Daniel 7:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.

NIV: 'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.

NASB: But the court will convene for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever.

CSB: But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away, to be completely destroyed forever.

NLT: But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed.

KJV: But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.

NKJV: ‘But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion, To consume and destroy it forever.

In Daniel's prophetic dream (Daniel 7:1), he has been warned about a uniquely powerful nation that will dominate the entire world during the end times (Daniel 7:23). Leading this empire will be a figure who takes power from others and is known for blaspheming God and persecuting believers (Daniel 7:24–25). However, this figure will not rule forever. In fact, his time in control will be relatively short: only three and a half years. At the end of "a time, times, and half a time" (Daniel 7:25), the "little horn" (Daniel 7:7–8) will be judged by the court of heaven. God will bring this tyrant's reign of terror to an end. He will consume and destroy him and his evil empire.

This person is associated with the idea of "the Antichrist:" a Satan-empowered ruler during the end times. Some Bible interpreters suggest the figure symbolized by the "little horn" has already lived. However, no person has attained worldwide domination, overcome three major leaders, or overtly persecuted Israel for three and a half years. Other commentators suggest the "horn" refers to religious leadership, such as the Pope of the Catholic Church. Yet the "little horn" is depicted as a political leader, not a religious figure. The office of Pope has existed for many centuries, and no Pope has attained world domination.

This verse points to the judgment that befalls the beast, the "little horn," at Christ's return to earth (Revelation 19:11–21). At that time, Christ captures the beast and the false prophet, throws them both alive into the lake of fire, and slays all the beast's followers.

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.