The Book of Daniel now turns to the visions of Daniel. These visions are each prophetic. The first is a vision of the four earthly kingdoms and the ultimate victory of the kingdom of the Most High. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom and every ruler from all time will yield to him and serve him. Here Daniel sees the four prominant kingdoms of earth. From the final kingdom rises an oppressor, who will fight against his holy ones, who will blaspheme God with his mouth and boast of many great things. This one is likely the coming antichrist. Within this section, Daniel sees the thrones of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. His stated description of the Son of Man in quoted by Jesus in Mark 14:62, as he stands before the high priest at his trial. The good news of this passage is that Jesus can be known by us today, this great Son of Man, who's kingdom is eternal can be known personally today. If you know Jesus, as one of his followers you can be sure, we will one day share in his eternal kingdom.
Daniel records events of the captivity of Judah (the two southern
tribes combined following the civil war of Israel and the division of
the twelve tribes). Daniel appropriately presents the sovereign work of God even in these foreign lands and over these foreign governments. Kings and kingdoms are subject to God, even when while they may not fully realize it. Through the narrative section (Chs. 1-6), Daniel demonstrates the sovereign hand of God at work presently among humanity. In the final prophetic section (Chs. 7-12), Daniel demonstrates the sovereign hand of God at work to build his kingdom in the future.
