The Son of Man Is Given Dominion

from Google Images

As I have mentioned previously, we are studying the prophesies of the Book of Daniel, beginning in chapter seven. Indeed, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter 2 is also a prophecy, but it is part of the first half of the book, and therein it is a part of the history recorded in chapters one through six. We left off our study with the judgment of the fourth beast. The Ancient of Days sat on his throne and the great beasts or the four kingdoms that arose out of the sea were judged (Daniel 7:9-12; cp. 7:1-3). Now, we come to the one, whom the text refers to as, “one like the Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13). The term Son of Man is a title like President, Caesar or Pharaoh. It refers to the Messiah, who is Christ the King of kings, and Lord of lords (John 5:27; 12:34; cp. Revelation 1:10-18; 19:11-16).

 

Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts

from Google Images

The recordings of Daniel’s dreams and visions begin after Nebuchadnezzar’s death, and after the death of his son, Evil-Merodach. They begin during the first year of the sixteen-year reign of Belshazzar, whom some believe was the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 7:1). Daniel tells us that he saw a “vision by night” (a dream) and the four winds of heaven strove upon (stirred up) the great sea. Many scholars tell us this refers to the Mediterranean Sea, but this seems a bit odd, considering Daniel is so far from the Mediterranean. Other scholars believe the great sea refers to the nations, because the scriptures refer to them as such: