The Four Beasts and the Son of Man

Daniel 7 is the heart of the entire book and is considered to be one of the most important chapters in all of Scripture. In it, we read about prophecies and visions given by God to Daniel to reveal the future.

The genre shifts into apocalyptic literature. It’s scary and bizarre, but it’s meant to give perspective and hope. Prophecy gives perspective about the present. We need to take this chapter seriously because it’s what all apocalyptic literature is based on.

The vision starts with a chaotic scene on the sea with four disturbing beasts rising out of it.

The first beast is like a standing lion with eagle wings and a mind of a man.

The second beast was like a bear with three ribs in its mouth.

The third beast was like a leopard with four wings of a bird on its back and four heads.

The fourth beast isn’t likened to any sort of animal. He’s different and dreadful. He has a little horn with the eyes of a man, which may symbolize intelligence and an arrogant mouth.

Daniel sees that humanity is not getting better; it’s becoming more violent as the nations continue. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, the scene shifts and Daniel sees a throne, and the Ancient of Days takes His seat. It moves from chaos to calm. The Ancient of Days is old; He doesn’t rise and fall like other kings. He sits in authority. He’s pure, wise, and holy. He will decree judgment and has the power to back it up. Judgment flows from His Throne, and there is no escape. We get a ruler of sanity, justice, and majesty.

The vision continues with the little horn still talking. Without violence, the beast is killed. Next, Daniel sees the Son of Man come down from the sky, riding on the clouds. He has power, glory, and a kingdom. His rule is universal, and his dominion is everlasting.

While in the dream, Daniels asks what all of this means. An angel says that the four beasts are four kings, but the saints of the Most High will also get an eternal Kingdom with Him. God wants Daniel to know that kingdoms will rise and fall and will have injustice all through them, but one day, He will establish His Kingdom, and it will rule forever.

Daniel wanted to know about the fourth beast. He finds out that there will be peace, but first, there will be persecution. This beast will try to stamp out all religions like a dictator. He will get to rule but for a limited time.

Who is this little horn?

Paul calls him the man of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. His arrival will precede the coming of the Lord. He’ll claim to be God. Revelation 13 calls him the Beast. 1 John 2:18 calls him the antichrist. Many antichrists have come and gone, so don’t draw too hard of a line. When this man comes, the end is near.

Who is the Son of Man?

Jesus calls Himself the Son of Man. When they are out to kill Jesus, they ask Him to implicate Himself because they have no reason. Mark 14:62 records that Jesus says He is the Christ and quotes Daniel 7:13-14. Jesus tells of His second coming.

What does this have to do with us?

We will suffer, but the Son of Man suffered first. He is the only one worthy of opening the scrolls in Revelation. The other thrones around His Throne are for us. We get to rule with Him only because of His sacrifice.

The chapter ends with a reminder for Daniel—in the midst of political instability, God is Sovereign over the nations even when he doesn’t feel it. So, he can have calm and peace. There will be pain, but serve and do good in your earthly kingdom. Set your hope in Heaven because Jesus will come in power, and we will be safe with Him forever.