RUSSELL SANDERS
3-26-2021
DANIEL THE PROPHET – LESSON 3
INTERPRETATION OF THE BEASTS DREAM
In Daniel 7:15-28 we have the interpretation of the dream (vision) of four beasts. These represent four powerful kingdoms that arise on the earth from Daniel’s time (c. 550-600 B.C.) up to the end times. At the end, the saints of the Most High God will take the kingdom of the earth and rule forever. But stuff happens between the fourth kingdom and the kingdom of the saints (Millennial Kingdom).
Daniel was troubled about the fourth beast which was so different from the previous three beasts (kingdoms). Ten horns on the beast represented ten kingdoms, or dominions, that would arise out of the original beast. Three of those kingdoms (horns) will be subdued by another horn (ruling dominionship) which would arise later, the “little horn” of the vision.
This last (little horn) ruling entity would speak words against the Most High God. He would (vs. 25) “wear out the saints of the Most High” (warring against them). He would aim to change the times and change the laws. The saints would be delivered into his hand (persecuted or killed) for three and a half years (great tribulation). This would be the “man of sin” (antichrist).
His time comes to an end. His dominion is consumed and destroyed. He is judged.
The kingdom of the earth and its greatness under the whole heaven (vs. 27) shall be given to the saints of the Most High as an everlasting kingdom and all dominions shall serve and obey him (the Christ).
This was the plan for the earth in simplified form from Daniel’s time through the millennial reign of Christ where we, the saints, shall rule the earth with Him as kings and priests (priestly kings).
This was the most detailed plan for the history of the earth given by God up until this time. God’s revelations unfold a little at a time. He continued to reveal more details later, especially to the apostle John in the Book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Let me say this about prophecies of the future. God gives us enough information that we can understand what is happening when it happens. This information serves as “clues” that it is His plan all along. He never meant to give us every little detail nor a “perfect understanding” of exactly what is coming. He gives us enough that we can have hope for the future, the “end game” so to speak. It is also enough to help us see and understand the “seasons of the times” as they emerge upon us.
It is regrettable that so many “prophecy teachers” act like, and teach like, they know everything exactly as it will happen and exactly when it will happen, and in what exact order it will happen. If you were to listen to ten different prophecy teachers, the “details” would vary from one to another with all ten of them.
Why is that true? Because man feels compelled to “know and understand everything.” To achieve this, he uses his own human reasoning (wisdom, understanding) which is foolish compared to God’s wisdom.
Study the word for yourself. Let Holy Spirit enlighten your understanding. It is okay to study what others teach, but don’t take their word as infallible; they are only human. Trust the pure written word and Holy Spirit.
