15 I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit, and the visions in my mind alarmed me. 16 I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this.

So he told me the interpretation of these things: 17 ‘These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever—yes, forever and ever.’

19 Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others—extremely terrifying—devouring and crushing with iron teeth and bronze claws, then trampling underfoot whatever was left. 20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn whose appearance was more imposing than the others, with eyes and with a mouth that spoke words of arrogance. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them, 22 until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom.

23 This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it. 24 And the ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king, different from the earlier ones, will rise and subdue three kings. 25 He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.

26 But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. 27 Then the sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.’

28 Thus ends the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale. But I kept the matter to myself.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Susan Duc

Daniel’s terrifying vision leaves him feeling grieved and alarmed (v 15). He’s desperate for answers and reassurance – but even after he hears an explanation from one of the angels he sees standing there, his thoughts are still troubling him greatly (v 28).

Today’s passage also has a surprise. Yesterday, we had read that God would judge the four kingdoms and give dominion and his everlasting kingdom to “one like the Son of Man” (v 13-14). But in verses 22 and 27 of today’s passage, it is ‘the saints of the Most High’ – that is, all God’s people – who will inherit God’s kingdom.

If this will be the final outcome, why does Daniel respond with dismay? Maybe he is shaken by all the frightening things that need to happen beforehand.

Whatever the cause, Daniel decides not to ask more. We can learn from his wisdom in this. Sometimes, when someone is facing a hard situation, I’ve heard them say, “I really wish God would just make it clear to me.” But the Bible tells us that “the secret things belong to the LORD our God” (Deut 29:29). Daniel’s experience suggests that maybe God reveals to us just as much as we need to know at the right moments in time.

But God has also graciously revealed to us what we really do need to know. Today, we are reminded that God is sovereign over all human rulers, will save his people from persecution, and will ultimately establish his forever kingdom for them. Praise God!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan is one of our Assistant Ministers.