Daniel: Far From HomeSample

In the last few verses, the angel has been explaining the meaning of the four beasts that Daniel saw. But Daniel wants to know more. And in particular he wants to know the meaning of the fourth beast. This is the beast that was ‘different from all the others’. The differences are spelled out. This fourth beast is the ‘most terrifying’ as it ‘crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left’ (v. 19).

Daniel is also concerned to understand some of the details of what he has seen earlier. In particular he wants to know about the horns. He wants to understand the ten horns on the fourth beast, but also about the little horn – the horn that ‘looked more imposing than the others’ and ‘spoke boastfully.’(v. 20)

However, before the interpretation comes, as Daniel is asking his questions, he now sees more in the vision (vv. 21,22). The boastful horn is at war against God’s people, the saints. Here Daniel is seeing that God’s people are opposed.

This is important preparation for Daniel and the people who read this after their return from exile in Babylon. Daniel is being shown the future. After they return from exile, there will still be opposition (described as ‘war’) against the saints. Here is a theme that will be explained further in the later chapters. When God’s people return from exile (which they will do within decades of Daniel having this dream), it will not be the establishment of the final, eternal kingdom. Instead, God’s people are to expect further future opposition. And, in verse 21, they will be defeated by this dreadful ‘horn’.

However, the assurance comes in verse 22. This opposition will not last forever. The opposition to the people of God is limited. The reason is spelled out. The Ancient of Days will come and pronounce judgement in favour of the saints. Believers are on the winning side!

But this is not because they can overthrow this boastful horn. Deliverance and victory will come to them only because the Ancient of Days is on their side. And that is when the saints will possess the kingdom. In the next verses, the explanation of the dream will be given.

Reflection

Be humbled and reassured by these verses; humbled by the truth that saints are not strong enough by themselves to defeat those who oppose them, but encouraged that the Ancient of Days is. There is coming a time when He will deliver us to the kingdom. Look forward to that day!