An Angel Interprets Daniel’s Vision

7:15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed,39 and the visions of my mind40 were alarming me. 7:16 I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning41 of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed42 to me the interpretation of the vision:43 7:17 ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth. 7:18 The holy ones44 of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’

7:19 “Then I wanted to know the meaning45 of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others. It was very dreadful, with two rows of iron teeth and bronze claws, and it devoured, crushed, and trampled anything that was left with its feet. 7:20 I also wanted to know46 the meaning of the ten horns on its head, and of that other horn which came up and before which three others fell. This was the horn that had eyes47 and a mouth speaking arrogant things, whose appearance was more formidable than the others.48 7:21 While I was watching, that horn began to wage war against the holy ones and was defeating49 them, 7:22 until the Ancient of Days arrived and judgment was rendered50 in favor of the holy ones of the Most High. Then the time came for the holy ones to take possession of the kingdom.

7:23 “This is what he told me:51

‘The fourth beast means that there will be a fourth kingdom on earth

that will differ from all the other kingdoms.

It will devour all the earth

and will trample and crush it.

7:24 The ten horns

mean that ten kings will arise from that kingdom.

Another king will arise after them,

but he will be different from the earlier ones.

He will humiliate52 three kings.

7:25 He will speak words against the Most High.

He will harass53 the holy ones of the Most High continually.

His intention54 will be to change times established by law.55

They will be delivered into his hand

For a time, times,56 and half a time.

7:26 But the court will convene,57 and his ruling authority will be removed—

destroyed and abolished forever!

7:27 Then the kingdom, authority,

and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven

will be delivered to the people of the holy ones58 of the Most High.

His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;

all authorities will serve him and obey him.’

7:28 “This is the conclusion of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and the color drained from my face.59 But I kept the matter to myself.”60