Call to Worship (Isaiah 55)

Seek the Lord while God is to be found. Call upon God while God is near!

Repent of unrighteous ways. It is never too late to turn to God!

Get rid of evil thoughts. Let us turn to God, that God may have mercy on us!

For God will pardon our sins and cleanse us of our transgressions.

We will praise God for the new life we have found!

Lesson Text: Daniel 7:9-14

A Glorious Reign Ahead

Question

How does God want us to react when we see trouble and injustice in our

communities?

Imagine being around 16 or 18 years of age and suddenly being carried away from your home to a foreign

country against your will.

That is what happened to a young Hebrew boy named Daniel when he was

taken captive to the land of Babylon.

Daniel’s life and ministry covered the entire seventy-year captivity of the

Jews in Babylon.

Daniel, along with other captives, received an assignment from King Nebuchadnezzar to conform to the

ways of Babylon (Daniel 1:1-7).

It is a fact of history that men and kingdoms rise and fall.

It is only when we read, study, and apply the truth of God’s Word that we

are able to keep everything in perspective. Daniel helps us do that.

Chronologically, Daniel 7 takes us back in time to a dream Daniel had

14 years prior to the events of Daniel 5 and the “handwriting on

the wall.”

Daniel would have been around 68 years of age .

Textually, Daniel 7 divides into two parts

First, Daniel’s vision (Daniel 7:1-14). Second, Daniels interpretation of his

vision (Daniel 7:15-28).

We see the revelation of the four beasts (Daniel 7:2-8); the judgment of the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9-12); the triumphant coming of the

Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14); and the explanation of it all (Daniel 7:15-27).

When the “sea” (Daniel 7:3) is used symbolically in the Bible, it usually

represents the world of nations (Revelation 17:1, 15).

The “four beasts” represented four great Gentile kingdoms, Babylon (lion

with eagle’s wings); Medo-Persia (bear); Greece (leopard); and the Roman

Empire (a fourth beast).

Alexander the Great, Greece, conquered the known world faster

than any other ancient power.

Thus, the comparison to the “leopard” (Daniel 7:6).

“The interpretation of the ten horns and the little horn was given to Daniel later (Daniel 7:23–24).

Thus, the ten horns represented ten kings and their kingdoms, and the little horn represented an eleventh king and

his kingdom.

When the interpretation of Daniel’s dream is examined later, it will be seen that the little horn (eleventh

king) represented the Antichrist, the ultimate man of the future who will be the greatest expression of man trying to rule the world apart from

God.

Daniel 7:9-10 (NIV) 9 "As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His

clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all

ablaze.

10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands

attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was

seated, and the books were opened.

Daniel’s vision changes from elements and animals to a Person.

His vision also shifts from earth to heaven.

This is the only chapter in the Bible where the “Ancient of days” is mentioned (Daniel 7:9, 13, 22).

It is also the only verse that pictures God in human form. God is not

human; He is a Spirit (John 4:24).

But in his dream Daniel is visualizing God as literally “the elderly One,”

or, “the One who has been around forever.”

In comparison to all the kingdoms symbolized in the elements and

animals God is eternal (Psalm 90:2).

As Daniel looks at the “Ancient of days” he sees that God is “seated.”

Court is about to convene, the judge is seated, and the record is about to

be read.

Daniel also speaks of God’s “garment” being “white as snow.”

Whiteness represents purity and truth (Isaiah 1:18; Revelation 3:5). God is robed in purity and truth.

The “hair of his head” is “like pure wool.”

The white hair symbolizes the age and maturity of the Judge.

Daniel sees “fire” in and around the “throne” of God.

“Fire” symbolizes purifying judgment and authority. He also sees “a fiery

stream” and “wheels as burning fire” suggests judgment is about to flow or

roll out from the throne of God.

The phrase “ten thousand times ten thousand” means there were a vast and great number of angels actively

“ministering” to God around the throne.

This action denotes God’s deity, His sovereignty, and His Godhead, for He

alone is worthy to be worshipped.

The “judgment was set, and the books were opened” means “court is

about to begin.”

Author Leon Wood writes, “Business is about to take place.”

Daniel 7:11 (NIV) 11 "Then I continued to watch

because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking

until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the

blazing fire.

As Daniel kept looking he was impressed to keep looking because

of the power of “the voice” and “the great words the horn spoke.”

The “horn” in this verse is from the “fourth beast,” most likely refers to the

restored form of the Roman Empire (v.7) with strong possibilities of the

Antichrist being her last king.

However, in light of the uncertainty as to exactly which king and kingdom

the “horn” represents, it is more beneficial to look at “the great words

which the horn spoke” in regard to his boastful speaking and what God

would do in judgment against it.

Daniel kept looking “till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.”

The implication is that when “the books were opened” (v.10) that there was sufficient evidence for judgment to be meted out upon the kings and

nations.

All four of the “beasts” Daniel saw had defied the living God and

suppressed God’s people.

Most world leaders today including those in America are guilty of the same arrogant rebellion and likewise marked

for judgment from the hand of God.

The words “slain, destroyed, and given to” suggests intentional punishment given to kings and

nations as directed by “the Ancient of days.”

The Hebrew writer said, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living

God” (Hebrews 10:31). He also said, “For our God is a

consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).

Psalm 2:4 (NIV) 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

Daniel 7:12 (NIV) 12 (The other beasts had been

stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)

Men and kingdoms have their moment in the sun but it quickly

fades into destruction.

When the fire and smoke of God’s judgment cleared all the “beasts” are

gone.

Each “beast” had a “season” and a “time” that was “prolonged” or

lengthened in history.

God allows some kings and kingdoms to exist longer than others and some

suffer less judgment than others.

All human kingdoms, kings, presidents, governo

rs, prime ministers, and whatever titles men may claim, whether good

or evil, will be replaced by God’s kingdom.

Daniel 7:13 (NIV) 13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of

heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his

presence.

Up until this point most of what Daniel had beheld was bad news for

kings and kingdoms.

Now he is seeing some good scenes that proclaim good news.

“I saw in the night visions” means as Daniel continued to watch his dream

unfold a new Person appeared.

This new Person was “like the Son of man.”

Bible students know that one of the names of Jesus Christ is “Son of

man.”

Christ is designated by that title in all four gospels, Acts, Hebrews and

Revelation. “In Daniel 8:17, the phrase ‘son of man’ is used to contrast a

human with an angel.

In Daniel’s dream the “Son of man” approached “the Ancient of days,” God the Father, and was presented

“before him.”

The language of the verse leads to the conclusion that the “Son of man” and the “Ancient of days” were God the

Father and God the Son.

The fact that the “Son of man came with the clouds of heaven” is a

reference to Jesus Christ because “the clouds of heaven” is

terminology associated with Jesus Christ in Scripture

(Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Mark 13:26; Revelation 1:7).

Daniel 7:14 (NIV) 14 He was given authority, glory and

sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one

that will never be destroyed.

As Jesus Christ the “Son of man” stands before the “Ancient of days” He will be given rule of the earth.

Psalm 2:7-8 (NIV) 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my

Son; today I have become your Father.

8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends

of the earth your possession.

Revelation 11:15 (NIV) 15 The seventh angel sounded his

trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom

of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his

Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever."

The rule bestowed upon the “Son of man” by the “Ancient of days” is

identified under three aspects, all referring to this kingdom.

First, “there was given him dominion…” “Dominion” refers to

ruling authority.

Second, “glory” speaks of the honor that accompanies that authority.

Third, “kingdom” designates the organized form of Christ’s rule.

“Which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be

destroyed” means by these three statements Christ is guaranteed

absolute rule, power, and authority.

The result of Christ’s rule over all kingdoms and nations is “that all

people, nations, and languages, should serve him…”

“People, nations, and languages” are three terms used to describe all people from wherever in the world they are or

from whatever dominion might be in mind.

The words “serve him” actually come from the Hebrew word

meaning “worship” or “revere.”

The thought is that everyone under Christ’s rule and kingdom will fear

and stand in awe of the Lord.

Christ’s kingdom “shall not pass away” and His kingdom “shall not be

destroyed.”

The thought magnifies the contrast between the fleeting temporary

kingdoms of this world.

The main thought to take away from this verse is not length of time of Christ’s kingdom, but rather the

strength and durability of His kingdom.

Our world and the kingdoms of our world are so sinful and limited in

strength and time. But the kingdom of Christ is without limitation. He is the

absolute King of the whole world.

Although God is in control of kings and kingdoms each of us have a

responsibility to tell the lost world about His saving grace.

The only way for sinful man to be ready for the coming kingdom is to be born again by God’s marvelous grace (John

3:3).

Summary Statements:

Evil will not last forever. Daniel’s vision is one of a new justice for all

humankind.

Those in authority have a responsibility to use power for good.

Justice and mercy need to be accomplished.

Just societies should yield just governments. Christians have a responsibility to participate in

society.

When we see injustice, Christians have a responsibility to stand against

those forces and work for change.

BLESSINGS

May God look on you and have concern for you. (Exod.2:25, NIV)

May the Lord pay close attention to you

(Exod. 3:16, CJB)

May the Lord come to you and bless you wherever He causes His name to

be honored (Exod. 20:24, NIV)