Daniel 7 Devotional

The Throne Above the Beasts

“And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”Daniel 7:14 (BSB)

In Daniel's vision, the winds churn up the great sea, and four terrifying beasts climb out of it, the last with iron teeth that devour and trample whatever is left (7:2-7). Then a small horn rises with a mouth full of arrogant words (7:8). Christians have read the details in different ways, but the vision's own explanation gives its point: these beasts are kings and kingdoms that rise from the earth (7:17).

Then thrones are set in place, the Ancient of Days takes his seat, the court sits, and books are opened (7:9-10). And one like a son of man comes with the clouds of heaven and receives a kingdom that will never pass away (7:13-14). On trial before the high priest, Jesus said they would see the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven (Mark 14:62), claiming this vision for himself. The horn wages war on the saints for a time, but the kingdom finally belongs to them (7:21-22, 27). The beasts are loud. They are not in charge.

To think about: What fearful power in the world around you looks different when you remember who sits on the throne?