Daniel Chapter 7, the central chapter in this book, offers hope for all of God’s children. Its rich symbolic imagery speaks loudly as it reveals to us the perpetual rise and fall of human kingdoms. Kingdoms who put trust in their own power instead God’s almighty power will eventually fall and receive judgement. This chapter is truly timeless, speaking beautifully to all generations and delivering God’s central message – God’s dominion is eternal and he’s got this!
Daniel and The Four Beasts
We learn of “four immense beasts” who rise from the sea (the world’s nations) and create havoc on the world. These beasts are arrogant kingdoms who think of themselves as greater than God. Eventually they are sentenced justly by the “Ancient One” (God) in the divine courtroom. Throughout history many biblical scholars have interpreted the meaning of these beasts and, in doing so, they have identified them with various earthly kingdoms.
The kingdoms these beasts have been identified with has changed over time. Through the lens of Antiquity Babylon was identified as the lion, Persia as the bear, Greece as the leopard, and that nasty terrifying beast was thought to be the Roman Empire. Its ten horns represented arrogant kings of the day who exulted themselves above God and persecuted God’s people. A more modern-day study of these beasts connects them to various modern “kingdoms”. Additionally, many people have arrived at end-time predictions based on this book.
However, a focus on matching kingdoms to beasts misses the true message offered in this book and it sells us short. Such activity runs the risk of serving as a distraction and can lead us astray. While it can be a worthy endeavour to explore the meaning behind the beasts and the message sacred scripture offers us here, we need to keep it real and not get too tied down with predicting the future and judging “kingdoms” as bad. God alone will judge all kingdoms. We are just called to love God above all others and to love our brothers as ourselves.
Earthly Kingdoms
In Genesis 1 and 2 we learn that humans are the royal image of God. However, when we rebel against God and make ourselves gods we become “wild beasts”. Out of this milieu nations arise that are not congruent with God’s will and what follows is human pain and suffering. However, we have a choice. We can choose the way of humility, the way of the son of man, or we can choose arrogance and suffer the consequences.
Developing a little understanding of this fourth beast, the terrifying one, offers insight for the Christian who wants to please and follow Christ. Think of its horns as kings (leaders) of countries. From the ten horns one very arrogant horn (king) arises, coming from “littleness”. Over history this king has been thought to be the Syrian King Antiochus or The Roman Empire, while others believe this king is yet to come. Whatever lens you see this arrogant king through makes little difference. The point is that from the “sea” (the world’s nations) he will arise and when he does arise God will come and take this arrogant king down – each and every time. We are a part of this sea, the sea of nations. Even though we are each a single drop in the sea, the drops that are uniquely you and I are extremely valuable to God. We can become a humble, loving drop in this sea or we can become an arrogant, prideful drop.
Since we are part of this sea, what we say and do affects it. We can choose team God, or we can choose team god(s). We can pray for the other little drops or we can contribute to their pain. Eventually there will be a final taking down of this arrogant king and as God’s children we have a choice to make. Are we with God or not. A kingdom divided cannot last and only God’s kingdom is unified and eternal. So being with God makes sense!
The Human Condition
Human beings become like violent beasts when we don’t adhere to God’s laws of right and wrong. When we make up our own morality we risk losing who we were created to be – children created in the image of an all loving, benevolent God. God will confront the beasts and he will rescue his world. Those faithful to him will share in the dominion of his son Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want to sentence any of his children to a life without him. That’s why he sent his son, to show us the way home to himself. Through Jesus Christ we learn the true way home; the way of love, forgiveness, and humility. I love today’s Psalm and I invite you to meditate on it using Lectio Divina. A beautiful image of a world praising God arose in my heart and mind when I meditated on it. Undoubtedly, beautiful images will arise in your heart and mind as well. Your little drop in the sea will reflect the light of God more fully when you spend time with him like this. Such images promise to draw you closer to God and the eternal life he has for you. Here is a link on my website that explains how I use Lectio Divina: Lectio Divina
Timeless Scripture
Scripture is timeless, God created it that way. Jesus used the Book of Daniel when he confronted the arrogant leaders during his earthly ministry. John used the Book of Daniel when he wrote Revelation, applying its message to Rome of his day and to future arrogant kings and kingdoms. The whole take away is this; don’t become like the arrogant wild beasts. They will eventually be justly sentenced by God himself. And that nasty ten horned beast is going to be in big trouble one day! However, we can work with God and help create a beautiful, loving, humble sea that is pleasing to him.
The “One like a son of man” (Jesus’ favorite name for himself) who received eternal, everlasting dominion over all of God’s universe will show you the way through his eternal words. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” We can trust Jesus and he will show us how to be humble little lambs, sweet little drops in the sea, who hear and follow his words.
God bless all of you – see you next week Friday! – Carolyn
Sacred Heart of Jesus – have mercy on us.
Father God – consume us.
Holy Spirit – enter into us.
Mother Mary – pray for us.
