Worse Than a Lion’s Den

The book of Daniel divides into two halves. The stories about Daniel and his friends take up the first six chapters. The second half of the book is far less familiar and, for many, unexplored territory.

Four prophecies are laid out here – prophecies that came to him and were not simply explained by him. The prophecy we read today takes most of us way beyond our comfort zone and leaves us struggling for assistance.

Today we read the dream and tomorrow we will find the explanation. The first half of the dream is taken up with the description of four wild beasts that emerge from a turbulent sea, each one violent, grotesque and terrifying. A lion with wings and a human mind; a bear on its side; a leopard with four wings and the fourth, worse than the rest, with iron claws and ten horns on its head. Then a ‘little’ horn (v 8) emerges and begins to uproot the other horns.

At this stage, the only clue we have is the vision in chapter 2, of four kingdoms emerging in turn. Empires like to portray themselves as impressive and worthy of our loyalty, but the reality for many is that they are oppressive, bent on plunder and domination.

Suddenly a more reassuring figure stands over against them. We see the “Ancient of Days” (v 9,), sitting on his throne, surrounded by his court. His poise puts the proud attitude of the others into perspective, and his clear domination makes the wild animals a sideshow. Finally, another figure emerges like a “son of man” (v 13) and he is given final power and ultimate authority. It is this final vision on which our hope is centred and from which we can draw our strength.

Respond in Prayer

Lord, there is much in our world that can cause us to fear and despair. Help us to lift up our eyes and find our hope in you, for in spite of appearances yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory (Matthew 6:13). For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Colin Sinclair