Daniel: Far From HomeSample

The last six chapters of Daniel are less familiar than the first six. However, there is no doubt that we are meant to read on. This chapter is the last part of the section of the book that is written in Aramaic. The rest of the book is written in the Old Testament language of Hebrew. Aramaic was the language of Babylon. Chapters 2 to 7 are therefore a distinct unit within the book. Babylonians can read and understand this section. These chapters have shown us that the Lord is the only God, and that people should humble themselves before Him. The unbeliever in Babylon needs to know this as much as the believer.

Between verses 1 and 2 the narrative changes from the third to the first person. We are reading what Daniel himself wrote down. Verse 1 also dates the chapter. The contents of this chapter take place between chapters 4 and 5. That was the period where Daniel seemed less at the centre of the Babylonian world. He was not, however, forgotten by God. When the world thinks less of us, God does not.

In verse 2, Daniel sees the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. This is symbolic language that suggests the four compass points by which all wind is described. Later, Jesus will use similar language and speak of four corners of the earth (see Matt. 24:31). Here the whole earth is in view; Daniel is seeing the nations over the whole earth. And from the nations of the world he sees four beasts – beasts that in verse 17 we are told are kingdoms that rise on earth.

The four beasts are increasingly grotesque. You can imagine them as cartoon characters, sketched by an artist. The first is a lion with eagle’s wings, but with the feet and heart of a man. Daniel was to see this as Nebuchadnezzar, for Jeremiah had described Nebuchadnezzar as one like a lion and an eagle, and in chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar actually grew hair like eagle’s feathers.

The second beast is a bear with murderous intent. The third beast is a four-winged leopard with four heads. This probably means that it looks for its prey in all directions. And it is given authority to rule. And then comes the fourth beast. We are meant to notice a difference. For Daniel cannot even use any zoological knowledge to describe this beast. It is terrifying. It has ten horns, symbolic of great power. As Daniel ponders the horns, he sees a smaller horn that has eyes and a mouth from which comes boastful words (v. 8).

We will read on and discover the meaning of this vision. But we notice a few things. Firstly, this four-part vision is a parallel to the dream in chapter 2. Then Daniel was being shown that human kingdoms come and go. None last. And readers of Daniel know this has started to happen. The kingdom of Babylon was defeated by the Persians at the end of chapter 5. Secondly, we see all authority on earth is given by God (see v. 6). How comforting to know that our God is bigger than even the most powerful rulers on earth. Thirdly, our God knows the future. It is completely in His control.

Reflection

The Lord is revealing the future to Daniel. Spend some time pondering the implications for you that God knows the future of our world and that it is all under His control.