◄ Daniel 7:26 ►
But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.
Study Bible
But the court will convene
This phrase signifies a divine judgment scene, reminiscent of a heavenly tribunal. The "court" here refers to a celestial assembly, possibly the divine council, which is a recurring theme in biblical literature. The Hebrew word for "court" (דִּינָא, dinah) implies a place of judgment and decision-making. This convening of the court underscores God's sovereignty and justice, emphasizing that all earthly powers are ultimately accountable to Him. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine justice, where earthly kings were seen as subject to the decrees of the divine realm.

and his dominion will be taken away
The "dominion" refers to the power and authority of the fourth beast, which represents a succession of oppressive kingdoms culminating in a final, blasphemous ruler. The Hebrew root for "dominion" (שָׁלַט, shalat) conveys the idea of ruling or having authority. The phrase "will be taken away" indicates a decisive action by God to strip this ruler of his power. This is a powerful reminder of the transient nature of human authority and the ultimate supremacy of God's kingdom. It reflects the biblical theme that no matter how powerful a kingdom may seem, it is God who raises up and deposes rulers (Daniel 2:21).

and completely destroyed
The phrase "completely destroyed" emphasizes the totality and finality of the judgment against this oppressive power. The Hebrew word for "destroyed" (שְׁמַד, shemad) suggests utter annihilation, leaving no trace behind. This destruction is not just a temporary setback but a permanent eradication of evil. It serves as a reassurance to the faithful that God will ultimately triumph over all forms of wickedness and injustice. This aligns with the eschatological hope found throughout Scripture, where God promises to establish a new order free from sin and corruption.

forever
The term "forever" (עָלַם, olam) in Hebrew conveys the idea of eternity, an unending duration. This word assures believers of the eternal nature of God's victory and the establishment of His kingdom. The use of "forever" highlights the contrast between the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms and the everlasting dominion of God. It is a source of hope and encouragement, affirming that God's justice and peace will prevail eternally. This eternal perspective is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, offering believers the assurance of a future where God's righteousness reigns supreme.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Court
This refers to the divine court or heavenly tribunal that God convenes to execute judgment. It symbolizes God's ultimate authority and justice.

2. The Little Horn
In the broader context of Daniel 7, the "little horn" represents a blasphemous and oppressive ruler or kingdom that arises from the fourth beast, often interpreted as a symbol of anti-God powers throughout history.

3. The Ancient of Days
Although not mentioned in verse 26, the Ancient of Days is a central figure in Daniel 7, representing God Himself, who presides over the court and executes judgment.

4. The Fourth Beast
This beast represents a powerful and terrifying kingdom, often associated with the Roman Empire or a future oppressive regime.

5. The End of Dominion
The event of the little horn's dominion being taken away signifies the ultimate defeat of evil and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's court is the ultimate authority, and His justice will prevail over all earthly powers.

The Temporary Nature of Evil
The dominion of evil is temporary and will be completely destroyed, offering hope to believers facing persecution.

The Assurance of God's Kingdom
Believers can find assurance in the promise that God's kingdom will be established forever, encouraging faithfulness and perseverance.

The Role of Prophecy in Encouragement
Prophetic visions like Daniel's are meant to encourage believers by revealing God's control over history and the certainty of His plans.

Living in Light of God's Judgment
Understanding God's ultimate judgment should motivate believers to live righteously and share the gospel with urgency.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of a divine court in Daniel 7:26 influence your understanding of God's justice and authority?

2. In what ways does the promise of the end of evil's dominion provide hope and encouragement in your current circumstances?

3. How can the themes of Daniel 7:26 inspire you to live a life that reflects God's coming kingdom?

4. What parallels can you draw between the judgment in Daniel 7 and the final judgment described in Revelation 20?

5. How does the assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil impact your approach to sharing the gospel with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Revelation 20
This chapter describes the final judgment and the defeat of Satan, paralleling the judgment scene in Daniel 7.

2 Thessalonians 2
Paul speaks of the "man of lawlessness" who will be revealed and ultimately destroyed by the Lord, echoing the themes of judgment and the end of oppressive powers.

Psalm 2
This psalm speaks of God's sovereignty over rebellious nations and His ultimate victory, similar to the themes in Daniel 7.
Sermons
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
Annihilated, Authority, Cause, Complete, Completely, Consume, Consumed, Court, Cut, Destroy, Destroyed, Destruction, Dominion, Dominions, Forever, Judge, Judgment, Overcome, Pass, Power, Seated, Sit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 7:26

     5181   sitting
     5398   loss

Daniel 7:19-26

     4627   creatures

Daniel 7:23-27

     1469   visions

Daniel 7:24-27

     9115   antichrist, the

Daniel 7:26-27

     5454   power, God's saving

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

Links
Daniel 7:26 NIV
Daniel 7:26 NLT
Daniel 7:26 ESV
Daniel 7:26 NASB
Daniel 7:26 KJV

Daniel 7:26 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Daniel 7:25
Top of Page
Top of Page