He had this vision during the reign of Belshazzar, king of Babylon. You remember that these were days of great idolatry and this was the king who mocked the utensils stolen from the Jerusalem temple (5:3,4).

In his vision Daniel saw four beasts, and he noted that each one of them had special significance.

Now, look at their origin, 7:2b behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.

Who is in charge of the four winds of the heaven and the striving upon the great sea? … Answer – God. At the very commencement Daniel is being told that God is in control … no matter how dark the picture may become. Nothing is about to happen outside the express will of Almighty God.

This is symbolical language; of course, the Great Sea (capitals) was the ancient name for the Mediterranean, but because the four winds of the heaven is symbolical Biblical hermeneutics means that we must also understand the great sea as symbolical and it stands for the great mass of people on the earth.

We see the same occurrence in Rev. 13:1  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

What the sea means here is the mass out of which this prophesy was rising; God’s plan was being established and He describes it as coming out of the sea (vv.2,3; cf. Gen. 1:2).

We return to these four beasts.

These were fantastic beasts that Daniel was seeing, but they all came to an end, v. 9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down. There came an end to the power of these four beasts … when God stepped in.

The Bible tells us Daniel watched until he saw the Almighty Sovereign God … 9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

Daniel presents the Ancient of Days, the everlasting and eternal God … seated upon the Throne!

The four beasts were unable to match His power and authority. They crumbled … because Daniel records that their thrones were cast down.

Amidst all the barbarity of the early part of the vision Daniel now sees a vision of the holiness, the distinctiveness and the separateness of God … His garment was white as snow, … the hair of his head like the pure wool.

As He continues to observe He sees as Ezekiel also saw, his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

What a vision Daniel was experiencing! It was a vision of Heaven and the citizens of Heaven; how many people live in Heaven? … a countless number! There is no number in our language for the amount of people who are in Heaven! … John couldn’t count them either,

Here’s a beautiful little illustration: After the resurrection the Lord Jesus met His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. He prepared a fire for them on the shore and they brought their catch to him, - Jn. 21: 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three.

John could tell us the exact number! … this man was used to counting, but when it came to the number of the citizens in Heaven he wrote, Rev. 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.

When we return to Dan.7:10 we see the same great number, thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. … And before them all a fiery stream issued … judgement was about to come from the One upon the Throne.

As He sat on the Throne of judgement the Bible says, the books were opened (the books of judgement).

In front of the Throne – as Daniel watched and listened – he heard the words that came from that little horn, - they would have been blasphemous words … uttered by the enemy of God.

Daniel watched and listened, - he missed nothing that was happening, - and he saw how the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

This was an absolutely marvellous vision that Daniel was privileged to. Even in the midst of Babylon … God is still on the Throne!

God defeated the beast, He stripped him of everything he had taken by force and cruelty, and He threw him into the eternal fires of hell rightly prepared for the devil and his angels.

What happened to those other beasts, - the lion, the bear and the leopard? … they had their dominion taken away, - that seems to indicate their influence had continued, even under the dominance of the fourth beast. Nevertheless, though, it was part of the plan of God that He had allowed them ‘a stay of execution’, their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

The conclusion of this vision was so special as Daniel watched on, 13  I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14  And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. God couldn’t be kept out!

No matter how powerful the enemy our God is all-powerful.

No matter how clever the enemy thinks he is he must ultimately appear before the judgement throne of God.

When God chose to intervene not all the powers of hell could stop Him!

He entered onto the scene uninvited … and also unhindered.

This was a fantastic vision Daniel saw. He recorded, 15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.

He had often interpreted visions before – for other people - but he found this vision hard to understand.

Looking from our vantage point this evening though, - before we enter into its interpretation, - we once again see the comfort of being on the Lord’s side.

It’s not popular to be on the Lord’s side … but what comfort in knowing that all of creation will bow before His Throne!

God will bend the knee that doesn’t naturally bend the knee to Him,

The writer to the Hebrews 2:8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.

This is the vision Daniel saw. As I said earlier, we are not going to jump all over the place and make out of it what we think it ought to say or what we want it to say, - we are going to let the Bible speak for itself.

Read through the passage again so that you will be prepared for looking further into the remainder of the chapter next week.

And above all, see the majesty, the sovereignty, the overwhelming glory that alone is God’s … even in the midst of these beasts that Daniel sees in his vision.

The first beast was a magnificent creature, - like a lion with eagle’s wings. That is the empire belonging to Babylon. In its heyday Babylon was magnificent, - it had conquered the whole world (of its day), it had thought so highly of itself that its King Nebuchadnezzar created the golden image in its honour (ch.3). But notice that the wings were plucked from this beast. God brought the magnificence of this creature down low, - surely this is with reference to how God brought Nebuchadnezzar down from the high position he once occupied (cf. 4:31-33)

The second beast was also a magnificent creature, - perhaps not as magnificent as the first beast … but a tremendous creature all the same. This beast was like a bear rising up on to its hind legs … threatening, powerful, and intimidating. This beast signified Darius and Cyrus, the kingdoms of the Medes and the Persians. They conquered the Babylonians and the Egyptians and the Lydians (cf. Ezek. 30:5).

Thus far Daniel could understand what was being interpreted for him.

The third beast had not yet come on to the world scene. It was the Kingdom of Greece … Philip of Macedon and Alexander the Great. Alexander was a powerful, powerful ruler and he brought under his domination more lands than anyone ever before him. This beast was symbolised by using the leopard, - its swiftness, … the speed at which Alexander conquered. He only lived from 356-323 BC but he is recognised as one of the greatest military geniuses of all time.

However, one after another each of these three powers capitulated … until we come to the fourth beast.

The fourth beast was nothing like the rest of them!

The fourth beast is the one that the attendant round the Throne is going to concentrate on now. (The good thing to remember is the “But” at the beginning of v.18!)

It was important that Daniel was told of the nature of this beast, v.19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast. When you are in the battle you need to know the enemy! You need to be able to identify him.

We were told in v.7 what we are again being told, - his teeth were of iron. What does that mean? … would you like him to bite you … so as to show you what it means?! It means that out of them all he was the most terrible.

When Habakkuk cried out to God to come and visit the people of Israel again and bring them back to where they once were with Him God said He would send the Babylonians to sort out the Israelites. Habakkuk pleaded, “No! … how can the holy God use such a wicked and barbaric people”. But Babylon was to be nothing compared with this fourth beast!

This beast devoured with his iron teeth, and – cruelly – he stamped the residue with his feet.

Did you notice another piece of information set in here, his nails of brass.     What an evil, vile kingdom this fourth beast symbolised.

Who does this fourth beast symbolise? Without any shadow of a doubt it symbolises the ancient empire of Rome.

Rome conquered the world … as was then known. It conquered every country it set out to conquer. It couldn’t be stopped! Everywhere it went it showered cruelty upon those it defeated.

The Roman Empire was the beast that overthrew the empire of Greece and Alexander the Great.

(So far, there is absolutely nothing too difficult to understand.)

… The attendant continued … He mentions again the ten horns that were in his head, that is symbolic of power.

Now, notice very carefully there is a timescale here: v.20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell…

With the other three beasts the times of their kingdoms were over and past and finished, not so here with the fourth beast.

The ten horns are significant because they rise out of the fourth beast which is the Roman Empire, - this is a further development that happened in none of the former beasts.

Since each of the descriptions of the beasts are symbolic and the sea out of which they came is symbolic of the earth, and the horn is symbolic of power, it is wholly in keeping with the text that the ten is also symbolic; what the ten is I don’t believe we can say with all certainty.

Here is how I understand what these horns and this little horn means.

I believe and am totally convinced that this fourth beast can be nothing else other than the Roman Empire.

The cruelty of the Roman Empire has been documented, - every land it conquered it subjugated by fear and terror. (On the other hand, for example, the invading Greeks had a policy of Hellenization.)

This fourth beast is undoubtedly the Roman Empire out of which there develops other nations (“ten kingdoms”).

These “ten kingdoms” have their origin and source in Rome and they come into being because of their early identity with Rome.

Since we are using symbolical language, ten is the number for completeness, - it is not a literal number and the Bible does not give any indication to whom it refers … if it is a literal number (which it’s not!)

From out of the Roman Empire there develops these ‘ten kingdoms’ (with Rome as its source), and out of these ‘ten kingdoms’ there – in time – arises ‘a little horn’ (v.20).

This little horn arises out of the ten horns which came out of the source, i.e. the Roman Empire.

As Daniel watched he saw that v.21 the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them

That which developed out of the Roman Empire made war with the saints/people of God.

Now, of course that has been happening since Nero threw the Christians to the lions; consider the hatred the system of the Roman Empire, - in all its various shades, - has heaped upon the people of God.

This hatred for the true Church of Christ that this new system arising out of the Roman Empire demonstrates is also written about in Rev. 17: 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: ... 12  And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13  These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

It is as if the Holy Spirit is introducing it in Daniel … only to be reminding us in Revelation that it is still in the plan of God that these things will happen and God’s people need to be in the watchtower and on the ramparts of the ‘city’ of God!

The enemy is real; he’s powerful, he’s subtle, he’s cleverer than ever he was; he is a match for the people of God if the people of God take their attention away from God and the things of God.

The enemy never changes; his policies and agendas never alter. He is out for the downfall of the Church!

V.23 says the fourth kingdom upon earth, … shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

This ‘little horn’ that comes out of the ten horns that comes out of the fourth beast which is the Roman Empire shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces, - … and that wasn’t said about any of the other beasts!

This is a mighty, mighty Kingdom, look again at how it develops, v.24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise [future tense]: and another shall rise after them [future tense]; and he shall be diverse from the first [future tense], and he shall subdue three kings [future tense].

And what else will He do? v.25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, … how will he do that? II Thess.2:3 that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

He succeeds in all that he sets out to do; indeed John deepens our understanding of the symbols of Daniel, Rev. 13:1  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3  And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4  And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5  And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Where does this beast, the ten horns and the little horn get their inspiration from? … from the one in Is. 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

He’ll set himself up in total and complete opposition to God, - he will change times and laws and no-one will stand up against him; he will speak very great things (vv.8,20).

I believe that the European Union is the structure out of which the Antichrist will arise; I will read you something I downloaded from the official website of the European Union, entitled “Reuniting the Continent that history split in two”. The European Parliament is well aware of the magnitude of the task. … Today the European Union has 375 million inhabitants, 15 member states, a single market, a single monetary policy and a currency, the Euro, which in 2002 will become the single currency of 12 of the member states. Its citizens enjoy fundamental rights and social policies, freedom of movement and employment and share a respect for cultural and political diversity. The European Union has shown solidarity with its least prosperous regions and has developed cooperation in the areas of justice, as well as foreign, security and defence policy. The EU's principal task is to create an area of peace, freedom and prosperity by pooling resources in those areas of public policy where concerted action is best. [times and laws]

Even the name of the organisation that began officially with the Treaty of Rome (1957) promised an ‘ever closer union’. It was known as the ‘Common Market’, then the ‘European Economic Union’, and nowadays it has the name, ‘European Union’.

The Council of Ministers is the law-making body and it meets in secret, taking decisions by majority vote. Since the Maastricht Treaty (1992) policy decisions which affect each individual EU country are being taken by these individuals who are not responsible to any electoral system. On behalf of the 375 million citizens of the EU all decisions rest in the hands of just 50 people: 15 heads of state and government, 15 ministers in Councils of Ministers, and 20 European Commissioners. None of these 50 has been elected by popular vote to carry out European government functions, and they are accountable to none for those functions. Furthermore, neither the democratically elected European Parliament nor the national parliaments can overturn the decisions of these 50 oligarchs, - European laws are absolute.

The most threatening and the most federal of all the European institutions is the European Court of Justice. This court is the final arbiter on matters pertaining to European law and has the power to overrule national, sovereign laws where these conflict with European aims.

Indeed, full of symbolism is the official poster of the European Community. It bears a picture of the Tower of Babel, circled by the twelve stars, which are in the shape of the pentagram of classic occultism.  Underneath the picture is the statement, “Many Tongues, One Voice”. Alarms bells should also be sounding when you also notice the symbolism that had been on the proposed for the new European common currency, the ECU. Three of four coins minted in Belgium have the image of historical heads of Europe which commemorate the Holy Roman Empire under Charlemagne, Charles V and the eighteenth century Hapsburg Empress Maria Theresa. The Fourth coin, the 25 Ecu pence, bears the representation of the Roman Emperor Diocletian who attempted to restore the old pagan form of religion by the severe persecution of Christians at the beginning of the fourth century.

Ought the alarm bells not to be wakening up the people of God!

For how long will this little horn be allowed to reign? … v.22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. … How long? V.25b they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Yes, as God did with Satan in the time of Job God will give this little horn so much freedom … but then God will pull in the reins and finish the rule of this ‘little horn’, this final Antichrist. That’s the God we believe in!

Don’t miss out though on what v.21 says, the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them. … v.25 also, the saints of the most High … shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. What that simply means is that the people of God have a daily battle on their hands … and an increasing battle, … and I believe that battle is taking place now. The Church – in many places – is in disarray; the enemy seems to be winning because the Church is so weak (cf. Rev. 11).

There is a battle going on today, - the enemy might think he is winning but we can tell him, in the confidence based upon the Word of God, - the battle is the Lord’s, for I Chron. 29: 11  Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Yes, v.26 the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.

The enemy is no match for God! When the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary and His precious blood was shed the enemy was defeated, It is finished, He cried. I Cor. 15:57 thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. … I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

What happened next … according to this first vision of Daniel? Is it the end? Yes, I believe it is the end of time and the beginning of eternity, for the Bible says, v.27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

I believe very sincerely that we are in the days of which Daniel has been prophesying. I believe we are at that point when the setting for the Antichrist to appear is almost prepared.

I believe that the Antichrist is an actual person who will arise out of this antichristian society that has been forming throughout the centuries, but in particular over this past century.

The scene is set … politically, socially and religiously and he will have no problem duping the vast population of the world.

And God’s people, - who have always been in the sights of the devil, - will continue to be in the sights of the devil’s ‘little horn’, the Antichrist.

But praise God! The Church of Christ will never be defeated because, - as God has always done, - He will keep unto Himself a people who are faithful, the remnant saved by grace.

What Daniel saw in this vision troubled him, - even the expression on his face changed. But wisely he came to the conclusion … as we do too … a conclusion that - praise God! – comforts the people of God, v. 28 Hitherto is the end of the matter.