First, I want to point out that the Book of Daniel is definitely not in chronological order. Two chapters ago, Belshazzar was King; in the last chapter Darius was king following Belshazzar's death; and now we are reading about a vision that Daniel had during Belshazzar's first year of reign.
Just as it is hard to decipher what happened in what order in Daniel, it is also difficult (no impossible) to discern what, if anything, has already occurred from Daniel's dream regarding the four beasts. We cannot tell for sure if some or all of this prophecy as already been fulfilled or how much of it is yet to be fulfilled.
Daniel writes: “This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.” (vs 28) Even after receiving the interpretation of the dream, Daniel is troubled. It can indeed be very troubling trying to figure out what the interpretation of the dream means. It will not be good. But, then again, it will be very good, because Jesus will reign.
I have heard so many interpretations of the interpretation found in this seventh chapter of Daniel (as well as in books like Revelation), I cannot even begin to count them, let alone sort them out. It is quite troubling to hear these interpretations as though they are fact. There are fiction books out there based on this prophecy and I would ask anyone who reads them to remember this that these books are not Holy Scripture: They are FICTION! Some of it can be quite fascinating fiction; but, it is fiction, nonetheless. No one, but God, knows for sure how the details will be played out. The interpretations that I speak of are those that would put the fear of death and of Hell and not the love of God into your hearts and minds.
But, there is one thing, for sure, that we can take from this dream that will give us hope. Daniel writes: "Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him." (vs 28)
Let not your heart be troubled by the imaginations of men. The LORD is with you.
God's Peace - Pr. J
Just as it is hard to decipher what happened in what order in Daniel, it is also difficult (no impossible) to discern what, if anything, has already occurred from Daniel's dream regarding the four beasts. We cannot tell for sure if some or all of this prophecy as already been fulfilled or how much of it is yet to be fulfilled.
Daniel writes: “This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.” (vs 28) Even after receiving the interpretation of the dream, Daniel is troubled. It can indeed be very troubling trying to figure out what the interpretation of the dream means. It will not be good. But, then again, it will be very good, because Jesus will reign.
I have heard so many interpretations of the interpretation found in this seventh chapter of Daniel (as well as in books like Revelation), I cannot even begin to count them, let alone sort them out. It is quite troubling to hear these interpretations as though they are fact. There are fiction books out there based on this prophecy and I would ask anyone who reads them to remember this that these books are not Holy Scripture: They are FICTION! Some of it can be quite fascinating fiction; but, it is fiction, nonetheless. No one, but God, knows for sure how the details will be played out. The interpretations that I speak of are those that would put the fear of death and of Hell and not the love of God into your hearts and minds.
But, there is one thing, for sure, that we can take from this dream that will give us hope. Daniel writes: "Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him." (vs 28)
Let not your heart be troubled by the imaginations of men. The LORD is with you.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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