The 7th chapter of Daniel marks a shift from narrative of history to figurative, apocalyptic language. We have imagery of four successive kingdoms. They seem to parallel the image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream from chapter 2: Babylon, Medes-Persians, Greece, and Rome.  The 10 horns would correlate with the 10 toes of the image.  The assumption is that these are 10 nations (some sort of remnant for the former Roman Empire?). Many picture the horn that comes to subjugate three others as the Antichrist of Revelation.
 
The extensive description of the fourth beast highlights evil and destruction. But, Daniel's vision also includes the Ancient of Days, sitting on a throne of judgement, firmly in charge of who gets dominion and when.
 
In our recent history there have been waves of evil: global wars, regional wars, evil that can be state-sponsored or perpetrated by the isolated and marginalized.  It's not hard to feel discouraged. Daniel 7 reminds us that all is in God's control and the ultimate victory is His.
 
Study notes, primarily excerpts from commentaries can be found here.

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