DANIEL CHAPTER 7 AND 8:23-27

Subject In This Section

1. DANIEL CHAPTER 7
(Following are most of the verses in chapter 7 categorized by subject.)
2. THE FOURTH BEAST: ITS FINAL END AND THEREAFTER (The Revived Roman Empire, the Empire of the Antichrist During the Tribulation)
3. THE FOURTH BEAST DID WHAT?
4. THE TEN HORNS
5. THE ANTICHRIST
6. WHAT THE ANTICHRIST SHALL DO
7. JESUS RETURNS
8. THE EMPIRE OF THE ANTICHRIST TAKEN AWAY
9. THE ANTICHRIST SLAIN
10. THE JUDGMENT OF THE NATIONS
11. THE RESULTS OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE NATIONS
12. DESCRIPTION OF JESUS
13. JESUS GIVEN A KINGDOM
14. THE SAINTS POSSESS THE KINGDOM
15. ALL SHALL SERVE JESUS
16. THE KINGDOM OF JESUS IS EVERLASTING
17. DANIEL 8:23-27

Daniel Chapter 7

Verses 1-6 pertain to history.  Therefore, little or no commentary will be given on these.

    7:1. IN THE FIRST YEAR OF BELSHAZZAR KING OF BABYLON DANIEL HAD A DREAM AND VISIONS OF HIS HEAD (or visions passed through his mind-NIV)
    UPON HIS BED (or as he was lying on his bed-NIV):
    THEN HE WROTE THE (substance of his)
    DREAM, AND TOLD THE SUM (or summary)
    OF THE MATTERS.

    7:2. DANIEL SPAKE AND SAID, I SAW IN MY VISION BY NIGHT, AND, BEHOLD, THE FOUR WINDS OF THE HEAVEN STROVE UPON (or were…churning up-NIV)
    THE GREAT SEA. The four winds may represent four directions as well as the four kingdoms. As a result of these four winds, the great sea was churned up; it was not at rest. All four of these kingdoms initially precede the coming of Christ.

    7:3. AND FOUR GREAT BEASTS CAME UP (out)
    FROM THE SEA. The people reading this, during the times it was written, would understand the great sea is the Mediterranean. Although the four beasts come up out of the sea, they are land animals. The four beasts (or kingdoms) were DIVERSE (or different) ONE FROM ANOTHER.

    7:4. THE FIRST WAS LIKE A LION (or very strong),
    AND HAD EAGLE’S WINGS (suggesting swiftness). It appears to have two wings.
    I BEHELD TILL THE WINGS THEREOF WERE PLUCKED (or torn off). This seems to represent Nebuchadnezzar losing his mind because of pride.
    AND IT WAS LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH (or ground),
    AND MADE (to)
    STAND (or so that it stood)
    UPON THE (two)
    FEET AS A MAN, AND A MAN’S HEART WAS GIVEN TO IT.   This is apparently Nebuchadnezzar's recovery from being like a beast (ref Dan 4:33).
    The first beast represents the Babylonian Empire of Nebuchadnezzar, referred to as the head of gold in Daniel chapter 2.

    7:5. AND BEHOLD ANOTHER BEAST, A SECOND, LIKE TO (or which looked like)
    A BEAR. The bear is very strong, but much slower than a lion. It conquers by brute strength. It does not have the majesty of a lion.
    AND IT RAISED UP ITSELF ON ONE SIDE. The Persian side was stronger; Cyrus the Persian was stronger than Darius the Mede.
    AND IT HAD THREE RIBS IN THE MOUTH OF IT BETWEEN THE TEETH OF IT, denoting the conquest of three provinces—Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt.
    AND THEY SAID THUS UNTO IT, ARISE, DEVOUR (or eat)
    MUCH FLESH.
    The second beast represents the Medo-Persian Empire. This is the chest of silver in Daniel
chapter 2.

    7:6.  AFTER THIS I BEHELD, AND LO ANOTHER, (that looked)
    LIKE A LEOPARD (suggesting very rapid speed and agility).
    WHICH HAD UPON THE BACK OF IT FOUR WINGS OF A FOWL (or like those of a bird-NIV). The lion, in v.4, has only two wings. Here the leopard has four. This may denote even greater speed.
    THE BEAST HAD ALSO FOUR HEADS. The four heads represent the empire being divided into four parts, after the death of Alexander the Great. This would be Asia Minor, Macedonia, Syria, and Egypt.
    AND DOMINION (or authority)
    WAS GIVEN TO IT (to rule). The third beast represents the Grecian Empire of Alexander the Great. This is the belly and thighs of brass in Daniel chapter 2.

    Note, far more material is revealed about the latter day empire of the Antichrist than any of the previous ones.

    7:7. AFTER THIS I SAW IN THE NIGHT VISIONS, AND BEHOLD (before me)
    A FOURTH BEAST. This beast corresponds with the two legs of iron and also the feet and toes of potter's clay and iron-ref Dan 2:40-45. This is the Roman Empire. No animal is associated with this beast in Dan 7:7. It is, however, depicted as a leopard, a bear, and a lion in Rev 13:2: AND I STOOD UPON THE SAND OF THE SEA, AND SAW A BEAST RISE UP OUT OF THE SEA (all four beasts are also pictured as rising from the sea in Dan 7:3), HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, AND UPON HIS HORNS TEN CROWNS, AND UPON HIS HEADS THE NAME OF BLASPHEMY. AND THE BEAST WHICH I SAW WAS LIKE UNTO A LEOPARD, AND HIS FEET WERE AS THE FEET OF A BEAR, AND HIS MOUTH AS THE MOUTH OF A LION: AND THE DRAGON GAVE HIM HIS POWER, AND HIS SEAT, AND GREAT AUTHORITY-Rev 13:1,2.
    Verse 7 seems to begin with the Old Roman Empire, but then switches to the revived Roman Empire (which consists of the feet and ten horns). It is possible, however, that all of v.7 is referring to the revived Roman Empire, the empire of the Antichrist. The emphasis appears to be on the latter (or revived) part of this empire, rather than its beginnings.
    It is described as being
    DREADFUL (or terrifying)
    AND TERRIBLE (or frightening),
    AND STRONG EXCEEDINGLY (or very powerful)
    AND IT HAD GREAT IRON TEETH. This seems to, again, denote its strength.
    IT DEVOURED AND BRAKE (or crushed)
    IN PIECES (its victims). All that stood in its way were crushed. This beast appears to be the most terrifying. None of the other three empires have such a dreadful and frightening description as this one.
    Consider how the Antichrist is depicted in Rev 6:2-BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE: AND HE THAT SAT ON HIM HAD A BOW; AND A CROWN WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM: AND HE WENT FORTH CONQUERING, AND TO CONQUER.
    The fourth beast
    STAMPED (or trampled underfoot)
    THE RESIDUE (or whatever was left)
    WITH THE FEET OF IT: AND IT WAS DIVERSE (or different)
    FROM ALL THE (former)
    BEASTS THAT WERE BEFORE IT; AND IT HAD TEN HORNS.  The Antichrist and his empire have ten horns.

    7:8.  I CONSIDERED (or while I was thinking about-NIV)
    THE HORNS. The horns represent ten kings-ref Rev 17:12; Dan 7:24. These ten horns grow out of the fourth beast; they represent the Roman Empire nations.
    AND, BEHOLD, THERE CAME UP AMONG THEM ANOTHER LITTLE HORN. The little horn is the Antichrist, which comes up among the ten kings (or nations).
    Although described as little, this horn becomes the greatest. Before the little horn (the Antichrist)
    THERE WERE THREE OF THE FIRST HORNS PLUCKED UP BY THE ROOTS. Three of the first kings were plucked up or presumably removed.
    AND, BEHOLD, IN THIS HORN (the Antichrist)
    WERE EYES LIKE THE EYES OF MAN, AND A MOUTH SPEAKING GREAT THINGS (or that spoke boastfully). This depicts the coming Antichrist.

    7:9.  I BEHELD TILL THE THRONES WERE CAST DOWN (or were set in place, or set up),
    AND THE
    (1) ANCIENT OF DAYS DID SIT (or took His seat). The term "Ancient of Days" is in harmony with other verses, such as, I AM ALPHA-Rev 1:8; THE BEGINNING-Rev 1:8; WHICH WAS-Rev 1:8; THE FIRST-Rev 1:11; and THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD-Rev 3:14.
    The "Ancient of Days" is also mentioned in verses 13 and 22. It is apparently used interchangeably. Verse 9 seems to refer to Jesus, while v.13 refers to God the Father. In v.22, again, it seems to be Jesus. The judgment presented here is presumably the judgment of the nations-ref Mt 25:31-46.
    (2) WHOSE GARMENT WAS WHITE AS SNOW (denoting holiness and righteousness),
    (3) AND THE HAIR OF HIS HEAD LIKE THE PURE WOOL (ref Rev 1:14):
    (4) HIS THRONE WAS LIKE THE FIERY FLAME (or flaming with fire) (ref Rev 1:14). The "fiery flame" may indicate judgment.
    (5) AND HIS WHEELS AS BURNING FIRE (or were all ablaze).

    7:10. A FIERY STREAM (or river)
    ISSUED (or was flowing)
    AND CAME FORTH FROM BEFORE HIM (Jesus):
    THOUSAND (upon)
    THOUSANDS MINISTERED UNTO HIM, AND TEN THOUSAND TIMES TEN THOUSAND STOOD BEFORE (or were attending)              
    HIM: THE JUDGMENT (or court)
    WAS SET, AND THE BOOKS WERE OPENED. Jesus is the Judge. As it is written, FOR THE FATHER JUDGETH NO MAN, BUT HATH COMMITTED ALL JUDGMENT UNTO THE SON-Jn 5:22. Again, this is referring to the "throne of glory" (or the judgment of the nations). Those (the sheep) that will enter the millennial kingdom are determined; the goats shall be cast into the lake of fire.

    7:11. I BEHELD THEN (or continued to watch)
    BECAUSE OF THE VOICE OF THE GREAT (or boastful)
    WORDS WHICH THE HORN (or the Antichrist)
    SPAKE: I BEHELD (or kept looking)
    EVEN TILL THE BEAST (or the Antichrist)
    WAS SLAIN, which takes place at the time of Armageddon, when Jesus Christ returns to the earth.
    AND HIS BODY DESTROYED, AND GIVEN TO THE BURNING (or blazing)
    FLAME, which is the eternal lake of fire.
    As it is written, AND THE BEAST (or Antichrist) WAS TAKEN, AND WITH HIM THE FALSE PROPHET…THESE BOTH WERE CAST ALIVE INTO A LAKE OF FIRE BURNING WITH BRIMSTONE-Rev 19:20.
    He shall be BROKEN WITHOUT HAND (or by spiritual power)-Dan 8:25.
    The STONE that WAS CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN WITHOUT HANDS (Jesus)…shall BREAK IN PIECES THE IRON…and CLAY (the Antichrist, the ten kings, and his empire)-Dan 2:45.

    7:12. AS CONCERNING THE REST OF THE BEASTS (or rest of the kings),
    THEY HAD THEIR DOMINION TAKEN AWAY (or had been stripped of their authority-NIV):
    YET THEIR LIVES WERE PROLONGED (or were allowed to live)
    FOR A SEASON AND TIME. This may denote a short time, or a year and a season. The word "beasts," used here, seems to refer either to the ten horns (or kings) or the three horns (or kings) that were plucked up, in Dan 7:8. AS FOR THE REST OF THE BEASTS, THEIR DOMINION WAS TAKEN AWAY, BUT AN EXTENSION OF LIFE WAS GRANTED TO THEM FOR AN APPOINTED PERIOD OF TIME-NASB.

    7:13. I SAW IN THE NIGHT VISIONS, AND, BEHOLD, ONE LIKE THE SON OF MAN (Jesus)
    CAME WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN,
    AND CAME TO THE ANCIENT OF DAYS (which appears to be God the Father),
    AND THEY BROUGHT HIM NEAR BEFORE HIM (or was led into His presence-NIV, or was presented before Him). The purpose of this is explained in v.14. Here two separate Persons of the Trinity are clearly shown.
    Note, Rev 1:7 describes the return of Jesus to the earth at Armageddon. As it is written, HE COMETH WITH CLOUDS; AND EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM.

    7:14. AND THERE WAS GIVEN HIM (Jesus)
    (1) DOMINION (or authority),
    (2) AND GLORY,
    (3) AND A KINGDOM (or sovereign power).
    As it is written, THE LORD GOD SHALL GIVE UNTO HIM (Jesus) THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER DAVID-Lk 1:32; I SHALL GIVE THEE…THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH FOR THY POSSESSION-Ps 2:8.
    Jesus returns to the earth and reigns,
    THAT ALL PEOPLE, NATIONS, AND (men of every)
    LANGUAGES, SHOULD SERVE (or worshiped)
    HIM. Jesus reigns as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is given complete authority.
    HIS DOMINION IS AN EVERLASTING DOMINION, WHICH SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, AND HIS KINGDOM (is one)
    THAT WHICH SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED.
    As it is written, THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM, WHICH SHALL NEVER BE DESTROYED: AND THE KINGDOM SHALL NOT BE LEFT TO OTHER PEOPLE-Dan 2:44.

    7:15. I DANIEL WAS GRIEVED (or troubled)
    IN MY SPIRIT IN THE MIDST OF MY BODY, AND THE VISIONS OF MY HEAD (or mind)
    TROUBLED ME. Daniel did not understand the vision. He was troubled about what he had seen.

    7:16. I CAME NEAR UNTO (or approached)
    ONE OF THEM THAT STOOD BY. The one that stood by is not identified.
    AND ASKED HIM THE TRUTH (or true meaning)
    OF ALL THIS. SO HE TOLD ME, AND MADE ME KNOW (or gave me)
    THE INTERPRETATION OF THE THINGS. Daniel desired to know and understand what all this meant.

    7:17. THESE GREAT BEASTS, WHICH ARE FOUR, ARE FOUR KINGS (or kingdoms),
    WHICH SHALL ARISE OUT OF (or from)
    THE EARTH. These have already been identified. They are:
    (1) Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire,
    (2) The Medo-Persian Empire,
    (3) The Grecian Empire,
    (4) The Roman Empire, which includes both the period of approximately 2000 years ago and also, the empire of the Antichrist during the Tribulation.

    7:18. BUT THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL TAKE (or receive)
    THE KINGDOM, AND POSSESS THE KINGDOM FOR EVER, EVEN FOR EVER AND EVER (or for all ages to come-NASB). There are many verses referring to the saints reigning with Jesus.
    In this case, many believe Daniel is referring to the saints of Israel.
    Nevertheless, the saints shall reign and rule the earth with Jesus for one thousand years and also forever and ever as covered in other verses.
    The words "forever and ever" may also include the new earth.

    7:19. THEN I WOULD KNOW THE TRUTH (or true meaning)
    OF THE FOURTH BEAST. The fourth beast is the Old Roman Empire and the revived Roman Empire. Chapter 7 deals mainly with the second phase, which is the revived Roman Empire—the empire of the Antichrist during the Tribulation. The fourth beast
    WHICH WAS DIVERSE (or different)
    FROM ALL THE OTHERS. This empire is different from all the other empires that preceded it. It is described as being
    EXCEEDING DREADFUL (or most terrifying),
    WHOSE TEETH WERE OF IRON. This denotes its strength.
    AND HIS NAILS (or claws)
    OF BRASS. Again, this denotes its strength.
    WHICH DEVOURED, BRAKE IN PIECES (or crushed…its victims),
    AND STAMPED (or trampled)
    THE RESIDUE (or whatever was left)
    WITH HIS FEET (or underfoot);

    7:20. AND (I also wanted to know-NIV)
    OF THE TEN HORNS THAT WERE IN (or on)
    HIS HEAD. The ten horns represent ten kings.
    AND OF THE OTHER WHICH CAME UP. This is describing the Antichrist coming up.
    AND BEFORE WHOM THREE (of them)
    FELL. Three of the kings fell before the Antichrist.
    EVEN OF THAT HORN (or the Antichrist)
    THAT HAD EYES,
    AND A MOUTH THAT SPAKE VERY GREAT THINGS (or boastfully). The mouth of the Antichrist was filled with pride.
    WHOSE LOOK WAS MORE STOUT (or more imposing, or larger in appearance)
    THAN HIS FELLOWS.

    7:21. I BEHELD (or watched),
    AND THE SAME HORN (or the Antichrist)
    MADE (or was waging)
    WAR WITH (or against)
    THE SAINTS. The Antichrist wants to abolish all Christianity and destroy all that follow Jesus.
    AND PREVAILED AGAINST THEM (defeating them). During the Tribulation (especially the second part), the saints will not be able to stand against the Antichrist. They must flee for their lives. Many will be caught and beheaded. A remnant will escape and repopulate the earth during the Millennium.

    7:22. UNTIL THE ANCIENT OF DAYS CAME. This is Jesus returning.
    AND JUDGMENT WAS GIVEN TO (or in favor of)
    THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH. This is at the judgment of the nations, following the return of Jesus at Armageddon.
    AND THE TIME CAME THAT THE SAINTS POSSESSED THE KINGDOM. The saints will take and possess the kingdom; they will reign and rule with Jesus for one thousand years. It is generally acknowledged that the "saints" referred to here are Jewish. As it is written, LORD, WILT THOU AT THIS TIME RESTORE AGAIN THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL?-Acts 1:6. There are other verses that refer to the Gentile saints during the Millennium.

     7:23. THUS HE SAID, THE FOURTH BEAST SHALL BE THE FOURTH KINGDOM (that will appear)
    UPON (the)
    EARTH. This was the Old Roman Empire, which ultimately became the revived Roman Empire.
    WHICH SHALL BE DIVERSE (or different)
    FROM ALL KINGDOMS. The Old Roman Empire and the revived Roman Empire (which is the kingdom of the Antichrist) is unlike any of the other kingdoms.
    AND SHALL DEVOUR THE WHOLE EARTH. The Antichrist and his empire shall devour and rule over the entire earth.
    AND SHALL TREAD (or trample)
    IT DOWN. The earth shall be trampled down by the Antichrist and his empire.
    AND BREAK IT IN PIECES (crushing it). The earth shall be split up or divided into regions or territories.
    There is some controversy, regarding v.23, whether it is relating to the Old Roman Empire only or also the revived Roman Empire of the Antichrist.

    7:24. AND THE TEN HORNS OUT OF THIS KINGDOM. The horns do not grow out of a dead kingdom. They come forth from the splinters and pieces that remain. They arise from what was once the Old Roman Empire.
    ARE TEN KINGS THAT SHALL ARISE (or who will come from this kingdom-NIV). First, ten kings must come forth. Then,
    ANOTHER (king)
    SHALL RISE AFTER THEM, which is the Antichrist.
    AND HE, the Antichrist,
    SHALL BE DIVERSE (or different)
    FROM THE FIRST (or earlier ones),
    AND HE, the Antichrist,
    SHALL SUBDUE THREE KINGS. Three of the kings shall be subdued (or dethroned, or overcome) in some way by the Antichrist.

    7:25. AND HE (the Antichrist)
    SHALL SPEAK GREAT WORDS AGAINST THE MOST HIGH. The Antichrist shall speak blasphemous words against the God of heaven; as it is written, HE OPENED HIS MOUTH IN BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD-Rev 13:6.
    AND SHALL WEAR OUT (or oppress)
    THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH. The saints will be pursued, persecuted, tormented, and killed.
    AND THINK (or try)
    TO CHANGE (the set)
    TIMES. The Antichrist will seek to change the set times. Is this referring to a change in the established order of things, such as the dating of our calendar? Or could this be referring to God’s appointed times, the seven feasts? Would the Antichrist be seeking to somehow disrupt their fulfillment?
    AND (the)
    LAWS. The Antichrist shall seek to change the laws throughout the earth. It is his aim to destroy all that follow Jesus.
    AND THEY (the saints)
    SHALL BE GIVEN INTO HIS HAND (or handed over to him). The saints will have no power to stand against the Antichrist. They get the victory by being beheaded and not giving in to the temptation to worship the image or take the mark. The saints will be given into the Antichrist's hand,
    UNTIL A TIME AND TIMES AND THE DIVIDING OF TIME. They will be handed over to him for three and a half years. "A time" is one year; "times" is two years; "the dividing of time" is one-half year (or 1 + 2 + ½ = 3½ years). This same time period is referred to in other verses as 42 months and also 1260 days.

    7:26. BUT THE JUDGMENT (or court)
    SHALL SIT. What God has decreed will take place. Jesus shall return; the judgment of the nations shall be held.
    AND THEY SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS DOMINION (or power), referring to the power and authority of the Antichrist,
    TO CONSUME AND TO (completely)
    DESTROY IT UNTO THE END (or forever).

    7:27. AND THE KINGDOM (or sovereignty)
    AND DOMINION (or power),
    AND THE GREATNESS OF THE KINGDOM (or all the kingdoms)
    UNDER THE WHOLE HEAVEN,
    SHALL BE GIVEN (or handed over)
    TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH (or Highest One). Jesus returns. The Antichrist, who rules the earth, is defeated. He is cast alive into the lake of fire. The earth will then be ruled by Jesus and the saints with Him. For one thousand years, there will be peace. Then, there will be one final rebellion about 1000 years later. Jesus is again victorious, for His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. As it is written,
    WHOSE KINGDOM IS AN EVERLASTING KINGDOM,
    AND ALL DOMINIONS (or rulers)
    SHALL SERVE (or worship)
    AND OBEY HIM.

    7:28. HITHERTO IS THE END OF THE MATTER. AS FOR ME (I) DANIEL, MY COGITATIONS
    (or thoughts)
    MUCH TROUBLED ME, AND MY COUNTENANCE (or face)
    CHANGED IN ME: BUT I KEPT THE MATTER IN MY HEART (or to myself). Even though Daniel had been given the interpretation, he did not seem to understand it. His thoughts troubled him, yet he kept the matter to himself.

Following are most of the verses in chapter 7 categorized by subject.

THE FOURTH BEAST: ITS FINAL END AND THEREAFTER
(The Revived Roman Empire, the Empire of the Antichrist During the Tribulation)

    7:7.   AFTER THIS I SAW IN THE NIGHT VISIONS, AND BEHOLD (before me) A FOURTH BEAST.
    7:19. THEN I WOULD KNOW THE TRUTH (or true meaning) OF THE FOURTH BEAST.
    7:23. THUS HE SAID, THE FOURTH BEAST SHALL BE THE FOURTH KINGDOM (that will appear) UPON (the) EARTH.

    This beast corresponds with the two legs of iron and also the feet and toes of potter's clay and iron-ref Dan 2:40-45. This is the Roman Empire. No animal is associated with this beast in Dan 7:7. It is, however, depicted as a leopard, a bear, and a lion in Rev 13:2: AND I STOOD UPON THE SAND OF THE SEA, AND SAW A BEAST RISE UP OUT OF THE SEA (all four beasts are also pictured as rising from the sea in Dan 7:3), HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, AND UPON HIS HORNS TEN CROWNS, AND UPON HIS HEADS THE NAME OF BLASPHEMY. AND THE BEAST WHICH I SAW WAS LIKE UNTO A LEOPARD, AND HIS FEET WERE AS THE FEET OF A BEAR, AND HIS MOUTH AS THE MOUTH OF A LION: AND THE DRAGON GAVE HIM HIS POWER, AND HIS SEAT, AND GREAT AUTHORITY-Rev 13:1,2.

    The fourth beast is the Old Roman Empire and the revived Roman Empire. Chapter 7 deals mainly with the second phase, which is the revived Roman Empire—the empire of the Antichrist during the Tribulation.

    7:7.   AND IT WAS DIVERSE (or different) FROM ALL THE (former) BEASTS THAT WERE BEFORE IT.
    7:19. WHICH WAS DIVERSE (or different) FROM ALL THE OTHERS.
    7:23. WHICH SHALL BE DIVERSE (or different) FROM ALL KINGDOMS.
    This empire is different from all the other empires that preceded it.
    7:7.   DREADFUL (or terrifying) AND TERRIBLE (or frightening).
    7:19. EXCEEDING DREADFUL (or most terrifying).
    7:7.   STRONG (or very powerful) EXCEEDINGLY.
    7:7.   AND IT HAD GREAT IRON TEETH.
    7:19. WHOSE TEETH WERE OF IRON. This denotes its strength.
    7:19. AND HIS NAILS (or claws) OF BRASS. Again, this denotes its strength.
    7:7.   AND IT HAD TEN HORNS. The Antichrist and his empire have ten horns.

THE FOURTH BEAST DID WHAT?

     7:7.    IT DEVOURED AND BRAKE (or crushed) IN PIECES (its victims). This beast appears to be the most terrifying. None of the other three empires have such a dreadful and frightening description as this one.
    7:19. WHICH DEVOURED, BRAKE IN PIECES (or crushed…its victims).
    7:23. AND BREAK IT IN PIECES (crushing it). The earth shall be split up into regions or divided into territories.
    7:23. AND SHALL DEVOUR THE WHOLE EARTH. The Antichrist and his empire shall devour and rule over the entire earth.
    7:23. AND SHALL TREAD (or trample) IT DOWN. The earth shall be trampled down by the Antichrist and his empire.
    7:7.   The fourth beast, STAMPED (or trampled underfoot) THE RESIDUE (or whatever was left) WITH THE FEET OF IT.
    7:19. AND STAMPED (or trampled) THE RESIDUE (or whatever was left) WITH HIS FEET (or underfoot).
    Consider the Antichrist as depicted in Rev 6:2-BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE: AND HE THAT SAT ON HIM HAD A BOW; AND A CROWN WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM: AND HE WENT FORTH CONQUERING, AND TO CONQUER.

THE TEN HORNS

    7:7.     AND IT HAD TEN HORNS. The Antichrist and his empire have ten horns.
    7:8.     I CONSIDERED (or while I was thinking about-NIV) THE HORNS.
    7:20.   AND (I also wanted to know-NIV) OF THE TEN HORNS THAT WERE IN (or on) HIS HEAD. The horns represent ten kings-ref Rev
    17:12; Dan 7:24. These ten horns grow out of the fourth beast, which represents the Roman Empire nations.

THE ANTICHRIST

    7:8.     AND, BEHOLD, THERE CAME UP AMONG THEM ANOTHER LITTLE HORN.
    7:11.   I BEHELD…THE HORN.
    7:20.   AND OF THE OTHER (horn) WHICH CAME UP.
    7:24.   ANOTHER (king) SHALL RISE AFTER THEM.
    The little horn is the Antichrist, which comes up among the ten kings (or nations) and after them.
    Although described as little, this horn becomes the greatest.
    7:8.     AND, BEHOLD, IN THIS HORN (the Antichrist) WERE EYES LIKE THE EYES OF MAN.
    7:20.   EVEN OF THAT HORN (the Antichrist) THAT HAD EYES.
    7:20.   WHOSE LOOK WAS MORE STOUT (or more imposing) THAN HIS FELLOWS.
    7:24.   AND HE (the Antichrist) SHALL BE DIVERSE (or different) FROM THE FIRST (or earlier ones).

WHAT THE ANTICHRIST SHALL DO

• 7:8.   AND A MOUTH SPEAKING GREAT THINGS (or that spoke boastfully).
• 7:11.   THE VOICE OF THE GREAT (or boastful) WORDS WHICH THE HORN (or the Antichrist) SPAKE.
• 7:20.   AND A MOUTH THAT SPAKE VERY GREAT THINGS (or boastfully).
• 7:25.   AND HE (the Antichrist) SHALL SPEAK GREAT WORDS AGAINST THE MOST HIGH.
• The Antichrist shall speak blasphemous words against the God of heaven; as it is written, HE OPENED HIS MOUTH IN BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD-Rev 13:6.

The mouth of the Antichrist was filled with pride.

• 7:8.   THERE WERE THREE OF THE FIRST HORNS PLUCKED UP BY THE ROOTS.
• 7:20.   AND BEFORE WHOM THREE (of them) FELL. Three of the kings fell before the Antichrist.
• 7:24.   AND HE (the Antichrist) SHALL SUBDUE THREE KINGS.

Three of the first kings fell; the Antichrist plucked up, subdued, dethroned, overcame, or removed them in some way by the roots.

• 7:12.   AS CONCERNING THE REST OF THE BEASTS (or rest of the kings), THEY HAD THEIR DOMINION TAKEN AWAY (or had been stripped of their authority-NIV): YET THEIR LIVES WERE PROLONGED (or were allowed to live) FOR A SEASON AND TIME. This may denote a short time, or a year and a season. The word "beasts," used here, seems to refer either to the ten horns or the three kings that were plucked up in Dan 7:8.

• 7:25.   AND THINK (or try) TO CHANGE (the set) TIMES. The Antichrist will seek to change the set times. This may affect our calendar in some way or is possibly an attempt to disrupt the fulfillment of God’s appointed feasts.
• 7:25.   AND (the) LAWS. The Antichrist shall seek to change the laws throughout the earth. It is his aim to destroy all that follow Jesus.

• 7:21. I BEHELD (or watched), AND THE SAME HORN (the Antichrist) MADE (or was waging) WAR WITH (or against) THE SAINTS. The Antichrist wants to abolish all Christianity and destroy all that follow Jesus.
• 7:21.   AND PREVAILED AGAINST THEM (defeating them). During the Tribulation (especially the second part), the saints will not be able to stand against the Antichrist. They must flee for their lives. Many will be caught and beheaded. A remnant will escape and repopulate the earth during the Millennium.
• 7:25.   AND (the Antichrist) SHALL WEAR OUT (or oppress) THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH. The saints will be pursued, persecuted, tormented, and killed.
• 7:25.   AND THEY (the saints) SHALL BE GIVEN INTO HIS HAND (or handed over to him). The saints will have no power to stand against the Antichrist. They get the victory by being beheaded and not giving in to the temptation to worship the image or take the mark. The saints will be given into the Antichrist's hand.
• 7:25.   UNTIL A TIME AND TIMES AND THE DIVIDING OF TIME. They will be given into the hand of the Antichrist for 3 ½ years. "A time" is one year; "times" is two years; "the dividing of time" is one-half year (or 1 + 2 + ½ = 3½ years). This same time period is referred to in other verses as 42 months and also 1260 days.

    Consider the Antichrist as depicted in Rev 6:2- BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE: AND HE THAT SAT ON HIM HAD A BOW; AND A CROWN WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM: AND HE WENT FORTH CONQUERING, AND TO CONQUER.

JESUS RETURNS

    7:13.    I SAW IN THE NIGHT VISIONS, AND, BEHOLD, ONE LIKE THE SON OF MAN (Jesus) CAME WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN, AND CAME TO THE ANCIENT OF DAYS.
    Jesus came to His Father and was given a kingdom.
    7:22.    UNTIL THE ANCIENT OF DAYS CAME.
    This is the return of Jesus to the earth at the time of Armageddon.

EMPIRE OF THE ANTICHRIST TAKEN AWAY

    7:26.     AND THEY SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS DOMINION (or power), referring to the power and authority of the Antichrist.
    7:26.     TO CONSUME AND TO (completely) DESTROY IT UNTO THE END (or forever).

THE ANTICHRIST SLAIN

    7:11.     I BEHELD (or kept looking) EVEN TILL THE BEAST (or the Antichrist) WAS SLAIN, which takes place at the time of Armageddon, when Jesus Christ returns to the earth; AND HIS BODY DESTROYED, AND GIVEN TO THE BURNING (or blazing) FLAME, which is the eternal lake of fire.
    As it is written, AND THE BEAST (or Antichrist) WAS TAKEN, AND WITH HIM THE FALSE PROPHET…THESE BOTH WERE CAST ALIVE INTO A LAKE OF FIRE BURNING WITH BRIMSTONE-Rev 19:20.
    He shall be BROKEN WITHOUT HAND (or by spiritual power)-Dan 8:25.
    The STONE that WAS CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN WITHOUT HANDS (Jesus)…shall BREAK IN PIECES THE IRON…and CLAY-Dan 2:45.
    THAT WICKED (the Antichrist)…THE LORD SHALL CONSUME WITH THE SPIRIT OF HIS MOUTH, AND SHALL DESTROY WITH THE BRIGHTNESS OF HIS COMING-2 Thes 2:8.

THE JUDGMENT OF THE NATIONS

    7:26.    BUT THE JUDGMENT (or court) SHALL SIT. What God has decreed will take place. Jesus shall return; the judgment of the nations shall be held.
    7:9.      I BEHELD TILL THE THRONES WERE CAST DOWN (or were set in place).
    7:9.      AND THE ANCIENT OF DAYS DID SIT (or took His seat).
    7:10.    THOUSAND (upon) THOUSANDS MINISTERED UNTO HIM.
    7:10.    AND TEN THOUSAND TIMES TEN THOUSAND STOOD BEFORE (or were attending) HIM.
    7:10.    THE JUDGMENT (or court) WAS SET, AND THE BOOKS WERE OPENED. Jesus is the Judge.
    It is written, FOR THE FATHER JUDGETH NO MAN, BUT HATH COMMITTED ALL JUDGMENT UNTO THE SON-Jn 5:22. Again, this is referring to the "throne of glory" (the judgment of the nations). Those (the sheep) that will enter the millennial kingdom are determined; the goats shall be cast into the lake of fire.

THE RESULTS OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE NATIONS

    7:22.     AND JUDGMENT WAS GIVEN TO (or in favor of) THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH. This is the judgment of the nations, following the return of Jesus at Armageddon.

DESCRIPTION OF JESUS

    7:9.     WHOSE GARMENT WAS WHITE AS SNOW (denoting holiness and righteousness).
    7:9.     AND THE HAIR OF HIS HEAD LIKE THE PURE WOOL (ref Rev 1:14).
    7:9.     HIS THRONE WAS LIKE THE FIERY FLAME (or flaming with fire) (ref Rev 1:14). The "fiery flame" may indicate judgment.
    7:9.     AND HIS WHEELS AS BURNING FIRE (or were all ablaze).
    7:10.   A FIERY STREAM (or river) ISSUED (or was flowing) AND CAME FORTH FROM BEFORE HIM (Jesus).

JESUS GIVEN A KINGDOM

    7:13.   AND (Jesus) CAME TO THE ANCIENT OF DAYS (God the Father), AND THEY BROUGHT HIM (Jesus) NEAR BEFORE HIM (God the Father) (or was led into His presence-NIV).
    Jesus receives the kingdom from the Father.
    7:14.   AND THERE WAS GIVEN HIM (Jesus)
    7:14.   DOMINION (or authority),
    7:14.   AND GLORY,
    7:14.   AND A KINGDOM (or sovereign power).
    As it is written, THE LORD GOD SHALL GIVE UNTO HIM (Jesus) THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER DAVID-Lk 1:32; I SHALL GIVE THEE…THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH FOR THY POSSESSION-Ps 2:8.

THE SAINTS POSSESS THE KINGDOM

    7:18.   BUT THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL TAKE (or receive) THE KINGDOM,
    7:18.   AND POSSESS THE KINGDOM FOR EVER, EVEN FOR EVER AND EVER.
    7:22.   AND THE TIME CAME THAT THE SAINTS POSSESSED THE KINGDOM.
    7:27.   AND THE KINGDOM (or sovereignty)
    7:27.   AND DOMINION (or power),
    7:27.   AND THE GREATNESS OF THE KINGDOM UNDER THE WHOLE HEAVEN,
    7:27.   SHALL BE GIVEN (or handed over) TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH.
    The saints will take and possess the kingdom; they will reign and rule with Jesus for one thousand years. It is generally acknowledged that the "saints" referred to here are Jewish. As it is written, LORD, WILT THOU AT THIS TIME RESTORE AGAIN THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL?-Acts 1:6. There are other verses that refer to the Gentile saints during the Millennium.

ALL SHALL SERVE JESUS

    7:14.   Jesus returns to the earth and reigns, THAT ALL PEOPLE, NATIONS, AND (men of every) LANGUAGES, SHOULD SERVE (or worshiped) HIM. Jesus reigns as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is given complete authority.
    7:27.   AND ALL DOMINIONS (or rulers) SHALL SERVE (or worship) AND OBEY HIM.

THE KINGDOM OF JESUS IS EVERLASTING

    7:27.   WHOSE KINGDOM IS AN EVERLASTING KINGDOM.
    7:14     continues, HIS DOMINION IS AN EVERLASTING DOMINION, WHICH SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, AND HIS KINGDOM (is one) THAT WHICH SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED. As it is written, THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM, WHICH SHALL NEVER BE DESTROYED: AND THE KINGDOM SHALL NOT BE LEFT TO OTHER PEOPLE-Dan 2:44.

DANIEL 8:23-27

    8:23.   AND IN THE LATTER TIME OF THEIR KINGDOM, WHEN THE TRANSGRESSORS (or rebels) ARE COME TO THE FULL (or have become completely wicked, or have run their course), A KING OF FIERCE COUNTENANCE (or a stern-faced king), AND UNDERSTANDING DARK SENTENCES (or a master of intrigue), SHALL STAND UP (or arise). Ref 2 Thes 2:3.
    8:24.   AND HIS POWER SHALL BE MIGHTY (or very strong), BUT NOT BY HIS OWN POWER: AND HE SHALL DESTROY WONDERFULLY (or fearfully, or to an extraordinary degree, or astounding devastation), AND SHALL PROSPER (or succeed in whatever he does-NIV), AND PRACTISE (or perform his will), AND SHALL DESTROY THE MIGHTY (men) AND THE HOLY PEOPLE. T
    8:25.   AND THROUGH HIS POLICY (or shrewdness) ALSO HE SHALL CAUSE CRAFT (or deceit) TO PROSPER (or succeed) IN HIS HAND (or by his influence); AND HE SHALL MAGNIFY HIMSELF IN HIS HEART (or he will consider himself superior-NIV), AND BY PEACE (or while they are at ease-NASB) SHALL DESTROY MANY: HE SHALL ALSO STAND UP AGAINST THE PRINCE OF PRINCES; BUT HE SHALL BE BROKEN WITHOUT HAND (or not by human power). Ref Dan 2:4,5.
    8:26.   AND THE VISION OF THE EVENING AND THE MORNING WHICH WAS TOLD IS TRUE: WHEREFORE SHUT THOU UP (or seal) THE VISION; FOR IT SHALL BE FOR MANY DAYS (or it concerns the distant future-NIV).
    8:27.   AND I DANIEL FAINTED (or was exhausted), AND WAS SICK (or lay ill) CERTAIN DAYS; AFTERWARD I ROSE UP, AND DID THE KING’S BUSINESS; AND I WAS ASTONISHED AT THE VISION, BUT NONE UNDER-STOOD IT (or it was beyond understanding).    8:23.  AND IN THE LATTER TIME OF THEIR KINGDOM. The "latter time" includes the age in which we are currently living—the Laodicean age.
    WHEN THE TRANSGRESSORS (or rebels)
    ARE COME TO THE FULL (or have become completely wicked, or have run their course). In the times (or latter days) preceding the Tribulation and the Antichrist coming forth, sin will increase greatly upon the earth. Senseless killings will increase. Stealing, illegal drug use, and sex outside of marriage are some of the evil practices that can be expected to get worse and worse. Wickedness will continue to escalate and will eventually come to the full; it will be as in the days of Noah. When this happens, then
    A KING OF FIERCE COUNTENANCE (or a stern-faced king),
    AND UNDERSTANDING DARK SENTENCES (or a master of intrigue),
    SHALL STAND UP (or arise).
    The Antichrist will come forth when wickedness has come to the full and the falling away has occurred-ref 2 Thes 2:3.

    8:24.   AND HIS POWER (that of the Antichrist)
    SHALL BE MIGHTY (or very strong),
    BUT NOT BY HIS OWN POWER. His power shall come from Satan.
    AND HE SHALL DESTROY WONDERFULLY (or fearfully, or to an extraordinary degree). He shall destroy through peace. The Antichrist will have the wisdom of Satan.
    AND SHALL PROSPER (or succeed in whatever he does-NIV),
    AND PRACTISE (or perform his will),
    AND SHALL DESTROY THE MIGHTY (men)
    AND THE HOLY PEOPLE, which is Israel.

    8:25.   AND THROUGH HIS POLICY (or shrewdness) (or through what he does, or decrees)
    ALSO HE SHALL CAUSE CRAFT (or deceit)
    TO PROSPER (or succeed)
    IN HIS HAND (or by his influence). This can also denote the powers of darkness. Supernatural powers will be manifested and will prosper. Signs and wonders will occur, inasmuch as IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, THEY SHALL DECEIVE THE VERY ELECT-Mt 24:24.
    AND HE (the Antichrist)
    SHALL MAGNIFY HIMSELF IN HIS HEART (or he will consider himself superior-NIV),
    AND BY PEACE (or while they are at ease-NASB)
    SHALL DESTROY MANY. It appears this man of sin will be a diplomat, of sorts, that will bring forth great wisdom and knowledge. The world will readily welcome this evil person.
    HE (the Antichrist)
    SHALL ALSO STAND UP AGAINST THE PRINCE OF PRINCES, which is Jesus;
    BUT HE SHALL BE BROKEN WITHOUT HAND (or not by human power). The STONE WAS CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN WITHOUT HANDS…IT BRAKE IN PIECES THE IRON…THE CLAY-Dan 2:45. He shall be broken by spiritual power not human power, when Jesus returns.

    8:26.   AND THE VISION OF THE EVENING AND THE MORNING WHICH WAS TOLD IS TRUE: WHEREFORE SHUT THOU UP (or seal)
    THE VISION; FOR IT SHALL BE FOR MANY DAYS (or it concerns the distant future-NIV). This vision was to be sealed and not understood until the distant future, when God would choose to reveal what it meant.

    8:27.   AND I DANIEL FAINTED (or was exhausted),
    AND WAS SICK (or lay ill)
    CERTAIN DAYS; AFTERWARD I ROSE UP, AND DID THE KING’S BUSINESS; AND I WAS ASTONISHED AT THE VISION, BUT NONE UNDERSTOOD IT (or it was beyond understanding). Daniel appeared to be overwhelmed by what he had seen. He did not understand the meaning of it.