Daniel 7:23-28 - God's Sovereignty

Much has been said of the fourth beast. The angel’s interpretation of this beast and its actions is now given in Daniel 7:23-27.  Daniel was told that this beast, which emerged from the earth, was a kingdom different from other kingdoms. It would trample the earth and crush and devour it. 

The ten horns on the beast’s head symbolize the ten kings who would rise from this kingdom. However, a king unlike any other, a dictator, would emerge from among them, heralding a new era. This king, distinct from the ten, would subdue three kings, further solidifying his unique position. 

Furthermore, this dictator would blaspheme against God, afflict and suppress His saints, and alter the calendar and constitution of the nation. This he would do for a duration stipulated here as “time, times, and half a time.” Some see this as the three-and-a-half years of tribulation of the Antichrist. However, seeing these as a duration is better than explicitly referring to three and a half years. 

Verse 26 brings a glimmer of hope, assuring us that God would intervene, judge, and ultimately annihilate the dictator. The sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of all the kingdoms would be bestowed upon the saints of God, who would establish an everlasting kingdom. This victory would see God's people serving and obeying Him alone, a testament to His ultimate power and justice.  

The message of this passage is primarily about the rise of a powerful and oppressive kingdom, symbolized by a beast with ten horns. This kingdom will be led by a dictator who will rise to power and rule with an iron fist, blaspheming God oppressing His people and changing the very fabric of society.

However, the passage also offers hope, assuring us that God will ultimately intervene and judge the dictator, establishing an everlasting kingdom for His people. This is a message of hope for us, God’s people.

God is reminding us that He is ultimately in control and that we can trust in His sovereignty and justice even in the face of adversity and oppression. We must remain faithful to Him, even in the face of persecution, and hold fast to the hope of His ultimate victory and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom.