an angelic being, who explains that these beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth (Daniel 7:17). The fourth beast, particularly dreadful, is associated with a future kingdom that will devour the whole earth. The ten horns are ten kings who will arise from this kingdom, and another king will arise after them, subduing three of the kings (Daniel 7:24).

The vision culminates with the Ancient of Days taking His seat, and the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven, receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. This kingdom is everlasting and will not be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14).

Vision of the Ram and the Goat (Daniel 8)

In the third year of Belshazzar's reign, Daniel has another vision, this time of a ram with two horns and a goat with a prominent horn. The ram represents the kings of Media and Persia, while the goat symbolizes the king of Greece. The large horn is the first king, and the four horns that replace it after it is broken represent four kingdoms that will arise from that nation, but not with its power (Daniel 8:20-22).

The vision further describes a small horn that grows exceedingly great, casting down some of the host of heaven and exalting itself as high as the Prince of the host. This is interpreted as a king who will arise, understanding sinister schemes, and will cause deceit to prosper. He will destroy many in their prosperity and even rise against the Prince of princes, but he will be broken without human means (Daniel 8:23-25).

Vision of the Seventy Weeks (Daniel 9)

In the first year of Darius the Mede, Daniel prays for his people and confesses their sins. In response, the angel Gabriel appears to him, providing insight into the vision of the seventy weeks. These weeks are decreed for Daniel's people and the holy city to finish transgression, make an end of sins, make reconciliation for iniquity, bring in everlasting righteousness, seal up vision and prophecy, and anoint the Most Holy (Daniel 9:24).

The seventy weeks are divided into three segments: seven weeks, sixty-two weeks, and one final week. The prophecy foretells the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the coming of the Anointed One, and His subsequent cutting off. The final week involves a covenant made by a ruler, who will put an end to sacrifice and offering, and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate (Daniel 9:25-27).

Vision of the Kings of the North and South (Daniel 10-12)

In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, Daniel receives a final vision, which is a detailed prophecy concerning the future conflicts between the kings of the North and the South. This vision is delivered by a heavenly messenger and includes a revelation of a great war. The prophecy outlines the rise and fall of various kings and kingdoms, culminating in a time of unprecedented distress, followed by the deliverance of Daniel's people and the resurrection of the dead (Daniel 12:1-2).

The vision emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. Daniel is instructed to seal the book until the time of the end, when many will run to and fro, and knowledge will increase (Daniel 12:4).

These visions, rich in symbolic imagery and prophetic detail, have been the subject of extensive interpretation and study, providing a framework for understanding God's redemptive plan throughout history and into the future.