Daniel 7:17
These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth.
These four great beasts
The phrase "these four great beasts" refers to the vision Daniel had earlier in the chapter, where he saw four distinct beasts rising from the sea. In the context of ancient Near Eastern literature, beasts often symbolize empires or kingdoms, representing their power and ferocity. The Hebrew word for "beasts" (חֵיוָה, chevah) emphasizes their wild and untamed nature, suggesting the chaotic and destructive force of these empires. Historically, these beasts are interpreted as symbolizing the successive empires that would dominate the known world, specifically Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. This imagery serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over human history.

are four kings
The term "kings" (מַלְכִין, malkin) in this context is often understood to represent kingdoms or empires rather than individual monarchs. In the ancient world, a king was synonymous with his kingdom, embodying its authority and governance. The use of "four" is significant, as it denotes completeness or universality in biblical numerology, suggesting that these kingdoms encompass the entirety of human political power during their respective eras. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical narrative that portrays human history as a series of kingdoms rising and falling under God's providential plan.

who will arise
The phrase "who will arise" indicates the future emergence of these kingdoms. The Hebrew verb (קוּם, qum) conveys the idea of standing up or coming into being, highlighting the dynamic and often violent process by which these empires establish themselves. This prophetic vision underscores the inevitability of these events, as ordained by God, and serves as a reassurance to the faithful that despite the apparent chaos and turmoil, God's purposes are being fulfilled. It also reflects the biblical theme of divine sovereignty, where God raises up and deposes rulers according to His will.

from the earth
The phrase "from the earth" signifies the earthly origin of these kingdoms, contrasting with the divine kingdom that is not of this world. The Hebrew word for "earth" (אֲרַע, ara) emphasizes the temporal and finite nature of human empires. This distinction serves to remind believers that while earthly kingdoms may rise and fall, God's kingdom is eternal and unshakeable. The imagery of rising "from the earth" also suggests the inherent limitations and imperfections of human governance, which stands in stark contrast to the perfect and just rule of God. This perspective encourages Christians to place their ultimate hope and trust not in earthly powers, but in the eternal kingdom of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A prophet and a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness to God and his ability to interpret dreams and visions.

2. Four Great Beasts
Symbolic representations of four kingdoms or empires that will arise on the earth. These beasts are part of Daniel's vision and are described earlier in the chapter.

3. Kings
The rulers or leaders of the kingdoms represented by the four beasts. They symbolize earthly power and authority.

4. The Earth
The realm from which these kings arise, indicating their temporal and worldly nature.

5. Vision
A divine revelation given to Daniel, providing insight into future events and the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms.
Teaching Points
Understanding Prophetic Imagery
The use of beasts in Daniel's vision symbolizes the chaotic and often destructive nature of earthly kingdoms. Recognizing this helps us interpret prophetic literature with discernment.

God's Sovereignty Over Earthly Kingdoms
Despite the rise and fall of powerful empires, God's ultimate authority remains unchallenged. This truth provides comfort and assurance to believers.

The Temporal Nature of Earthly Power
The kingdoms represented by the beasts are temporary. This reminds us to place our trust in God's eternal kingdom rather than in transient worldly powers.

Faithfulness in Uncertain Times
Like Daniel, believers are called to remain faithful and steadfast, trusting in God's plan even when earthly events seem overwhelming.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7:17 relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in the book of Daniel?

2. In what ways can the imagery of the beasts help us understand the nature of earthly kingdoms and their limitations?

3. How does the message of Daniel 7:17 encourage believers to respond to current global events and political changes?

4. What parallels can you draw between the vision in Daniel 7 and the imagery used in the book of Revelation?

5. How can the assurance of God's ultimate authority over earthly kingdoms impact your daily life and decision-making?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 2
The vision of the statue with different materials, which also represents successive kingdoms, parallels the vision of the four beasts.

Revelation 13
The imagery of beasts in Revelation echoes Daniel's vision, symbolizing earthly powers and their opposition to God's kingdom.

Psalm 2
This psalm speaks of earthly kings and rulers who oppose God, yet ultimately, God's sovereignty prevails.
Daniel's First VisionE. B. Pusey, D.D.Daniel 7:4-28
The First Two Visions of the Book of DanielT. R. Birks, M.A.Daniel 7:4-28
The Four BeastsOutlines by London MinisterDaniel 7:4-28
The Symbolical BeastsW. White.Daniel 7:4-28
The Vision of the Four BeastsWilliam M. Taylor, D.D.Daniel 7:4-28
Vision, of Four Wild BeastsT.Kirk.Daniel 7:4-28
Godly Obedience the Basis of Permanent DominionJ.D. Davies Daniel 7:15-28
The Great AntagonistH.T. Robjohns Daniel 7:15-28
People
Belshazzar, Daniel
Places
Babylon
Topics
Animals, Arise, Beasts, Cut, Kingdoms, Kings, Rise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 7:17

     1652   numbers, 3-5
     1670   symbols
     4609   beast, the
     4627   creatures

Daniel 7:1-18

     1469   visions

Daniel 7:7-25

     4654   horn

Daniel 7:15-18

     7730   explanation

Daniel 7:17-18

     4029   world, human beings in
     5367   kingdoms

Library
Christ's Own Testimony Concerning Himself.
THERE is but one rational explanation, of this sublime mystery; and this is found in Christ's own testimony concerning his superhuman and divine origin and character.[49]49 This testimony challenges at once our highest regard and belief from the absolute veracity which no one ever denied him, or could deny, without destroying at once the very foundation of his universally conceded moral purity and greatness. Christ strongly asserts his humanity, and calls himself; about eighty times in the Gospels,
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
THE life and character of Jesus Christ is truly the Holy of Holies in the history of the world. Eighteen hundred years have passed away since he, in the fullness of time, appeared on this earth to redeem a fallen race from sin and death, and to open a never-ceasing fountain of righteousness and life. The ages before him anxiously awaited his coming as "the Desire of all nations;" the ages after him proclaim his glory, and ever extend his dominion. The noblest and best of men under every clime hold
Philip Schaff—The Romance of M. Renan, and the Christ of the Gospels

The Apocalypse.
1. The word Apocalypse (Greek Apokalupsis) signifies Revelation, the title given to the book in our English version as well from its opening word as from its contents. Of all the writings of the New Testament that are classed by Eusebius among the disputed books (Antilegomena, chap. 5. 6), the apostolic authorship of this is sustained by the greatest amount of external evidence; so much so that Eusebius acknowledges it as doubtful whether it should be classed among the acknowledged or
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Captivity of Judah.
Eze., Dan., Lam. The Ten Tribes Lost. After the fall of Samaria we hear but little of the ten tribes. They were carried off into the regions of Ninevah by the Assyrians. All effort to locate them has failed and no doubt will fail. Sargon, in an inscription found at Ninevah, said that he carried away into captivity 27,290. These were perhaps leaders of Israel whom he thought might lead a revolt. He sent others back to take their place and the Israelites seemed to have mingled with the races about
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

Communion Again Broken --Restoration
Cant. v. 2-vi.10. The fourth section commences with an address of the bride to the daughters of Jerusalem, in which she narrates her recent sad experience, and entreats their help in her trouble. The presence and comfort of her Bridegroom are again lost to her; not this time by relapse into worldliness, but by slothful self-indulgence. We are not told of the steps that led to her failure; of how self again found place in her heart. Perhaps spiritual pride in the achievements which grace enabled her
J. Hudson Taylor—Union and Communion

The Ecclesiastical Trial
Over the Kedron, up the slope to the city, through the gates, along the silent streets, the procession passed, with Jesus in the midst; midnight stragglers, perhaps, hurrying forward from point to point to ask what was ado, and peering towards the Prisoner's face, before they diverged again towards their own homes.[1] He was conducted to the residence of the high priest, where His trial ensued. Jesus had to undergo two trials--the one ecclesiastical, the other civil; the one before Caiaphas the
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

Jesus at Capernaum.
Beset by an idea, gradually becoming more and more imperious and exclusive, Jesus proceeds henceforth with a kind of fatal impassibility in the path marked out by his astonishing genius and the extraordinary circumstances in which he lived. Hitherto he had only communicated his thoughts to a few persons secretly attracted to him; henceforward his teaching was sought after by the public. He was about thirty years of age.[1] The little group of hearers who had accompanied him to John the Baptist had,
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." St. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles. The care of the churches gathered among them devolved particularly on him. At the writing of this epistle he had no personal acquaintance with the church to which it is addressed.* Epaphras, a bishop of the Colossians, then his fellow prisoner at Rome, had made him acquainted with their state, and the danger
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Jesus Stills the Storm.
(Sea of Galilee; Same Day as Last Section) ^A Matt. VIII. 18-27; ^B Mark IV. 35-41; ^C Luke VIII. 22-25. ^b 35 And that day, { ^c one of those days,} ^b when the even was come [about sunset], ^a when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. { ^b he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.} [Wearied with a day of strenuous toil, Jesus sought rest from the multitude by passing to the thinly settled on the east side of Galilee.] ^a 19 And there
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Situation after the Council of Nicæa.
The council (a) had testified, by its horrified and spontaneous rejection of it, that Arianism was a novelty subversive of the Christian faith as they had received it from their fathers. They had (b) banished it from the Church by an inexorable test, which even the leading supporters of Arius had been induced to subscribe. In the years immediately following, we find (c) a large majority of the Eastern bishops, especially of Syria and Asia Minor, the very regions whence the numerical strength of the
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

History of the Interpretation.
1. AMONG THE JEWS. This History, as to its essential features, might, a priori, be sketched with tolerable certainty. From the nature of the case, we could scarcely expect that the Jews should have adopted views altogether erroneous as to the subject of the prophecy in question; for the Messiah appears in it, not in His humiliation, but in His glory--rich in gifts and blessings, and Pelagian self-delusion will, a priori, return an affirmative answer to the question as to whether one is
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

His Future Work
The Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work on earth the Father gave Him to do, who is now bodily present in the highest heaven, occupying the Father's throne and exercising His priesthood in behalf of His people, is also King. To Him belongeth a Kingdom and a kingly Glory. He has therefore a kingly work to do. While His past work was foretold by the Spirit of God and His priestly work foreshadowed in the Old Testament, His work as King and His glorious Kingdom to come are likewise the subjects
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

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