What does Daniel 7:15 mean?

Daniel was given great insight into dreams and visions (Daniel 1:17). That did not mean he was all-knowing; he sometimes had to ask directly to discern meaning (Daniel 2:17–19; 8:15). Nor did his God-given ability make Daniel immune to normal human emotions. These dramatic images would unsettle anyone (Daniel 7:1–8). It seems this dream was especially obscure to Daniel. He senses the events are dire but does not entirely understand what he sees. And so, he will ask one of the angels in his vision to explain the symbols (Daniel 7:16). Learning more didn't make the vision less frightening (Daniel 7:28).

When Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:31–35), he saw visions corresponding to successive kingdoms (Daniel 2:36–45). It's possible Daniel saw parallels to that dream and suspected the four beasts of his vision also corresponded to four kingdoms. Yet this new dream included new details not easily understood. Only when he asked for clarification would Daniel fully comprehend their meaning (Daniel 7:17).

It is to Daniel's credit that he requested help. Some Christians throw up their hands when they cannot understand parts of God's Word (Acts 8:30–31; 2 Peter 3:15–16). That's especially common when reading the richly symbolic accounts of end-times prophecy. Yet believers can and should ask for help. The psalmist prayed, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law" (Psalm 119:18). Prayer for wisdom (James 1:5) and the guidance of experienced believers are of great help in learning more about the meaning of Scripture (Proverbs 1:1–7; 2 Timothy 2:2).