Daniel 7:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: ‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.

NIV: ‘The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth.

NASB: ‘These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth.

CSB: ‘These huge beasts, four in number, are four kings who will rise from the earth.

NLT: These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth.

KJV: These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

NKJV: ‘Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth.

After seeing a troubling vision of beasts (Daniel 7:1–8) and images of God in heaven (Daniel 7:9–14), Daniel is unsettled (Daniel 7:15). So, he asks one of the angelic beings in his dream to explain what has been seen (Daniel 7:16). This being is not identified here. However, in other parts of Daniel's writing, he is given specific information from the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:16; 9:21). Many commentators suggest this verse refers to Gabriel, as well, as a common choice for delivering divine messages (Luke 1:19, 26–33).

The messenger's first explanation concerns the four great beasts Daniel saw rising out of the sea. These are four kings, and their kingdoms, which will arise in the Mediterranean region of the world. These four kings and kingdoms represent the same information seen in Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:31–35). Daniel interpreted those visions on behalf of the Babylonian king (Daniel 2:36–45). What Daniel sees describes Babylon, represented by the winged lion. This is followed by Medo-Persia, symbolized as a bear raised up on one side. A winged leopard describes Greece. Rome, finally, is depicted as a terrifying iron-toothed beast.

When Daniel saw these creatures, he envisioned them coming out of the "great sea" (Daniel 7:2–3). The messenger speaking here says these symbolize kings coming from "the earth." Daniel's vision included a clue about the location of these kingdoms. The angelic being is emphasizing those nations' worldly character: they are of the earth as opposed to heaven. The four kingdoms are earthly, whereas the kingdom that follows in the end time is heavenly. The Bible teaches that the whole world—the inhabited world of mankind—is sinful; it is under the power of the Devil (1 John 5:19).

Daniel 7:15–28 offers a detailed interpretation of Daniel's dream and visions (Daniel 7:1–14). The interpretation deals mainly with the fourth beast with teeth of iron and claws of bronze. It ends with the prediction that God will judge this fourth beast and give an everlasting kingdom to the Messiah. The New Testament reveals that this Promised One is Jesus Christ (Acts 13:23).

Daniel experiences a troubling vision in the form of a dream. He sees animal-like beasts representing successive kingdoms. The last of these is uniquely powerful and led by a mysterious figure. This person, depicted as a "little horn," will be known for usurping power, blasphemy against God, and intense persecution of the saints. Yet his time will be short and it will end in God's successful judgment.

This chapter is the intersection of two different divisions in the book of Daniel. This is the last passage written in Aramaic, the common language of the world at that time. It is also the first segment focusing on prophecy, shifting from a record of events in the past to show a glimpse of the future. This passage connects to other descriptions of the end times, such as those found in Revelation chapters 13, 19, and 20.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.