Daniel Chapter 7 — The Vision of Four Beasts
Daniel witnesses a vision of four great beasts rising from the sea, followed by a heavenly judgment and the arrival of an everlasting kingdom.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Daniel 7:13
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him.”
This verse introduces the significant figure 'one like a son of man' who receives eternal authority.
Daniel 7:14
“Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be destroyed.”
It describes the nature of the final kingdom as universal, eternal, and indestructible.
Daniel 7:27
“The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions will serve and obey him.”
This verse confirms that the ultimate victory and governance belong to God's people.
Chapter Summary
In the first year of King Belshazzar, Daniel receives a vision of four diverse beasts emerging from a stormy sea. The first is a lion with eagle's wings, the second a bear, the third a four-headed leopard, and the fourth a terrifying creature with iron teeth and ten horns. From these horns, a smaller horn emerges that speaks boastfully against the Most High. The scene shifts to a celestial court where the Ancient of Days sits on a fiery throne. The fourth beast is judged and destroyed. One like a son of man then approaches the Ancient of Days and is granted an eternal kingdom and dominion over all peoples. When Daniel asks for an explanation, an attendant reveals that the beasts represent four earthly kingdoms. Although the fourth kingdom will persecute the saints for a time, its power will ultimately be taken away. The kingdom and all greatness under heaven will be given to the saints of the Most High forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the text, the four animals represent four kings or kingdoms that will arise from the earth. The fourth is specifically described as a kingdom different from the others that will devour the whole earth.
The Ancient of Days is the figure seated on the fiery throne in Daniel's vision. He is presented as the supreme judge who strips the beasts of their power and grants dominion to the Son of Man.
The fourth beast, which is terrifying and strong with iron teeth, is slain because of its arrogant words. Its body is destroyed and given to be burned with fire.
The 'one like a son of man' is a figure who comes with the clouds and is presented to the Ancient of Days. He is given an everlasting kingdom that all nations and languages will serve.
Study Note
Daniel 7 marks the conclusion of the Aramaic section of the book (chapters 2-7), which focuses on the rise and fall of world empires.
Related Chapters
Daniel 2
This chapter provides a parallel vision of four earthly kingdoms using a large statue instead of beasts.
Revelation 13
This New Testament chapter contains similar imagery of beasts rising from the sea with horns.
Matthew 26
Jesus references the 'Son of Man' coming on the clouds, echoing Daniel's vision during His trial.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.