Chronologically, the visions of chapters seven and eight came to Daniel after the events of chapter four and before the events of chapter five. This is during the reign of Belshazzar over the city of Babylon. Daniel is nearly 70 years old.

The first six chapters of the book of Daniel are mostly historical narrative. The dreams and visions of others are interpreted by Daniel. Chapter seven begins the record of Daniel’s dreams and visions, which are interpreted by an angel. Chapters seven through twelve have very little historical narrative and are mostly prophetic content. Another way to look at it is that chapters two through seven reveal the prophetic plan for the Gentiles, while chapters eight through twelve reveal the prophetic plan for Israel. God’s plan for Israel will have world-wide affect, but the “Times of the Gentiles” will not end until the destruction of the Kingdom of the antichrist and his kingdom (Luke 21:24; Romans 11:25 cp. Daniel 2:41-45; 7:7-14; 9:27).

Daniel Chapter Seven

We will observe four beasts emerging out of the sea. The restless sea is often a reference to Gentile nations. The four beasts are four empires that come from among the Gentile nations. All of them, by the way, are connected to the Great Sea (Mediterranean). See Revelation 13:1; 17:1, 15; Isaiah 17:12.

The Kingdoms of this world – Daniel 7:1-7, 15-23

• Winged Lion – Babylon (vs. 4)
• Bear – Medo-Persia (vs. 5)
  (Persia is the greater/stronger side.)
  (3 ribs in mouth = previously conquered nations: Egypt, Babylon & Lydia.)
• Leopard (4 wings & 4 heads) – Greece (vs. 6)
• Dreadful / Terrible Beast – Rome (vs. 7)

Note: These beasts are mentioned in Revelation 13:1-2. Elements of all are contained in the last beast. They are mentioned in reverse order. Daniel was looking ahead. John was looking back on history and Daniel’s prophecy.

The Kingdom of Satan – Daniel 7:8, 11-12, 21-26
The “little horn” is the Antichrist. This is an extension or revival of the old Roman Empire. See Revelation chapters 13-19.

The Kingdom of Christ – Daniel 7:9-14, 27-28
Note God’s throne (vs. 9-12 cp. Ezekiel 1:15-26-27).
Note the Son of Man coming in clouds to judge (vs. 13-14 cp. Matthew 24:30; 25:31; Jude 14-15; Revelation 1:7, 13; 14:14). See also Revelation 11:15; 12:10; 17:14; 19:11-21.

Daniel Chapter Eight

From Daniel 2:4 – 7:28, the book was written in Aramaic because the subject matter dealt with Gentile nations. In chapter eight, the book resumes being written in Hebrew because the subject matter focuses on Israel. In chapter eight, Daniel has a vision just before the overthrow of Babylon. Therefore this vision does not include Babylon. We go from Cyrus of the Medes & Persians, to Alexander the Great of the Greeks, to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, also, of the Greeks. Though Rome is not given an animal designation, according to chapters two and seven, it is a revival of old Rome that brings forth a fierce King, who will be utterly and finally destroyed by Christ.

Location of the vision – Daniel 8:1-2
Daniel is probably, physically in the city of Babylon. In a vision, Daniel is transported to Shushan or Susa (about 200 miles southeast of Babylon). This would later become the capital of the Persian Empire.

Cyrus (Medo-Persia): “…A Ram which had Two Horns…” – Daniel 8:3-4, 20

Alexander the Great (Greece): “…A notable (prominent, conspicuous) horn between the eyes…” (of a goat) – Daniel 8:5-8, 21-22 (“four notable ones” – Four horns on the goat are four Greek generals that replaced Alexander: Cassander, Lysimachus, Ptolemy and Seleucus)

Antiochus Epiphanes IV (Greece): “…A little horn…” (a descendant of Seleucus I Nicator, one of the four generals) – Daniel 8:9-14

Antichrist (Satanic revival of the old Roman Empire): “…A king of fierce countenance (fierce looking, with a bold face, insolent) and understanding dark sentences…” (master of intrigue, understands riddles or sinister schemes) – Daniel 8:23-25

Christ (The Messiah): “The Prince of Princes” – Daniel 8:25

Consider Daniel
See Daniel 7:15-16, 28; 8:15-19, 26-27. He was troubled and sought answers. His troubled spirit made him humble and sober. Daniel kept the matter sacred and did not try to commercialize it. He quieted himself and kept learning. After a time of sickness, Daniel resumed his normal activities.

How should we handle prophecy? We should pay attention to it and take it to heart. We should find comfort and strength as we learn to trust the certain Word of God. We should comfort each other and build each other up with it. We are not to become “mini-prophets,” setting dates and trying to impress others with our knowledge. We must not become proud and argumentative. The knowledge of God’s future judgment should humble us and make us more holy. We should compassionately warn others. We should be always abounding in the work of the Lord.

See Acts 17:30-31; Romans 16:17-20; I Corinthians 15:51-58; II Corinthians 5:8-11; I Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:11; II Thessalonians 1:7-12; 2:1-15; I Peter 4:7; II Peter 1:19-21; 3:10-14.