Daniel 7:17

These great beasts, which are four, [are] four kings, [which] shall arise out of the earth.

These {H459} great {H7260} beasts {H2423}, which {H581} are four {H703}, are four {H703} kings {H4430}, which shall arise {H6966} out of {H4481} the earth {H772}.

'These four huge animals are four kingdoms that will arise on earth.

‘These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth.

These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, that shall arise out of the earth.

Daniel 7:17 serves as a crucial interpretative key within the prophetic vision of Daniel chapter 7, directly explaining the symbolic meaning of the terrifying beasts Daniel witnessed. This verse clarifies that the four distinct animals represent a succession of powerful earthly kingdoms or kings that would arise and dominate the world scene before God's ultimate, eternal kingdom is established.

Context

This verse is part of the angelic interpretation provided to Daniel after he experiences a profound and disturbing vision. In Daniel 7:2-8, Daniel sees four great beasts emerging from the sea: a lion with eagle's wings, a bear raised on one side, a leopard with four wings and four heads, and a fourth dreadful and terrible beast with iron teeth and ten horns. Daniel is greatly troubled by these visions, particularly the fourth beast, and seeks understanding from one of the heavenly attendants. Verse 17 is the initial answer to Daniel's inquiry, setting the stage for a more detailed explanation of each beast and the ultimate triumph of the Son of Man's kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Succession of World Powers: The primary message is the revelation of a sequence of powerful, yet temporary, human empires that would hold sway over the earth. This aligns with other prophecies in Daniel, such as the dream of Nebuchadnezzar's image in Daniel 2, which also depicts a succession of Gentile kingdoms.
  • Earthly Origin: The phrase "shall arise out of the earth" emphasizes that these kingdoms are human in origin and nature, driven by earthly ambitions, power, and often violence. They stand in stark contrast to the divine, heavenly kingdom that will ultimately supersede them.
  • Divine Revelation and Sovereignty: Despite the terrifying nature of the beasts, God reveals their meaning to Daniel, demonstrating His complete foreknowledge and control over human history. Even the rise and fall of mighty empires are part of His sovereign plan.

Linguistic Insights

The Aramaic word for "beasts" here is cheyvan (חֵיוָן), which denotes wild, untamed, and often destructive creatures. This choice of word underscores the oppressive and fierce nature of the empires they represent. The term "kings" (מַלְכִין - malkin) can refer to individual rulers, but in prophetic contexts like this, it often signifies kingdoms or empires themselves, encompassing the entire dominion and reign of a particular power. The context of the vision, describing vast, successive powers, strongly supports the interpretation of "kings" as "kingdoms."

Significance and Application

Daniel 7:17 offers profound comfort and insight for believers across generations. It reminds us that:

  • God is in Control: Even in times of political upheaval and the rise of seemingly unstoppable powers, God remains sovereign. He orchestrates history, and no earthly kingdom can thwart His ultimate plan.
  • Earthly Power is Transient: Human empires, no matter how great or fearsome, are temporary. They "arise out of the earth" and will ultimately return to it, making way for God's eternal kingdom. This perspective encourages believers not to place their ultimate hope or fear in human governments.
  • Hope for the Future: The vision, though initially frightening, ultimately points to the establishment of an everlasting kingdom ruled by the Son of Man. This promise of God's final, righteous rule provides enduring hope and assurance that justice and peace will ultimately prevail, as seen in Revelation 11:15.
This verse encourages us to view world events through a divine lens, understanding that behind the chaos of human history lies the unwavering purpose of God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 7:3

    And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

  • Daniel 7:4

    The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

  • John 18:36

    Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

  • Revelation 13:11

    ¶ And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

  • Daniel 8:19

    And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be].

  • Daniel 8:22

    Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.

  • Psalms 17:14

    From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.
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