chapter 7

Summary and Key Events

In this chapter is another dream, but this time it’s Daniel’s and this time he can’t understand it until an angelic messenger explains it to him. Daniel sees a series of four beasts, and each symbolizes arrogant kingdoms. The last creature is a monstrosity, identified as a terribly evil empire with one specific horn that represents a king who arrogantly exalts himself above God and persecutes his covenant people. The symbol for God’s people is a figure called the “Son of Man,” who is both an image of God’s covenant people and their king from the line of David. God, who’s referred to as “the Ancient of Days,” comes to set up his throne. He destroys the great monster and exalts the Son of Man to the clouds, where he sits at God’s side and shares in God’s rule over the nations.

Key verses

verses 13-14 There before me was one like a son of man, a coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Related verses

Matthew 24:30-31 Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.