Daniel 7
From Daniel's Journal
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My name is Daniel. I have worked in the palace of many Babylonian kings most of my life. This may sound like a wonderful job, but in truth, I am a slave. I am commanded to go here and there and ordered to do whatever the current king wants.
I was very young when the Babylonians marched to my city of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, how I long to see you again. Sigh.
I am much older now. And I am tired. Nebuchadnezzar has died. After him, these men followed as kings: Evil-Merodach, Neriglissar, Labashi-Marduk, Nabonidus, and now, Belshazzar, son of Nabonidus.
I'm not sure why, but each king has allowed me to continue working in the palace. I am asked to interpret dreams, explain events, and give advice. I only say words God tells me to say.
In the first year of Belshazzar's rule, I had a dream and visions passed through my mind as I lay on my bed. I wrote down the most important parts. These, I will share with you.
In my vision at night I looked, and there right in front of me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.
The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off then it stood on two feet like a man. The heart of a man was given to it.
The second beast looked like a bear. It stood up on one of its sides. In its mouth were three ribs between its teeth. Someone said, "Get up and eat your fill."
The third beast looked like a leopard. It had four wings on its back. Wings like a bird. This beast had four heads and was given the authority to rule.
The fourth beast was terrifying and frightening. So very powerful. It had large iron teeth and ten horns. It crushed and ate its victims and crushed underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the other beasts.
The horns interest me. A little horn appeared. It had eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke. It said,
"Thrones were set in place.
The Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow.
The hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire and its wheels were all ablaze.
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands took care of his needs.
Ten thousand times ten thousands stood before him.
The court was seated.
And the books were opened."
I kept watching until the fourth beast was destroyed and thrown into the fire. The other beasts had their power taken away but were allowed to live for a period of time.
In my vision I saw one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He walked to the Ancient of Days and was given power, glory, and authority. All peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that will not pass away. His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
This was my vision. Next time I will tell you the meaning God gave me.
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1. Who is the current king of Babylon?
2. Where is Daniel living and what is his job?
3. Describe the first beast.
4. Describe the second beast.
5. Describe the third beast.
6. Describe the fourth beast.
7. What happened to the beasts?
8. Who do you think is the one who came with the clouds of heaven?
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