Visions of Kingdoms, Beasts, and Redemption
- Be God's Glory
- Sep 18
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 261 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Daniel. Chapters 7–9 mark a shift in the book of Daniel from historical narratives to apocalyptic visions that reveal God’s ultimate plan for the nations and His people. Daniel receives visions of beasts that represent earthly empires, a ram and goat symbolizing future kingdoms, and the seventy weeks prophecy that points to God’s redemptive timeline for Israel. These chapters highlight God’s sovereignty over history, the rise and fall of nations, and His promise to bring salvation through the coming Messiah. They remind us that while human kingdoms appear powerful, God’s eternal kingdom will prevail, and His covenant promises will be fulfilled in Christ.
Daniel 7
In Daniel 7, Daniel receives a vision of four great beasts rising from the sea, each representing a kingdom that will dominate the earth. The fourth beast is especially terrifying, with ten horns and a little horn that speaks boastfully, symbolizing a future ruler of great arrogance and power. Yet, in the midst of this vision, Daniel sees the Ancient of Days seated on His throne in judgment, clothed in holiness and authority. He also beholds the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven, receiving everlasting dominion and a kingdom that will never pass away. This chapter unveils God’s sovereignty over the rise and fall of empires and His promise that His Messiah will reign forever. The vision comforts believers with the assurance that despite earthly turmoil, God’s kingdom is unshakable.
Daniel 8
Daniel 8 presents another vision, this time of a ram with two horns and a goat with a prominent horn, symbolizing the Medo-Persian and Greek empires. The goat defeats the ram, and its great horn is broken, replaced by four smaller horns, from which a little horn arises that grows in power and desecrates the sanctuary. Daniel is told that this represents a ruler who will oppose God’s people and exalt himself. The angel Gabriel interprets the vision, explaining that these events point to future kingdoms and the oppression of God’s people, but ultimately the arrogant ruler will be destroyed by God’s hand. This chapter emphasizes that God knows history in advance, and though His people may suffer under earthly rulers, their oppressors will not escape divine judgment. It assures believers that God’s justice will prevail in His appointed time.
Daniel 9
Daniel 9 shifts from visions to intercession, as Daniel prays earnestly for the restoration of Jerusalem after realizing from Jeremiah’s prophecy that the seventy years of exile are nearly complete. His prayer is filled with confession of Israel’s sins, acknowledgment of God’s righteousness, and appeals for mercy. In response, the angel Gabriel delivers a profound prophecy of “seventy weeks,” outlining God’s redemptive plan leading to the coming of the Anointed One, the Messiah. This prophecy reveals that while Israel’s exile will end, a greater deliverance is promised through Christ, who will bring atonement for sin and establish righteousness. The chapter highlights God’s covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan of salvation for His people. It teaches us the power of intercessory prayer, repentance, and trusting God’s perfect timing.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Daniel comes from the Hebrew Dāniyyēl , which means “God is my Judge.”
Dan = “judge”
El = “God”The name reflects the central theme of the book: that no matter what earthly kings decree, the true Judge and Ruler is God Almighty.
Purpose of the Book:
The Book of Daniel was written to:
Encourage faithfulness among God’s people during exile by showing how God rules over kingdoms and delivers His servants.
Demonstrate God’s sovereignty over history, kings, and nations.
Point to the coming Kingdom of God through prophecies of the Messiah and end times.
It bridges history and prophecy, showing that God’s people can remain faithful under oppression, and that God’s kingdom will ultimately triumph over human kingdoms.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
Traditional View: The prophet Daniel himself wrote the book during the Babylonian and Persian exiles (6th century BC).
Biblical Support:
The book is written largely in the first person (e.g., Daniel 7:15, “I, Daniel, was troubled…”).
Ezekiel twice refers to Daniel as a real, righteous, and wise man (Ezekiel 14:14, 14:20; Ezekiel 28:3).
Jesus affirms Daniel as the prophet and author when He refers to the “abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet” (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14).
Historical Sources:
Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 10, Chapter 11) affirms Daniel’s authorship and influence in Babylon and Persia.
Early Jewish writings such as the Septuagint (LXX) and Dead Sea Scrolls include Daniel as part of Scripture, supporting its authenticity.
Critical Scholarship (alternate view): Some modern scholars argue Daniel was written later (2nd century BC, during the Maccabean revolt), citing the accuracy of prophecies as evidence of “history written as prophecy.” However, this view conflicts with early Jewish tradition and Jesus’ words.
Key People:
Daniel – The central prophet, known for wisdom, visions, and faithfulness to God.
Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), Azariah (Abednego) – Daniel’s friends who remained faithful and were delivered from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3).
Nebuchadnezzar – King of Babylon, who experienced pride, humbling, and a remarkable acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.
Belshazzar – Babylonian king who saw the “writing on the wall” before the fall of Babylon (Daniel 5).
Darius the Mede – King who reluctantly cast Daniel into the lions’ den, later honoring Daniel’s God (Daniel 6).
Gabriel – The angel who interprets visions and brings revelations (Daniel 8–9).
Michael the Archangel – Described as a protector of God’s people (Daniel 10, 12).
The Son of Man – A prophetic figure in Daniel 7:13–14, understood as a Messianic prophecy pointing to Christ.
Conclusion
The Book of Daniel presents God as the ultimate sovereign Judge who rules over human kingdoms and destinies. Through narratives of faith (Daniel and his friends) and apocalyptic visions (future kingdoms and the coming Messiah), Daniel teaches that:
God protects His faithful people even in exile.
Human prideful kingdoms rise and fall, but God’s kingdom is everlasting.
History is moving toward the triumph of the Kingdom of God through the Messiah.
It is both a book of encouragement for believers facing trials and a book of prophecy revealing God’s plan for the future.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Daniel 7
God’s character in Daniel 7 is revealed as the sovereign Judge and eternal King. He is depicted as the Ancient of Days, showing His eternal nature, holiness, and unmatched authority over all nations and rulers. While earthly kingdoms rise and fall in violence and pride, God’s kingdom is everlasting and unshakable. His character is both just—bringing judgment on arrogant rulers—and merciful, promising an eternal reign of peace under the Son of Man.
The Hebrew name revealed here is “Ancient of Days” (Atiq Yomin in Aramaic), which emphasizes God’s eternal existence and wisdom beyond time. The vision also introduces the Son of Man, a messianic figure later revealed in Christ, who shares in God’s eternal rule. The lesson God is teaching is that no human empire, no matter how powerful, can withstand His authority, and believers can trust that His kingdom will prevail forever.
Daniel 8
God’s character in Daniel 8 is displayed as omniscient, righteous, and victorious. He knows the rise and fall of nations before they happen and reveals them through visions, proving His control over history. Even though earthly powers bring persecution and defile His sanctuary, God promises that their rule will be temporary and their arrogance will ultimately be destroyed. His justice ensures that evil rulers will not escape accountability.
No specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned in this chapter, but His character shows Him as the One who holds history in His hands and defends His people against their oppressors. The lesson He is teaching is that while His people may endure trials and suffering, they can trust His ultimate justice. For us, it is a reminder to walk by faith, knowing that God sees the future and has already determined the end of evil.
Daniel 9
In Daniel 9, God’s character shines as merciful, covenant-keeping, and faithful. Daniel’s prayer highlights God’s righteousness and justice in allowing the exile, while also recognizing His compassion and forgiveness. God responds not only by promising restoration after the seventy years but also by revealing His greater redemptive plan through the coming Messiah. His character is seen in balancing justice with mercy, fulfilling His promises in His perfect timing.
In this chapter, Daniel calls on Adonai (Lord/Master) and Elohim (God, the Mighty One) in prayer, titles that reflect God’s authority and power. Through Gabriel, God reveals the prophecy of the seventy weeks, showing that He is both sovereign over time and faithful to His covenant. The lesson is that God desires His people to repent, seek Him in prayer, and trust His redemptive plan, which points ultimately to Christ.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
What does the title Ancient of Days in Daniel 7 reveal about God’s eternal nature and authority?
How does the vision of the Son of Man in Daniel 7 show God’s plan to share His kingdom with His Messiah?
In Daniel 8, how does God’s ability to reveal the future prove His omniscience and sovereignty?
How does Daniel 8 demonstrate that God is just and will not allow arrogant rulers to triumph forever?
In Daniel 9, what does Daniel’s prayer reveal about God’s mercy and covenant faithfulness?
How does God balance His justice and mercy in responding to Israel’s sin and Daniel’s intercession?
Across Daniel 7–9, how do we see God as both the righteous Judge and the merciful Redeemer?
Questions About Themes:
What theme does the rise and fall of the beasts in Daniel 7 teach us about human kingdoms versus God’s eternal kingdom?
How does Daniel 7 emphasize the theme of God’s sovereignty over world history?
What theme emerges from Daniel 8 about the temporary nature of earthly rulers compared to God’s enduring justice?
How does Daniel 8 highlight the reality of spiritual conflict and God’s ultimate victory?
In Daniel 9, how does the theme of confession and repentance lead to God’s promise of restoration?
What central theme is revealed in the prophecy of the seventy weeks regarding God’s plan for salvation?
How do these three chapters together point to the ultimate theme of hope in the coming Messiah and His eternal reign?
Reflective Application Questions:
How can the vision of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man in Daniel 7 strengthen your confidence in Christ’s eternal kingdom today?
Where in your life do you need to be reminded that God’s kingdom is greater than any earthly power or authority?
How does Daniel 8 encourage you to trust God’s justice when you see corruption and arrogance prevailing in the world?
What does Daniel’s humility and confession in Daniel 9 teach you about how to approach God in prayer?
How can you apply Daniel’s example of intercession to pray for your family, church, or nation?
How does the prophecy of the seventy weeks challenge you to trust God’s timing for His promises in your own life?
Which of these chapters (7, 8, or 9) speaks most to your current spiritual walk, and how will you respond to what God is teaching you?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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