The Beginning:
Daniel, living among the exiles in Babylon, receives a troubling vision at night. He sees the great sea stirred up by the winds, and from it emerge terrifying creatures unlike ordinary animals. The dream leaves him disturbed and seeking understanding.
The Middle:
Four beasts rise in sequence: a lion-like beast with eagle’s wings, a bear raised on one side, a leopard with four wings and four heads, and a fourth beast that is unusually dreadful with iron teeth and many horns. From the horns, a “little horn” appears, speaking arrogantly and opposing the holy ones. Then the scene shifts from the chaos of beasts to a heavenly court: the “Ancient of Days” takes his seat, judgment is set, and the fourth beast is condemned.
The End:
Daniel then sees “one like a son of man” coming with the clouds and being presented before the Ancient of Days. To him are given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will not pass away, and the holy ones are assured they will receive the kingdom. An angel explains that the beasts represent kingdoms, but God’s rule will ultimately prevail; Daniel remains troubled yet keeps the matter in his heart.
This vision contrasts unstable, beast-like earthly powers with God’s holy and ordered reign. The “Ancient of Days” emphasizes God’s eternal authority to judge oppressive kingdoms and to vindicate his people. The granting of an everlasting kingdom to “one like a son of man” highlights that God’s final rule is not founded on violence or pride but is established by divine appointment, and it endures beyond every human empire.
In ancient Near Eastern thought, the sea often symbolized disorder and threat, while imperial powers were commonly portrayed with animal imagery in royal art and propaganda. Daniel’s vision draws on this symbolic world to depict kingdoms rising from chaos, yet subject to the higher authority of God’s heavenly court.
“His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away.” — Daniel 7:14
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. In Daniel’s night vision, what rises out of the great sea first?
2. What is given to “one like a son of man” after he is presented before the Ancient of Days?