The Dream of Daniel (Daniel 7:1-28) is often seen as a prophecy that reveals key future events in the Bible, including the coming of God’s Kingdom and the eventual return of Jesus. The dream describes four beasts, which are interpreted as representing four kingdoms, followed by the arrival of the “Son of Man” (a title often used for Jesus) and God’s ultimate judgment.

King Dream

Key Elements of Daniel’s Dream:

  1. The Four Beasts (Daniel 7:2-7)
    • Beast 1: A lion with eagle’s wings, symbolizing the Babylonian Empire.
    • Beast 2: A bear raised up on one side, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire.
    • Beast 3: A leopard with four wings, symbolizing the Greek Empire (Alexander the Great’s empire).
    • Beast 4: A terrifying and powerful beast with ten horns, representing the Roman Empire.
  2. The Little Horn (Daniel 7:8)
    • A horn that comes up among the ten, which is often interpreted as a figure of Antichrist or a future world ruler who will oppose God’s Kingdom.
  3. The Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14)
    • A figure coming with the clouds of heaven, who is given eternal dominion, glory, and a kingdom. This is seen by Christians as a prophecy of Jesus’ return and His reign over God’s eternal Kingdom.
  4. The Final Judgment (Daniel 7:9-10, 26-27)
    • After the destruction of the beasts (kingdoms), God’s Kingdom will be established, and the Son of Man will reign forever.

Timeline Based on Daniel’s Dream (and Related Prophetic Scriptures):

  1. The Four Kingdoms:
    • The vision of the four beasts represents four successive empires in history:
      • Babylonian Empire (Lion with eagle’s wings) – Reigned from around 626 BC to 539 BC.
      • Medo-Persian Empire (Bear) – Reigned from around 539 BC to 331 BC.
      • Greek Empire (Leopard) – Reigned from around 331 BC to 146 BC.
      • Roman Empire (The Fourth Beast) – Reigned from 27 BC to around 476 AD.
    • Many biblical scholars believe that the Roman Empire (the fourth beast) and its successor states, such as modern Western powers, may continue to play a significant role in the lead-up to Jesus’ return.
  2. The Rise of the “Little Horn”:
    • The Little Horn is often interpreted as a future figure who will emerge in the final days and lead a global rebellion against God. Some view this figure as the Antichrist (a powerful world leader), who will oppose Christ’s return and usher in a time of great tribulation.
    • Many interpretations suggest that this figure will rise during the final phase of the Roman Empire’s legacy, possibly during a period of global unrest, political upheaval, and widespread apostasy (falling away from faith).
  3. The Return of the Son of Man (Jesus):
    • The Bible portrays Jesus’ return as a moment of divine glory and fulfillment. Acts 1:11 assures believers that Jesus will come back in the same way He ascended into heaven, while Matthew 24:30 describes His return with power and great glory, visible to all nations. This event is further emphasized in Matthew 24:31, where Jesus sends His angels with a loud trumpet call to gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
    • Similarly, Mark 13:27 echoes this promise, highlighting the universal scope of the gathering of His chosen ones. These verses collectively underscore the hope and anticipation of believers for the second coming of Christ.
  4. The Final Judgment and the Establishment of God’s Kingdom:
    • After Jesus returns, there will be a final judgment, where the righteous will inherit eternal life, and the wicked will be condemned (Daniel 7:9-10, 26-27).
    • The eternal Kingdom of God will be established, and Jesus will reign forever, as described in Daniel 7:14.

General Timeline of Events (Based on Daniel and Other Biblical Prophecies):

  • The Four Empires (Past): The four beasts (Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman empires) represent historical events that have already occurred. So we are at end time.
  • The Era of the Roman Empire’s Legacy (Current/Modern): The “fourth beast” and its ten horns could symbolize the ongoing influence of the Roman Empire, its successor states, and modern global political systems.
  • The Rise of the Antichrist (Near Future): The “Little Horn” may refer to a future world leader who will cause great tribulation and lead humanity into rebellion against God, signaling the approach of the end times.
  • Jesus’ Return (Second Coming): At the end of this period of tribulation, Jesus will return as the Son of Man to establish God’s eternal Kingdom.(2027-2030)
  • Final Judgment and Eternal Kingdom: After the Second Coming, the final judgment will take place, and God’s Kingdom will be established, with Jesus reigning forever.

Dream Compariso

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (Daniel 2)Daniel’s Dream (Daniel 7)The Kingdoms Prophesied
Gold (Head)LionBabylon (671-538 BC)
Silver (Breast & Arms)BearPersia (538-321 BC)
Brass (Belly & Thighs)LeopardGreece (331-160 BC)
Iron (Legs)Beast with 10 HornsRome (160 BC – 395 AD)
Iron & Clay (Feet & Toes)Ten Horns and Another HornAntichrist System
The Rock (Strikes the Feet)Son of ManChrist Reigns