Daniel 7:1-8 – Four Beasts
As we look at this dream let me offer two warnings for as we read this style of writing. Firstly, be very wary of those who claim to know the precise meaning of every minute detail. Secondly, run a mile from anyone who claims they are specifically or primarily referring to 21st century events. That is not how this style of writing is designed to work.
The most important thing to realise about this dream is that it is a parallel of Nebuchadnezzar’s in chapter 2. Each of these four beasts corresponds to one of the four kingdoms we have already discussed (v17). Let’s briefly mention each.
The first beast (v4) is Babylon. It is ferocious as a lion, swift as an eagle, and as scheming as a human.
The second beast (v5) is Persia. It crushes and devours its enemies and it is given a blank cheque to go on the rampage.
The third beast (v6) is Greece. It is as ferocious as a leopard, but it boasts even more speed as it has four wings, not just two.
The fourth beast (v7) is Rome. It is a killing machine that crushes, devours, and tramples underfoot.
Space won’t allow me to go into specifics, but let me make two very basic points. The first one is this: God’s enemies are scary. There’s no point in pretending that they aren’t. They’re strong, they’re cruel, and they love to hurt God’s people. The opposition we face in this world really does hurt.
Yet the second lesson is this: God is in control. We see a hint of that in v5 for example – who gives this beast permission to devour? Who stirs up the sea in v2? Even more fundamentally, how could God give us all these details, centuries before they happened if he had not plotted them out in advance? I don’t know how much pain the next hundred years will hold but I do know that God is in control of every last second. Praise him for his sovereignty!
Questions
1.Which detail from this passage do you find the most frightening?
- What part of the world’s opposition do you find most difficult to deal with?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God is in control, even over the opposition and enemies we face as believers.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.