Topical Encyclopedia The Vision of Daniel of the Four Beasts is a prophetic revelation found in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 7. This vision is one of the most significant and detailed apocalyptic visions in the Old Testament, providing insight into the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom.Context and Setting The vision occurs during the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, as recorded in Daniel 7:1. Daniel, a Jewish exile serving in the Babylonian court, receives this vision in a dream. The vision is symbolic and requires interpretation, which is partially provided within the text itself. The Four Beasts In Daniel 7:2-3, Daniel describes the vision: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea." 1. The First Beast: The first beast is described in Daniel 7:4 as "like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it." This beast is often interpreted as representing the Babylonian Empire, with the lion symbolizing strength and the eagle's wings denoting swiftness. The transformation of the beast suggests a humbling or humanizing of the empire. 2. The Second Beast: The second beast, as described in Daniel 7:5, "looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, 'Get up, and eat your fill of flesh!'" This beast is commonly associated with the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear's uneven stance may symbolize the dominance of Persia over Media, and the three ribs are often interpreted as representing three major conquests or territories. 3. The Third Beast: In Daniel 7:6, the third beast is "like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule." This beast is typically identified with the Greek Empire, particularly under Alexander the Great. The leopard's speed and the four wings suggest rapid expansion, while the four heads may represent the division of the empire into four parts after Alexander's death. 4. The Fourth Beast: The fourth beast is described in Daniel 7:7 as "terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns." This beast is often linked to the Roman Empire, known for its unmatched power and influence. The ten horns are interpreted as ten kings or kingdoms that arise from this empire. The Little Horn Among the ten horns, Daniel observes another horn, a "little horn," which uproots three of the original horns (Daniel 7:8). This horn has "eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully." The little horn is frequently understood as a symbol of a future oppressive ruler or kingdom, characterized by arrogance and blasphemy. The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man In the midst of the vision, Daniel sees the "Ancient of Days" taking His seat, described in Daniel 7:9-10. This figure is depicted with imagery of purity and judgment, presiding over a heavenly court. Books are opened, signifying divine judgment. Following this, Daniel sees "one like a son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven, as described in Daniel 7:13-14. This figure is given authority, glory, and sovereign power, and all nations worship Him. His dominion is everlasting and will not pass away. This "Son of Man" is widely interpreted as a messianic figure, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is given authority over all creation. Interpretation The interpretation of the vision is provided in part by an angelic figure in Daniel 7:15-28. The four beasts are identified as four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. The vision concludes with the assurance that the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever. This vision, with its rich symbolism and prophetic insight, has been the subject of extensive theological study and interpretation, offering a profound glimpse into God's sovereign plan for history and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 7:1In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head on his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. Nave's Topical Index Library Daniel On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel. On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ... What Daniel Predicted Regarding the Persecution of Antichrist, the ... Wherefore, Bringing the visions of Daniel into Conjunction with ... Babylon. Ezekiel and Daniel. The vision Demonstration v. --Of Wars. Humility. Resources What are vision boards, and are they biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Federal Vision Theology? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that without vision the people perish? | GotQuestions.org Vision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Vision of Abraham: Concerning his Descendants Vision of Amos of a Plumb-Line Vision of Amos of Grasshoppers Vision of Amos of Summer Fruit Vision of Cornelius, the Centurion of an Angel Vision of Daniel of the Ancient of Days Vision of Daniel of the Four Beasts Vision of Daniel of the Ram and the He-Goat Vision of David of the Angel of the Lord Beside the Threshing-Floor of Ornan Vision of Elisha: At the Transporting of Elijah Vision of Elisha's Servant of the Chariots of the Lord Vision of Ezekiel of the City and Temple Vision of Ezekiel of the Coals of Fire Vision of Ezekiel of the Dry Bones Vision of Ezekiel of the Glory of God Vision of Ezekiel of the Man of Fire Vision of Ezekiel of the Waters Vision of Isaiah of the Lord and his Glory in the Temple Vision of Isaiah of the Valley of Vision Vision of Jacob of the Ladder With Ascending and Descending Angels Vision of Jacob: At Beer-Sheba Vision of Jeremiah of an Almond Rod Vision of Jeremiah of the Seething Pot Vision of John on the Island of Patmos of Christ and the Golden Lampstands Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: A Rainbow and the Throne Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: A Son of Man With a Sickle Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: Death and Hell (Gehenna) Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: One-Third of the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars Were Darkened Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: Satan Bound for One-Thousand Years Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Coming out of the Temple Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Having Power Over Fire Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Having the Everlasting Gospel Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel in the Sun Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Proclaiming the Fall of Babylon Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Reaping the Harvest Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel That had a Book Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angels With the Seven Last Plagues Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Army of Horsemen Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Beast Coming out of the Earth Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Beast Rising out of the Sea Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Beast That Came up out of the Bottomless Pit Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Book With Seven Seals Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Bottomless Pit Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Censer Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Court of the Gentiles Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Destruction of Babylon Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Earthquake and the Celestial Phenomena Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Fall of the City Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Falling Star Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Angels Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Angels Released from the Euphrates River Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Horses Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Living Creatures Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Golden Vials Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Great White Throne Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Hail and Fire Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Lamb on Mount Zion Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Locusts Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Measurement of the Temple Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Mountain That Was Thrown Into the Sea Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Multitude Praising Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The New Jerusalem Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The One Who is Faithful and True, Riding a White Horse Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Open Door Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Opening of the Book of Life Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Plague Upon the Men Who had the Mark of the Beast Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Red Dragon Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The River of Life Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sea of Glass Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sea Turned Into Blood Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sealing of the One Hundred and Forty Four Thousand Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Second and Third Woes Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seven Angels With the Seven Vials of the Wrath of God Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seven Lamps Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seven Thunders Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seventh Seal and the Seven Angels Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Six Seals Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Temple Opened Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Thrones of Judgment Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Tree of Life Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Twenty-Four Elders Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Olive Trees and the Two Lampstands Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Witnesses Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Vine and the Winepress Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The War in Heaven Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Woman Clothed With the Sun Vision of John the Baptist: At the Immersion of Jesus Vision of Joshua of the Captain of the Lord's Army Vision of Micaiah of the Defeat of the Israelites; of the Lord on his Throne; and of a Lying Spirit Vision of Moses of the Burning Bush Vision of Moses of the Glory of God Vision of Paul of a Man of Macedonia, Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia, and Help Us" Vision of Paul of Christ, on the Way to Damascus Vision of Peter of the Sheet Which Was Lowered from the Sky Vision of the Israelites of the Manifestation of the Glory of God Vision of the People of the Tongues of Fire at Pentecost Vision of Zacharias in the Temple Vision of Zechariah of Horns and Carpenters Vision of Zechariah of the Flying Roll Vision of Zechariah of the Golden Lampstand Vision of Zechariah of the High Priest Vision of Zechariah of the Mountains and Chariots Related Terms |
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