September 16

Daniel 7-9 (biblegateway.com)

Visions of God’s Sovereignty and Redemption

After God’s miraculous protection of His faithful servants in Daniel 1–6, chapters 7–9 shift from historical events to prophetic visions, revealing God’s sovereign control over kingdoms, history, and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

In Daniel 7, Daniel has a vision of four beasts rising from the sea, representing successive kingdoms. Amid these terrifying empires, the Ancient of Days appears, establishing an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed, emphasizing God’s ultimate authority over human history. Daniel 8 presents a vision of a ram and a goat, symbolizing Medo-Persia and Greece, and foretells the rise of a corrupt ruler, demonstrating God’s awareness of worldly powers and their limitations. Daniel 9 shifts to Daniel’s prayer and confession for Israel, acknowledging their sin and appealing for God’s mercy. Gabriel delivers insight into the “seventy weeks” prophecy, outlining the timeline for redemption and the coming of the Messiah. These chapters combine judgment, hope, and the assurance that God’s plan will prevail despite human rebellion.

Interpretive Disclosure

These chapters contain symbolic and prophetic material, which has been interpreted in a variety of ways throughout church history. Some interpretations are more literal, others more symbolic, and some are speculative regarding future fulfillment. In this study, we will focus on general theological truths widely recognized across the Christian faith, particularly God’s sovereignty, holiness, and faithfulness, as well as human responsibility to respond in obedience. While differing viewpoints may be mentioned for informational purposes, they are not presented as definitive, doctrinal positions.

Free Will Baptist Perspective

From a Free Will Baptist perspective, the key lessons of Daniel 7–9 concern God’s ultimate authority, the certainty of His promises, and the importance of human choice and responsibility. These passages encourage believers to remain faithful and obedient, to pray earnestly, and to trust God amid uncertainty, recognizing that our decisions matter within His providential plan. While the prophetic imagery may allow for various interpretations, the spiritual and moral truths are clear and applicable to all believers today.

Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts

The vision recorded by the prophet Daniel in this chapter was given in the first year of Belshazzar’s reign (553 B.C.), when Belshazzar was appointed co-regent with his father Nabonidus. This dream occurred about fourteen years before Daniel’s experience in the lions’ den (chap. 6), which took place in or shortly after 539 B.C. At the time of the vision, Daniel was about sixty-eight years old, having been taken captive around 605 B.C. at the age of sixteen (Bible Knowledge Commentary).

Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. The dream refers to his being asleep, and the visions refer to what he saw while dreaming. Because of the great significance of Daniel’s dream, he immediately wrote down a summary of it, saying that he saw four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea (v. 1). The image of the sea is often used as a symbol for chaos and potential rebellion against God. Daniel then saw four great beasts coming up from the sea, each different from the others (v. 2–3). As explained to Daniel later (v. 17), the four beasts represented four kingdoms.

The first beast that Daniel saw was like a lion and had eagle’s wings. As he watched, the wings were torn off, the beast was lifted up from the ground, and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a human mind was given to it (v. 4). The second beast was like a bear, raised up on one side, with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth, and it was told to devour much flesh (v. 5). The third beast appeared like a leopard with four wings of a bird on its back, and it had four heads, and dominion was given to it (v. 6).

Daniel then saw a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful, exceedingly strong, with great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns (v. 7). While Daniel was considering the horns, another horn came up among them, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up. This horn had eyes like a man and a mouth speaking great things (v. 8).

Some interpreters see these four beasts as representing the same kings (or kingdoms) as the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in 2:31–45 (Bible Knowledge Commentary). On this understanding, the lion represents Babylon, and the wings being “plucked off” (v. 4) represent the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar. The fact that it got a man’s heart suggests that the animal lost its beastly nature and showed compassion. The lion’s rising on its hind legs and having a man’s heart may refer to Nebuchadnezzar’s humanitarian interests.

The bear (v. 5) represents the Medo-Persian Empire, with Persia as the stronger side that was “raised up,” indicating its dominance over the Medes. The bear’s heavy, lumbering nature contrasts with the lion’s grace, emphasizing the empire’s massive, forceful power. The three ribs in its mouth symbolize past conquests. Some suggest they refer to the regions Cyrus subdued in unifying Persia, such as Astyages of Media (550 B.C.), Anatolia (547), and Croesus of Lydia (c. 547). Others see them as the major kingdoms of Babylon (539), Lydia (546), and Egypt (525). Still others connect them to Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, which preceded the Medo-Persian Empire. Whatever the case, the command to “devour much flesh” underscores that this empire would continue its conquests, yet ultimately operated under God’s sovereign appointment rather than its own authority.

The leopard (v. 6) represents Greece under Alexander the Great, noted for his rapid conquests. The leopard itself symbolizes swiftness, and the four wings emphasize an even greater speed, corresponding to Alexander’s lightning campaign. Beginning in 334 B.C., he defeated the mighty Persian Empire in barely a decade, extending his rule across the known world by age 32. The four heads signify the division of his empire after his untimely death in 323 B.C., when his generals assumed control: Cassander in Greece and Macedon, Lysimachus in Thrace and Asia Minor, Seleucus in Mesopotamia and Persia, and Ptolemy in Egypt and Palestine. The statement that “dominion was given to it” reminds us that even the greatest human empires operate under God’s sovereign authority.

The fourth and final beast (v. 7–8) is unlike any earthly animal, described simply as "terrifying, dreadful, and exceedingly strong." With great iron teeth, it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot what was left (cf. v. 19). This imagery closely parallels the iron legs of the statue in Daniel 2 and points to the Roman Empire, which far surpassed its predecessors in power, longevity, and influence. Rome absorbed and assimilated the strength of the earlier empires, ruling with unprecedented ruthlessness.

A striking feature of this beast was its ten horns, symbolizing rulers or kingdoms (v. 24). As Daniel watched, another “little horn” rose among them, displacing three of the ten. This horn was different; it had the eyes of a man, suggesting intelligence, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, symbolizing blasphemous claims. Though small at first, it grew in strength and prominence, surpassing the others. Interpretations vary: some connect the little horn to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, while others see it as a picture of the final Antichrist who will rise in defiance of God. Regardless, the vision emphasizes that this final kingdom would be unique in its might, destructive power, and opposition to God.

Daniel then saw thrones set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before Him; thousand thousands served Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened (v. 9–10).

The Ancient of Days is the Almighty God Himself. His white garments and hair symbolize purity, holiness, and wisdom. His throne, ablaze with flames and carried on fiery wheels, speaks of unstoppable power and judgment. From before Him flowed a river of fire, picturing His wrath against sin. Surrounding Him were multitudes of angels, “ten thousand times ten thousand,” serving and worshiping Him (see also Rev. 5:11). Then “the court was seated, and the books were opened,” reminding us that God keeps record of all deeds. Revelation 20:12 connects these books to the final judgment, where the lost will be judged by their works, and believers’ names will be found in the book of life. Daniel, whose very name means “God is my Judge,” here saw the Lord sitting as Judge over all kingdoms and peoples.

Daniel watched as the fourth beast was slain, its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire, and the other beasts had their dominion taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time (v. 11 -12). Unlike the earlier empires, which fell to other human powers, this one was destroyed directly by divine judgment and was given over to be burned with fire. The first three beasts had already lost their authority through conquest, yet they were permitted to continue for a time, perhaps in that their cultures and influences lived on in the kingdoms that followed. But the fourth kingdom meets an abrupt and final end under the judgment of God. This scene reminds us that no human power, however great or boastful, can stand before the Ancient of Days. Dominion belongs to God alone, and every kingdom must one day answer to Him.

Daniel then described "one like a son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him (v. 13). The imagery combines both humanity and divinity. In much of the Old Testament, “son of man” simply means a human being. Yet here this figure is far more than merely human, for “coming with the clouds” is a symbol uniquely associated with God Himself. This “Son of Man” is brought before the Ancient of Days and receives dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom (v. 14). Unlike the earthly rulers represented by the beasts, whose reigns were temporary and limited, His authority is eternal and universal: “all peoples, nations, and languages” will serve Him.

Jesus identified Himself with this “Son of Man,” using the title more often than any other during His earthly ministry (Matt. 8:20; John 1:51). At His trial, He explicitly claimed to be the Son of Man who would come on the clouds with power and glory (Mark 14:61-62). For this claim, He was accused of blasphemy. Yet His resurrection and ascension vindicated His authority, and His return will fulfill this prophecy in its fullness.

The everlasting dominion given to Him recalls the promise of Psalm 2:6-9, where the Father declares that He will set His King on Zion and give Him the nations as His inheritance. Christ will reign on earth in His millennial kingdom (Rev. 20:1–6), and at the close of that reign He will hand over the kingdom to the Father, that God may be “all in all” (1 Cor. 15:24–28). Ultimately, His kingdom will never be destroyed, in contrast to every human empire that rises and falls.

Thus, this vision lifts our eyes from the shifting kingdoms of man to the final and eternal reign of Christ, who alone is worthy of universal worship and obedience.

Daniel admits that his spirit was troubled and that the visions he saw alarmed him (v. 15). Though he had demonstrated the ability to interpret dreams on previous occasions, he could not interpret this one or his next one. So he called on one of those standing nearby, apparently the angel later identified as Gabriel (8:16; 9:21), to interpret the vision to him (v. 16). As earlier described, the angel explains that the four great beasts represent four kings or kingdoms that will rise from the earth, but that ultimately the saints of the Most High will receive the everlasting kingdom (v. 17-18).

Daniel then focuses on the fourth beast, described as exceedingly terrifying and unlike the others, with iron teeth, bronze claws, and the power to devour, crush, and trample the earth. This beast has ten horns, and another horn arises that displaces three of them. This horn speaks arrogantly, persecutes the saints, and appears greater than its companions, until judgment is rendered by the Ancient of Days and the saints receive their inheritance (v. 19–22).

The angel explains that this beast represents a unique kingdom, and the horns signify kings. The little horn rises to overthrow other kings, blaspheme God, and oppress His people for a limited period. Yet the vision assures that God’s judgment will ultimately prevail: the horn’s dominion will be destroyed, and the everlasting kingdom will be given to the saints, where all nations will serve and obey under God’s rule (v. 23–27).

Daniel concludes by noting his personal reaction: his thoughts alarmed him, and his color changed, yet he kept the matter in his heart (v. 28). This emphasizes the emotional weight of God’s revelation and the profound responsibility of holding sacred insight.

Theologically, this passage reassures believers that even amid terrifying earthly powers, God sovereignly controls history. The saints’ ultimate inheritance highlights God’s justice, the certainty of divine judgment on oppression, and the hope of an eternal kingdom where His people reign. For application, it encourages believers to trust God in times of persecution, remain steadfast, and recognize that no earthly power can thwart His eternal plan.

Daniel 8- The Ram and the Goat: Prophecy of Kingdoms

In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, Daniel receives a new vision following the first one he had seen (v. 1). The vision places him in Susa, the citadel in the province of Elam, beside the Ulai Canal, establishing a concrete historical and geographical setting (v. 2). As Daniel lifts his eyes, he sees a ram standing on the bank of the canal, notable for its two high horns, with one horn higher than the other, and the higher horn appearing last (v. 3). The ram charges powerfully in multiple directions, westward, northward, and southward, demonstrating dominance over the surrounding land, and no beast can oppose it nor is anyone able to rescue from its power (v. 4).

As Daniel continued to observe, he saw a male goat coming from the west, moving swiftly across the entire earth without touching the ground, highlighting its remarkable speed and unstoppable approach (v. 5). This goat had a conspicuous horn between its eyes, drawing attention to its power and authority. It charged at the ram he had seen earlier, coming in powerful wrath, and struck the ram, breaking its two horns. The ram could not resist, and the goat cast it down to the ground and trampled it, with no one able to rescue the ram from the goat’s power (v. 6–7).

The vision then shows the goat growing exceedingly great, symbolizing its dominance, but the conspicuous horn is eventually broken. In its place, four conspicuous horns arise, pointing toward the four winds of heaven (v. 8). Daniel then sees a “little horn” arising out of one of the four horns, which grows exceedingly great toward the south, the east, and the glorious land (v. 9). Its growth is so extreme that it even reaches the host of heaven, and it throws down some of the host and stars to the ground, trampling on them (v. 10). The little horn becomes as powerful as the “Prince of the host,” and causes the regular burnt offering to cease, and the sanctuary to be overthrown (v. 11).

The horn is given authority over the host because of transgression, and it acts arrogantly, throwing truth to the ground and prospering in its actions (v. 12). Daniel then hears a holy one asking how long this desecration will last, including the trampling of the sanctuary and the interruption of the offerings. The response is precise: 2,300 evenings and mornings, after which the sanctuary will be restored to its rightful state (v. 13–14).

Daniel seeks to understand the vision he has received, and a man, identified as Gabriel, is sent to explain it to him (v. 15–16). Daniel is initially overwhelmed and falls on his face in fear, but Gabriel reassures him and instructs him that the vision pertains “to the time of the end” (v. 17). Daniel again falls into a deep sleep, and Gabriel touches him to make him stand and explains that the vision concerns the “latter end of the indignation” and the “appointed time of the end” (v. 18-19).

Gabriel provides the interpretation of the animals Daniel saw: the ram represents the kings of Media and Persia (v. 20), and the male goat represents the kingdom of Greece, with the conspicuous horn as the first king of Greece (commonly understood to be Alexander the Great, though interpretations vary) (v. 21). The four horns that arise in place of the broken horn symbolize four kingdoms that will emerge from that nation, but they will not have the same power (v. 22).

Since Alexander the Great had no heirs, his empire was divided several years after his death in 323 B.C. among his four generals. This divided kingdom never matched the power of Greece under Alexander. Ptolemy received Egypt and parts of Asia Minor; Cassander took Macedonia and Greece; Lysimachus ruled Thrace and portions of western Asia Minor, including Bithynia, Phrygia, Mysia, and Lydia; and Seleucus controlled the remainder of Alexander’s empire, including Syria, Israel, and Mesopotamia.

From one of these four kingdoms, a fierce and cunning king would later arise. Gabriel describes him as bold, deceitful, and utterly wicked (v. 23–25). This ruler is Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reigned 175–164 B.C.), king of the Seleucid Empire, one of the territories from Alexander’s divided empire. He seized the throne from his nephew, expanded his realm through military power, and attempted to unify his subjects by imposing Greek culture and religion. He persecuted the Jews by banning circumcision, halting sacrifices at the temple in Jerusalem, defiling the sanctuary with pagan sacrifices, burning Scripture, and killing those who remained faithful to God.

Gabriel further explains that this king would devastate property, destroy many people, and oppress Israel, the holy nation, while also opposing God, the Prince of princes. Yet his power was temporary: his rise was by God’s permission, and his downfall came by supernatural judgment. Antiochus IV ultimately met his end in Persia in 163 B.C., demonstrating that even the most powerful and cunning rulers are subject to God’s sovereign authority (v. 25).

Gabriel affirms that the vision concerning the evenings and mornings is true, but Daniel is instructed to seal it because it refers to “many days from now” (v. 26). Daniel is deeply troubled by the vision, falls sick for several days, and even though he resumes his royal duties, he remains appalled and unable fully to comprehend the vision (v. 27).

Daniel 8 reminds believers that God is intimately involved in the affairs of nations and history, even when human powers appear dominant or unstoppable. The vision of the ram and the goat demonstrates that earthly kingdoms rise and fall according to God’s sovereign will. No ruler or empire can thwart His plans, and the temporary success of those who oppose His purposes ultimately points to His ultimate authority and justice. The little horn that arises and persecutes God’s people illustrates that opposition, suffering, and injustice are real, but they are never beyond God’s control or judgment.

For application, this vision encourages believers to maintain faithfulness and discernment, recognizing that worldly power is temporary and that God’s people are called to stand firm even under pressure. Just as Daniel watched carefully and sought understanding, Christians today are called to observe the world through the lens of God’s Word, discerning between fleeting human strength and eternal divine authority.

The chapter also issues a challenge: remain steadfast in spiritual commitment and moral integrity, even when external circumstances seem overwhelming. The little horn’s audacity warns that those who compromise God’s truth for convenience or fear may find themselves misled or oppressed. Instead, believers are called to trust God’s timing, act courageously in obedience, and place hope in the certainty that He will vindicate His people and fulfill His promises.

In short, Daniel 8 reassures us that God’s sovereignty is absolute, His justice is certain, and His purposes cannot be thwarted. We are called not to be passive observers, but active participants who live faithfully in light of His unfolding plan.

Daniel 9 - Daniel’s Confession and God’s Promises

It was the first year of Darius the Mede’s reign (v. 1), in 539 B.C., sixty-six years after Daniel had been exiled. The fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persians, foretold to Belshazzar through Daniel’s interpretation of the writing on the wall, marked a pivotal moment in history. This conquest opened the way for the eventual return of the Jewish exiles, who had been in Babylon since Nebuchadnezzar’s first invasion in 605 B.C. As Jeremiah had predicted, Jerusalem’s desolation would last seventy years (Jer. 25:11–12).

Deeply moved by these events, Daniel turned to the Scriptures and studied “the books” to discern the timing of Jerusalem’s desolation, confirming the seventy-year period foretold by God (v. 2). His devotion and attentiveness to God’s Word reveal a heart eager to align understanding and prayer with God’s promises. This context sets the stage for a prayer grounded in Scripture, marked by faithfulness, obedience, and a desire for God’s mercy on His people in accordance with His revealed plan.

Daniel’s prayer continues with a deep expression of confession and humility. He turns his face to the Lord, seeking God through prayer, fasting, sackcloth, and ashes (v. 3). Daniel acknowledges God’s greatness, awe-inspiring nature, and steadfast love, emphasizing that God keeps His covenant with those who love Him and obey His commandments. He confesses the collective sin of Israel, recognizing that the people have acted wickedly, rebelled, and turned aside from God’s laws, failing to heed the prophets who spoke in His name to the kings, rulers, and the people (v. 4–8).

Daniel highlights the consequences of these sins: shame, calamity, and exile, which have befallen Jerusalem, Judah, and all Israel. He points out that the curses and judgments written in the Law of Moses have come to pass because of Israel’s disobedience, and that God’s actions are righteous and just (v. 9–14). Despite this, Daniel appeals to God’s mercy and forgiveness, remembering how God delivered His people from Egypt with mighty power and had established a great name for Himself (v. 15). The prayer is a model of humble acknowledgment of sin, recognition of God’s justice, and dependence on His mercy, illustrating the principles of confession, repentance, and faithfulness.

Daniel continues his prayer with a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy on Jerusalem, the holy city (v. 17–19). He acknowledges that the city and its people have become a byword among surrounding nations because of the sins of the present generation and the iniquities of their ancestors. Daniel appeals not on the basis of Israel’s righteousness, but because of God’s great mercy and faithful character. He asks God to turn away His anger, to make His face shine upon the desolate sanctuary, and to see the devastation that has befallen the city that bears His name.

While Daniel was praying and confessing both his own sins and the sins of Israel, presenting his plea before the Lord for the holy hill of God, Gabriel appeared to him in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice (v. 20–21). Gabriel, whom Daniel had seen in an earlier vision, came to give him insight and understanding, explaining that a word had already gone out at the start of Daniel’s prayers and that he had come to communicate it because Daniel was greatly loved (v. 22–23). This encounter underscores God’s attentiveness to earnest prayer and His willingness to provide clarity and guidance to those who seek Him sincerely.

In this passage, Gabriel delivers to Daniel the prophecy of the seventy weeks, a divinely appointed period concerning Daniel’s people and the holy city (v. 24). These weeks are decreed to accomplish several purposes: to finish transgression, put an end to sin, atone for iniquity, bring in everlasting righteousness, confirm both vision and prophet, and anoint a most holy place. The prophecy begins with the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem and outlines a timeline: seven weeks, followed by sixty-two weeks.

After this period, an anointed one will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of a coming prince will destroy the city and sanctuary, with desolations decreed until the end (v. 26). The final week describes a strong covenant made for one week, and for half of it, sacrifice and offering will cease. The passage concludes with a warning of an abomination that causes desolation until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator (v. 27).

Scholars and interpreters offer several possible understandings of these verses. The seventy weeks are divided into three segments: the first seven weeks (49 years) cover the time needed to rebuild Jerusalem (v. 25), while the following sixty-two weeks (434 years) extend to the appearance of the Anointed One, the Messiah (v. 25–26). Many scholars reference Persian decrees in the fifth century B.C. as the starting point (Ezra 7:11–26; Neh. 2:1–8), though the Bible does not explicitly identify one. The “anointed one” being cut off is widely understood as a reference to Christ’s crucifixion. Following His rejection, the people of the coming prince, historically understood as the Romans under Titus, destroyed Jerusalem and its sanctuary in A.D. 70. This event is consistent with Jesus’ warnings regarding the consequences of rejecting God’s Messiah.

The final, seventieth week focuses on the end times and involves a covenant-making ruler (v. 27). One interpretation sees this as Christ’s atoning work, which ended the Old Testament sacrificial system. Another perspective, consistent with biblical prophecy, envisions a future ruler, commonly identified as the antichrist, establishing a covenant with Israel, halting sacrifices halfway through the seven years, and committing abominations, causing desolation. This interpretation anticipates Christ’s ultimate return and the final judgment, following the biblical pattern of God’s sovereignty and justice.

Throughout the prophecy, God’s plan for salvation and faithfulness to His promises are emphasized. Christ’s first coming fulfilled part of Daniel’s vision as the suffering Messiah who was cut off for the sins of His people, while the prophecy also points forward to His ultimate return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The prophecy, therefore, bridges the historical and the eschatological, showing God’s sovereignty over both Israel’s history and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

While this interpretation aligns with Free Will Baptist teachings regarding Christ’s atoning work and God’s sovereignty, Scripture does not explicitly identify all details, particularly regarding the seventieth week and the covenant-making ruler. Other interpretations exist, including purely symbolic or preterist views. Historical records, such as Josephus’ Jewish Antiquities (Book 20, Chapters 9–10), support the historical fulfillment of Jerusalem’s destruction by the Romans and provide extra-biblical evidence for understanding these events in context.

Conclusion

As we conclude Daniel 7–9, we, once again, are reminded of God’s sovereignty over history and the kingdoms of the earth. Daniel’s visions reveal that, despite the rise and fall of empires and the seeming chaos of human events, God is always in control. The prophecy of the seventy weeks points to the Messiah, Christ, who would be cut off for our sins, and it anticipates His ultimate triumph over sin and the powers of this world. Even when God’s people face rejection, persecution, or the judgment of nations, His plan is unshakable, and His promises are sure.

For believers today, these chapters offer both warning and hope. We are called to remain faithful, trusting God even when circumstances seem uncertain or hostile, and to live in the light of Christ’s kingdom, which He will establish in fullness at His return. Daniel’s example of prayer, confession, and reliance on God’s revelation challenges us to approach God with humility, seek His guidance, and stand firm in obedience.

Finally, these chapters encourage us to look beyond the present age. Christ’s first coming fulfilled part of Daniel’s vision, and His Second Coming will bring final justice, restoration, and everlasting righteousness. As we live in this present age, we do so with the assurance that God is faithful, His kingdom is eternal, and His plan will prevail. May we, like Daniel, remain steadfast in prayer, confident in God’s promises, and hopeful for the day when Christ reigns in glory over all creation.