Daniel: Far From HomeНамуна

We now come to the explanation of the dream. There are lots of parallels with the dream Nebuchadnezzar had in chapter 2. Once again there is mention of four kingdoms. But now the emphasis is on the universal devastation that the fourth kingdom will bring (v. 23). We then come to the ten horns. The horn is a Bible metaphor for strength. They seem to come from the fourth beast. They represent ten kings who simultaneously rule on the earth.

In verse 24 the focus is on another king. Then follows a description of his rule. He is blasphemous against God; he oppresses God’s people. He tries to overturn the laws of nature. God’s people will be ruled by him for a limited time (v. 25).

Commentators spend much time trying to identify who these characters are. The four beasts are most likely the successive empires of Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. But beyond that, things are harder to work out. Indeed, it is not altogether clear whether the references to ‘after them’ (v. 24) are meant to be read chronologically. Many translations have these verses as poetry, suggesting we don’t read them literally. Some identify the king of verse 24 as Antiochus Epiphanes IV, king of Seleucia, who destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem in 167 BC.

The main point, though, is once again the ‘but’ at the start of verse 26. Just as in verses 18 and 22, here is the language of contrast. Kings will come and go. Evil rulers, opposed to God, His people and His natural order will arise and oppress the people of God. But! In verse 26 the court of judgement sits and his power is taken away and he is destroyed forever.

Instead, one day, the wicked rule of humankind will be replaced. One day, God’s people, the saints, will be given rule (v. 27). In the last book of the Bible, John sees God’s people reigning with Christ for ever (Rev. 22:5). Once again we are to look forward to all of God’s promises being fulfilled.

In verse 28 we read of Daniel’s response to the vision and its explanation. What he has seen troubles him and he decides to keep the matter to himself. At least until he writes it down. What Daniel has begun to see is that the immediate future for God’s people contains oppression and suffering. God’s people, however, can cling to the assurance that the eternal promises of God will one day be fulfilled.

We have come to the end of the part of the book that is written in the Babylonian language of Aramaic, so Babylonians could learn the lessons of these chapters as well as the Jews. The overall message is that Daniel’s God is the one in ultimate control. Living under His rule is the only eternally secure way to live.

Reflection

Although the eternal future for God’s people is utterly secure, until that day God’s people live in a world where evil often rules and God’s people are opposed. It has always been like this for the people of God – we should be realists about the world we live in.