Daniel 7:26

But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy [it] unto the end.

But the judgment {H1780} shall sit {H3488}, and they shall take away {H5709} his dominion {H7985}, to consume {H8046} and to destroy {H7} it unto {H5705} the end {H5491}.

But when the court goes into session, he will be stripped of his rulership, which will be consumed and completely destroyed.

But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.

But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.

Commentary

Commentary on Daniel 7:26 KJV

Daniel 7:26 is a pivotal verse in Daniel's prophetic vision, declaring the inevitable downfall of an oppressive power represented by the "little horn." It offers a powerful message of divine justice and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all earthly kingdoms.

Context

This verse follows Daniel's terrifying vision of four great beasts, symbolizing successive world empires. From the fourth beast (often associated with the Roman Empire and its successors), a "little horn" emerges, characterized by its blasphemy against God, persecution of the saints, and attempts to change divine laws and times (Daniel 7:25). Daniel 7:9-10 introduces the dramatic scene of the Ancient of Days taking His seat for judgment, with books opened and a fiery stream issuing forth. Verse 26, therefore, is the pronouncement of the verdict from this heavenly court against the oppressive dominion of the little horn.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The central theme is God's active and decisive judgment. The phrase "the judgment shall sit" emphasizes a formal, legal proceeding in the heavenly court, where justice is meticulously administered. This isn't merely a natural decline but a divinely ordained dismantling of power.
  • End of Oppressive Dominion: The verse explicitly states that the dominion of the "little horn" will be "taken away." This signifies the termination of its authority and influence. No earthly power, however formidable or long-lasting, can ultimately withstand God's decree.
  • Total Destruction: The phrases "to consume and to destroy [it] unto the end" underscore the complete and permanent obliteration of this wicked system. It's not just a temporary setback but a final, irreversible end to its existence and power. This contrasts with the temporary nature of the little horn's reign described in Daniel 7:25.
  • God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, this verse reaffirms God's absolute control over history and human affairs. Despite the apparent triumph of evil, God remains the ultimate authority, and His timetable for justice is unfailing.

Linguistic Insights

The Aramaic word for "judgment" (din) used here implies a formal legal process, a court session where evidence is presented and a verdict is rendered. The phrase "shall sit" (yithฤ“b) further emphasizes the establishment of this divine tribunal. The terms "consume" (sลซph) and "destroy" ('ฤƒแธ‡ad) together convey a sense of thorough and utter annihilation, leaving nothing behind.

Practical Application

Daniel 7:26 offers immense hope and assurance to believers throughout history, particularly those facing persecution or living under oppressive regimes. It reminds us that:

  • Justice Will Prevail: Even when evil seems to dominate and oppress, God is watching, and a day of reckoning is appointed. This truth can bring comfort and strength to the suffering.
  • Evil's Reign is Temporary: No matter how powerful or entrenched, oppressive systems and individuals have a limited lifespan. Their dominion is not eternal.
  • God is in Control: This verse underscores the ultimate authority of God over all earthly powers. His kingdom is the only one that will endure forever, as highlighted in Daniel 7:27. This provides a foundation of security and hope amidst global turmoil.
  • Encouragement for Endurance: Knowing that the end of all evil is certain encourages believers to persevere in faith and righteousness, trusting in God's perfect timing and ultimate victory.

This prophecy serves as both a warning to those who oppose God and a profound comfort to His people, assuring them that divine justice will indeed have the final word.

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

  • Revelation 20:10

    And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 20:11

    ยถ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

  • Daniel 7:10

    A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

  • Daniel 7:11

    I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld [even] till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

  • Daniel 7:22

    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.

  • Revelation 11:13

    And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8

    And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
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