Daniel 7:18

But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

But the saints {H6922} of the most High {H5946} shall take {H6902} the kingdom {H4437}, and possess {H2631} the kingdom {H4437} for {H5705} ever {H5957}, even for {H5705} ever {H5957} and ever {H5957}.

But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, yes, forever and ever.'

But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it foreverโ€”yes, forever and ever.โ€™

But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

Commentary

Daniel 7:18 is a pivotal verse in Daniel's vision of the four beasts, offering a powerful promise of hope and ultimate victory for God's people amidst a backdrop of successive, oppressive earthly kingdoms. It stands as a stark contrast to the temporary nature and tyrannical rule of human empires, proclaiming the enduring reign of the divine.

Context

This verse follows Daniel's terrifying vision in Daniel chapter 7, where he sees four great beasts representing powerful world empires that would rise and fall. The fourth beast, especially, is described as dreadful and strong, with iron teeth, symbolizing a kingdom that would devour and break in pieces. This beast also has a "little horn" that speaks great words against the Most High and makes war with the saints, persecuting them (Daniel 7:21). Against this grim prophetic landscape, Daniel 7:18 delivers a profound reversal, shifting focus from the temporary reign of human powers to the eternal dominion of God's chosen people.

Key Themes

  • Sovereignty of God: Despite the rise and fall of formidable earthly empires, the verse unequivocally declares that God's ultimate plan will prevail. He is the "Most High," signifying His supreme authority over all creation and history (Psalm 91:1).
  • Ultimate Victory of the Saints: The "saints of the most High" are identified as the recipients of this eternal kingdom. This refers to God's consecrated people, those who belong to Him. Even after enduring persecution and tribulation, their destiny is not defeat but eternal triumph.
  • Eternal Kingdom: The phrase "possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever" emphasizes the unending nature of this reign. Unlike the temporary kingdoms represented by the beasts, God's kingdom, and the saints' inheritance within it, will have no end. This links closely with the everlasting dominion given to the Son of Man in Daniel 7:14, with whom the saints reign (Revelation 22:5).

Linguistic Insights

The term "saints of the most High" is from the Aramaic `qaddishi 'elyonin` (ืงึทื“ึผึดื™ืฉืึตื™ ืขึถืœึฐื™ื•ึนื ึดื™ืŸ). `Qaddishi` means 'holy ones' or 'consecrated ones,' emphasizing their set-apart status and devotion to God. `Elyonin` means 'Most High,' underscoring God's supreme position and the divine source of this future kingdom. The emphatic repetition of "for ever, even for ever and ever" (Aramaic: `'ad 'alamin v'ad 'alam 'almaya`) powerfully conveys the absolute and unending duration of the saints' possession of the kingdom, contrasting sharply with the finite nature of human rule.

Practical Application

For believers today, Daniel 7:18 offers profound hope and encouragement. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, social unrest, and spiritual opposition, this verse reminds us that no earthly power, however formidable, can thwart God's ultimate plan. It assures us that suffering and persecution are temporary, and God's faithful people will ultimately inherit an eternal, unshakeable kingdom. This truth should inspire perseverance, faithfulness, and a heavenly perspective, knowing that our true citizenship and ultimate reward are secure in God's eternal reign (Matthew 25:34).

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 7:27

    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.

  • Revelation 5:10

    And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

  • Isaiah 60:12

    For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted.

  • Isaiah 60:14

    The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

  • Revelation 20:4

    And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

  • Revelation 2:26

    And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

  • Revelation 2:27

    And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
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