The Lord’s Return

Lions, Bears and Eagles! Names of NFL football teams! But also emblematic of nations who take on the spirit of the anti-Christ, which by the way, “anti” in this context refers to “instead” of Christ. Nations whose leaders and followers are deceived to think they can be the gods of this world! They prevail for a time, like that mighty tower of Babel that Nimrod built so long ago, but ultimately, crumble into dust before the Kingdom of Christ.

“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.” Daniel 7:1

Daniel dated the time of his dream by associating it with the first year of Belshazzar’s reign over Babylon. Belshazzar became a second king under his father Nabonidus in the year 556 BC. Nabonidus reigned from Teima in Arabia. Belshazzar reigned in Babylon. The Babylonian record indicates Nabonidus “entrusted the kingship” to Belshazzar as the de-facto king of Babylon. This is why Daniel would have been a third part ruler of Babylon in Daniel 5 if Belshazzar had not been executed. Belshazzar reigned over Babylon for 17 years. [1] All this to say that the events of Daniel chapters 5-6 happened after this vision of Daniel in chapter 7.

“Daniel spoke, saying, ‘I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. The first was like a lion and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: arise, devour much flesh! After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” Daniel 7:2-8

The Lord gave to Daniel a dream like Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel chapter 2. Four world empires appear to Daniel as beasts. To Nebuchadnezzar they appear as a man made of gold, silver, bronze, and iron mixed with clay. The Jamieson Fausset Brown Commentary suggests that Nebuchadnezzar saw them from a human perspective while Daniel saw them from a spiritual perspective. The four empires represent Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome.

The “four winds of heaven” stirring up the “great sea” symbolize turmoil and upheaval among nations. The “sea” often represents humanity or the world. In Revelation 7:1-4, four angels are holding back the four winds of the earth from blowing. A fifth angel tells them not to harm the earth until the servants of God have a seal placed on their foreheads.

“I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A 1,000 1,000’s ministered to Him; 10,000 times 10,000 stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.” Daniel 7:9-10

In Daniel 2:31-35, in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the appearance of the four empires is followed by the appearance of a little stone that destroys the human empires before it. It grows into a mountain that fills the earth. That stone represents Christ and His kingdom. In Daniel 7:9-10, In Daniel’s dream, he sees the Ancient of Days seated on a fiery throne with wheels aflame. Fire comes forth from Him. He has innumerable angels at His service. The books are opened.

This vision is described in greater detail in Revelation 20:11-15, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away... and books were opened... and the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Thus, the prophecy of Daniel 7 is fulfilled by our Redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame.” Daniel 7:11

In Revelation 19:19-20, John sees this prophecy fulfilled. “I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.” Daniel 7:12

In Revelation 20:8-10, John sees this prophecy fulfilled. “Now when the 1,000 years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” The beasts, namely the nations, that continue to defy the rule of Christ, even after the millennial reign of Christ, are finally gone and so is the devil.

“I was watching in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14

In Revelation 21:1-4, John sees this prophecy fulfilled. “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’” Also in Revelation 21:24-26, “And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.” The stone has become the mountain and it fills the all things. Revelation 11:15 proclaims, “The kingdoms of the world have become the kingdoms of the Lord and of His Christ, and He reigns forever.”

“I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those who stood by and asked him the truth of all this. So, he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: ‘Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’” Daniel 7:15-18

“The saints of the Most High receive the kingdom.” Jesus said in Matthew 5:3-10, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” These receive the kingdom of God.

“Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; and the 10 horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” Daniel 7:19-22

Daniel wants to back up and ask about the beast that is defeated by God. This beast is also mentioned in Revelation 13:1-7, whom God allows for 42 months to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. Like in the Book of Job, it is allowed to test the faith of the saints by making war against them and to overcome them. Revelation 13:10 says, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” They will need patience like Job in those days, but the Lord will help them.

“Thus, he said: ‘The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it, and break it in pieces. The 10 horns are 10 kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones and shall subdue three kings. He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.” Daniel 7:23-25

According to Revelation 12:17, Satan is at war with “those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” He wants to change the times and law that God would have people to follow for our well-being to follow times and laws that will destroy our souls.

Satan’s man is braggadocios. He wants to be everyone’s hero... or god. He speaks against God and God’s servants because we refuse to bow to him. Like wicked Haman in the Book of Esther, he is ready to destroy the entire group of anyone who will not bow to him.

According to Isaiah 14:12-13, “Lucifer” (the devil) said in his heart: “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.. I will be like the Most High.” According to Ezekiel 28:14-15, the devil was “the anointed cherub who” was “on the holy mountain of God.” He was perfect in his ways from the day he was created, till iniquity was found in him. The global leader in the last days will be like the devil in human flesh. He only appears to be a messenger of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 says, “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

This is why “love for another” is vital. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says, “Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” Love is opposite of hate. God’s love helps us to discern the error of the antichrist. 1 John 4:8 says, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Romans 5:5 says, “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” When Jesus Christ died on the cross for sinners, He demonstrated God’s heart to forgive our sins and to make a way by His own self for us to be in fellowship with Him. When we believe in Christ, God gives us His Holy Spirit and helps us to live a new and better life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The Lord gives us a new nature, He converts our soul, so that we have love for Him and love for those around us.

“But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” Daniel 7:26-27

In Luke 22:28-29, Jesus said to His followers, “You are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me.” From whom do saints receive the kingdom? From God! According to Revelation 1:5-6, the Messiah gives the kingdom to those who have brought their sins to Him to be washed away by His redeeming blood: “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

“This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart.” Daniel 7:28

Daniel seemed to gravitate in this text to meditate on the bad news about the global leaders who oppose God. I tend do the same, but Jesus urged us to keep looking up.

In Luke 21:26-28, Jesus said, “There will be signs... distress of nations... men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

The terrible events due to sin means that the Lord’s return is near. Keep looking up!

In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Paul wrote, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

The devil and his henchmen have an expiration date. Their days will end. They have built their kingdom on a bad foundation. It will fall. It is just a matter of time. The kingdom of God is built on the rock foundation of Jesus Christ. Jesus died for our sins and resurrected from the dead to bring us to glory. The Lord is faithful. He will do it.


[1] Biblearchaeologyreport.com/2024/01/19/belshazzar-an-archaeological-biography