7:17-18

Daniel 7:17-The Four Great Beasts Represent Four Kings Arising From the Earth’s Inhabitants

The Four Great Beasts Represent Four Kings From the Earth

Daniel 7:17 “‘These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth.’” (NASB95) This verse is composed of the plural form of the demonstrative pronoun ʾil·l ên ( ) ( il-lane´ ), “ these ” which is modifying the feminine plural form of the noun ḥê·wā(h) ( ) ( khay-vaw´ ), “ beasts ” which is modified by the masculine singular adjective rǎḇ ( ) (rab), “ great ” which is followed by the particle dî ( ) (dee ), “which ” and then we have the third person feminine plural form of the pronoun ʾin·n ûn ( ) ( in-noon´ ), which is not translated and followed by the masculine singular number ʾǎr·bǎʿ ( ) ( ar-bah´ ), “ four ” and then once again we have the masculine singular number ʾǎr·bǎʿ ( ) ( ar-bah´ ), “ four ” which is modifying the masculine plural form of the noun mě·lěḵ ( ) ( meh´-lek ), “ kings ” and then we have the third person masculine singular pe al (Hebrew: qal) active imperfect form of the verb qûm ( ) ( koom ), “ will arise ” and then we have the preposition min ( ) (min), “from ” and its object is the feminine singular noun ʾǎrǎʿ ( ) ( ar-ah´ ), “the earth .”

Asyndeton

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Daniel is employing the figure of “asyndeton” in order to mark a transition from Daniel’s request for an interpretation from the unidentified individual in the vision to this individual providing Daniel the vision’s interpretation.

ʾil·l ên ʹ ʾin·nînʹʾǎr·bǎʿʹ rǎḇ·r eḇā·ṯā(ʾ)ʹ ḥê·w ā·ṯā(ʾ)ʹ

The noun ḥê·wā(h) is in the plural and means “beasts, wild animals” in contrast to domesticated animals. This noun is modified by the adjective rǎḇ, which means “great” in size describing the immense size of the four beasts coming up out of the great sea in Daniel’s vision. This adjective describes the immense size of the four beasts as having the power to incite awe in Daniel. It is modified by the demonstrative pronoun ʾil·l ên , which means “these” and is anaphoric pointing back to the four beasts described in the vision in Daniel 7:2-14.

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The particle dî means “which” since it functions as a relative pronoun referring to the four beasts in the vision.

ʾin·n ûn

The third person feminine plural form of the pronoun ʾin·n ûn means “are” since it functions as a copula and is an informal marker joining the particle dî and the cardinal number ʾǎr·bǎʿ , “four.”

ʾǎr·bǎʿ

The cardinal number ʾǎr·bǎʿ , “four” functions as the predicate meaning that it is making the assertion that the great beasts in the vision were four in number.

Ellipsis

Next, we have the figure of ellipsis meaning that Daniel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is deliberately omitting the third person masculine singular pe al (Hebrew: qal) active imperfect form of the verb hǎwā(h) ( ) ( hav-aw´ ). However it is implied and means “are.” The word functions as a copula joining the previous statement with the statement to follow that these four beasts are four great kings which will arise from the earth. The pe al (Hebrew: qal) stem of the verb is stative meaning that these four great beasts “existed in the state of being” four kings which will arise from the earth. The imperfect conjugation of the verb is stative expressing the same thing. We will translate hǎwā(h) , “ are .”

ʾǎr·b eʿā(h) ʹ mǎl·ḵînʹ

The plural form of the noun mě·lěḵ means “kings” and is modified by the cardinal number ʾǎr·bǎʿ , “four.” Together, they refer to the four great beasts which appear in Daniel’s vision as recorded in Daniel 7:2-14. qûm

The verb qûm means “to arise” in the sense of these four kings arising from the earth in the sense of emerging out from the human race or appearing in history. The pe al (Hebrew: qal) stem of the verb is fientive and denotes the action of these four kingdoms arising from the inhabitants of the earth. The imperfect conjugation

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 2 is expressing this event in the future from the perspective of Daniel in the sixth century B.C.

Ellipsis

Once again, we have the figure of ellipsis meaning that Daniel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is deliberately omitting relative particle dî which means “who” referring to the four kings who will emerge out from the inhabitants of planet earth in history. min ʾǎr·ʿā(ʾ)ʹ

The noun ʾǎrǎʿ means “ground, dirt, soil” but we have the figure of metonymy were the earth is put for the inhabitants of the earth. These kingdoms do not arise out of the earth itself of course but from the inhabitants of the earth. The noun ʾǎrǎʿ is the object of the preposition min , which is a marker of source indicating that these four kingdoms will arise “from” the inhabitants of the earth “as a source.”

Translation of Daniel 7:17

Daniel 7:17 “ ʻThese great beasts which are four in number are four kings who will arise from the earth’s inhabitants.’”

Exposition of Daniel 7:17

This unidentified individual begins to interpret the vision for Daniel. The identity of this individual is not revealed in chapter seven. However, it is more than likely the elect-angel since he is the one who gives Daniel the interpretation of the visions recorded in chapter eight (see 8:16, 21). Gabriel also appears to Daniel to give him the prophecy of the seventy weeks in Daniel chapter nine (see 9:21). So this unidentified individual who is more than likely the elect archangel Gabriel provides Daniel with the interpretation of the vision. Gabriel starts by telling Daniel that these four great beasts represent or are symbolic of four kings/kingdoms. We must remember that the ancient Orientals regarded kings and kingdoms synonymously. This is made clear to the reader in Daniel 7:23 which records the angel telling Daniel that the fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth. He does this after telling him here in Daniel 7:17 that the four great beasts represent four kings. Thus, a comparison of these two verses supports the idea that in the mind of Daniel, kings and kingdoms were synonymous.

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The interpreter’s statements in Daniel 7:17-18 serve as a summary interpretation of the vision, or in other words, they summarize the interpretation for Daniel. Then, in Daniel 7:19-27, in response to Daniel’s request, Gabriel gives more details regarding the fourth beast and the significance of the ten horns and the identity of the little horn. In Scripture, heathen nations are often depicted by wild beasts in order to express the animal like character of these nations which are unregenerate and deceived by sin and Satan. Here in Daniel chapter seven the Holy Spirit is depicting the unregenerate heathen nations as wild animals in order to convey to the reader God’s viewpoint of these nations. Therefore, the fact that these four empires are described as beasts emphasizing their unregenerate character and the first beast was transformed from a wild beast to a human being would indicate that Nebuchadnezzar was not only saved but he was obedient to God and no longer in rebellion against him after being disciplined for seven years. Some critics of the Scriptures argue that the statement in Daniel 7:17 that these four beasts represent four kings contradicts the statement in Daniel 7:2 that these beasts come up out from the great sea. As we noted in our study of Daniel 7:2, the “great sea” here in Daniel 7:2 refers in a literal sense to the Mediterranean Sea since throughout the it is identified as such (Numbers 34:6-7; Joshua 1:4; 9:1; 15:12, 47; 23:4; Ezekiel 47:10, 15, 20; 48:28). The Mediterranean was called “the great sea” in the Old Testament because it was situated geographically in the center of the earth and borders on so many large continents. The “great sea” in Daniel 7:2 also has of course a figurative sense referring to the heathen nations of the earth since Daniel 7:3 and 7:17 makes this clear. Both verses reveal that the four great beasts who are identified as four great heathen empires, which history tells are , Medo- Persia, Greece and Rome. This would make clear that the great sea refers to unregenerate mankind since these empires are composed of unregenerate men and women. Revelation 17:15 also supports this interpretation (cf. Isaiah 8:6-8; 17:12- 13; 57:20; 60:5; Jeremiah. 6:23; 46:7-8; 47:2; Matthew 13:46; Luke 21:25; Revelation 13:1; 17:1; 21:1.). Now, here in Daniel 7:17, the interpreter mentions these four great beasts will arise from the earth, which as we noted contains the figure of metonymy where the earth is put for its inhabitants. Therefore, there is no contradiction since “will arise from the earth” in Daniel 7:17 and “came up out from the sea” in Daniel 7:2 are both describing these four kingdoms, symbolized by the four beasts, as arising out from the inhabitants of the earth formed into different national entities. What is symbolic in Daniel 7:2 is literal in Daniel 7:17. This means that the great sea in Daniel 7:2 is symbolic of the inhabitants of the earth grouped into their various

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 4 national entities whereas the kingdoms arising from the earth in Daniel 7:17 are referring to four kingdoms which will arise out from the earth’s inhabitants. Gingrich has an excellent comment regarding the interpretation of the four beasts in Daniel chapter seven, he writes “Interpreters of the may be divided into two schools: (1) the school of the higher critics and (2) the school of the conservatives. The scholars of the school of the higher critics teach that the book of Daniel is a Second Century B.C. forgery and that the so-called prophecy found in the book is really history and was history at the time the book was written. They teach that the four empires spoken of in chapters two and seven have reference to The Babylonian Empire, The Median Empire, The Persian Empire, and The Grecian Empire. The scholars of the school of the conservatives teach that the book of Daniel is a genuine production of Daniel written in the Sixth Century B.C. and that the prophecy found in the book was genuine prophecy at the time the book was written. They teach that the four empires spoken of in chapters two and seven are The Babylonian Empire, The Medo-Persian Empire, The Grecian Empire, and The Roman Empire. The conservative school is divided into two sub- schools, the sub-school of the Amillennialists and Postmillennialists and the sub- school of the Premillennialists. The scholars of the sub-school of the Amillennialists and Postmillennialists teach that the destruction of the fourth Gentile world-empire, the Roman Empire, spoken of in Daniel, chapters two and seven, has been a gradual destruction accomplished by the church. The scholars of the sub-school of the Premillennialists teach that the destruction of the fourth Gentile world empire spoken of in Daniel, chapters two and seven, is to be a sudden, cataclysmic, destruction accomplished by Christ at His Second Advent (the Roman Empire is to be revived during “The Seventieth Week of Daniel” and will be smitten and destroyed by Christ at His Second coming). So we see that the prophecy of ‘The Times of the Gentiles’ is a controversial prophecy.” 1

The First Beast

Daniel 7:1 During ’s, Babylon’s king, first year, Daniel saw a dream specifically visions in his mind on his bed. Then, he wrote down the dream. He declares the beginning of the account. 2 Daniel began to speak and said, “I was in a trance like state, staring because of my vision during the night as behold the heaven’s four winds were blowing violently against the great sea. 3 Then, four great beasts, one different from the other, came up out from the sea. 4 The first beast was like a lion with eagle’s wings attached to it. I was in a trance like state staring when its wings were torn off. Then it was

1 Gingrich, R. E.. The Times of the Gentiles. Memphis, TN.: Riverside Printing

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 5 lifted up from the ground for the purpose of it standing on two feet like a human being. A human mind was also given to it.” (Author’s translation) The first beast symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon since it corresponds to the head of gold in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel chapter two, which Daniel identified as being Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon (See :37-38). Further confirmation comes from history itself since both the lion and the eagle were both national symbols of Babylon (See Jeremiah 4:7, 13; Ezekiel 17:3). Nebuchadnezzar is elsewhere compared to both the lion (Je. 4:7; cf. 49:19; 50:44) and the eagle (Ezk. 17:3, 11–12). Cf. v 4 with 4:33–34. 2 Just as gold is the most precious metal on earth so the lion is the king of the wild beasts of the earth. The fact that this first beast was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man and was given a human mind indicates that this refers to the conversion of Nebuchadnezzar after being humbled by God and in particular its speak of him after being disciplined by God for seven years and being restored to power by God (Daniel 4). Though the king became a believer as a result of God miraculously delivering Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from his power, Nebuchadnezzar was still thinking arrogantly and conducting himself as an unregenerate person in rebellion against God. The discipline broke this arrogant mentality and sinful behavior in rebelling against God. That this description of the first beast in Daniel 7:4 as standing on two feet like a human being and being given a human mind is a reference to Nebuchadnezzar thinking and acting in accordance with the will of God as a believer. This is indicated by the fact that of all four beasts, the first beast was distinguished as having its beast-like character transformed into a human being. Remember, the four beasts all describe the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome as beasts in order to convey God’s viewpoint of these nations. The description of the first beast as being transformed from a wild beast to a human being here in Daniel 7:4 indicates that Nebuchadnezzar after the discipline was loving his neighbor as himself after this discipline in contrast to the kings of these heathen empires which followed Babylon. The tearing off the wings of the first beast would be a reference to the end of the discipline administered to him by God as a believer since the eagle’s wings correspond to the description of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:33 when he was disciplined by God for seven years. If you recall, Daniel 4:32 tells the reader that Nebuchadnezzar was driven away from mankind so that his dwelling place was among the beasts of the field. He even ate grass like cattle for seven years until he acknowledged that God was sovereign over him. Daniel 4:33 records that Nebuchadnezzar was driven away from mankind and even habitually ate grass like cattle. Furthermore, he was continually

2 New Bible commentary: 21st century edition . 1994 (D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer & G. J. Wenham, Ed.) (4th ed.) (Da 7:1–14). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 6 drenched with the dew from heaven until his hair became extremely long like eagle’s feathers likewise his nails like a bird’s claws. This description in Daniel 4:33 would indicate that the eagle’s wings on the first beast speak of Nebuchadnezzar being disciplined and the tearing off the wings would indicate the end of that discipline after seven years.

The Second Beast

Daniel 7:5 “Next, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear with it raised up to one side with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. Then, they issued orders to it, ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’” (Author’s translation) The bear symbolizes Medo-Persia since she conquered Babylon according to Daniel chapter five and human history. It corresponds to the silver arms chest of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel chapter two. In Daniel 2:39, Daniel informed Nebuchadnezzar that after his kingdom there will arise another kingdom which will be inferior to his kingdom. Since Daniel told the king at the end of Daniel 2:38 that he was the head of gold of the statue in his dream, this second kingdom is represented by the silver arms and chest of the statue. History records that this part of the statue represented the Medo-Persian Empire. It was inferior since it lacked the inner unity of Babylon because the and the Persians, though united, never fused into one people. Daniel chapter five and human history record Medo-Persia conquered Babylon and absorbed this nation into its empire and replaced Babylon as a world-wide empire. In Daniel chapter five, the God of Israel sent a message to Belshazzar through Daniel that his empire was being handed over to the Medes and Persians. This took place that very night. The fact that the bear was raised up on one side refers to the one-side merging of the Median and Persian empires in that over time Persia became more dominant over Media (Daniel 10:13). The three ribs in the mouth of the bear represent the kingdoms of Egypt, Assyria and Babylon, which had preceded the empire, represented by the bear and were conquered by Medo-Persian Empire. Like a bear, the Medo-Persian army was powerful and fierce (Isaiah 13:15-18). The commands to “arise, devour much flesh” indicates that the Medo-Persian empire was under the sovereign authority of God. It implies that God has sovereignly ordained the Medo-Persian Empire continue its conquests over the nations of the earth. These commands portray the Medo-Persian Empire conquering many nations and peoples to extend its domain. Those commanding the bear must refer to the Trinity since the interpretation of the vision indicates that the God of Israel is sovereign over the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome, which are depicted as a lion, bear, leopard and a non-descript beast respectively.

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If you recall, Daniel 2:39 records Daniel telling Nebuchadnezzar that after his kingdom there will arise another kingdom which will be inferior to his kingdom. Since Daniel told the king at the end of Daniel 2:38 that he was the head of gold of the statue in his dream, this second kingdom is represented by the silver arms and chest of the statue. History records that this part of the statue represented the Medo-Persian Empire. It was inferior since it lacked the inner unity of Babylon because the Medes and the Persians, though united, never fused into one people. Since the metals of the statue decrease in value but increase in strength, the silver arms and chest of the statue indicate that the character of authority in rulership of the Media-Persian Empire was superior to the third and fourth kingdoms, which history records were Greece and Rome respectively and inferior to only Babylon. However, its power or strength was superior to Babylon but inferior to Greece and Rome.

The Third Beast

Daniel 7:6 “After this, I was staring in a trance like state as behold, another one, was like a leopard with it having four bird’s wings on its back. Also, the beast had four heads. Indeed, governmental dominion was given to it.” (Author’s translation) The leopard represents Greece since it corresponds to the bronze belly and thighs of Nebuchadnezzar’s image in Daniel chapter two and was noted for its speed and cunning in attacking its prey, which characterized Alexander the Great’s conquests that were without precedent in the ancient world. The four wings on this leopard emphasizes a speed beyond its capacity, which characterized Alexander the Great’s lightening fast conquest of the civilized world from Macedonia to Africa and eastward to India. The four heads depict the four-fold division of Alexander’s empire after his death between four of his generals (:8, 22). The fact that governmental dominion was given to this kingdom indicates that it did not achieve its conquests by ordinary means but that it achieved its rapid success because of the God of Israel. This would indicate that Alexander was truly a man of destiny and that God gave him is rapid success so that the world was at his feet by the age of 32. In the second statement that appears in Daniel 2:39, Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that after the second empire, there will be a third kingdom of bronze, which will rule the earth. This description makes clear that the second empire is represented by the silver arms and chest of the statue and that the third empire is represented by the bronze belly and thighs of the statue. The bronze belly and thighs of the statue represent Alexander the Great’s Greek Empire since

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 8 history records that this empire conquered Medo-Persia between 334 and 330 B.C. and absorbed it into its empire. This portrayed in Daniel chapter 8. Alexander the Great began to rule in 336 B.C. He defeated the Persians and conquered many nations while at the same time spreading Greek culture and language throughout these territories. He attempted to follow the Babylonian example, but this led to gross immorality and early death in 323 B.C. at the age of thirty-three. In Daniel 8:5-8, Alexander the Great’s empire is described under the figure of the shaggy goat with a big horn. This horn was followed by four horns according to this passage which represented Alexander’s four generals who divided his empire after he died. To Ptolemy was given Egypt and parts of Asia Minor. Casander was given the territory of Macedonia and Greece. Lysimachus was given Thrace and parts of Asia Minor (western Bithynia, Phrygia, Mycia and Lydia). Seleucus was given the remainder of Alexander’s empire which included Syria, Israel and Mesopotamia. Since the metals of the statue in Daniel chapter two decrease in value but increase in strength, the bronze belly and thighs of the statue indicate that the character of authority in rulership of Alexander’s Greece was inferior to Media- Persia and Babylon and yet superior to Rome, which is the fourth kingdom. However, its power or strength was superior to Media-Persia and Babylon and inferior only to Rome. There has been some controversy among interpreters regarding this third empire. Some have argued that Greece is the fourth empire, and they treat the Medes as a separate kingdom. This interpretation is partly due to denying the possibility of prophesy. It is also the result of assuming that Daniel was written about 164 B.C. when the Roman Empire had not come to the forefront yet. However, Media and Persia are usually regarded as one empire. The Median kingdom had been mostly absorbed by the Persians by the time Cyrus II conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. Most conservative scholars identify them as Media-Persia, Greece, and Rome.

The Fourth Beast

Daniel 7:7 “After this, I was continuing to stare in a trance like state because of these night visions as behold, a fourth beast, intimidating, yes even terrifying as well as extremely powerful, possessing two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured as well as crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the rest with its feet. Indeed, it was characterized as different from all the beasts which were before it in the sense of possessing ten horns.” (Author’s translation)

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The fourth beast if you notice is not likened to some known animal but rather is non-descript and distinct from the previous three beasts. Daniel describes this fourth beast as intimidating, even terrifying as well as extremely powerful, possessing two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the other three beasts. In fact, Daniel says that it was characterized as different from the other three beasts which appeared before it in the sense it possessed ten horns. This fourth beast represents the Roman Empire since it corresponds to the legs of iron in the image that appeared in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel chapter two, which we noted represented the Roman Empire. The mention of this fourth beast possessing large iron teeth and violently crushing the other three beasts characterized the Roman Empire. The Roman armies were known for their iron armor which led some to refer to them as the “Iron Legions” of Rome, emphasizing their strength and invincibility. The Roman armies were also known for violently crushing countries and civilizations enslaving many peoples. Daniel describes this fourth beast as having ten horns, which makes this beast different from the previous three. These ten horns refer to ten kings according to Daniel 7:24. These ten horns correspond to the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s image in Daniel chapter two that referred to the Revived Roman Empire that will consist of a ten nation confederation during Daniel’s Seventieth Week. The ten horns do not represent a fifth kingdom but rather they grow out of the head of the fourth kingdom and are the last development of the fourth beast, which corresponds to the ten toes on the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel chapter two. Daniel 2:40 records this fourth kingdom is compared to iron because it would crush and shatter other kingdoms just as iron shatters and crushes all things. This comparison indicates that this fourth kingdom will be more powerful and destructive than the previous three empires which were represented on the statue by the gold head, the silver arms and chest and bronze belly and thighs, which history records as Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece respectively. This verse also says that this fourth kingdom, which history records as the Roman Empire will crush as well as break in pieces every kingdom it confronts in war just like iron breaks into pieces gold, silver and bronze. The Roman Empire broke into pieces and shattered to pieces more kingdoms and brought them into greater subjection than Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. Some modern interpreters have attempted to identify these four kingdoms as Babylon, followed by Media and then Persia and lastly Greece. They do this in order to fit the Book into their view that Daniel was written during the persecution of the Jews by Antiochus Epiphanes in 175-165 B.C. However, in Daniel 8:20, Daniel identifies Media and Persia as a single empire represented by a single

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 10 animal, which is the ram. This confirms the interpretation that Medo-Persia was the second empire. Furthermore history does not demonstrate that the Median Empire was followed by a Persian Empire. In 65 B.C., the Roman general Pompey conquered Syria and by 30 B.C. Augustus had conquered Egypt and had taken over Jerusalem establishing himself as the first Roman emperor. The Roman Empire deserved its representation as the “iron empire” since it subdued and destroyed the remnants of the preceding empires as well as many other nations. Interestingly, however, the Roman Empire and civilization incorporated much of the Greek culture, even identifying their gods with those of the Greeks. Also Persian and Babylonian cults and customs spread throughout the Roman Empire. The Greek language became the language of trade, commerce and government communication in the eastern half of the Roman Empire and even in the city of Rome itself. The fact that the iron lower legs belong to the statue indicates that Rome represented by the iron lower legs would incorporate the language, customs, culture and gods of Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. Thus, in a sense these three previous kingdoms in a sense were not completely destroyed. However, Christ’s Second Advent will destroy any remembrance of these former kingdoms as depicted in the rock cut out of a mountain without human hands striking the image on the feet and destroying the entire image. Since the metals of the statue in the vision of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel chapter two decrease in value but increase in strength, the iron lower legs of the statue indicate that the character of the authority in rulership of the Roman Empire was inferior to Alexander’s Greece, Media-Persia and Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon. However, its military power or strength was superior to these three.

The Ten Horns

The feet of the statue in Daniel chapter two and the ten horns of the fourth beast in Daniel chapter seven represent an empire, which has not yet appeared on the pages of history. The Scriptures indicate that it will be an empire, which is connected to the Roman Empire but inferior in character of authority in rulership as well as power or strength. In fact, the Scriptures teach that it will be a Revived Form of the Roman Empire, which will be composed of a ten-nation confederacy which can be described as a United States of Europe. This is all indicated by several factors. First of all, the feet of the image Nebuchadnezzar saw were composed of a mixture of iron and clay. The iron in the feet indicates that the empire represented by the feet is related to the lower legs of the statue, which we noted were composed of iron, which represented the Roman Empire. Also, Daniel does not say

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 11 that the feet represent a fifth empire, which further indicates that the feet represent an empire which is connected to the Roman Empire. The ten horns mentioned in Daniel 7:24 correspond to the toes in Daniel 2:42 and were ten kingdoms, out of which one horn will arise who will destroy three of the other kingdoms and lead the other seven and persecute believers in Jesus Christ. Daniel 7:26 says that this one horn called the “little horn” will be destroyed by God. Daniel 2:44-45 teaches that this ten nation confederation depicted as ten toes of the feet of the statue will be destroyed by the Second Advent of Christ, which is depicted as a stone cut of the mountain without hands. Daniel 9:26 indicates that this little horn will be a Roman dictator as indicated by the phrase “the people of the prince who is to come.” “The people” were the Romans who destroyed the temple forty years after the death of Christ. “The prince” refers to the little horn, i.e. the Antichrist indicating that the Antichrist will be a Roman. This verse teaches that he will come to power after 483 prophetic years, which ended with the death of Christ on the cross. Daniel 9:27 says that he will make a seven-year treaty with the leaders of Israel, which will begin the final seven prophetic years called the seventieth week and during the middle of this seventieth week after three and a half years, he will break the treaty and stop the sacrifices in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and declare himself God. Nothing in history corresponds to the events described during this seventieth week. The Second Advent of Christ has yet to take place. Therefore, a comparison of Daniel 2:44-45 with Daniel 7:24 and 26 as well as Daniel 9:26-27 and Revelation 13 indicates that in the future, the little horn, i.e. the Antichrist will be the head of a ten-nation confederacy since he will be a Roman ruling over other nations which are close in proximity to him. Just as toes on a person’s feet are right beside each other so this ten-nation confederacy will be geographically beside each other. Some commentators have attempted to find a ten-toe state of the statue and the ten horn state of the fourth beast in the fifth and sixth centuries A.D. However, the facts of history do not fulfill the ten toes of the statue. The fact that the feet of this statue in Daniel chapter two are composed of a mixture of iron and clay indicates that the character of the authority in rulership of this yet future Revived Form of the Roman Empire is inferior to Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, Media-Persia, Alexander’s Greek Empire and Rome since the metals of the statue decrease in value. However, the power of this yet future Revived Form of the Roman Empire under Antichrist will possess some of the strength and power of the Roman Empire but will be very fragile since the metals increase in strength and the feet are connected to the iron legs, which represent Rome. But, the strong yet fragile composition of the feet of the statue indicates that the power and strength of the Revived Form of the Roman Empire is inferior to Rome.

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The Roman Empire was characterized by division (Western and Eastern) and deterioration since it could never unite the people they conquered to form a united empire and so in that sense the people were a “mixture” and were not united. Just as iron is strong, so the final stage of the Roman Empire will be strong militarily and just as clay is characterized by fragility, so the final stage of the Roman Empire will be characterized by division. Different groups of people will unite to form the final stage of the Roman Empire but they will not adhere completely to one another just as iron and clay cannot adhere completely with each other. Therefore, the final stage of the Roman Empire will consist of a federation of several divisions, which will unite for the sake of military strength but they will not integrate to the extent of losing their ethnic and cultural identities. The ten toes of the image indicated that the final stage of the Roman Empire will consist of a ten-division federation. Daniel 7:23-24 signifies that eventually the Roman Empire will consist of a federation of ten divisions with ten equal rulers (See Revelation 17:12). Since the Roman Empire has never in its history consisted of a ten-division federation with ten equal rulers, we can conclude that this stage of the Empire’s existence will take place in the future during the Tribulation period. Also, Daniel 2:45 records that “ in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom ,” i.e. the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, which has never taken place in history but is yet future. Therefore, sometime in the future, after the rapture of the church, a revived form of the Roman Empire will be established. The iron of the feet of the statue in Daniel chapter two denotes the strength of this stage of this Revived Form of the Roman Empire during Daniel’s Seventieth Week and the clay denotes its fragility. The mixing of iron with clay represents the attempt to join the two distinct and separate materials into one combined whole as in vain. This weakness extends to both feet of the image; and, correspondingly, the division and fragility. The divided stage of the fourth kingdom will include diverse elements such as race, politics and other interests, which will prevent this stage of the fourth kingdom from achieving true unity. Thus, Daniel describes this divided stage of the fourth kingdom as fragile. That this divided form of the fourth kingdom will never achieve true unity is indicated by Daniel 11:36-45, which records that the world empire led by Antichrist during Daniel’s Seventieth Week will break up as a result of a world-wide civil war. Armies from the south, east, and north will seek to confront Antichrist and challenge his rulership. The iron describes this divided and final stage of the fourth kingdom as possessing some of the character of authority in rulership of the Roman Empire, depicted by the lower legs on the statue. Also, the iron describes this divided and final stage of the fourth kingdom as possessing some of the power or strength of the fourth kingdom, which represents Rome.

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The Little Horn

Daniel 7:8 “I was contemplating in a trance like state because of these horns as behold, another little horn emerged out from among them. Then, the first three originating from the horns was torn out by being in the presence of it. In fact, behold, on this horn, were eyes like a human being’s eyes as well as a mouth speaking boastfully.” (Author’s translation) Daniel continues his description of the fourth beast by telling the reader that a little horn emerged out from among the ten horns of the fourth beast. He then describes the first three of the ten horns were torn out by being in the presence of the little horn. He continues to describe this little horn as possessing eyes and a mouth like a human being. It spoke boastfully with its mouth. The little horn refers to the Antichrist since it is identified with the Revived Roman Empire and in Daniel 7:19-26, he is described as waging war against God’s people up to the time of the Second Advent of Christ, which corresponds to the depiction of the Antichrist in Revelation (Daniel 7:11, 20-26; 8:25; Revelation 13:1-10; 19:20). The Scriptures give the Antichrist many titles and names: (1) “ The beast ” (Revelation 13:1-2) (2) “ The prince that will come ” (Daniel 9:26-27) (3) The “man of lawlessness ” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-10) (4) The “ scarlet beast ” (Revelation 17:3) (5) The willful king (Daniel 11:36-40) (6) “ The man of sin ” (2 Thessalonians 2:3), (7) “ The son of perdition ” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) (8) The Desolater (Daniel 9:27). He will not appear until the Day of the Lord has begun (2 Thessalonians 2:2) and his manifestation is being hindered by the Restrainer (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7) and this appearance will be preceded by the rapture of the church (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Antichrist will be a Gentile since he arises from the sea according to Revelation 13:1 and since the sea depicts the Gentile nations according to Revelation 17:15, he must be of Gentile origin. He will arise from the Roman Empire, since he is a ruler of the people who destroyed Jerusalem (Dan. 9:26). Antichrist is the head of the last form of Gentile world dominion, for he is like a leopard, a bear, and a lion (Revelation 13:1; compare Daniel 7:7-8, 20,24; Revelation 17:9-11) and as such he is a political leader. Daniel 7:21-22 reveals the following regarding the little horn: (1) He will persecute the saints of the Most High and is thus a person and Daniel 7:24 says that he is a king. (2) He will overcome the nation of Israel and will bring that nation under his authority (Revelation 12:13-17; 17:7). (3) He will be judged by God (Revelation 19:19-20) and Israel will thus enter into her millennial reign.

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Daniel 7:23 reveals that the little horn will have a world-wide kingdom (Compare Revelation 13:7) and it will be an overwhelming conquest, which anticipates a coming one-world government under a worldwide dictator. Daniel 7:25 corresponds to Revelation 13:1-10 and gives us three more additional facts about the little horn: (1) He will oppose God’s authority as indicated by the phrase “ He will speak out against the Most High ” (Compare Revelation 13:6). (2) He will oppress born-again Israel as indicated by the statement “ wear down the saints of the Highest One ”. (3) He will introduce an entirely new era in which he will abandon all previous laws and institute his own system as indicated by the statement “ he will intend to make alterations in times in law ” (Compare Daniel 11:36-37; 2 Thessalonians 2:4). Daniel 9:26 indicates that this little horn will be a Roman dictator as indicated by the phrase “the people of the prince who is to come.” “The people” were the Romans who destroyed the temple forty years after the death of Christ. “The prince” refers to the little horn, i.e. the Antichrist indicating that the Antichrist will be a Roman. Daniel 9:27 says that Antichrist will pretend to be Israel’s benefactor and make a treaty with her but will turn against her in the mid way point of Daniel’s Seventieth Week and will persecute Israel and occupy Jerusalem for three and a half years. He will make a seven-year treaty with the leaders of Israel, which will begin the final seven prophetic years called the seventieth week and during the middle of this seventieth week after three and a half years, he will break the treaty and stop the sacrifices in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and declare himself God. Nothing in history corresponds to the events described during this seventieth week. The Second Advent of Christ has yet to take place. Daniel 7:26 refers to the Supreme Court of Heaven, (God the Father) passing down the decision to remove the little horn’s power, which will take place at the Second Advent of Christ, which terminates Daniel’s Seventieth Week (See Revelation 19:11-20:6). The little horn will seek to prevent Christ’s rule on the earth by attempting to destroy God’s covenant people Israel but his reign will be short, only three and a half years and will be terminated with the Second Advent of Jesus Christ who at that time will establish His millennial reign on earth in fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Israel. This prophecy concerning the little horn will take place in the future since no such ruler has attained world-wide rulership over a one-world government, no such ruler has subdued three of ten kings who were ruling at once and no such ruler has persecuted Israel for three and a half years and no such ruler has been destroyed by the return of Jesus Christ! Therefore, we can see that toward the end of the Times of the Gentiles, a one world government under a tyrannical dictator will emerge from a ten nation confederacy. This

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 15 confederacy will emerge out of the old Roman Empire and thus will be a European confederacy. This ten-nation confederacy that will take place in the future will be a revived form of the Roman Empire since it is portrayed in Daniel 2 and 7 as emerging from the fourth kingdom, Rome. So the description of the little horn here in Daniel 7:8 indicates that the Antichrist will start off as an insignificant world ruler among ten other rulers of kingdom but will defeat three of these ten kingdoms and emerge as a world ruler. The eyes of the little horn speak of the faculty of careful observation implying that the Antichrist will be extremely intelligent. The boastful speaking indicates that the Antichrist will be a great speaker who in the judgment of God is arrogant in his words.

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Daniel 7:18-The Saints of the Highest One Will Receive and Possess the Kingdom Forever

The Saints of the Highest One will Receive the Kingdom

Daniel 7:18 ‘But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come.’ (NASB95) “But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom ” is composed of the conjunction wa ( ) (waw), “ but ” which is followed by the third person masculine plural pa el (Hebrew equivalent: piel) active imperfect form of the verb qeḇǎ l ( ) ( keb-al´ ), “ will receive ” and then we have the feminine singular construct form of the noun mǎl·ḵ ûṯ ( ) (mal-kooth), “ the kingdom ” which is followed by the masculine plural construct form of the adjective qǎd·dîš ( ) (kad-deesh´ ), “ the saints of ” and then we have the masculine plural form of the adjective ʿěl·yôn ( ) ( el-yone´ ), “ the Highest One .” wa

The conjunction wa is employed here in an adversative sense meaning that it is introducing a statement which stands in contrast to the previous statement in Daniel 7:17 which records the angel Gabriel telling Daniel that the four great beasts in his vision represent four kingdoms arising from the earth’s inhabitants. The conjunction wa is introducing a statement which records the angel informing Daniel that the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, yes throughout all eternity. Therefore, the contrast is between the temporary and transitory nature of the four kingdoms represented by the four beasts who originate from sinful humanity with the eternal nature of the kingdom the saints of the Most Highest will receive and possess, whose origin is from God. qǎd·dîš

The adjective qǎd·dîš functions as a substantive and means “saints” describing those Jews and Gentiles who are regenerated through faith and as a result of have been set apart to serve the God of Israel exclusively. This group would also include elect angels. This term is related to the doctrine of sanctification. Though Daniel was a Jew and would know nothing of the church and the church age dispensation, this word qǎd·dîš is a reference to both regenerate Jew and Gentiles in every dispensation including the church age. The Holy Spirit, who inspired this vision and prophecy and provided the interpretation of the vision for

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 17 the angel Gabriel, would be referring to church age believers and regenerate Gentiles from every dispensation along with of course regenerate Israel. We must remember the interpretation is from God’s perspective and not Daniel’s frame of reference. Thus the saints here in Daniel 7:18 would be from every dispensation, both regenerate Jews and Gentiles. Of course, Daniel would have no knowledge of church age believers since the church age was a mystery dispensation meaning that it was not known to Old Testament saints like Daniel. The construct state of qǎd·dîš means that it is governing the adjective ʿěl·yôn , which follows it. The construct state is expressing a genitive relationship which is a genitive of possession meaning that these saints belong to the Most High God.

ʿěl·yôn

The adjective ʿěl·yôn means “the Most High” referring of course to the God of Israel, and specifically the Son of Man who Jesus Christ identified as Himself. qeḇǎ l

The verb qeḇǎ l means “to receive” and its subject is the saints of the Most High God and its object is the kingdom, which refers to the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ. Thus the word denotes that the saints of the Mot High God, i.e. regenerate Israel will “receive” the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ in the sense that they will enter into the millennium and experience the blessings of this kingdom. The pa el (Hebrew: piel) stem of the verb is factitive meaning that the subject causes its direct object to enter a state that can be described by the same verb in the pe al (Hebrew: qal). The subject of this verb is of course the saints of the Most High God and its direct object is the millennial kingdom of Christ. The state is having received the kingdom. Therefore, this stem denotes that the saints of the Most High will cause the kingdom to enter the state of being received by them. The imperfect form of the verb denotes an event that is future from the viewpoint of Daniel, the writer, in the sixth century B.C. mǎl·ḵ ûṯ

The noun mǎl·ḵ ûṯ means “kingdom” and refers to God’s kingdom which will be manifested on the earth during His Son Jesus Christ’s millennial reign. The word denotes the territorial sphere of Christ’s millennial kingdom. It is used to designate the territorial sphere of this kingdom. It refers to the political boundaries of this millennial kingdom. This word denotes that this millennial kingdom, which will be

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 18 the Father’s kingdom, will consist of the nations, cities, villages and farmland it will control.

The Saints of the Highest One will Possess the Kingdom Forever

Daniel 7:18 ‘But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come.’ (NASB95) “And possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come ” is composed of the conjunction wa ( ) (waw), “ and ” which is followed by the third person masculine plural haf el (Hebrew: hiphil) active imperfect form of the verb ḥǎsǎn ( ) ( khas- an´ ), “ possess ” and then we have the feminine singular form of the noun mǎl·ḵ ûṯ ( ד) mal-kooth), “ the kingdom ” which is followed by the preposition ʿǎḏ) ( ) (ad) and its object is the masculine singular noun ʿā·lǎm ( ) ( aw-lam´ ), which together are translated “ forever ” and they are followed by the conjunction wa ( ) ( ד) waw), which is not translated and followed once again by the preposition ʿǎḏ) (ad) “for ” and its object is the masculine singular construct form of the noun ʿā·lǎm ( ) ( aw-lam´ ), which is followed by the masculine plural form of the noun ʿā·lǎm ( ) ( aw-lam´ ), which together are translated “ all ages to come .” wa

This time the conjunction wa is emphatic meaning that the word is introducing a statement that is advancing upon and intensifying the previous statement, which tells the reader that the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom. The word introduces a statement which tells the reader that the saints of the Most High will possess the kingdom forever, throughout eternity. Therefore, the advancement and intensification is that the interpreter goes from telling Daniel that the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom to informing him that they will possess it throughout eternity. Thus, we will translate the conjunction “ indeed .”

ḥǎsǎn

The verb ḥǎsǎn means “to take possession of, to possess” indicating that the saints of the Most High will take possession of the kingdom forever, yes throughout eternity. The haf el (Hebrew: hiphil) stem of the verb is factitive meaning that the subject of this verb causes its direct object to enter the state described by the same verb in the qal. Here the subject is of course the saints of the Most High. Its direct object is the kingdom of God, the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ. The state is the possession of the kingdom. Thus, this stem denotes the saints of the Most High

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 19 cause the kingdom to enter the state of being possessed by them. The imperfect form of the verb denotes an event that is future from the viewpoint of Daniel, the writer, in the sixth century B.C. mǎl·ḵ ûṯ

Once again, the noun mǎl·ḵ ûṯ means “kingdom” and refers to God’s kingdom which will be manifested on the earth during His Son Jesus Christ’s millennial reign. The word denotes the territorial sphere of Christ’s millennial kingdom. It is used to designate the territorial sphere of this kingdom. It refers to the political boundaries of this millennial kingdom. This word denotes that this millennial kingdom, which will be the Father’s kingdom, will consist of the nations, cities, villages and farmland it will control.

ʿǎḏʹʿǒl·mā(ʾ)ʹ

The masculine singular form of the noun ʿā·lǎm means “forever” referring to eternity and its the object of the preposition ʿǎḏ , which is used as a marker of duration without reference to points of time indicating that the saints of the Most High will possess the kingdom “throughout” eternity or in other words forever. We will render this prepositional phrase “ throughout eternity .” wa

This time the conjunction wa is emphatic meaning that the word is introducing a statement that is advancing upon and intensifying the previous statement, which tells the reader that the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom. This conjunction is introducing a statement which the interpreter telling Daniel that the saints of the Most High will possess the kingdom throughout eternity, yes through eternity, the ages. Therefore, the advancement and intensification is that the interpreter goes from telling Daniel that the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom to informing him that they will possess it throughout eternity. The advancement and intensification is that the interpreter Gabriel goes from the telling Daniel that the saints of God will receive the kingdom to informing him they will possess it forever. Thus, we will translate the conjunction “ yes .”

ʿǎḏʹ ʿā·l ǎmʹ ʿǒl·mǎy·yā(ʾ)ʹ

Once again, we have the masculine singular construct form of the noun ʿā·lǎm means “forever” referring to eternity and its again the object of the preposition ʿǎḏ ,

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 20 which is used as a marker of duration without reference to points of time indicating that the saints of the Most High will possess the kingdom “throughout” eternity or in other words forever. The construct state of the noun ʿā·lǎm means that it is governing the masculine plural form of ʿā·lǎm, which follows it, expressing a genitive relation. The genitive relation is appositional meaning that the plural form of the word stands in apposition to the singular form of the word, specifying the duration of the saints reign. When he says eternity, Gabriel is speaking of the ages to come in the future.

Translation of Daniel 7:18

Daniel 7:18 ‘However, the saints belonging to the Most High will receive the kingdom. Indeed, they will possess the kingdom throughout eternity, yes throughout eternity, the ages.’

Exposition of Daniel 7:18

Daniel 7:17-18 summarize the interpretation of the vision which is recorded in Daniel 7:2-14. Here in Daniel 7:17-18, the interpreter of the vision contrasts the temporary and transitory nature of the four kingdoms which originate from sinful humanity with the eternal nature of the kingdom the saints of the Most Highest will receive and possess, whose origin is from God. “The saints belonging to the Most High ” refers to regenerate Jews and Gentiles from every dispensation and not merely regenerate Israel. This indicates that the church would be among the saints mentioned here in Daniel 7:18 since the Holy Spirit is providing the interpretation of the vision through the angel Gabriel and the Holy Spirit would be of course knowledgeable about the church. However, from Daniel’s perspective he would not be thinking of the church since the church age is a mystery dispensation meaning it was not known to Old Testament saints like Daniel. The interpreter of course does not mention the church. The revelation concerning the church age would be provided through the Lord Jesus and His apostles. The term “ saints ” could be rendered “holy ones” referring to those individuals who are set apart to serve the God of Israel exclusively as a result of exercising faith in the God of Israel. Their faith in Him has resulted in their being sanctified. The purpose of this sanctification is to reproduce the holiness of God in these believers. So the millennial kingdom will be characterized by holiness since believers are sanctified as a result of their faith. The “saints” are believers from every dispensation including both regenerate Jews and Gentiles. They would also include the elect angels.

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“The Most High ” is a reference to the Son of Man who is God the Son according to verses 13-14. This is indicated by several factors in the context. First of all, we know that the Ancient of Days is a reference to the Father throughout chapter seven since in verse 13, Daniel describes one like a Son of Man was coming upon the clouds of heaven. Specifically, He went up to the Ancient of Days in the sense that He approached His presence. Then, in verse 14, he tells the reader that the Ancient of Days gave governmental dominion to this Son of Man as well as honor and in addition sovereignty in order that each and every person belonging to the nations, ethnicities as well as language groups would serve Him. The Son of Man’s governmental dominion is described as an eternal governmental dominion which can never be taken away so that His kingdom is one which can never be destroyed. These verses make clear that the Son of Man possesses the prerogatives of God. He is sovereign like God and He is eternal like God since His kingdom He received from the Ancient of Days is described as eternal and indestructible. So it is clear that the Son of Man receives a kingdom from the Ancient of Days. The New Testament identifies verse 13 as the ascension and session of Jesus Christ and verse 14 describes Jesus Christ’s millennial kingdom on planet earth. Now, in verse 22, the saints are said to take possession of the kingdom, which is a reference to the kingdom given to the Son of Man by the Ancient of Days as made clear by verses 13-14. Then, in verse 27, Daniel says that the sovereignty, dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High (“Highest One” NASB95). In the very next sentence, he says that “His” kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom and all the dominions will serve and obey Him. “His” would then have to be the Son of Man since the Ancient of Days gave the Son of Man a kingdom and sovereign authority over the inhabitants of all the earth as we noted in verses 13-14. Verse 27 describes the kingdom of the “Highest One” or “Most High” as everlasting which parallels the description in verse 14 that the Son of Man’s governmental dominion is eternal. Verse 27 also says that all the dominions will serve and obey the “Highest One” or “Most High.” This parallels Daniel’s statement in verse 14 that the Ancient of Days gave governmental dominion to the Son of Man as well as honor and in addition sovereignty in order that each and every person belonging to the nations, ethnicities as well as language groups would serve Him. Throughout chapter seven, the Ancient of Days is the sovereign judge over the nations of the earth including Antichrist and the final form of the Roman Empire. The Most High is always associated closely with the kingdom received from the Ancient of Days as well as with the saints throughout the chapter (verses 18, 22, 25, 27). The saints are closely associated with the Most High is because they will reign with the Most High and if they will reign with the Most High, the Most High

2013 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 22 must be the Son of Man since the Ancient of Days conferred an eternal kingdom upon the Son of Man who we know is Jesus Christ. Therefore, when Daniel says in verse 22 that the Ancient of Days rendered judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, the Most High must be a reference to the Son of Man since the Most High is associated with the kingdom and the Son of Man received the kingdom from the Ancient of Days. Consequently, in verse 25, when Daniel says that the little horn spoke out against the Most High and wore down the saints of the Most High, the Most High would be the Son of Man. The fact that the Son of Man is described as the Most High throughout the chapter indicates that He is deity. Of course, Jesus Christ who calls Himself “the Son of Man” in the Gospels is also identified in the New Testament as the “Son of God.” “The kingdom ” is a reference to the millennial reign of Jesus Christ who is represented in the vision by “ the Son of Man .” The saints of the Most High are described as receiving the kingdom, which of course is through faith in the God of Israel. Not only are they said to receive the kingdom but they will possess the kingdom through all of eternity. This speaks of course of the eternal nature of the kingdom. “They will possess the kingdom throughout eternity, yes throughout eternity, the ages ” implies that these saints have eternal life since they could not possess it forever without eternal life and speaks of the eternality of God’s kingdom.

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