What happensPermalink
In Belshazzar’s first year, Daniel sees four beasts rise from the sea, representing successive kingdoms. The fourth has ten horns and a little horn that boasts and persecutes God’s people. The Ancient of Days sits in judgment, and the beast is destroyed. One like a son of man comes with heaven’s clouds to the Ancient of Days and receives everlasting dominion. An attendant explains that the saints will suffer under earthly rulers but ultimately receive God’s kingdom.
Why it mattersPermalink
Chapter 2’s splendid statue now has its counterpart in predatory beasts: imperial glory conceals violent power. The human figure receives the dominion they lose, and the interpretation joins his victory to the saints’ inheritance. Jesus draws on this vision to describe His own authority (Mark 14:62). Heaven’s judgment ensures that the persecutors’ power gives way to the everlasting kingdom shared by God’s people.
Key versePermalink
And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.