Daniel: Far From HomeSample

The content of the revelation given to Daniel has come to an end. Twice we are told in verse 15 of Daniel’s response to them. He is ‘troubled in spirit’; the visions ‘disturbed’ him. It is reminiscent of the reaction that Nebuchadnezzar had back in chapter 2 – his ‘mind was troubled and he could not sleep’. In both cases, Gentile Nebuchadnezzar and Jewish Daniel needed interpretation of the visions that they had seen.

In both cases, the interpretation of what was seen comes from ‘outside’ the one who has had the vision. In chapter 2, Daniel prayed to the God of heaven ‘concerning the mystery’ (2:18) and it was ‘revealed to Daniel’ (2:19). Here Daniel asks ‘one of those standing there’ (v. 16). In later chapters, we will see angels explain Daniel’s visions. Here the one ‘standing there’ gave Daniel ‘the interpretation of these things’ (v. 16b). In other words, what follows are not Daniel’s own thoughts, but the authoritative word from God. It is a good reminder to us to take seriously what we are about to read.

Verses 16b to 18 are the summary of the meaning of the dream. First, we are told about the four beasts. They represent ‘four kingdoms that will rise from the earth’. They mirror the dream Nebuchadnezzar had of the four-part gold statue in chapter 2. The same idea is being repeated here. Human kingdoms come and go!

However, there is now a contrast with what happened in chapter 2. In that chapter, the focus was on God setting up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. God is here described as ‘the Most High’, rather than the ‘Ancient of Days’. A very common description of God in Daniel, it emphasizes His rule over that of anything else.

In the summary in verse 18, the emphasis is on the saints. Saints in the Bible doesn’t mean an elite subset of believers, but all believers. And so it is all believers who will receive the kingdom. And with repeated emphasis, Daniel is told they will ‘possess it for ever – yes, for ever and ever’ (v. 18). Here are the exiles being assured that not only will the great promises of a kingdom be fulfilled, but also that God’s people will enjoy that kingdom for ever. Daniel may live now in the kingdom of the Babylonians, but one day he will possess this eternal kingdom. History is heading towards a final goal.

Reflection

Like Daniel we live in this world, but are also destined for God’s eternal kingdom. We are even now ‘citizens of heaven’ (see Phil. 3:20), and are ‘seated…in the heavenly realms’ (Eph. 2:6). How amazing is it to have our eternal destiny assured?